D-2452 DG's Newsletter February 2022

District 2452 Governor’s Newsletter February Edition

District 2452 Governor’s Monthly letter Dear fellow Rotarians, This month I am starting off by wishing Rotary a happy birthday. February 23rd marks the 117th anniversary of the first Rotary meeting in Chicago. This has been quite an accomplishment growing from its original four members to a worldwide organization of 1.4 million members. The month of February is Rotary’s Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month. This focus area is significant to all of us. We can help make a difference in this way. Not only part of Rotary's vision is making an impact in the world, but to also promote lasting change. By members taking action to address the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, discrimination, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources, we can create environments of peace. How does your club help in this area? The theme of our District Conference is Rotary responds with peace. We refuse to accept conflict as a way of life. Rotary projects provide training that fosters understanding and provides communities with the skills to resolve conflicts. Through our service projects, peace fellowships, and scholarships, our members are taking action to address the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources. We are excited that PP Hussain Al Jaziri from UAE has been elected as D2452 Governor for the Rotary Year 2024-25. We look forward to working closely with him. He is a leader who lives by the values of truth, fairness, building better friendships and benefitting all concerned. In February our membership is growing significantly. We already have one new club chartered in Armenia, and two new clubs: RC of Dubai Downtown and RC of Dubai Universe are about to be chartered. On February 25-28 we will welcome Rotary International President, Shekhar Mehta, in Dubai to visit Expo 2020, to celebrate the 20 years’ anniversary of Rotary in UAE, and to charter these two new clubs. I encourage our fellow Rotarians to join UAE Rotarians for this exceptional occasion. In January I visited Jordan clubs and attended their country conference. I was pleasantly surprised, once again, how dedicated and committed our fellows in Jordan are. It’s really one big family, with members very keen to keep this harmony going on. In February we are having also Cyprus’ country assembly. I wish our Cyprus team a productive meeting. It’s time to start the preparations for the incoming year, so DTTS and PETS dates have been announced by DGE George Azar (Lebanon). Unfortunately COVID-19 Omicron variant’s spread- out , changed our plans once again and we have to hold this seminar online. Finally, I want to thank you all for your service and dedication to Rotary during these crazy times. The challenges have brought opportunities, the problems have enabled solutions and the disappointments have inspired us to become better. DG 2452 Ashot Karapetyan

RIP Shekhar Mehta’s Presidential Message At the start of the Rotary year, I challenged every club to plan and host at least one practical and action-oriented Rotary Day of Service. The event should address a challenge your community is facing that fits into one or more of Rotary’s areas of focus and should bring together volunteers from within and outside of Rotary . Rotary Days of Service can motivate Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact clubs to plan innovative and impactful projects. They can showcase your work as people of action and introduce prospective members to your club. I’ve been inspired by your response so far, and I want to share with you just one project that has captured my imagination. India is home to an estimated 74 million people with diabetes, a disease that is a leading cause of death. Furthermore, about 50 percent of those people remain undiagnosed. Rotary, together with the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India, saw the urgent need to diagnose, track, and treat people who have diabetes. Working together and with other organizations, we hosted a nationwide blood glucose testing camp on 29 September, which is World Heart Day. The camp was spread across more than 10,000 sites in India, with more than 2,000 Rotary and Rotaract clubs participating in the effort. More than 1 million blood-sugar tests were conducted in a day, an accomplishment recognized by the Asia Book of Records. But more important than breaking a record is the fact that tens of thousands of people learned that they may be living with diabetes. They can now be treated for the condition, and they also have been made aware that they should take extra measures to shield themselves from COVID-19 and scores of other diseases that are caused or worsened by diabetes. This month, on 23 February, the anniversary of Rotary, let us celebrate with more service days, showcasing Rotary’s work in our areas of focus. I look forward to hearing about your Rotary Days of Service. Please share your projects on Rotary Showcase, or browse that webpage to find inspiration and project partners. In particular, I encourage you to execute projects that focus on empowering girls, as they have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. The Empowering Girls initiative is resonating very well with members of Rotary as well as with non- Rotarians. The governments and NGOs in various countries are appreciating this meaningful effort. Let us keep focusing on it. I am also happy that the Each One, Bring One ethos is bringing fruitful results. Let us ensure that all club members introduce at least one person to Rotary, and that we then all work to engage new members and keep them in our clubs. In whatever we do, remember that we must push ourselves to grow more, do more as we Serve to Change Lives.

