D-2452 DG's Newsletter December 2021

DG Newsletter December Edition D2452 Governor’s Newsletter

DG Newsletter December Edition 2 Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta GREETINGS, DEAR CHANGEMAKERS OF ROTARY, The world relies on Rotary to tackle challenges like these and to set an example for others. Over the past P ublic health is on everyone’s mind due to the glob- edrescahdaeve, mpreodviicdaeldprforefeeshseioanltahlssaenrvdicgeosvteorn2m.5emntillwioonrk- hsaelaplsvaemnsdaaednmediacolluthorfalout vssetmidll utohcnrheeasm.teoInnresaathsweeansrseaefoe, ftCythOoeVf roIoDul-er1-s9 people in 10 countries during Family Health Days, and responsibilities of medical professionals than we Swihmicilharahreeaolrtghacnaizmepdsbiny RInodtiaariaalnsos aprroouvinddetthheouwsoarnldd.s dwiesrtaenbceef.oIrne awdedihtiaodn,towhwieleamr movaisnkgsthanrodumghaitnhtiasinpasnodceiaml - of surgeries to those in need. Medical missions from ic, we have also learned about the role we can play in India to Africa each year are an excellent example of keeping others safe. Rhaontadrsy-omnesmebrveicrse in disease prevention and treatment. December is Disease Prevention and Treatment Month can also get involved at a local level; in Rotary. The pandemic unfortunately has schooled cfulunbdsainfretheehUenailttehdcSlintaicteins GanuderMreerxoi,cao,sfmoraellxtaomwnplein, mmousntitpieeso.pBleutofnighthtiengtodllistheaatsdeisiseassoemteatkheinsgotnhaotuRr cootamri-- Mexico. ans around the world have been doing for decades. In fact, it is one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus. And of course, our effort to eradicate polio is by far the As Rotarians, we believe that good health and wellbeing best story in civil-society health care. is a human right — even though 400 million people asecrroviscsesth. eThgelobweordkowneotdhoainveeasctacbelsisshtiongescslineinctsia, lehyeealth This month, think about how your club can focus on hospitals, and blood banks, as well as in building infra- ptarkeeveanbtinigggearn,dbfeigtthetri,nbgodldiseeraaspep. rTohaicshisthtrhoeutgimh ebototh structure for medical facilities in underserved communi- club and district projects that can impact more people. ties, all returns to a central belief that access, preven- Rsteraetveagliueastethwathcearen ysouustaarien cwhitahnygoeuorvgeoraylse.aCrsr,enaotet tion, and education are the keys to stopping deadly out- months. breaks that harm the most vulnerable. My exposure to health work began with my Rotary club, Everyone deserves a long, healthy life. When hthCheeaaallptcreotudvstteuaprr-igMothenaerehieeyasrenaafaorgpsr archorh.agiTslrdahprmeernroecvf,airdoalleemmddoImSnndgaoivraoein,thtgPheaaLrknittihtsl2eitn,a5gHn0s,e0,BaIfrartensegla- you Serve to Change Lives, your actions today can desh, Nepal, and Africa. Before the program went inter- help extend the lives of others. national, it started locally with the goal of performing just scioxmspulregteeriaensowthitehrin20o,u0r0c0osmumrguenriietys. oTvoedratyh,eonuer xgtofaivleis to President, Rotary International years.

DG Newsletter December Edition 3 District 2452 Governor’s Monthly letter In November, I conducted very productive visits to Rotary Clubs in UAE, Bahrain and Cyprus, meeting as many clubs as possi- ble, and visiting many impactful projects. I would like to thank our fellow Rotarians for their passionate work, dedication and com- mitment. I encourage them to keep the mo- mentum. Recently the District Secretary sent you an email requesting nominating leaders be- yond the club level for the RY 2022-2023. I would like to encourage you to be more ac- tive, to promote more women, and more young Rotarians to take on leadership po- Dear Fellow Rotarians of District 2452, sitions. December is Disease Prevention and Treat- Last month, clubs nominated candidates ment month. from Region 2 (Bahrain, Sudan, UAE). Disease prevention and treatment takes on I strongly advise you to conduct election in many forms, from supporting studies, to a proper way, abiding by Rotary’s ethics, helping immunize people, to improving policy and traditions. drinking water and the sanitation infrastructure. The world relies on Rotary to In order to ensure that the most qualified tackle these global challenges, and to set an Rotarians are selected for the position of example for others to follow. DG in the RY 2024-2025, I kindly ask you to avoid influencing the selection process 400 million people in the world can’t afford, through campaigning, canvassing, or elec- or don’t have access to basic health care. Dis- tioneering. ease results in misery, pain, and poverty. This is why all District 2452 members are devoted I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a to fighting and preventing diseases. We set up prosperous New Year. temporary clinics, blood donation centers, and training facilities in underserved communities struggling with outbreaks and health care access. We design and build infrastructure allowing doctors, patients, and governments to work together. Rotary members take on efforts both large and small. District 2452 is always at the forefront of our fight for Disease Prevention and treatment. Our members combat diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and polio. Prevention is important, which is why we also focus on health education and bringing people’s routine hearing, vision, and dental care.

