derstand that this country is one of the greatest experi- historically had a voice. “We are in one of the most beau- ments the world has ever known”); the next he’s playing tiful times in the history of this nation, because we can the didgeridoo and showing you his paintings. It’s im- mobilize and bring people together,” he says. “It could be possible not to be amazed by his energy. “You ever been a revolution, a velvet revolution. We can bring balance to to a drum circle?” he asks. “There’s one later in Founders Park. It’s great.” “This country is one of the By now, Sirah has been in Tennessee for more than greatest experiments five years and become a familiar figure around town. “Kiran has great ideas, but he’s also authentic, and peo- the world has ever known.” ple respond to that,” says Susan O’Connor, ISC’s director of programs. “And his energy and enthusiasm make it easy for anyone who meets him to believe in what we do.” the world and understand each other on an equal plane. In November 2017, Sirah was honored as one of Ro- And storytelling is the one force that each and every one tary’s “People of Action: Champions of Peace” at of us on the planet can contribute. We can bring the planet Rotary Day at the United Nations in Geneva. Wearing toward destruction, or we can contribute toward peace.” a kilt with the Sikh tartan, he charmed attendees with He drains the last of his beer. “Now how about that a multicultural greeting — “Namaste, y’all” — and, at a drum circle? You still interested?” n breakout session, won over the Rotaract-heavy crowd with a rhyming rap called “The Chip on My Shoulder.” The chief contributing dining critic at Chicago magazine, But Sirah is just as proud of being named Mister Jeff Ruby is the author of the children’s book Penelope Biscuit at Knoxville’s International Biscuit Festival, a March Is Melting. title he earned by beatboxing and balancing a buttermilk biscuit on his head while wearing that same kilt. It’s safe to say he has officially integrated Southern culture into his worldview. And Appalachia has accepted him, and celebrated him, exactly as he is. Sirah further cemented that Tennessee-Rotary con- nection last year when he joined the Rotary Club of Johnson City Morning. “I joined that one because it of- fered an e-club membership, which suits my busy travel schedule,” he explains. “Plus the president of the club, Mina McVeigh, is my neighbor, and she is cool beans.” Seated on his porch, Sirah is telling a tale about his neighbors, liberals on this side and conservatives on that one — how they all got together for a birthday party a few nights earlier and everyone got along just fine — when he suddenly gets philosophical. “I came to this country 6½ years ago with a mission to influence foreign policy. I had no idea I’d end up in the mountains. I also had no idea that I’d fall in love with the people.” He strokes his chin. “I understand a different side of America that’s not about your accent, or your flag, or your allegiance.” When asked about the future of storytelling, Sirah perks up. It’s on the verge of another explosion, he says, appealing to young people the way the slam poetry move- ment has — and the current political climate has served as a wake-up call that empowers those who have not February 2019 The Rotarian | 49
by Keri B. Lynch Building peace by degrees How to become a Rotary Peace Fellow In 2011, Kiran Singh Sirah turned 35 — “halfway scholarships and headed to North Carolina, where through our life’s journey,” he says, citing Dante’s Di- he earned a master’s degree in folklore studies and vine Comedy. The UK native had been living in Edin- a graduate certificate in international peace and con- burgh and Glasgow for a decade, working on a variety flict resolution. of cultural endeavors. “I felt I had done everything I needed to do and learn in Scotland. It was time to take “It felt like a chance at a second life,” he says. “Here my experiences and move them to the next level.” was an opportunity to harness new skills, explore new ideas, and get the academic and theoretical That’s when Sirah heard about the Rotary Peace knowledge I needed to advance my peacebuilding Fellowship. Since the program began in 2002, more work.” (For more about Sirah, see “Namaste, Y’all,” than 1,200 peace fellows have received fully funded page 44.) scholarships to study at one of six peace centers at universities around the world. With help from Rotar- So how does someone become a Rotary Peace Fel- ians in Scotland, Sirah eventually landed one of those low? And how does a district nominate a potential fellow? Follow the steps laid out below. STEP 1 Determine which of the two fellowship programs offered University in Bangkok. Residents of any country, including by Rotary best suits your goals and circumstances. Thailand, may attend the Chulalongkorn peace center. The master’s degree program requires at least three years The Rotary Foundation annually awards up to 50 fellowships of relevant full-time work experience and lasts 15 to 24 in each of the two programs. The fellowship covers tuition months, including an applied field experience of two to three and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and all months between the first and second academic year. The research and field study expenses. program is offered at five Rotary Peace Centers based at six universities. Fellows accepted into the program must study STEP 2 at a center outside their home country. The universities are: — Duke University and University of North Carolina Review eligibility requirements and application guidelines. at Chapel Hill, United States — International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan The fellowship application can be found beginning in early — University of Bradford, Bradford, England — University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia February at the peace fel- — Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden The fellowship lowship page at Rotary.org. Aimed at candidates with at least five years of relevant full-time application can be found It includes an online tool work experience, the professional development certificate that helps prospective can- program provides an intensive three-month program in peace at Rotary.org didates determine whether and development that includes two to three weeks of field study. in early February. they are eligible for a fellow- It is offered by the Rotary Peace Center at Chulalongkorn ship and whether they meet the basic requirements re- 50 | The Rotarian February 2019