Trustee Char’s Message John F. Germ Trustee Chair 2021-22 I always look forward to February, the month of Rotary’s anniversary, as a time to remember our history. What began as a small gathering in a Chicago office in 1905 soon transformed into a global movement — one that you and I are a part of today. February is also Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month, when we celebrate a core Rotary concept: the pursuit of global peace and understanding. I always look forward to February, the month of Rotary’s anniversary, as a time to remember our history. What began as a small gathering in a Chicago office in 1905 soon transformed into a global movement — one that you and I are a part of today. February is also Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month, when we celebrate a core Rotary concept: the pursuit of global peace and understanding. Through our global and district grants, The Rotary Foundation is a force for peace — as are all of you who use those funds for projects. A grant that promotes literacy can lead to greater understanding and economic security in that community and beyond. This lays the foundation for peace. When communities aren’t fighting over scarce water resources, because they have a working pump system, they can instead pursue education. Promoting peace is interwoven in all that Rotary does. The work of actively building peace and understanding has been a hallmark of Rotary since its earliest days. But with the creation in 1999 of the Rotary Peace Centers we began a bold new chapter in this story. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the inaugural class of peace fellows; the innovative program continues to merge a strong, academic understanding of the roots of conflict with practical tactics for solving real-world problems. Despite the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rotary Peace Centers were able to adapt, ensuring minimal disruptions to the program. Now, students at our seven centers are resuming their normal activities. This includes young peacebuilders at our newest center at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, who are preparing to apply their new knowledge and skills in a region that’s in need of peaceful solutions. The peace center program keeps growing. Our search committee is researching potential locations in the Middle East or North Africa to establish our eighth center, with plans for its launch as soon as 2024. This is a significant step for Rotary’s efforts in global peace education, as we lay the groundwork for the next generation of fellows to pursue peacebuilding in that region. And we aren’t stopping there: Our goal is to open a Rotary Peace Center in Latin America by 2030. In the last 117 years, Rotary has grown to become a global force for good — promoting peace and understanding in all of our endeavors. The staying power of Rotary, the Foundation, and our decades-long commitment to peace are things that are worth celebrating, supporting, and sustaining for the generations that will follow us.

RI president-elect Jennifer Jones announces 2022-2023 presidential theme: 'Imagine Rotary' Rotary International President-elect Jennifer Jones wants members to imagine the possibilities in the change they can make to transform the world. Jones, a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, revealed the 2022-23 presidential theme, Imagine Rotary, as she urged people to dream big and harness their connections and the power of Rotary to turn those dreams into reality. “Imagine, a world that deserves our best,” Jones told incoming district governors on 20 January, “where we get up each day knowing that we can make a difference.” Jones, who will make history on 1 July by becoming Rotary’s first female president, gave a live online address to precede Rotary’s annual training event for district governors from around the world, the International Assembly. The assembly was rescheduled because of the COVID-19 pandemic and will now be held virtually 7-14 February. Jones told the incoming governors about a chance she took when a member asked for assistance in getting a young peace activist out of Afghanistan during the U.S. troop withdrawal last year. At first unsure how she could help, she relied on “that certain Rotary magic” and contacted a former Rotary Peace Fellow she had met a few years earlier. Less than 24 hours later, the activist was on an evacuation list, and soon she was on her way to Europe. To better engage members, Rotary needs to “adapt and retool,” Jones said, using her hometown as an example. Windsor was once the automotive hub of Canada. But after plant closings left thousands without work, the city needed to retool, in the same way an auto plant would, preparing for new parts or a new model. Now, Jones said, Windsor is a leader in agribusiness and medical and aerospace technology. For Rotary, “finding the right ‘part’ to engage each member should be our core function,” Jones said. “It comes down to the comfort and care of our members.” Engaging members is crucial to retaining members, she said, adding that we need to ask members what they want to get from Rotary and give them meaningful responsibilities. “It is our offer of hands-on service, personal growth, leadership development, and lifelong friendships that creates purpose and passion,” Jones said. Embracing change also means embracing new club models, Jones said, as she asked the incoming governors to form at least two new innovative or cause-based clubs during their term. “Let’s make sure we engage our members so they love their clubs and their Rotary experience,” she added. Jones also announced the appointment of a Rotaract member as a Rotary public image coordinator and said that she has included Rotaractors on several committees and will assign some Rotaractors as president’s representatives.