DG Newsletter December Edition 4 Trustee chair's message John F. Germ Trustee Chair 2021-22 December marks a special time of year. It’s a time of holiday gatherings and family reunions (COVID-19 permit- ting). It’s also the halfway point of the Rotary year, when we look back on our goals, reflecting on the what and the why of our work. First, the what. This year, to stay on course to reach our goal, we need to raise $50 million for PolioPlus, with a 2- to-1 match by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation bringing the total to $150 million. To keep our Rotary Founda- tion programs running strong, we set a goal to raise $125 million for the Annual Fund. We also aim to raise $95 million for the Endowment Fund in outright gifts and new commitments, and a further $40 million for other outright gifts. So how do we reach our grand total of $410 million? We must remember that in all great endeavors, including Ro- tary, we are part of a TEAM: Together, Everyone Achieves More. You can’t have a great team without great PEOPLE. P stands for pride in our organization, our achievements, and our potential. E is our empathy for others, which we transform into service. O has two parts: the tremendous op- portunities to make a difference that Rotary has granted us, and an obligation to pull others up and to increase our ranks. Our second P is for perseverance, helping us stick to our goals, like polio eradication, when the going gets tough. L stands for leadership, and E for enthusiasm — the fuel of Rotary. While we are revisiting our goals, we also need to remember the why. For me, this needs little explanation. Why wouldn’t you help expectant mothers and their children survive and thrive by supporting a Rotary Foundation grant? And why wouldn’t you initiate programs to help preserve the environment, our cherished home? The pan- demic has only renewed my conviction that life is precious, and we must seize every opportunity to enhance the lives of others. You are one of the PEOPLE on our TEAM. I encourage you this month to join other leaders who participate in Rotary’s strong tradition of philanthropy by making a gift to The Rotary Foundation. It is the season of giving, and every gift counts. Please contribute any amount that feels right by 31 December, and your gift will keep on giving in 2022 and for years to come. There are many ways to give, as a club or an individual — why not set up a giving plan? The Rotary Foundation offers us countless opportunities to help make a difference in the world. Let us never squander those opportunities, nor take our Foundation for granted. Judy and I wish you the happiest of holidays.

DG Newsletter December Edition 5 Message from RI Director Zones 21& 22 Katerina Kotsali –Papadimitriou Katerina Kotsali-Papadimitriou Rotary International Director Zones 21 & 22 District 2470 Governor 2012-13 RPIC Zone 20B 2017-20 IYFR –FC Hellenic Aegean Fleet 2016-18 Message to D 2452 Dear Fellow Rotarians of D 2452 Warmest wishes for Health, Prosperity, and great Rotarian achievements in the New Year 2022. In those most trying moments of humanity, I sincerely hope that all stay healthy and safe regaining slowly normal rhythms of life. As Covid-19 pandemic spread around the globe we found ourselves in a world transformed. De- spite the unprecedented challenge, our Organization moved very effectively towards the new reality. We invented new ways to stay connected, continue our great social offer to our communities, and join our efforts to change lives for a better world. New approaches to our organizing principles do not threaten us, we consider them as a real challenge. In this transition period we are the pioneers of a new reality and adopt innovations in shaping our future. We are ready to open opportunities, create more paths to leadership, amplify our conversations to diverse voices, and adapt how we operate to the new circumstances. Now more than ever we must prove that Rotary is an organization inclusive of all cultures, experiences, and iden- tities. Building membership is Rotary’s top internal priority, and every member can make a difference. The call to action of R.I. President Shekhar Mehta “Each One Bring One” motivated us to increase our membership. We need ac- tive, engaged, and enthusiastic members and club leaders who can recognize opportunities for growth and act on them. When you have a strong membership base your club is better able to serve. The membership trends since the beginning of this Rotary year allow us to be optimistic for the future of our organization. Rotary clubs in D 2452 accomplish significant projects proving the transformational power of philanthropy. Through district grants, global grants or Polio-Plus we may increase our positive impact to our communities. Share the Rotary Foundation Endowment option for Rotarians in your District who want to leave a legacy through Rotary to the future generations. The integration of the environment as the 7th area of focus, opens new opportunities for viable projects. Dear friends as we emerge from this crisis, it is our time to shape a promising new world and serve to change lives. I address my warmest wishes to DG Ashot Karapetyan, to the District officers and to all members of D 2452 for a productive Rotary year full of success and significant achievements. Working as a solid team we will prove that overpassing difficulties we will open opportunities for broadening Rota- ry horizons and reaching excellence. Yours in Rotary Katerina