Uppsala University UPPSALA, SWEDEN University of Bradford International Christian BRADFORD, ENGLAND University Duke University and TOKYO, JAPAN University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of Queensland NORTH CAROLINA, USA BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA Chulalongkorn University BANGKOK, THAILAND ROTARY PEACE CENTERS lated to education, language skills, and work experience. (For demically. It’s a master’s instance, candidates must be proficient in English since all coursework is conducted in that language. See step 4.) Rotary in the political science “Not every Rotary employees, members of Rotary clubs, and the children and department, so it is heavy Peace Center grandchildren of club members are ineligible for fellowships. on theory versus practice.” offers the same Fellowships are designed for people with professional experi- “Duke-UNC was suggested kind of program.” ence related to peacebuilding or international development. Candidates must have strong leadership skills and a clear to me by the Rotarian com- commitment to peace, though what that looks like may vary widely and could include, for instance, work in environmental mittee in Scotland that issues, education and literacy, women’s rights, journalism, public health, or disease prevention. helped pull my application together,” Sirah says. “I looked into the program and realized they had one of the best folklore studies programs in the United States, if not the world. I also liked the interdisciplinary nature of the program.” STEP 3 Candidates are asked to rank the peace centers in order of preference. For Chance Kalolokesya of Malawi, who will Thoroughly research the curriculum at each peace center. graduate in 2020, this was the easiest part of the application process. “I knew what academic program I wanted to study “Each peace center has a different personality,” says Sum- and what kind of career I was anticipating,” he says. “Not ev- mer Lewis, a Kansas native who studied at the University ery Rotary Peace Center offers the same kind of program, and of Queensland from 2011 to 2012. “UQ was rigorous aca- that’s why I chose the University of Bradford,” which has the largest department of peace studies in the world. February 2019 The Rotarian | 51
STEP 4 STEP 5 Candidates for the master’s degree program should Contact your Rotary district, which will consider your obtain their academic transcripts and test scores. application for endorsement, and request an interview. Candidates for the certificate program will not need these Usually the best way to contact a district is through your local materials, but, like the master’s candidates, they will want to Rotary club; go to Rotary.org and use the Rotary Club Finder update their résumés, gather two letters of recommendation, to locate clubs in your area. Districts review applications and and craft the required essays. All these materials must be choose the candidates they wish to endorse. submitted through the online application in English. “Districts can endorse as many candidates as they wish,” says As you write When editing her résumé, Sarah Cunningham, senior marketing programs specialist for Zimbabwe’s Chenai Ka- the Rotary Peace Centers. “There is no charge to districts to apply, nor do they incur any costs if any of their candidates your essay, dungure, who received her are selected for a fellowship.” find a theme that master’s degree from the Candidates who have trouble connecting with a Rotary club tells your story. University of North Caro- or district should contact Rotary Peace Center staff no later lina in 2018, took special than 15 May. Districts that need help with the process should also contact staff. All questions and inquiries can be sent to care to outline the role of [email protected]. “If your district feels inun- dated by a large number of applications, reach out to us,” peace in her life. “I had Cunningham says. “We can help connect candidates with districts elsewhere that could review and possibly endorse someone help me navigate where my passion for peace was those applications.” in my résumé,” she says. “I discovered that, without realizing As Kadungure discovered, “finding a club or district to spon- sor you can be challenging if you live in an area with fewer it, my entire career had been in peace. Don’t underestimate Rotarians. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the peace center staff if you’re struggling to make that connection.” each of the little things you do and have done.” As you write your essay, find a theme that tells your story. “If you’ve done work in a variety of areas that may appear to be diverse, figure out a thread that connects all those jobs and projects,” Lewis says. “Show how they relate to each other, how they build on each other, and how they all led you to where you are today. Do so in a way that tells your story rather than regurgitating your résumé.” For letters of recommendation, a candidate should choose STEP 6 references who can provide concrete examples of his or her academic, professional, and volunteer achievements, while Submit your completed application to your Rotary district also describing how the candidate would be a good fit for the no later than 31 May. peace fellowship program. Begin to prepare for your TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS interview by getting to “Talk about how (International English Language Testing System) scores are re- know all about Rotary. your work ties into quired for all non-native English speakers applying to the master’s “During your interview, the Foundation’s program. GRE (Graduate Record Exam) scores are required for demonstrate that you iden- six areas of focus.” the master’s program at UNC and highly recommended at Duke. tify with Rotary’s specific values,” Lewis says. “Talk “Register early for the required exams,” says Kadungure. “The about how your work ties number of individuals who can take the test on a particular date may be limited in your area, so contact the testing center in your into the Foundation’s six areas of focus and make it clear how country as soon as possible.” your work aligns with Rotary’s, and how you can then help Rotary advance its work and impact in the world.” 52 | The Rotarian February 2019
STEP 7 Looking to the future District representatives interview candidates. All Rotary clubs and districts can support the peace fellowship program by recruiting and en- Among other things, the in- dorsing candidates. In fact, some districts take the initiative and, with an eye toward the future, terview can help determine “If at first you build a pool of prospective candidates who might qualify for a fellowship in another year or two. if a candidate is ready for the don’t succeed, sharpen In 2018, to assist clubs and districts, program. “I recommend that your application ... the peace center staff added new training ses- if at first you don’t succeed, and apply again.” sions at Rotary.org; peace fellow candidates will sharpen your application, find helpful resources there as well. This year the staff will begin a campaign to increase par- goals, and plans, and apply ticipation in the endorsement process at the district level. The goal is to have a peace fellow- again,” says Lewis, who ap- ship subcommittee chair appointed in each dis- trict by 2020, which should strengthen the peace plied twice before being accepted. fellowship program and advance Rotary’s peace- building efforts. “In the most recent round of applications, 30 percent of finalists had applied previously and not been accepted, and then were ac- cepted this year,” Cunningham says. “So determination pays off.” Kiran Singh Sirah (center) marches for peace. STEP 8 JOHNSON CITY PRESS “The program and course of study helped me Districts must submit endorsed applications by 1 July. refine my ideas, validate my past life and work experiences, and acquire the academic creden- Each year, between July and October, the Rotary Peace Cen- tials I needed to build the networks to do my ters Committee, composed of appointed Rotarians and work,” Sirah says. “It has given me more than university representatives, screens endorsed and qualified 1,200 peace fellows and 1.2 million Rotarians to applications and selects fellowship finalists. Districts and build partnerships and projects with — and it their candidates are notified of the results by November. gave me an international family, the people I spent two intense years living and studying with. STEP 9 Our time together created a binding force we can use to take on some of the world’s most pressing Selected peace fellows apply to their universities. challenges.” n Being chosen for a fellowship does not guarantee admission to A freelance writer and editor, Keri B. Lynch also works with Rotary International as a PR consultant. the university. Candidates must apply for admission to their February 2019 The Rotarian | 53 designated universities and meet all admission requirements. Carefully review the admission requirements to ensure that you’re prepared. It is recommended that candidates wait to be notified of their selection to the fellowship before applying for university admission. At Duke-UNC, fellows enroll either in the master’s pro- Review the gram in international devel- admission requirements opment policy at Duke or in master’s programs under to ensure that various relevant depart- you’re prepared. ments and schools at UNC.
ENHANCED REDESIGNED SIMPLIFIED Welcome to the new ROTARY LEARNING CENTER Enrich your Rotary experience and leadership by visiting the improved rotary.org/learn
JOHN DAVIDSON our clubs Austin powers Rotary Club of Austin, Texas In the 1950s, when Jack Mayo was a young man, his future father-in-law took him to a meeting of the Rotary Club of Austin. “It was part of sizing me up as a potential son- in-law,” he recalls. “I was very intimidated by these successful people. I really didn’t think I ever would be a Rotarian myself.” February 2019 The Rotarian | 55
our clubs continued from page 55 After 20 years in the U.S. Navy, Mayo According to Club President Julia out some things they wanted,” says Todd settled with his wife in California, where Benkoski, that particular mix of people he became a Rotarian and served as a dis- and interests is part of the reason for the Coleman, part of the leadership team for trict governor. When the couple returned club’s success. “We have former mayors, to Texas, he knew he wanted to join the people from University of Texas, young the HHH project. “We’ve moved into the Rotary Club of Austin. professionals, retired people — all of whom have a heart for service,” Ben- 21st century, with the kids looking at One of the first Rotary clubs in Texas, koski says. With more than 200 mem- it was chartered in 1913. Mayo, the of- bers, the club works hard to keep shopping sites online.” Coleman, the ficial historian of District 5870, says everyone engaged and active. that over the years, the club has thrived managing partner of a janitorial services in a city that is a center of business and At a meeting in October, members are politics as well as a bastion of charming brought up to date on preparations for company, also helps run an annual back- eccentricity. Pints for Polio, to be held later that month on the rooftop