Message from Friendship Exchange Chair IPDG 2020-2021 Mazen Al Umran Bahrain … building global bonds with people who we most probably would not have even met outside the borders of Rotary and treated our “Fellows in Service like Family… It is a fact that inspired interesting projects attract more and more Rotarians. Rotarians should strive to make their projects of current and widespread interest. The question arises, “ How can we make “Inter-District Club projects and activities more appealing?” The answer is in “Friendship Exchange” programs that create bonds of communication between the Clubs in Districts in different locations around the World, enhancing the understanding of cultures and making activities more appealing, interesting and enduring. So, we are moving one step further from Fellowship only to Friendship Exchange. While we are changing the Title, the core of what matter remains, which is the exchange of good experiences, cultural awareness of the diverse cultures, all wrapped up in worthy and beneficial activities which are fun and enjoyable. Therefore, as we hold on seriously and dearly to our values and mission of serving the communities and the World beyond as best as possible, with all the resources that we can make available, we are hoping to keep in mind this new shift in paradigm. The aim of this change in term is a shift in strategy in Rotary now, aiming at integrating more “fun” meaning appealing and interesting activities thus making the experience of being a Rotarian more practical and exciting and enjoyable. Similarly, “Friendships” are usually more genuine and last longer when based on a better understanding of peoples and cultures as a result of face-to-face communication versus a fellowship that lasts as long as a certain project does only. The value of continued cooperation endures and keeps going longer. Add to this understanding we emphasize what we already know about the core of Friendship Exchange as highlighted by Rotary: Broadening International understanding, Exploring a profession or job in a different context Building enduring friendships, Establishing a foundation for peace and service, Gaining opportunities for active project involvement and support, Learning about a region’s people, food languages, customs and history, Finding partners for grants In fact, this is not new to us as Rotarians. We have always been building global bonds with people who we most probably would not have even met outside the borders of Rotary and treated our “Fellows in Service like Family”. That is the culture that has been passed onto us over the years. In conclusion, while a Term might change or get modified to adapt to the reality of what is required, the basis of all our efforts as Rotarians remain the same, “service above self”.