DG Newsletter December Edition 6 Communication December 2021 from The Rotary Foundation Chair Michel P. Jazzar The dates set by DGE George M. Azar are: RI D.2452 - District Governor *Sunday April 10, 2022 [ARM-GEO] 2018-2019 Saturday, May 14, 2022 [LEB], [email protected] Saturday, May 21, 2022 [CYP], RC of Kesrouan - Lebanon Saturday, May 28, 2022 [JOR-PAL], District Rotary Foundation chair Saturday, June 4, 2022 [UAE], 2020-2023 Saturday, June 11, 2022 [BAH-SUD], RI Representative to UN-ESCWA *Saturday, June 18, 2022 [Virtual GMS - if needed] 2006-2020 7. Rotaract participation in Rotary Grants Starting in January 2022, districts that are applying for their dis- Fellow Rotarians, trict grant can include Rotaract club activities in their spending plans. This monthly communication is sent to the foundation work team in Beginning in July 2022, Rotaract clubs that have experience w ith district 2452 to keep us updated. Our team is the cornerstone of the grants can apply for global grants to support service efforts in their success in our District and the implementation of the RY 2021-22 own communities or elsewhere. foundation strategy. Please forward this communication to your District leaders, will invite Rotaract clubs to participate in Country’s clubs and keep your support to them. D2452 grant management seminars so they can be- Below you will find the main points of “December 2021 communica- come qualified to apply for global grants. Rotaract members, are tion”, and attached to this communication some relevant updated invited to learn more about Rotary grants in preparation for this ex- material. Please read them all. citing change. If you need more information, do not hesitate to ask me by email 8-Resources & Reference. exclusively. 8.1-Updated global grant resources Did you know that completing a community assessment is required 1- D.2452 Rotary Foundation Seminar_vitual_26 November before you apply for a global grant? The results of the assessment will help you develop your project and need to be included as part of 2021 your application. RI has recently updated the Global Grants Commu- Well done! Program speakers, moderators and participants from 15 nity Assessment Results form to make it easier to use. countries w ere present to one of the District's v ibrant annual Another vital component of any global grant-funded project is training. events, the Rotary Foundation Seminar, which helps to fulfill the RI has updated the Training Plan for Global Grants to help you devel- Club Rotary’s Action Plan. [We have missed D9010-4countries and op your training activities. Remember your RC to upload this complet- Nigeria]. The participation of 181 [pic hour 18.55] of Rotarians and ed document with your application. Rotaractors from different Districts engaged us to do more and 8.2-Rotary Foundation committee resources – RI announce- better in future similar event and to keep our District 2452 a good ments reference to all. Thank you to everyone. All presentations and audio We know you have Foundation goals you want to achieve this year, recording are posted on District 2452 website at the link https:// and we have resources to help. We’re excited to offer new Rotary www.rotaryd2452.org/new/index.php? Foundation courses about your role and responsibilities, fundraising option=com_sppagebuilder&view=page&id=161 practices, grant management, and more. These replace the Lead 2-Grants Management Seminar and recertification for all Clubs Your District: Rotary Foundation Committee manual. You can find in D2452. [announcement of the month of October 2021, re- them and other courses in your learning plans: peated for its importance] -District Committee Basics Clubs and districts can now be recertified for grants in the Learning -District Rotary Foundation Committee Intermediate Center. The Grant Management Seminar Recertification 2021-22 course (direct link) is for clubs and districts whose leaders have For more courses about the Foundation, visit The Rotary Foundation previously completed the full nine-course Grant Management Semi- Course Catalog in the Learning Center. Write to [email protected] if nar (direct link) and just need to maintain their qualification to apply you have comments or questions. for grants. Please to check the “additional requirements for grants” 8.3-General resources – RI announcements sheet in D2452 for RY 2021-22. You need a copy of it as a condi- -The Rotary Foundation Reference Guide provides an overview of tion for GG to be eligible by District 2452. Foundation programs and services. 3-Rotary clubs in D2452 reports due to TRF -A Guide to Global Grants [#1000_en] helps members who want to Please to check if your Clubs has a report due to TRF before sub- apply for a global grant or develop more effective and sustainable mitting for a Rotary grant that needs the DG and/or DRFCC authori- service projects. zations. Please to close your report/s due to TRF. The Learning Center offers many courses and resources, including 4-Overview on the GGs 2021-2022 information about fundraising and participating in grants. 1-Global Grant GG2121831: Submitted, November 11, 2021 - Ap- proved Fellow Rotarians TRF team of District 2452, RC Gyumri, Armenia [+15.000USD Directed Gift PP David Gibson -May I thank the team 2021-2022 for your vibrant continuous commu- Moore, not matched] nication within the team to the benefit of all Clubs in District 2452 and 2-Global Grant GG2233123 – Approved 29 NOV 21 thereby to our communities serving to change lives. RC Beirut Cadmos, Lebanon [+20.000USD Rotary-Beirut Disaster I wish all Happy Holidays: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Relief, not matched] 2022. 3-Global Grant GG……….: Pre-approval [RC Manama] Our Unity is our strength. 4-Global Grant GG……….: Pre-approval [RC Dubai Jumeira] Together We Rise. Please to read the document attached: “Overview on the GGs 2021-22 Michel P. Jazzar v.01DEC2021” DG 2018-2019 5-Availability DDF and Distribution for RY 2021-2022 [20 No- DRFC 2020-2023 - [email protected] vember 2021*]. Concerning the DDF 2452 distribution RY 2021-2022, please follow the DG instructions: -According to RI system, our district had US$48,360.13 DDF availa- ble. [carry forw ard from RY 2020-21, the amount of 19.250USD.] -The policy for applying for GG projects from DDF contributions was set by the DG Ashot: 5x2000$, 20x1000$, 20x500$. Total – 45 Global Grants, on first comes first served basis. è*Remaining amounts: 4x2000$, 18x1000$, 20x500$. Total – 42 Global Grants, on first comes first served basis. èAny club should do a donation to EREY for the same amount of DDF the club is requested. 6- GMS 2022 for RY 2022-23 Clubs Qualification. Will be opened to Rotary Clubs and Rotaract Clubs, as both should be qualified to be eligible for Rotary Grants for RY 2022-2023.

DG Newsletter December Edition 7 December is Disease Prevention and Treatment Month As you know, every month is dedicated to one of the major themes of our Rotary lives; this month the theme is that which RI is perhaps best known for, at least among non- Rotarians. The eradication of polio has of course been Rotary International's s major worldwide, corporate effort since the early 1980’s. And remarkable progress has been made. The job is not finished however and you can rest assured that we will not, can- not, set this torch down until that job is finished. Disease prevention and treatment is one of the Rotary Foundation Areas of Focus. And for good reason. The health and vitality of a person, a family and a community can be seriously impaired by what in many cases is a preventable disease. Disease prevention is really a keystone to pro- gress in other areas as well because of the interplay with other areas of focus like Wa- ter and Sanitation and Maternal & Child Health. What can you do? See what Rotarians are doing in Disease Prevention and Treatment Learn more about our efforts to End Polio. Check out the Water and Sanitation Rotarian Action Group (WASRAG). Browse Rotary Showcase for member projects helping to fight disease and see what other Rotarians and Clubs are doing. Or you can find a project to sponsor on Rotary Ideas. You’re a Rotarian. You’re a Difference Maker!