patio of the trendy to-school Splash Bash with water slides Austin is home to the Texas Legisla- new Fairmont Hotel. The annual event ture and a large University of Texas cam- started as a fundraiser aimed at current and games for the kids at HHH. pus. The city is also a thriving technology members, but now functions as a soft recruiting opportunity for the club. To educate high school juniors in the “We have former mayors, people Tillery Castillo, vice president for workings of entrepreneurship, the club from University membership service, has brought mar- of Texas, young keting savvy to the event. “We did some runs the annual Camp Enterprise. professionals, market research and found that many retired people.” younger adults didn’t know enough Around 100 high school juniors are di- about polio to feel the importance” of hub: Google and Apple have big offices, Rotary’s work to eradicate the disease, vided into teams and must come up with and the job search engine Indeed as well explains Castillo. “So informally, when as numerous gaming and biotech com- we publicize the event to non-Rotarians, a product to pitch. “They learn the ins panies are headquartered there. we refer to the happy hour as ‘pints for a cause.’ We educate them once we and outs of legal issues, technological But Austin has a reputation as an in- get them in the door.” Once someone’s cubator for the quirky and a center for interest is piqued, club members can issues, finance issues,” explains Ben- the arts. “Keep Austin weird” is a popular invite that person to a more formal unofficial motto. Whole Foods Market membership recruiting event held in koski. “They devise a business plan. started there with a focus on natural the winter. foods. The TV show Austin City Limits They hear from real entrepreneurs who brings an array of musicians to the city, One of the club’s signature service and the South by Southwest festivals projects is also one of its oldest. In 1921, have been successful, who come and talk celebrate music, interactive media, and members acted as Santa Claus to the or- film. Austin is the home of filmmakers phaned and abandoned children under about how to do it.” Richard Linklater and Robert Rodriguez. the care of the city’s Helping Hand Home, giving them toys, candy, and a Christmas Club members also volunteer as men- Previous page: Austin Rotarians Tillery Castillo (from tree. In 1925, the club gave the organiza- left), Julia Benkoski, Jack Mayo, and Todd Coleman tion a new building and the land on which tors in local schools, run a scholarship at the Texas Capitol. it sits. Helping Hand Home (HHH) has been at that location ever since. program, and organize a variety of lit- Every year, a club member dresses up eracy programs for kids. And with Fort as Santa Claus and distributes gifts pur- chased with club donations. “We used to Hood about 70 miles from Austin, the bring them toy catalogs and let them pick club has a program, Operation Vacation, that gives families from the base a week- end in Austin. Over the past 10 years, the club has provided these respites to one military family a month. Club leadership consciously culti- vates future leaders. At the October meeting, Mayo talks about the strategy. “When you see someone you know could be a successful club president, you want to be sure they volunteer at the right time,” he says. “I encourage people to do the work on the committees like Helping Hand Home and Camp Enterprise. And then when the time is right, I say, ‘This is the year you ought to throw your hat in the ring.’ There’s kind of a subtle com- petition to get the club presidency and do the very best you can during your year as president, and it really works. I wish every Rotary club could be as successful as this one.” — HANK SARTIN 56 | The Rotarian February 2019
Sending your club president-elect to the convention with John Blount 2019 Rotary International Convention chair VIKTOR MILLER GAUSA 1 What was your first other club when he was there. It made a ton of Some years it’s going to be in Atlanta, and it’s convention? money through the years. We enjoyed the fruits relatively cheap for us to fly there. Some years It was in 1988 in Philadelphia. I took my of sending that person long after the cost it’s going to be in Bangkok, and we’re going was satisfied — that’s one benefit of sending a to spend a lot of money. So over a 10-year mom, my daughter, and my wife, so it was a president-elect to a convention. period it averages out. It’s a fairly high amount, family trip as well as an excuse to go to the but there’s no question we have gotten a lot of Rotary Convention. I went to a couple of ses- We still send our president-elect every year, value out of it. sions, and then we enjoyed Philadelphia. It was no matter where. They come back so impressed, a great trip, but it’s not a memorable convention so moved, so changed by the convention’s magic. 4 What can Rotarians to me because I really didn’t partake in it. They’re so engaged with Rotary and so passion- expect this year in ate that they’re going to spend the next year Hamburg? But when I was incoming governor a few years changing the world through us and our club. Why later, I went to the convention in Portland, Oregon. is that? They see the world in a microcosm. They The convention’s theme — Capture the Mo- It was amazing. I heard speakers like Robert meet people. They bring back ideas, they make ment — speaks to an urgency. Clubs are trying Fulghum, who is famous for writing the book All I connections. Our club has become an excellent to adapt so they can continue to thrive. Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. club through the years — and I think a significant We have a new strategic plan. We are ending He was fantastic. I end most of my speeches with part of that is because the incoming leadership polio. So carpe diem — let’s seize where we are a quote I got from him. That convention broad- gets that baptism of a convention. today and make it better. That extends to cap- ened my understanding of what I was getting into. turing the moment of this convention and Before and after a convention is also a great meeting people and having this magical 2 Why should clubs send time, as a Rotarian, to travel. Every hotel, every experience. their incoming presi- restaurant is loaded with other Rotarians. They’re dents to a convention? all wearing pins, so you can strike up amazing At the Hamburg convention, we are basing conversations — and ultimately friendships. the general session speakers on Rotary’s Back in 1983, the members of my club, the Ro- core values: leadership, integrity, service, tary Club of Sebastopol, California, decided we 3 How does your club diversity, and fellowship. We selected break- were going to send our president-elect to the manage the cost of send- out sessions related to these core value issues convention every year, no matter what it cost. ing someone each year? too. These are the building blocks that are The first year we sent Dave Madsen. He brought constant, however you work to update and back a fundraising idea that totally changed We just budget it out of members’ dues. We improve your club. what we did in our club. He’d gotten it from an- don’t do fundraisers or anything like that. February 2019 The Rotarian | 57
our clubs Far-flung fellowship Rotary Club of District 7040 Passport Chartered: 2017 CLUB INNOVATION: Original membership: 27 Membership: 26 The club meets via video conference call. During these calls, members update one another on their personal RETURN ENGAGEMENT: service projects. For the rest of their Rotary service, members participate in the community service projects, This club caters to residents of the expansive district covering fellowship events, fundraisers, and meetings hosted by parts of Ontario, Nunavut, Quebec, and New York state. any of the clubs in District 7040. Founded by a past district governor, the Rotary Club of District 7040 Passport has successfully appealed to former Rotarians, ested in Little Free Libraries, the free book exchanges peo- inviting them to re-engage in Rotary. The club meets online, but members can attend meetings of clubs anywhere in the ple put up in public places. Members often inspire one district to count toward their meeting commitment. Several members hold district leadership positions, proving that another with their reports of their service work. “After our e-clubs are fully engaged in the life of Rotary. meetings, I am so energized by the ideas that people have Ariane Carriere, past governor of District 7040, wanted to form a Rotary club for people who could not manage that I’m beside myself,” says Carriere. weekly in-person meetings. To find prospective members, she sought out former Rotarians. “The district governor Some former Rotarians returning to the Rotary fold have wanted to be sure that we would not be raiding other clubs for members. I absolutely agreed,” she says. “I went in the been tapped for district roles: Chris Cochrane is the district district database and found members who had resigned. It was easy to reach out to inactive members. There were about public relations chair, and Jacinthe Paillé is the district’s pro- 1,200. I sent everybody a message.” That effort yielded about 100 potential members. moter for the Rotary International Convention in Hamburg. “When we started up, we had 20 members who had re- Paillé, who has been a member of six clubs over the signed from other clubs, and we had six brand-new Rotari- ans. I was the only one who was active in another club and past 20 years, says she has found a home in the e-club. “The transferred over,” Carriere says. Eight days after driving across the U.S.-Canadian border to mail the charter appli- Passport club is a club like any other,” says Paillé, who cation for expedited delivery, she received approval for the club from Rotary International. teaches English as a second language at Collège André- Members attend meetings of Rotary clubs that are con- Grasset, a community college venient to them as makeup meetings, and individual volun- teerism also counts toward makeups. When it comes to in Montreal. “I’ve had people service, they follow their personal interests. “If someone is interested in something, you need to go with that,” Carriere ask me, ‘What’s your real says, adding that one snowbird member is a devoted volun- teer at a Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Florida, where club?’ It is my real club. I’m a she spends part of the year. Another club member is inter- full Rotarian. I just don’t get to see my fellow club mem- bers every week for break- fast, lunch, or dinner.” If it turns out that Pass- port members miss the ca- maraderie of clubs that meet From top: Club members find opportunities in person, Carriere says she to get together for service and friendship; doesn’t mind seeing them Jacinthe Paillé visits a Little Free Library. move to another club. “We just had it happen with one member, who said, ‘I really en- joyed the time I was here, but I’m now finding I would like to be a member of a club I have been visiting quite a bit.’ It’s an easy transfer.” — BRAD WEBBER What is your club doing to reinvent itself? Email [email protected]. 58 | The Rotarian February 2019