DGND 2024-2025 Hussain Al Jaziri Date of Birth 22 November 1953, Dubai, UAE Marital Status Married, 2 children Education: 1978 Bachelor of Law – Al Azhar University in Egypt 1981 Masteral in Law in France 1986 Diploma in Finance Public – IIAP – Paris Languages: Arabic, French, English Fluent Professional Experience: 1979 Assistant in the Faculty of Law and Islamic Legislation at University of Emirates, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates 1982 till present Advocate/ Senior Partner at Jaafar Alwan, Al Jaziri & Associates, Advocates & Legal Consultants Memberships and Associations: Board of Trustee of Dubai International Arbitration Center 2017-2019 Board Member of Senses School for Special Needs 2017-2019 President of Alliance Française in Dubai Present Honorary President of French Business Council Present Special Awards: Decorated by the Belgium Crown Prince to the Rank of Knight in Order of Leopold 2004 Decorated by the French Government Rank of Night in the National Order of Merit 2012 Rotary Roles & Responsibilities 2002 - Founding member & Honorary Secretary of the Rotary Club of Dubai, 2006 - Paul Harris Fellow 2007 - Founding member & President of Rotary Club Jumeirah – Dubai, UAE Initiator of the first Interact Club in UAE 2017 -Founding member of Association of Rotary Clubs UAE – Dubai, UAE under the Patronage of the Government of Dubai, sector for Community Development Authority 2017 – 2019 Board Member of Senses School for Special Needs, exclusive project by Rotary Club of Jumeirah where contributed for the improvement of operations. The School now has more than 110 staff and more than 100 children from 3 – 20 years old. 2019 New Club Adviser of Rotary Club of Palm 2017- 2021 President of Association of Rotary Clubs UAE– Dubai, UAE 2021 – Present Board member and advisor of Association of Rotary Clubs UAE

DGND Hussain Al Jaziri District 2452, RY 2024-2025 Dear Fellow Rotarians! On taking over the role of DGND, it is my first privilege to thank all my fellow Rotarians of District 2452 for your trust and support. My big thanks going to District Governor, Ballot Committee, District Secretary and the team for successfully conducting the election process. We are pleased that this year the procedure run so smoothly and in an amicable manner. I want to thank the alternate candidate, my dear friend PP Ali Follad for dedication and commitment, and for taking considerable courage and interest in wish to serve in the District Governor's office. I wish him all the best and good luck in his future endeavours. I felicitate our Rotarian friends not only for the fine fellowship that we shall share, but also for your strong arm that will help us to carry out our many projects to make our community, our country and the world, a better place to live in. We have all been chosen at one time or the other for membership of this very fine institution, The Rotary District 2452, because our introducers believed us to manifest those qualities of head and heart, that fit us to interpret and impart the message of Rotary. They relied upon us to carry the principles and ideals of service that they inspired, to those who shared our professional activity. The community knows and judges Rotary by our personification of it, in character and service. We were accepted as members because our introducers believed that the organization and its principles shall be safe in our keeping. We expect to inspire each other that will help us to become better Rotarians, and it is with this hope that I ask you to invest gladly and offer your right hand for the Rotary fellowship. I’m sure of bright future of Rotary in our District and particularly in my lovely home country UAE. I want to ensure you that the election of DG from Dubai will encourage my fellow UAE Rotarians to strengthen our work for humanity, to increase our impact and expand our reach. And by 2024 we will significantly boost the membership and number of Rotary clubs in UAE. In the end I would like to state that - While we are privileged to join this most prestigious World Fellowship of Rotary and make instant friends world over, we must keep in mind our obligations as Rotarians towards our Club and the community. Yours faithfully, DGND Hussain Al Jazirih [email protected] +971 50 646 4311

Nijad K. Al Atassi Rotary Public Image Coordinator Zone 21B (2020-23) Rotary International Extension Representative to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (2020-22) Be Inspired with Dedication and This is just to show that Commitment dedication and commitment With you know what and you probably are what transfer dreams know why, that in these extraordinary into realities! times, and the very real situations and Congratulations RI President instances, seldom you will find Shekhar and to your first someone who’s dedication and lady, Rashi, whose support commitment is demonstrated in a to keep up with your dreams way that touches ones’ heart to a reality! provide life-saving support and protection to people most in need. Through years of responding to various crises, the humanitarian community in the whole wide world has embraced a truly localized approach by recognizing what at-risk societies themselves can do in these challenging times and the need to have stepped up in sharing its resources and capabilities to support affected local and international communities. We shouldn’t fail to give recognition to local real-life heroes and the foreign ones who shared their commitment and dedicate themselves on the cause of doing service above self. My fellow Rotarians and humanities of the world, I would like to share this recognition to our dear Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta, in receiving this certificate of Proclamation on January 11, 2022 as Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta Day by the honorable Jason Wells, the Mayor of Wallace, North Carolina.