DG Newsletter December Edition 8 Disease Prevention and Treatment, RC Yerevan's Major Activity Direction PP Margarit Piliposyan RC Yerevan Foundation Chair International Relief Armenia Chair District Disaster Relief Subcommittee Chair Human health is the most precious value that has to be cared for and taken good care of. Human health is a milestone to ensure and guarantee progress in every sphere on the planet Earth. Today, all of us are living through challenging time. Today, when thousands of people become vic- tims of a very severe virus, everybody started to understand and appreciate the value of Health that we used to take for granted. Many of us have never understood how important it is to be healthy and live a healthy life. It is not something everybody gets from the heaven. It is a value to preserve, to strive towards. Thousands of humanitarian, service and charity organizations internationally, governments, intergov- ernmental players and others have chosen public health, disease prevention and treatment as a pri- ority area of focus. Polio eradication globally is the RI and TRF’s greatest achievement. Armenia is a polio fee country already many years․ All of us in Armenia and in the world are tiny particles of this great process. This makes all the Rotarians in Armenia feel proud. Majority of clubs in the district have adopted support to improved people’s health as a major strategy to follow. The wide range of diverse activities include but are not limited to  supporting community health through rehabilitation of potable water supply and properly func- tioning sewerage system;  promoting safe, harmonious and conducive learning environment at pre-school, mainstream educational establishments through renovating, constructing WASH facilities and installing re- quired equipment;  caring for child and maternal health through arranging of accessibility of healthcare services on all possible levels to communities, including the most destitute strata of population in our coun- tries  combating infections, especially COVID 19 outbreak through capacity upgrade of relevant medical institutions;  conducting public health related awareness raising activities across the district through the application of diverse info provision models, creation of reference materials, etc.  granting lives to kids with severe heart diseases This writing is a small token of appreciation to the Rotarians in D2452 and across the globe for being so passionate towards human health: the priceless value we all have to appreciate and care for. Thank you, RI and TRF for having this direction as a major area of focus! major area of focus!

DG Newsletter December Edition 9 Commemoration of World Polio Day in Nicosia Cyprus on the 24th of October 2021 The RC of Nicosia Lefkothea organised the illumination of the iconic building of the Municipal Theatre in Nicosia in the colours of the End Polio Now campaign. Our speakers President of Nicosia Lefkothea Yiannis Tomasides, Dr. Petros Agathangelou, PDDG Iacovos Constantinides and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus Mr. Nikos Christodoulides L to R: The The event was under the auspices of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides and was at- tended by ambassadors of other countries, the Cyprus Rotary Leadership and many Rotarians and Friends. The Rotary Clubs of Kyrenia, Nicosia, Nicosia Aspelia, Nicosia Ledra and Nicosia Salamis supported the event. The Minister, RRFC Christina Covotsou, The iconic building Vice District Gover- of the Nicosia Mu- nor PDG Kevork nicipal Theatre lit in Mahdessian, PDG the colours of END John Strongylos, POLIO NOW DDG Peter Ashdjian together with many others. The symbolic nature of the event aimed at increasing awareness of the state of play against the disease and the paramount contribution of Rotary in this effort for which we, Rotarians, are very proud. Speakers at the event included the President of RC Nicosia Lefkothea Yiannis Tomasides, the President of the Cy- prus Medical Association Dr. Petros Agathangelou, and Past Deputy District Governor Iacovos Constantinides of RC Nicosia Lefkothea. The latter gave a very informative and inspiring presentation of the role of Rotary in the fight to fully eradicate Polio, a fight which is continuing and can only be won with the complete eradication of Polio from the face of the planet. The Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Christodoulides in his address highlighted and praised the contribution of Ro- tary International in the fight against Polio but also the significant and valuable contribution of the Cyprus Rotary clubs to the communities on either side of our divided country. He made special mention of the Karaiskakio Foun- dation projects of about $500,000, for the Children’s Cancer Diagnostic Centre and the donations in the fight against Covid 19 to the Nicosia General Hospital and to the Kyrenia Hospital. The event was acknowledged to be of great success and participants had the opportunity to mingle at the finger food cocktail that followed. RC Nicosia Lefkothea would like to thank Wargaming PLC for sponsoring the event.

DG Newsletter December Edition 10 Message from District Deputy Governor Dhafer Alumran District 2452 Deputy Governor – RY 2021- 2022 Past President – RC Salmaniya Kingdom of Bahrain Fellow Rotarians, It gives me great pleasure, my friends, to address you all as your Deputy District Governor (DDG) for Bahrain 2021-202. I would like to present to you my theme for this address entitled” Rotary Code of Conduct”, which provides a framework for ethical behavior in Rotary. The Rotary Code of Ethics suggests that every Rotarian should say, As a Rotarian I will:  Act with integrity and high ethical standards in my personal and professional life  Deal fairly with others and treat them and their occupations with respect  Use my professional skills through Rotary to: mentor young people, help those with special needs, and improve people’s quality of life in my community and in the world  Avoid behavior that reflects adversely on Rotary or other Rotarians.  Help maintain a harassment-free environment in Rotary meetings, events, and activities, report any suspected harassment, and help ensure non-retaliation to those individuals that report harassment. We all should remind ourselves of this commitment, together with The Four-Way Test, in our business and professional activities. It asks the following four questions: \"Of the things we think, say or do:  Is it the TRUTH?  Is it FAIR to all concerned?  Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?  Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?\" I want to emphasize the second tenet of the Four-Way Test, “Is it fair to all concerned”, which serves as a beacon to Rotarians worldwide. When we as Rotarians interact with each other, and our community, we should strive to be fair, to attain our personal and club objectives without cheating or trying to attain an un- just advantage. Finally, I would like to sincerely wish that our Rotary clubs of Bahrain a successful and pro- ductive year ahead of us and I do hope that we can all work together as one team with the objective to serve our community in the best way possible. Yours in Rotary Service Dr. Dhafer A. Alumran District 2452 DDG 2022-2022

DG Newsletter December Edition 11 Things Every Rotarian Should Know About Rotary by Lilya Oganova DG Executive Secretary An official flag was formally adopted by Rotary In 1923, the present gear wheel, with 24 cogs and International at the 1929 Convention in Dallas, six spokes was adopted by the \"Rotary Texas. The Rotary flag consists of a white field International Association.\" A group of engineers with the official wheel emblem emblazoned in advised that the geared wheel was mechanically gold in the center of the field The four depressed unsound and would not work without a \"keyway\" spaces on the rim of the Rotary wheel are in the center of the gear to attach it to a power colored royal blue. The first official Rotary flag shaft. So, in 1923 the keyway was added and the reportedly was flown in Kansas City Missouri, in design which we now know was formally adopted January 1915. In 1922 a small Rotary flag was as the official Rotary International emblem. carried over the South Pole by Admiral Richard Byrd, a member of the Winchester, Virginia Rotary Club. Four years later, the admiral carried a Rotary flag in his expedition to the North Pole. The Rotary flag is always prominently displayed at the World Headquarters as well as at all conventions and official events of Rotary International. A wheel has been the symbol of Rotary since our earliest days. The first design was made by Chi- cago Rotarian Montague Bear, an engraver who drew a simple wagon wheel, with a few lines to show dust and motion.