CONVENTION COUNTDOWN A message from Foundation Trustee Chair Go public Ron D. Burton Getting around Hamburg is easy thanks to the city’s safe, efficient public Every second of every day, Rotarians are doing good in the world transportation network. And for those through The Rotary Foundation. They are planning, funding, imple- who attend the Rotary International Convention menting, and completing projects, both locally and globally. It is a from 1 to 5 June, it will have something else to source of great pride for us all. recommend it: It will be free. To me, this is one of the unique features of Rotary membership. Registered convention goers will have unlim- You can get as involved as you choose. You can participate in a project ited access to Hamburg’s public transit system, from beginning to end, or you can join in anywhere in the process. But known as HVV (for a system overview in English, it all starts with you and me making a gift to our Foundation so that visit hvv.de/en/about-us/overview-service-offer). funds are available. To hop onto buses, trains, and even ferries, all riders will have to do is show their convention For many of us, a district grant o ers the quickest and most con- badge with the HVV logo and valid dates of use venient way to participate in grant activity, because it usually involves on the back. a local project. A district grant project is a good way to showcase Rotary, to get publicity, to involve prospective members as well as the The four underground lines and 28 rapid tran- beneficiaries, and to add value to your own community. sit and regional train lines are connected to a network of bus routes. Seven ferry lines, mean- Global grants o er us a way to participate in international projects while, run within the port and along the Elbe in one or more of our six areas of focus. As we develop a project idea, River. On the principal train and bus lines in the we conduct a needs assessment to determine what is needed in the city center, announcements are made in German community, the resources required and how they can be accessed, and and English. how to carry out the project collaboratively with Rotarians, partners, and others in the field. We make sure that our project includes Rotarian For a bargain sightseeing tour, take the No. involvement, benefits the greatest number of people, and can be main- 111 bus, which runs along the Elbe between tained by the local residents once it is completed to ensure a long-term HafenCity and Altona. You’ll pass sights includ- e ect for the community. We all take comfort in knowing that these ing the Elbphilharmonie, the Landungsbrücken steps have been meticulously followed. floating dock, the Altona fish market, and the famous Reeperbahn with its clubs and bars. And, because of this proper stewardship and accountability, we all continue to contribute our time, talents, and treasure. You see, it is — GUNDULA MIETHKE our Foundation. We are proud of it, and it is truly making a di erence in our world! Register for the 2019 GESTUR GISLASON Rotary Convention in Hamburg at Ron D. Burton riconvention.org. FOUNDATION TRUSTEE CHAIR February 2019 The Rotarian | 59
our clubs PATH to the Rotary has 1.2 million members; every PRESIDENCY year, one of them becomes the organization’s president. What steps must a Rotarian follow to reach that position? Ultimately, all candidates have their own paths, but there are some universal requirements. We combed through Rotary’s bylaws to boil it down to these basics. CLUB PRESIDENT DISTRICT GOVERNOR Any member in good standing is eligible Districts select their future governors to be elected club president for a one-year term, through either a nominating committee, ballot though most presidents have already served by mail, or a district conference. Any club may their clubs as a committee chair or in some suggest one of its members for consideration, other leadership role. though the nominating committee is not lim- ited by these suggestions. Governors serve a one-year term. A nominee for district governor must have been a Rotarian for at least seven years and have served as a club president. Additional steppingstones While on paper the path to the presidency is only four steps, in practice, the Rotarians who lead the organization have held many other roles along the way. DISTRICT LEADERS REGIONAL LEADERS RI AND FOUNDATION LEADERS District committees include Regional leaders include Rotary’s committees are made finance, membership, public im- up of Rotarians and Rotaractors age, and Rotary Foundation train- regional Rotary Foundation from around the world who work ing. Other topics vary by district. coordinators, Rotary coordinators, with the organization’s leadership. Rotary public image coordinators, Qualifications for membership and endowment/major gifts ad- vary by committee. Application visers. Other leaders may serve as information is listed annually in trainers and facilitators at Rotary The Rotarian. Rotarians may also institutes, governors-elect training serve as Rotary Foundation trustees. seminars, and other events. 60 | The Rotarian February 2019
Trustees of The Rotary Foundation Trustees must be Rotarians. Candidates should have broad experience within Rotary and also have held leadership positions in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector. Past and present Rotary senior leaders suggest individuals for consideration. A task force appointed by the Rotary president-elect reviews the names and recommends at least three candidates for each open trustee position. The Rotary president-elect chooses the nominees from among these recommendations, and the RI Board of Directors formally elects them to a four-year term. The Board of Trustees elects its chair from among the current members for a one-year term. RI DIRECTOR RI PRESIDENT Every year, eight or nine of Rotary’s Every year, half of Rotary’s zones get the 34 zones each selects a director for a two-year opportunity to select Rotary’s president through term. Nominating committees are made up their representatives on the 17-member presidential of one past governor from each district in the nominating committee. (The zones selecting the zone or section of the zone. The committee president alternate every other year.) Only past RI members interview candidates and choose one directors may serve on the nominating committee – to represent the zone. current Board members are not eligible. If more than one past director from a zone wishes to serve, clubs Past district governors are eligible; at least in their zone hold an election. three years must have elapsed since