Nika Manukova, President of RC Yerevan Ararat, Armenia D2452 Fundraising Committee chair ROTARY CREATES ENVIRONMENTS OF PEACE Of the 70 million people displaced by armed conflict, violence or persecution, 90% are civilians. Half of those civilians are children. Unfortunately, my country knows this numbers and the situation very well. That’s millions of reasons why Rotary is so engaged in service projects, fellowships and other Rotary- sponsored campaigns in pursuit of peace in our world. As a humanitarian organization the peace is a cornerstone and fundamental of our mission. We refuse to accept conflict as a way of life. And we found our way to prevent and resolve any conflict by conducting projects: we are providing training that fosters understanding and provides communities with the skills. By carrying out service projects and supporting peace fellowships and scholarships, our members take action to address the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, discrimination, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources. Each year, Rotary awards up to 150 fully funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of our peace centers. Rotary has four roles in promoting Pease Practitioners: Our work fighting disease, providing clean water and sanitation, improving the health of mothers and children, supporting education, and growing local economies directly builds the optimal conditions for peaceful societies. Educators: Our Rotary Peace Centers have trained over 1,300 peace fellows to become effective catalysts for peace through careers in government, education, and international organizations. Mediators: Our members have negotiated humanitarian ceasefires in areas of conflict to allow polio vaccinators to reach children who are at risk. Advocates: Our members have an integral role as respected, impartial participants during peace processes and in post-conflict reconstruction. We focus on creating communities and convening groups that are connected, inclusive, and resilient As every Rotary Club, Rotary Club Yerevan Ararat has its commitment to peacebuilding today answers new challenges: how we can make the greatest possible impact and how we can achieve our vision of lasting change? We are approaching the concept of peace with greater cohesion and inclusivity, broadening the scope of what we mean by peacebuilding, and finding more ways for people to get involved. During the 2020-2022 our Club engaged more 7 members, that day-by-day work creates environments where peace can happen. Rotary Club Yerevan Ararat is actively working with Rotary Peace Fellows, that are committed to the advancement of peace, serving as leaders in a range of international, national, and local organizations. They promote national and international cooperation, peace, and the successful resolution of conflict in their lives, in their careers, and through their service activities. We believe when people work to create peace in their communities, that change can have a global effect.

FEBRUARY - World Understanding Month Posted by Irakli Maghlaperidze RC of Rustavi, Georgia D2452 Areas of Focus subcommittee coordinator The month of February is very special in the Rotary calendar since alongside with peace promotion and conflict resolution it is also World Understanding Month. On February 23, 1905, Paul Harris and his three friends realize what they were starting when they met in room 711 of the Unity Building in Chicago. We have come a long way, since then, but we still have a long way to go to achieve goodwill, peace, and understanding among all people of the world. And there is more to read....... The Board of Directors of Rotary International asks that all Rotary Clubs plan programs at your weekly meetings and take on special activities to emphasize understanding and goodwill as essential components of world peace. February is a chance for every club to pause, plan and promote our Fourth Avenue of Service – Our continued goal for goodwill, peace, and understanding among all people of the world, as we also celebrate February as Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month. World Understanding Month is a chance for every club to pause, plan and promote the Fourth Avenue of Service-Rotary’s continued quest for goodwill, peace and understanding among people of the world. What is your Club doing? Many clubs and their representatives are already participating in activities that promote world understanding through humanitarian service in support of a variety of international projects. Many clubs arrange international speakers, invite Youth Exchange students and international scholars from schools and universities to club meetings, plan programs featuring former Group Study Exchange team members, arrange discussions on global issues, present entertainment with an international cultural or artistic theme, and schedule other programs with an international emphasis. Many clubs take the opportunity to launch an international community service activity or make contact with a Rotary club in another country. It is a good month to initiate a Rotary Friendship Exchange, a new international service project or encourage support for PolioPlus and other Rotary Foundation programs. February 23 is Rotary’s 116th Birthday. That day is also called World Understanding and Peace Day. If you change nothing; nothing will change.