DG Newsletter December Edition News from Rotary International Women and polio that are not being reached; we need to understand why Why it’s important to consider we’re not reaching them. Gender plays a huge role in gender at all levels of both supply of and demand for immunization. Who is eradication work providing the immunization — a man or a woman? Who is the decision-maker — mom or dad? And how do the by Heather Monnet, External relations officer and immunizer and the decision-maker work together? gender focal point for polio eradication, World What are the key points in the gender strategy you Health Organization helped develop for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative How do issues surrounding gender create barriers to (GPEI)? polio eradication?  The polio program has typically engaged women as Our ultimate objective is to reach every last child with a frontline health workers because in some cultures, polio vaccine. The role of the mother and father in mothers are more likely to open the door to a female reaching those children is very important, and we must vaccinator. But women should not just be part of the understand the dynamics between them in order to delivery of the program. They should also be part of its achieve our goal. For example, a mother may want to design; they should be supervisors and team leads, and have her child vaccinated, but that would require her to hold positions at the district level to make sure we are spend a day walking to a health center or market — meeting the needs of communities. We also need to and she might not be able to do that unless she gets understand why we have trouble retaining female vacci- permission from her husband. Or if her child falls ill and nators. We want them to keep working with us. experiences paralysis in the arm or leg, the mother We must look at our data in a way that allows us to un- might have to seek permission from her husband to derstand the program better and to see where there take the child to the health center. There could be a may be gaps. Collecting and analyzing sex- delay of several days that would affect our ability to disaggregated data will help us to understand if gender- take stool samples and determine whether that child related barriers are preventing us from reaching zero- has polio or not. dose children — children who have not received any Do more boys than girls receive vaccines? vaccines — and to refine the way we plan campaigns in On a global level, there is very little discrepancy be- those countries. tween reaching boys and girls. You also see a more or The GPEI’s new strategy places a huge focus on com- less equal distribution of cases of polio between boys munity engagement. We’re looking at the supply and and girls. But the global statistics can mask disparities demand sides in communities. How do we create a de- at the local level. We know that we have communities mand that ensures that parents want to take their chil- dren to be immunized? We need to make sure that the offered immunization services are acceptable to par- ents. Besides gender, are there strategies that focus on other types of diversity? We’re also looking at engaging people with disabilities. And gender also covers economic status: A lot of gen- der disparities are much more pronounced at different economic levels as well as in different ethnic and age groups. For example, the decision-making power of women in developing countries who are not educated is more limited, which will impact their ability to make health care decisions for the family. All of those things interact. In the last mile of eradication, we need to leave no stone unturned to understand which children we are missing and why. Looking at gender is one more way to make sure that we’re reaching all children. Fathers have just as much of a role to play as mothers. How do we over- come barriers, so that men are engaged in the decision- making process and so that they allow their children to be immunized? Rotary is so well-positioned to be a lead on gender. It isn’t a women’s issue — it’s everybody’s issue.

DG Newsletter December Edition 13 News from Rotary International \"The Language of Hope\" The experts spoke……and Rotary To me, that’s irrelevant because the need is there.\" Far- listened Illustrations by Viktor Miller Gausa row’s story, along with the others’, captured a moment in time. In some instances, events that since transpired The distinguished history of the Rotary Conversation, con- have passed those moments by. But the march of time ducted over the past dozen years with notable figures such has not diminished the value of the stories. Consider as Nobel laureates, MacArthur \"geniuses,\" renowned scien- Desmond Tutu, another polio survivor, as he contem- tists, and influential world leaders — including a former plated the change in the political landscape between president of the United States and a secretary-general of the 1989 and 2009. \"We imagined that when the Cold War United Nations — begins with a succession of breathy whoo- ended, everything would be hunky-dory; it would be a whoo-whoos and the loud, ear-piercing shriek of a wild wonderful world,\" Tutu said. \"It didn’t turn out that way, chimpanzee. Did I mention the setting was not Tanzania but because suddenly we were disoriented. The Cold War Toronto? That sound, explained the beloved primatologist gave people their bearings. We were defining ourselves Jane Goodall — who had emitted the cry for the benefit of in relation to our opponents. … We were united because Warren Kalbacker, the journalist who conducted that first we had this one enemy. Then the enemy disappears, and interview for The Rotarian — is made by chimps \"when it gets very, very difficult.\" Twelve years later, we inhabit they’re going off to have fun.\" And so, with the chimps, we a different world, yet Tutu’s perspective could benefit were off. In the 37 Rotary Conversations that followed — not only the historian but anyone at any time who’s the most recent, in our November 2021 issue, with Africa’s casting a cold eye on the years that lie ahead. In that climate crusader Vanessa Nakate — there were indeed occa- sense, his conversation captures the best of what the sions of, if not outright fun, welcome amusement. Rotary Conversations have offered: a dispassionate, so- ber, and thoughtful appraisal of the present that’s Recently, as I reread (alphabetically rather than chronologi- grounded in a deep understanding of the past, while also cally) each of those conversations, I encountered the very anticipating, with a mixture of wisdom, expertise, presci- charming Itzhak Perlman. The violinist, who made his Carne- ence, and hope, the future. In fact, hope was perhaps gie Hall debut at 17, groused that \"being described as a the sentiment most commonly invoked by these forward prodigy is all bad,\" bemoaned that \"classical musicians do -looking conversationalists. In that, they knew their audi- not improvise like jazz people,\" described klezmer as \"Jewish ence well, for members of Rotary are, among so soul music,\" and concluded the conversation by insisting many other things, people of hope. That may be one that \"the violin and the fiddle are the same. Really.\" See the reason the magazine was able to assemble such an im- full roster of conversationalists, as well as the people who pressive roster of conversationalists. These people knew interviewed them, at the end of this article. More often, Rotary, and they knew what its members had accom- though, there were moments of high drama. The actor and plished — and what they could, and aspired to, accom- former UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Mia Farrow — who, plish. In many instances, they not only knew about Rota- like Perlman, is a polio survivor — provided a chilling ac- ry, but they were engaged with it. When the magazine count of a visit to a war-torn region of Sudan. \"Gunfire and spoke with Goodall and Farrow, each was preparing to the braying of donkeys is the music of the night,\" she said. address a Rotary Convention. Tutu was on tap to speak at a Rotary World Peace \"Shots make different sounds depending on whether they hit something. Nobody is safe in the Darfur region and along Symposium, and Perlman was tuning up to play with the the Chad border. If you’re looking to be safe, don’t go there. New York Philharmonic at the Lincoln Center for the Per- forming Arts in New York City at the Concert to End Po- lio, with all proceeds going to Rotary. After reading all 38 of the Conversations, I reviewed my notes, and that’s when I made a remarkable discovery: The men and women who spoke with the magazine had not only en- gaged readers but, in an odd way, had managed to speak with one another on a variety of topics: polio, peace, and Rotary itself, to name a few. So much so, in fact, that it made sense that any recap of the Conversations should be arranged not by individuals but by topics, the better to capture that sense of a 12- year dialogue. While the 38 speakers are an impressive group, what they had to say — their ongoing conversa- tion — is far more important. — GEOFFREY JOHNSON