the end of their term as governor. Candidates must also Only past RI directors are eligible to serve as RI have attended at least two Rotary institutes and president, and most presidents have held additional a Rotary convention in the previous three years. leadership roles, including serving on committees that offer international experience. The term is one year. Presidents choose their vice president and treasurer from among the second-year RI directors. Facts about the Rotary presidency Of the five most recent RI presidents: ✎Five had been in Rotary for more than 30 years ✎ ✎Five had served as a Rotary Foundation trustee Three had served as a president’s aide ✎One was a member of the Arch Klumph Society ✎Two had chaired the RI Finance Committee ✎Three had received the Service Above Self Award ✎Five had chaired an RI or Rotary Foundation committee ✎Five had been members of a convention committee February 2019 The Rotarian | 61
our clubs World Polio Day highlights historic effort ROTARY AND ITS PARTNERS in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) recognized 30 years of their historic public- private partnership during the sixth annual World Polio Day livestream, held on 24 October in Philadelphia. About 150 people attended the event, held at the College IN THE MEDIA of Physicians of Philadelphia, Rotary and GPEI’s work to and thousands more world- end polio was highlighted in media wide watched it live online. Cable news journalists outlets worldwide, including: • Forbes Ashleigh Banfield, then the ROTARY INTERNATIONAL / MONIKA LOZINSKA • Gulf News (Dubai) host of HLN’s Crime and Jus- tice, and Alex Witt, host of • KING 5 TV, MSNBC Live with Alex Witt, the NBC affiliate in Seattle moderated. • Pakistan Observer • Time Rotary Foundation Trustee • USA Today Chair Ron D. Burton began the program with an overview of Rotary’s history in the fight to end polio. Other speakers included Lea Hegg, senior program officer on the Bill & Melinda At the World Polio Day event, Trustee Chair Ron D. Burton (right) and Giantmicrobes Inc. President Andrew Klein hold a plush poliovirus made by the company. Gates Foundation’s vaccine delivery team, who, along with Ro- In memoriam tarian and KING 5 TV news anchor Mark Wright, gave a techni- With deep regret, we report the deaths of the following cal update on the progress against polio; Ujala Nayyar, a World Rotarians who have served RI as district governors: Health Organization surveillance officer in Punjab, Pakistan, KENJI KAWAMURA Kurume Chuo, Japan, 1992-93 JISHO OMORI Ibaraki, Japan, 1993-94 who discussed the importance of tracking the virus; award- YASUTARO WATANABE Nagai, Japan, 1995-96 TOKIO YAMAZAKI Hikone, Japan, 2000-01 winning chef and author Ina Pinkney, who talked about her VINCENT ALABA AKINSETE Akoka (Yaba), Nigeria, 2003-04 JERZY KARASIŃSKI Toruń, Poland, 2003-04 experience as a polio survivor; and Jeffrey Kluger, senior editor SUK-TAI KO Gwangju-Mudeung, Korea, 2003-04 TATSUO KIKUCHI Kaga Hakusan, Japan, 2005-06 at Time magazine, who spoke about traveling to Nigeria with KOJI NAKAJO Sanjo North, Japan, 2006-07 TOSHIMICHI MATSUMOTO Fukuoka-Josei, Japan, 2007-08 Rotary to report on polio eradication. RAPHAËL K. FIATY Lomé, Togo, 2008-09 ROBERTO FUNG KUAN Makati, Philippines, 2013-14 Clubs around the world organized activities to raise aware- MARGARET S. MADER Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey, 2017-18 PATRICIA A. POST Durand, Michigan, 2017-18 ness of polio and funds for eradication efforts, including a rally in Delhi, India, where 2,000 members drove through the city on cars or bikes decorated with informational flags and stick- ers. In Egypt, Rotary members hosted an End Polio Festival, which included a road race, a blood drive, and a concert that attracted thousands. Thirty years ago, polio affected 350,000 children a year. Because of massive vaccination campaigns around the world, cases have dropped more than 99.9 percent. Wild poliovirus, which was endemic in 125 countries in 1988, now remains so in just three: Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan. More than 2.5 billion children have been vaccinated, and more than $14 billion has been invested in the fight to eradicate the dis- ease worldwide. —RYAN HYLAND 62 | The Rotarian February 2019
INNER SERENITY Across 44 Pre-dye hair 12 Poems with Greek origins shade, often 13 Unites By Victor Fleming 1 Clapton Rotary Club of Little Rock, Arkansas or Sevareid 45 Like gory films 18 Organs with hammers 46 Fabulous finish? 21 Acapulco afternoon 5 African snake 48 Rebounds 22 Groups of eights 10 Film or play 51 Nobelist Pavlov 23 Get all sudsy 14 Frosty coating 52 Acrobat with attitude 24 Decisive finishing 15 Desk-box words and altitude action 16 Jekyll and ___ 17 Fruity puree 56 Winning margin, 25 Hammers’ parts 19 Was imitative 20 Coffeehouse orders sometimes 27 Start to button? 21 Hank of hair 22 Movie awards 57 Unevenly notched 28 European thrush 25 Ace-king topper 58 Grand Ole ___ 29 Dave star Kevin 26 Colorado brewery 59 Deuce topper 30 Checked the age of 27 Hard-to-read look 32 Greek consonants 60 ___-Bismol 31 Part of a 33 Handled roughly 34 Reo or Geo 61 Ancestry.com Ticonderoga 35 “There’s an ___ diagram 33 Kuala Lumpur native for that” 36 Enthusiasts’ Down 36 ___ Attraction (1987 Close/Douglas thriller) periodical 37 “La la” lead 1 Significant stretch 40 “___ and say we did” 38 It fizzles 2 ___-roaring 42 Grouchy 39 Ones with green 3 Mischievous sort 43 Tibetan title 4 Dungeon sites 45 Event with calf roping cards 5 Sprays lightly 46 Make coins and 40 Toppers 6 Pre-med subj. 41 Visually striking 7 Pouty expression paper money 8 Tampa Bay team, 47 No longer bothered by display 48 Central section 43 Flood control for short 49 For each 50 Prescription for stress embankment 9 Had breakfast 52 Bench presser’s unit 10 Funny Girl actor 53 EMT’s forte Omar 11 Exhibiting extreme 54 “Prior to,” to poets energy and movement 55 Whiskey variety Solution on page 18 CREATE. LIDERANÇA. LEADERSHIP. LEADERSHIP. SHARE. VOYAGE. ITNRSAPVIREAL.