New ICC Committee in D2452 DG Ashot Karapetyan and District ICC Chair Michel Davoudian attended this event personally during their visit to Jordan, they encouraged and congratulated both countries on the agreement, also DG District 3011 Rtn Anup Mittal, DG District 3060 Santosh Pradhan, india section President Rajinish Mittal, ICC National Co-ordinator Deepak Talwar, President of RI Director Zone 21, 22 Katerina kotsali- Papadimitriou, DDG of Jordan Farid Musharbash. And the head of Jordan- india section PP Ibrahim Kattan emphasized about the importance of the ICC agreement to spread peace and strengthen fellowship between the two countries. The ceremony lasted for one hour and included a presentation about Jordan and india, signing of the MOU by PP Rana Rizkallah ICC Jordan and ICC National CO-ordination Deepak Talwar India, speeches from both sides took place, showing the appreciation and respect to this great accomplishment, and looking forward for a fruitful relationship.

New ICC Committee in D2452 Congratulations on the new ICC India-Lebanon which charter took place online this Monday 31th January 2022.

DG visit to Jordan Clubs In addition to the series of eye operations projects, Rotary Club of Amman Citadel and in the presence of the governor of Rotary District 2452 Ashot Karapetyan donated an eye surgery to one of our refugee brothers in need. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this charity work and to the Jordanian Eye Center for their cooperation in the success of the operation. RC AMMAN CITADEL

D2452 CLUB NEWS Jordan Rotary Country conference in Amman Rotana 2 Jordan clubs received TRF Banners RC of Amman Citadel RC of Amman Metropolitan

D2452 CLUB NEWS DG visit to Armenian Clubs RC of Yerevan 2 new projects implemented RC of Yerevan Ararat 2 new members welcomed

D2452 CLUB NEWS This is yet another glimpse of the RC Yerevan's service and not self deeds. A generous gift by the RC Bonn-Schwalm, D1810 and the IPP Dr.F.-Michael Rouwen, the donated wheelchairs and crutches went to combatants victimized during the 2020 war and the most disadvantaged in remote rural communities. This initiative is a true manifestation of partnership and fellowship between the Rotary Clubs and local community organizations. Thank you to all the parties who've made the dream of over a dozen of people with disabilities are reality. The pictures speak for themselves. These people have been dreaming about a wheelchair to be able to get out of their house. THANK YOU, Rotary! RC Vanadzor invited fellow Rotarians to Vanadzor city, Lori to integrate to their everyday life. They also prepare military performance on marital arts & visit to gallery. The evening ends up with gala dinner & dances.

D2452 CLUB NEWS On Saturday, 22 January 2022, The Rotary Club of Amman Metropolitan opened the restoration project of Al-Amal Center for Special Needs/ Madaba. Walls and ceilings were restored and repainted, the classrooms were provided with lighting and white boards, and the playroom was revamped. The Rotary Club of Salmaniya and the Rotaract Club of Bahrain jointly participated in the Winter Relief Program on the 26th and 27th of January 2022. Both clubs supplied forty heaters and forty blankets divided between four charity societies. The items will be delivered to the economically challenged families unable to keep warm during the sudden cold weather this winter. The beneficiaries were: Riffa Women Cultural Charity, Capital Charity Association, Tree of Life Charity Society, and Janusan Charity Society

D2452 CLUB NEWS Group of Club Rotarians resembling Rotary Club of Amman Capital leaded by President Mai Omaish headed north of Jordan, 85 km from Amman to city of Ajloun, where in contribution with the local society there , distributed thick and warm blankets to the less fortunate families. Ajloun city sits on a mountain 1400 meters above sea level and it is a very cold place during winter period. Smiling faces of those families received our club members with joy and harmony to find us RC Amman Capital knocking on their doors and offering those warm gifts. Rotary Amman Capital has based these contributions to different communities in Jordan during the winter seasons to give a hand, serve to make a change and draw smilies and warmth to the less fortunate. In past years we covered upper and middle villages of the Jordan Valley too.