DG Newsletter December Edition 14 News from Rotary International: Leave no girl behind In his address to the Rotary International Convention in a key role in supporting clubs and districts in their regions, June 2021, Shekhar Mehta urged Rotary members to and in building enthusiasm for participation. They provide put improving girls’ futures at the forefront of their work. guidance on developing projects, connect club members “It is important that we empower girls,” said Mehta, who and leaders with resources and information to help them was shortly to take office as the 2021-22 Rotary presi- to implement projects that empower girls, and provide dent, “as we all find that more often than not, the girl is ongoing encouragement.” disadvantaged. We will serve all children, but our laser The ambassadors are a very enthusiastic and committed focus will be specially on the girl.” group of Rotary leaders,” Usovicz says. “They play a key role in supporting clubs and districts in their regions, and in building enthusiasm for participation. They provide guidance on developing projects, connect club members and leaders with resources and information to help them to implement projects that empower girls, and provide ongoing encouragement.” Annemarie Mostert is one such ambassador. A member of the E-Club of Southern Africa D9400, Mostert is also a member of The Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisers. “Educated women are more likely to have great- er decision-making power within their households,” Mostert wrote in a piece for the regional magazine Rotary Africa-South in August. “Let’s encourage our girls to be smart, to study science and mathematics, to have a posi- tive body image, to step into leadership positions. As peo- ple of action, we will be helping communities to break the cycle of poverty. By helping girls access quality education, we ensure economic independence, food security, resili- Mehta made empowering girls one of his presidential ence, environmental sustainability, and a better world for initiatives, and his focus is particularly timely. Women all.” continue to face economic hurdles, declining levels of It’s especially important, she noted, for clubs to share the political participation, and challenges in the workplace, work they are doing. Clubs can tell the stories of their pro- according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gen- jects that focus on empowering girls by posting them to der Gap Report 2021. And the COVID-19 pandemic is Rotary Showcase using the tag “EmpoweringGirls2021” among the factors that have extended the amount of and by sharing them on social media. time that experts estimate it will take to close the gen- “Our call to action is to leave no girl behind,” Mostert der gap from an already daunting 99.5 years to 135.6 wrote. “Every Rotary and Rotaract club should implement years. at least one Empowering Girls activity this year. Set up a “Especially for girls, creating opportunities that en- global grant by focusing on health, education, or econom- hance their education, safety, health, and well-being ic independence. Partner with a Rotary Action Group, has the power to transform their futures — and also to share best practices, collaborate with other clubs and civil transform their families and communities,” says Eliza- society.” beth Usovicz, a member of the RI Board of Directors. Young people in Rotary are already taking the lead on this “Rotary members worldwide can make a difference in initiative in their countries. “Growing up, I always knew I transforming communities by empowering girls.” wanted to work on girls’ empowerment and the rights of Usovicz is also the chair of the Empowering Girls Task women,” says Sofía Brega, a member of the Rotaract Force, which was established as part of Mehta’s initia- Club of Juárez Centro, Mexico. “I wanted to be an activist tive. And within zones and regions, Rotary has desig- for women’s rights.” Working with the UN Foundation’s nated Empowering Girls ambassadors who can provide Girl Up initiative, which aims to unleash the power of resources for districts and clubs and suggest ways to young girls to bring about social change, Brega founded a incorporate support for girls into existing projects or club in Ciudad Juárez called Girl Up Fronterizas. make it the basis for new ones. “The Empowering Girls initiative is a club- and district- level service opportunity,” Usovicz notes. “The primary role of the task force is to develop a framework and There is no shortage of need, and the impact of even simple resources that enhance the ability of Rotary and Rota- projects can be significant when the power of Rotary is focused ract club members and leaders, as well as district lead- ers, to participate in and promote service projects that on empowering girls. focus on the health, education, safety, well-being, and Elizabeth Usovicz economic development of the girls of our world.” RI director The task force members will also ensure that the RI directors and the new Empowering Girls ambassadors are kept informed, advocate for and monitor global en- gagement with the initiative and the impact of related projects, and make certain that Rotary members world- wide are aware of the initiative and understand how to participate. “The ambassadors are a very enthusiastic and commit- ted group of Rotary leaders,” Usovicz says. “They play

