DG Newsletter Article for September 2019
Happy September to everyone! August was my first full month of club visits. We have a diverse group of clubs in District 5930 and I’ve enjoyed all the visits. The Rotarians have been welcoming and eager to hear what is going on in the larger Rotary world. And thanks to all the assistant governors who have made arrangements for each visit. During the visits I’ve been telling my Rotary story with the hope that those who hear it will be inspired to think about and tell their story. To motivate others to join and “Grow Rotary” we must tell our stories, which are as varied as the Rotarians that tell them.
As I have said during most of my visits the new club bylaws and constitution as changed by the most recent Council on Legislation will soon be posted in the Tool Box on the District website. As promised they are now there. So you can download them and either adopt them as your new bylaws or revise your current bylaws to reflect the changes. All clubs should abide by the new Rotary International constitution.
The sold out Rotary Leadership Institute Session 3 was held on August 17. So we now have our first in District RLI graduating class. Next step is facilitator training which will be held on October 3. You can only take the facilitator class if you have completed all three RLI sessions. Once we do the facilitator training we will be able to do more RLI classes to keep the momentum going.
We will offer RLI Session 1, starting another class in motion, at the 4 in 1 (Membership, Foundation, Public Image, and Leadership) seminars in Kingsville on September 21. Whether or not you are attending RLI please plan to attend the 4 in 1 seminars. You will learn more about Rotary and also get a chance to network with old and new Rotary friends from around the District. Registration is now open on the District website at www.rotary5930.org. You should only register for RLI OR the 4 in 1 but not both. Also I want to remind you that qualification for the District Rooted in Service Award hinges on your club sending at least 5% of your members to the 4 in 1 or 15% if you want to be an exemplary club. See you in Kingsville!
Also coming in September we are going to “Connect the World” with a multi-district Project Fair at the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art on Saturday September 7. This is a joint project of District 4130 across the border in Mexico and our own District 5930 led by the Brownsville Sunrise Rotary Club. It will be a full day of learning about projects from both countries. Rotary International Director Larry Dimmit will be our special visitor and luncheon keynote speaker. More information and a link to register is currently on the District website. Or you can just go to www.rotarybidistrict.com to register now.
September is focused on Basic Education and Literacy. As I’m sure you know the kids are now back in school so it makes sense that this month is focused on education. In our Rotary District we do a lot to help deserving kids be equipped to learn. The McAllen area just finished its Caritas backpack and shoe giveaway to hundreds of kids in the Valley. Many other clubs had backpack projects where they gave away backpacks filled with school supplies to deserving students. And Tom Plumb of the Port Isabel club is down in Honduras building schools in impoverished villages. Another example of Rotary Connecting the World.
There is lots going on in Rotary throughout the District.
Please get involved at whatever level you feel comfortable. Join the People of Action and continue to be Rooted in Service!