D2452 – DUBAI EXPO



Mark your calendars - Save the date “Sun Never Sets on Rotary” Dear Rotary Family Are you ready for a full 24-hour world tour in virtual environment between 23rd - 24th February 2022 to celebrate the 117th anniversary of Rotary International and The Peace, Diversity & World Understanding day ? The “Sun Never Sets on Rotary”(SNSR) event, which is held for the second time is a round the clock cycle of meetings hosted by different Clubs and Districts in different time zones across six continents. Each country will get 60 minutes to present its Rotary and Rotaract Clubs projects. It's a great opportunity to CONNECT, INSPIRE and PARTNER with Rotarians from a country on the other side of the world. The event begins Wednesday, February 23rd at 3:45 PM GMT+2, with the event's host District 3232 (India), and ends February 24th where RI President Shekhar Mehda's home district 3291 will have the last time slot. • Armenia is slot #16, and our presentation is on February 24, at 10 am Armenia time. • Jordan’s slot will be on February, 24th from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Jordan Local Time. Please mark your calendars. All the Rotarians, their friends and the loved ones are invited to attend any section of the round a clock event. It does not really matter how long you’ll stay on line or what your preferred slot to attend would be. Just join to wish RI a very happy birthday and wish many more years of life ahead to serve above self! Zoom link is shared in the attached invitation.

News from The Rotary Foundation Rotary Foundation receives highest rating from Charity Navigator for 14th consecutive year For the 14th consecutive year, The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating — four stars — from Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of charities in the U.S. “We are honored to have been recognized and to be among the top 1% of charities evaluated,” said Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair John Germ. “Our donors can feel proud knowing that their gifts will allow them to make an impact in their communities and the world for years to come.” The rating reflects Charity Navigator's assessment of how the Foundation uses donations, sustains its programs and services, and practices good governance and openness. 24-Jan-2022 The Foundation earned the recognition for adhering to sector best practices and executing its mission in a financially efficient way, demonstrating both strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency. Only one percent of the organizations Charity Navigator evaluates have received 14 consecutive 4-star evaluations.

News from Rotary International RI International Assembly Engaging members through meaningful responsibility Rotary International President-elect Jennifer Jones wants members to imagine the possibilities in the change they can make to transform the world. To better engage members, Rotary needs to “adapt and retool,” For Rotary, “finding the right ‘part’ to engage each member should be our core function,” Jones said. “It comes down to the comfort and care of our members.” Engaging members is crucial to retaining members, she said, adding that we need to ask members what they want to get from Rotary and give them meaningful responsibilities. “It is our offer of hands-on service, personal growth, leadership development, and lifelong friendships that creates purpose and passion,” Jones said. “We have been entrusted with leadership in our great organization,” Jones said. “Now it is up to us to be brave and intentional in our actions, and let others help us lead.” Jones noted that Rotary has little time left to achieve the RI Board of Directors’ goal of having women make up 30% of Rotary’s members by 2023. Rotary has achieved this in more than 110 countries, she said, but it has a long way to go. She pointed out that Rotaract has already achieved 50% female members. To raise Rotary’s profile, Jones plans to hold a global impact tour that will include talking with leaders about working together to address the world’s most pressing challenges. “Rotary opens these doors and we need to harness our connections, to deepen these relationships and create new partnerships,” Jones said. “And the best part is, this can happen at every level of leadership.” Rotary International Presidents - current, elect and nominee. Continuity of leadership in action!