DG Newsletter December Edition 15 District Governor Ashot Karapetyan’s visit to Cyprus DG visit to Karaiskakio Foundation

DG Newsletter December Edition 16 ICC Jordan - Turkey official ceremony: Sunday the 28th of November 2021, The official ceremony of signing the ICC Jordan / Turkey Agreement took place through the online virtual method, with the attendance of more than 40 Ro- tarians from different countries, like Armenia, France, Turkey, Britain, Jordan and many more. DG Ashot Karapetyan and Director Katerina Kostali- Papademitriou from Rotary International, en- couraged and congratulated both countries on the agreement, also District ICC Chair Michel Da- vodian and President of International Executive Committee of inter-country Committees Cyril Noirtin, PDG Canan Ersoz ICC Turkey National Coordinator and DDG of Jordan Farid Musharbash emphasized about the importance of the ICC agreement between countries to spread peace and strengthen fellowship. The ceremony lasted for one hour and included a presentation about Jordan and Turkey, signing of the agreement by PP Rana Rizkallah ICC Jordan and PDG Canan Ersoz ICC Turkey National Co- ordinator, speeches from both sides the Jordanian and Turkish showing the appreciation and re- spect to this great accomplishment, and looking forward for a fruitful relationship.

DG Newsletter December Edition 17 Other News Dear Fellow Rotarians from UAE Rotary Clubs, Congratu- lations for the United Arab Emirates’ 50th National day. UAE is a land of rich tradi- tions, where nothing is im- possible. We hope that this golden jubilee brings many more opportunities for UAE Rotary Clubs and fellow Ro- tarians to keep up the great work. Dear Bahraini Rotarian friends, Happy Bahrain National Day! Your achievements continue to impress – and change – our world. Zoom webinar with RIPN 2023/2024 Rotary: The Power of Goodness Video Competition

DG Newsletter December Edition 18 RIP Shekhar Mehta’s visit to Bahrain

DG Newsletter December Edition 19 DG visits to Armenian clubs

DG Newsletter December Edition 20 D2452 and Zone 21 Online

DG Newsletter December Edition 21 D2452 and Zone 21 Online

DG Newsletter December Edition 22 District 2452 Clubs’ News Rotary Club of Gyumri is recognised by Rotary International as the District 2452 Number one Club of District 2452 by contributions to Rota- ry Foundation. Congratulations, well done.

DG Newsletter December Edition 23 Installation of Peace Poles in Armenia & Georgia

DG Newsletter December Edition 24 District 2452 Clubs’ News Rotary Clubof Tyre Europa Rotary ClubBeirut Cedars Duringthe visit of governorof theRotaryregion2452,Ashot DhourShweirPublicSecondarySchoolisthefourth schoolsupport- Karapetyan,in cooperation with the Rotarycommittee, to the ed byRotaryClub Beirut Cedars. Tyreprison,adrinking waterfiltration project wasinaugurated in thepresenceof Rotarycommitteerepresentatives, Thisschoolisrecognizedfor beingaMicrosoft pilot school since2011andadoptsmodern learningenvironment. Beit Rotary club Tyreheaded by Dr.HazemAl-Khalil, aswell as oneofthe veryfewpublic schoolsopen todayto its stu- different Rotary club members and the municipality of Tyre dents,and sincethe schoolisfree, thedifficult current eco- personnel. nomicsituation facingLebanondoesnot allowthesupplyof studentswith basicstationery. Aftertouring the old city andarcheological citesof Tyre,the governerandthedelegationheadedto Qanawherethe first Rotary ClubBeirut Cedarsdecided to support this need presented stop wasthe govermentalhospital. Inthepresenceofthe head by our member PPPhilip Skaff,in collaboration with out twin ofthe hospital,medicalequipment wereprovided. They Rotary ClubPointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupeand theirdonation of USD.5000; we were able to supply the school with 200stationery sets,45Casioscientific calculators,30boxesof A4paper, along with N95COVIDmaskson 29October 2021. WethankSKAFFs.a.l.for offeringthecarto delivertheitemsto DhourShweir. Thedistribution wasdone inside the classrooms of the school by Rotarians, RCBeirut Cedarspresident RonaldFarra, Incoming President and ClubSecretary Mike Haroun, PastPresident Rima Khalaf,YoungGeneration Committee Chair JeanMarc Adaimy,and PR& MediaChairJanaKaram,wasalsopresent8membersfrom theRotaractClubBeirutCedars. DhourShweirSecondaryPublic SchoolprincipalMrs.SabahMoujaesthankedRotaryfor thismuch droppedbythehistoricalcaveofQanaandthetombsof Qana's massacremartyrs. Theirlast station wasLesAteliers deTyrin Abbasiyawhere they werebriefed on thesections of theheritagevillage.A luncheonin honorof thegovernorand thedelegation wasset afterwards wherepictures of acommemorativeshield of appreciation werepresentedto theformer. . neededdonation. It istonote that this schoolstillneedsalot ofsupport,astheyneed fuel for electricityand heating,andanadditional 50 Microsoftlap- topsforits studentsto allowthem to followcoursesfrom home