ÇÃO. ITNRSAPVIRELA.TION. INSPIRATION. CONNECT. 奉海学び仕外。体。験FDVO。ÉIARCMOJEUASVT. EIORNTSALE.LSTEEC.EREARTARAVDIOVRVIECNEENRE.L..SD..LGHSIERVIEAPOER.RRWVNTDSIR.C.IÃSAEOCV..OEVLASLSLTE.EECEREARRTARAVDYIVRVO.IENEECNR.LE..S..FGLHUSERIENAPOR.R.WVNTDI.R.CISAECV.OELASVLEE.ECARRTVDIYO.IECNRE.S.FHUINP.. AVENTURAS. FRIENFUDNS.HIP. FRIENFUDNS.HIP. TRAVEL. DISCOVERY. FUN. DIVERSIÓN. FUN. FUN. Descubra um mundo novo fora da sala de aula. Discover a world outside the classroom through Discover a world outside the classroom through Participe de um programa intensivo de liderança que an intensive leadership experience that builds an intensive leadership experience that builds ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE slpuerRLLgoobOaObnarNlTesgmAeGm-itRea-ealTYrhsemEomeYRr.eOmMtxéUcachTnnaHeicniraEgasXes dsCdebeHucAtiorlNadmnGpuseEfnoaicrcmaeçaoãrnooe, solução de scyoooLLRolumOOvnriNmnTsgeAgG-ult,fRn-eaTbYricnmEuadYRtteOitMcohxhUnceahTslwalHkenionlEglrgslXe,desCt.sebHyauoAciuhlNdetGspoeEccarhecaaentoigvneeepnyroootubonlengmlyp-erson communication skills, teaches creative problem- LONG-TERM mundo num solving, and challenges you to change not only Long-term exchanges build peace one young person yourself but the world. young person 目新標世を代も交って換海を渡り、異aaao国ntcfaoamでdtthoeiのmmerer奉eicct.huy仕Salettnuua活rdr1.ee動0B,n0eaにtcnscodo参lemulai加nevrentしariwaeg、siln短t.ohebwhalolcasitntigfJlatzeaoouceamitnandPNSdiog.ireEelEtoineSverhRWf,steseetVadloisofrngIGisotspCbilcryooEiEunooinabNnivulEaoandEferlXlnuorRdacmelCvlAoeabHovmTteveiAIvtmelOetoNmeNupsGrenmoSwEniltuetyontoraoaaiatolftncdfnwnaoy.amdsdoitEtthoemtuhxiommercneoarhtgeibhcactp.hilunelueySialzgearttwnepuueadordre1y.iedrseor0B,lesdenu0ea:a’ttrscnasUscofdkmonlrwemiiuineloaviinevngtesrhenttdrarssiwaiegtysilnt.ohebwhalolcasitntigfJatlzeaoocueamiSNPtnanddiroEg.iEeoeltnRieSWvrhfees,tVsetasldoiIoGfsnrgCiotipsboElEycroiunnNoiobanEiauvlEaondlXferRlnuodrCacmelAveloHavbTomteAeIvilOvtmeoNetmNpeGusrmSenoEwnieltutnyototraaaoiaolfctnwdfnnao.yamdisdtotEhtheomtuxiommercnaoerhtgeibphcact.iuhluneleySiralzgeattpwneuueadoordrey1si.edreore0lB,sden:u0eaa’ttUrscnasscfonkmdolrwemiiivuneolaiienngtevsrrhenttdsarisiwtaegysilnt.ohebwhalolcasitntigfatJlzeaoouceamitnanddiog.ieeltnieSvrhe,stesetadloiofrngiotspblcyroiunooibanivuloandferlnuoracmelvloabomtevivtmeetmeusrenowniltutyotoriaolfdnny.dsoEmtuxocnohtgbhailneleizgaweedoeyidrorlsdeua’trsasfkmrwiineointgshtds 期間の滞在で新しいスキルを学びたいと思う大学生やフ presshstkusuiilmndlsge,annlcetioatsamrarninmaadnolynasoencurghvnuiacgalelgepdenrou,gfraeeinnss.dgsiotsahnkoaelrsta-ltceetariormnn,ntcSRheuHOwrsoOtTuoARgmRThi-YzTaEYbROleMUTH EpXrCesshtksHuusilmAidlnseN,agnnlGectiatsoEarmarninamadnolyasnoenurgcvnhuicgaaelglpedernou, gfraeinnsdgs.iotsahnkoaelrsta-ltceetariormnn,ntcheSRuwrsHOotuoOTgmARhRiTz-YaTbEYleROMUTH EpXrCesHsiAnNg GcoEmmon challenges. ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE レッシュ社会人にとって、この上ない特別な経験ができる Take action, bSuhildoritn-tteerrmnaetixocnhaalnugnedseexirmcshtmaannedrgsienesg.y,oung people in Take action, bSuhilodrtin-tteerrmnaetxiocnhaalnugneds eimrsmtaenrdsiengyo, ung people in SHORT-TERM でしょう。 Short-term exchanges immerse young peo Toma acción, promueve la comprenseióxcnhianntegrensa. cional and make newanforitehnedrscaurlotuurned. Stohme we olivrled.wDitehvheloospt families for aunpd make newanforitehnedrscuarltouurne.dStohme ewloivreldw. Dithevheolospt families for up another culture. Some live with host fami y forja nuevas amistades alrededor del mundo. your leadershitpostkhilrlesewmhoilentyhosu, wdihsciloevoetrhtehres epmowbaerrk on a tour oyor ur leadershtipo stkhirlelsewmhoilnetyhos,uwdhisicleovoetrhethrseepmobwaerrk on a tour or to three months, while others embark on Desarrolla tus aptitudes de liderazgo mientras of Service Abogvoe tSoelcfaamnpd ffoinrdaofeuwt hwoweekses.riGouoson an adventureofinService AbogvoetSoeclfamanpdffoinr da ofeuwt hwoeweksse.riGoouson an adventure in go to camp for a few weeks. Go on an ad descubres el poder de Dar de Sí antes de Pensar en Sí leadership canobnee soefrmiouosrelytfhuann! 100 countries. leadership canonbee osef rmioourselythfuann!100 countries. one of more than 100 countries. y cuan divertido es el verdadero liderazgo. Create your own promotional cards to showcase your youth activities. Available now in Rotary’s Brand Center. YouthProgramsCard_RotarianAD_halfpage.indd 1 February 2019 Th2e/6R/17ot2a:r32iaPnM | 63
last look GET INVOLVED CONTRIBUTE FOLLOW Our cover story details the work Rotary Foundation global grants are Rotary clubs can be found in more than Rotarians in Puerto Rico are doing to funding long-term recovery efforts in 200 countries and geographical areas — help people on their island after Hurricane Puerto Rico and other places affected so when a disaster strikes, there’s a good Maria. Find out how you can get involved by disasters. Make your contribution chance local Rotarians are poised to help. with the ongoing recovery efforts by at rotary.org/donate. Find out what Rotarians are doing for emailing District Governor Juanita Morris victims at rotary.org/disaster-response. at [email protected]. 64 | The Rotarian February 2019
PLAY GOLF WITH THE GOLDEN BEAR Golf legend JACK NICKLAUS, a Rotary polio ambassador, is thanking 12 individuals who make a new donation of $250,000 or more to the PolioPlus Fund by inviting them to play golf with him at The Bear’s Club in Jupiter, Florida, on 12 March 2019. For more information, contact Harvey Newcomb III, director of principal gifts at The Rotary Foundation, at [email protected], or go to rotary.org/en/jack-nicklaus-play-golf-rotary-donors.
What sort ANDREW ESIEBO of people read The Rotarian? People who work to end polio. We surveyed our readers to see what they care about. 46% said ending polio is most important to them. SOURCE: 2016 Rotarian Reader Survey conducted by GfK MRI
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