News from Rotary International Rotary Projects Around the Globe Antigua and Barbuda The pleasant climate in the Leeward Islands might delight sun-seeking vacationers, but for residents, severe drought in recent years has led to rationing and a reliance on desalinated water. To make the most of the water that is available, the Rotaract Club of Antigua embarked on a project to install 12 water harvesting tanks at an association for people with disabilities. “In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this will encourage handwashing and proper hygiene,” says past club president Ti-Anna Harris of the effort, which cost about $1,850. The club, which has 34 members, carries out an active schedule of projects. In September, members picked up trash at a local beach as part of the Save Our Shores cleanups that were carried out in conjunction with the Rotaract clubs of Mémorial des Gonaïves, Haiti, and Freetown Sunset, Sierra Leone. Other club projects include free HIV testing, professional and vocational training, a Christmas celebration, and a spelling bee. Egypt In 2019, intrigued by a pair of kestrels that were nesting across from her apartment balcony, Georgina Cole began documenting her sightings on the eBird online database. “I realized I had to learn more about all the birds around me,” says Cole, a member of the Rotary Club of Red Sea-El Gouna, which is located in a resort community on the Gulf of Suez in a region that is a stopover point for more than a million birds migrating between Europe and Africa. When a local school asked her to speak to its students, Cole created bird identification cards in English and Arabic. Encouraged by her work, which is supported by her club, the town constructed a viewing hut overlooking a wetland area. The project has expanded to educate local hoteliers about which birds can be spotted at various times of the year. “The Red Sea region thrives on tourism through marine life, with scuba diving and snorkeling,” Cole says. “Why not also birds?” Read More

Health Education & Wellness Rotary Action Group New chapter - District 2452 A Rotary Action Group is an autonomous group of Rotarians, family members, and Rotaractors who are experts in a particular field, such as health services, microcredit, or water and sanitation. Group members share their expertise by collaborating with Clubs and Districts on service projects. The goal of the Health Education and Wellness Rotary Action Group is to promote good health and wellness through healthy lifestyle choices and disease prevention. This Rotary Action Group operates in accordance with Rotary International policy but is not an agency of or controlled by Rotary International. The goal of the Health Education and Wellness Rotary Action Group is to promote good health and wellness through healthy lifestyle choices and disease prevention. The emphasis is on building awareness, promoting education, and providing information to help achieve and maintain good health and to utilize effective prevention in an integrated way. We provide support and are involved in health fairs and health education projects in many countries. Our areas of interest are Health Fairs, Oral Health, and Nutrition, TB, Autism and Cervical Cancer Prevention. Past projects include the United States, Ethiopia, Russia, Mexico, Fiji, Mongolia, China, South Africa, Myanmar, Kenya, Zambia, Argentina and Nicaragua

D2452 - ONLINE

D2452 - ONLINE

19-22 VENUES: Multi Grand Hotel Raddison Blue Hotel UPDATES on refund & Cancellation policy

Limited time only: Save on the 2022 Rotary International Convention In response to questions and concerns raised by members worldwide, we are pleased to announce that the Rotary International Board of Directors has confirmed that the 2022 Rotary International Convention will be an in-person event 4-8 June in Houston, Texas, USA. We are excited to offer a special registration rate of US$495 through 28 February. In addition, the Board has determined that all participants, including Rotary International preconvention participants, must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) OR provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival at the convention. Check convention.rotary.org for updates as we continue to determine what safety protocols are necessary, based on the current CDC recommendations for safe gatherings. Don’t delay, because this special registration offer expires 28 February. You’ll have the opportunity to cancel for a full refund, minus a $50 per person administration fee, until 30 April. Register now

We sincerely congratulate below mentioned clubs with their Charter Days. Go ahead, go stronger. RC Beyrouth February 02 RC Kesouran February 06 RC Metn February 17