DG Newsletter December Edition 25 District 2452 Clubs’ News Rotary ClubBeirut Cedars communities and states. Wethank eachandeverypersonwhodonatedto this project, It all started with amotherscreaming:“I can’t find infant milk all our friends aroundtheworld working on supporting this to feedmychild”;then pricesubsidyon infantmilk was lifted causeand answering our call. andthetin pricebecamealmost 35%ofaman’ssalary, with Manyplatforms areopen for donations, mainlyhttps:// insufficient stockin thecountry. www.gofundme.com/f/baby-formula-for-lebanon Youcanalso reachusbyemailto acquiremoreinformation In August2021,ourRotaryClubBeirut Cedarslaunchedawide [email protected] appealto its friends in the world to support uswith infant and Rotary club of Adliya and BahrainRotaract hosted 'Yogaon the babymilk. Beach', a ladies only event for Rotarians, spouses,and friends aimed at raising awareness for polio vaccination and eradication Wethank all those who answered and supported us, we thank efforts therebyurging the community to help endthis paralyzing RotarianWassimJarrahfrom Rotary ClubNewmarket, Toronto, disease. TheEvent wasregistered with RIto record andshare Canada (District 7070) who in collaboration with Lebanon RotaryBahrain'sparticipation on-World Polio Dayand show the strong – Canada launched a GoFundMe campaign. Funds world howmany of Rotary's 35,000+Rotary,Rotaract, and Interact raised allowed the purchaseand shipping of a 20 feet container clubs are taking action to #EndPolio. of infant milk to Lebanon. 17,284 tins of Honilac Standard and Gold, stages 1, 2 and 3 from DANAEUROPEOü with a value of Rotary Clubof Aley $136,850 reached Lebanon on 28 October 2021, cleared with the help of ELCTransport, Mr. Elie Kachouh and Mr. Jalal Obeid ForWorld Polio Day,TheRotary club of Aley,Rotary club Tyr and the Lebanese ArmyForces. Europaand other clubs in Lebanon,havecollaborated for a pleasant excursion: ahike in the woodsofBayssour,ayogasession, Themilk wasdistributed between AMELAssociation,Libaldati, visit afactoryof thePasta(DelLibano),visit to theJamilMalaeb theLebanesearmyand27RotaryClubswhoensured the milk galleryandfinallyto theHeritageresort,SoukI Gharb willreach alltheLebaneseterritoryandwill bedeliveredto needy families viareputableNGOs. Thedelivery wasdoneon Friday5 November2021, underthe patronageof RotaryClubBeirut Cedars,representedbyits president RonaldFarraand anumberof club members,andthe Associationof LebaneseRotaryClubsrepresentedbyit president JoeKanaanand a number of the associationmemberstoo at FarraDesignCenter,and in the presenceof the Canadian ambassadorto Lebanon,H.E.Mrs. ChantalChastenayand representatives oftheCanadiandonors Mrs. Imane Traboulsi, president of MIDALand representing LebanonStrong, Canada; Mr. Ibrahim Jarrahpresident of Li-Baldatiand representing Canadian Rotarian Wassim Jarrah; AMEL Association represented byits directorDr.ZeinaMehanna. Speechesweredelivered byeachfocusingontheimportanceof humanitarian support between

Cyprus DG Newsletter December Edition 26 On Saturday the 13th of November 2021 at Sun Hall Hotel, Larnaca, the ceremony for the Rotary Clubof Amman Jordan River launching of the new Interact Club of Larnaca, sponsored by Rotary Club of Larnaca, took place. Rotaryclubof AmmanJordanRiverand aspart of oneof its The new club already has started its activities in current projects; theRotaryChamberEnsembleOrchestra the past few months. Present were Rotarians joinedhandswith its youth for anoutstandingevent. from Rotary Club of Larnaca and Rotary Club Larnaca - Kition, as well as District 2452 Governor, Ashot Karapetyan, Deputy District Governor for Cyprus, Peter Ashdjian, and Country Interact Chair for Cyprus, Lygia Patsia Vayianou. OnFriday19th of November2021,theRotaract Clubof AmmanJordanRiver,organizedafundraiser which is amusical concertcalled“Music for Charity”with the sponsorshipof JordanKuwaitBank,andthe localcommunity. Avariety of musicalgroups participated, from the local The three saluted the effort of Larnaca community, the National Music Conservatory’s student youngsters. There was a presentation of Orchestra,TombaoBand,local talents, andthe Rotary members and board, as well as the first club ChamberEnsembletoo which containsanumberof President, Nicholas Thoma. The club has already Rotaractors fromdifferent clubsandtalents from thelocal started service projects, with the first being the community. clean-up of the Equal Opportunities Park in Larnaca and they have scheduled many others Thebenefits of theconcert will support theclub’swinter act with the target being to Serve Above Self. The project andwiserecyclingproject which isan environmental event was published in ‘Phileleftheros’ the paper projectthat aimsto increasetherecyclingofplasticandcarton. with the highest circulation in Cyprus and the Scala Times Newspaper.

DG Newsletter December Edition 27 Each year, Rotary Districts hold a District Conference for Rotarians so they can learn about what’s happening in Rotary and their district and meet other Rotarians from their area and the world. In May 2022 the annual District Conference will be organized in Armenia and will last 3 days. The Rotary representatives from Bahrain, Cyprus, Georgia, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Sudan, UAE and perhaps from all parts of the globe will arrive with their spouses, partners and or guests to Armenia to take part in the conference and entertainment programs. Register Now

DG Newsletter December Edition 28 MISSION CONTROL: “Activate Launch Sequence” 2022 Rotary International Convention in Houston has been cleared for takeoff 4-8, June. We invite you and your organization to join nearly 30,000 global attendees to build awareness and generate leads at the live event in Houston. With a wide range of sponsorship possibilities, both onsite and virtual, our hope is that you join us next

DG Newsletter December Edition 29 Seasonal congratulations from DG Ashot Karapetyan and his wife Emma Karapetyan

DG Newsletter December Edition 30 We sincerely congratulate below mentioned clubs with their Charter Days. Go ahead, go stronger. Tripoli Maarad December 11 Yerevan-Ararat December 15 Nicosia Nefothea December 15 Beirut Metropolitan December 22 Tripoli Cosmopolis December 23 Gyumri December 29

DG Newsletter December Edition 31 Editor’s Call Do you want your insights/learning materials/ story to be highlight- ed on the District Newsletter? Send it to us ! Email: [email protected]