ROTARY INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 6860

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL

Governor's

Monthly

Newsletter

THE ROTARY INTERNATIONAL THEME 2003-2004

Don Hadden

Governor

District 6860

www.rotary6860.org Editor - Linda J. Hooton July 2003 Newsletter

From the
Governor

Well, here we go! Get on board and let's “LEND A HAND.” Last year was terrific. Much was accomplished through the outstanding leadership of PDG Bo Porter, our Past Club Presidents, and their teams. Now the baton has been passed to you and to me, the club and district leaders for 2003-2004. I am very proud to be serving you as your Governor this year and thank you for the opportunity to do so.

When you read this letter, we will all have had our change of guard. Governor Bo and I have exchanged pins, and you will have inducted your club officers. You will have completed your "Planning Guide for Effective Rotary Clubs" and sent it to your AG and me. (If you haven't, don't despair. It's not too late, but please send it soon.)

The July Rotarian magazine has on the cover a picture of the lovely Ade and the handsome Jonathan in their Nigerian traditional garb. Jonathan especially needs each of us to keep him in our hearts and prayers since, sadly, Ade died just before the magazine went to press. I believe that she would say to us that if we want to honor her, we should do so by honoring Jonathan. How, you ask, do we honor Jon? Well, he has asked us all to “Lend a Hand.” He asks that we lend a hand in our clubs, in our vocations, in our communities, and in the world. He knows that most of us have been doing just that, but he wants us all to pitch in. Let's do it. Let's “Lend a Hand.”

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WHAT'S INSIDE

From the Governor

Harvests Reaped

By Bo Porter, Past District Governor

Rotary International Convention

By Carol Argo, Rotary Club of Shades Valley

RI Convention Pictures

Polio Eradication Celebration

By Scott Stone, District Governor-Elect

Jump Start Your Club Rotary Year With a Literacy & Education Project

By Ty Robin, Past District Governor

June Membership & Attendance

Attendance Winners

Events & Deadlines

District 6860 Network

The Four-Way Test

of the things we think, say and 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?

Harvests Reaped

By Bo Porter, Past District Governor

Wow! What a great time in the Rotary year! Transition from one year to the next. Movement from a set of dreams, actions and accomplishments to a new set of dreams with new blueprints and new action plans. A time of celebrating goals reached while eagerly hoping and anticipating the future!

This past year began with a wonderful visit to our District by President Bhichai Rattakul. President Bhichai challenged us to set goals from the bottom up and to develop appropriate plans to assure the achievement of those goals. He inspired us with his personal testimony of how he moved from being a “Member of Rotary” to that of being a “Rotarian” due to one Rotary project, one determined President, and a boy in need of “attention and love.” He reminded us of the needs of those around us, both, locally and throughout the world. He shared with us the value of “Sowing the Seeds of Love” through Rotary involvement.

We were challenged to grow Rotary through a carefully planned and reasonable approach to membership. Each club, again, was asked to set appropriate goals reflecting their individual circumstances. Collectively, the District goal became 120 net new members. Many of you met and well exceeded your club goals. Congratulations!!! For many reasons, others did not reach their goals. The District grew approximately 45 net new members. A good growth but less than the goal.

We recognized that the achievement of goals in the Polio Eradication Fundraising Campaign should not come at the expense of the support of the Annual Giving Fund. A dedicated team, led by Johnnie Aycock, Rotary Club of Tuscaloosa, was put in place to raise the Polio dollars and the dynamic duo of Ron Layne, Rotary Club of Birmingham East and Jane Schmalz, Rotary Club of Shades Valley, were charged with raising the AGF dollars. The AGF goal was set at $235,000 and the PEFRC goal was set at $400,000. At our recent Celebration dinner we were pleased to see that a total $648,025 was raised for the PEFC while the AGF contributions topped $260,000. Great job all!!!! Thank you for your generosity!! An especial thank you on behalf of the children of the world who will, now, never have Poliomyelitis and all the other recipients of The Rotary Foundation funding who will benefit from your kindness.

Each year it seems that the GSE is the best ever and this year was certainly no exception. The team we sent to District 9820 in Australia was absolutely outstanding. Led by Greg Jeanne, Rotary Club of Vestavia Hills, this team truly carried the ideals of Rotary “down under” and represented us well. The team we received in turn captured the hearts of all in the District fortunate enough to get to spend time with them. Thank you to Chairman Tom Cleveland, Rotary Club of Birmingham, for all of his hard work and that of his terrific committee in assuring the success of this exchange!

New Interact clubs in Tuscaloosa, Pell City, Gardendale, along with a new Rotaract club at Jacksonville State University assured the continued growth of Rotary-based programs for youth in our District. Several other clubs began their formation efforts during the year; however, the above are the ones who received charters. RYLA in the District continues to grow in participation. Kudos to Chairman Jerry Bynum, Rotary Club of Alex City, and his committee for a job well done. Thank you to each club who sent a teen to this program.

We ended the year with what I thought was an excellent District Conference. Our R.I. President’s representative was Dr. Harry Macey, Rotary Club of Temple, Texas. He and his partner, Mary Ann, brought with them a great knowledge and commitment to Rotary. They immediately fit into the District and became lasting friends to many of you!!! The session dealing with Ethics and Rotarians led by Frank Deaver, Rotary Club of Tuscaloosa, with the assistance of Bill Hull, Rotary Club of Birmingham and Dale Wallace, Rotary Club of Shades Valley, set the tone for excellence. The Foundation Luncheon, co-chaired by Tom Cleveland and Sam Albritton, both of the Rotary Club of Birmingham, featured several of our Foundation Alumni, with the primary address delivered by Dr. Eric Motley, who currently serves in the White House staff of President Bush, likewise shone with excellence. You who were in attendance were, I know, filled with a great sense of satisfaction as to how your TRF contributions have been utilized. If you were not there, just suffice it to say, you missed a fantastic presentation by an outstanding individual who truly appreciates the impact of Rotarians and the Ambassadorial Scholarship program. As a final reflection of this conference, please visualize Rotarians, spouses and others (and I don't mean just the kids) standing in chairs, singing along, clapping, cheering and just plain having fun to the music and shenanigans of the Alabama Blues Brothers. We had a good time!!!!!!!

Thank you, District 6860 Rotarians, for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your District Governor. As I said in every speech I made this year, I feel like I am probably the luckiest DG in the Rotary world because I am in District 6860 with its tradition of leadership and involvement. While each of you is much more deserving, you have allowed me the opportunity. Barbara and I gratefully appreciate each of you and look forward to many more years of working by your side in furthering the ideals we all cherish. While the theme has changed, the basic and underlying philosophy of "Sow the Seeds of Love" will never change. When all else fails love seems to triumph. Every seed will not flourish or take root but when enough seeds are sown gains are made and eventually harvests are reaped. Please continue to Sow the Seeds of Love!

Lastly, now is the time to dedicate your commitment and efforts for support of the new year and the programs of DG Don Hadden and President Jonathan Majiyagbe. As we continue to “Sow” let us now choose to “Lend A Hand.” Don has worked extremely hard to prepare for the coming year. You can rest assured that he is “ready” and with your support and commitment to action this District can have the very best year in its history. Set your goals, develop your plan, work your plan, and give every Rotarian the opportunity to “Lend A Hand.” Support of Don and Joyce, the District, your club, RI, and TRF is in your hands. Don't miss out.

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Rotary International Convention

By Carol Argo, Rotary Club of Shades Valley

On the opening day of the 94^th annual R.I. Convention, more than 15,000 Rotarians from 113 countries joined together to Sow the Seeds of Love in Brisbane, Australia. In his opening keynote address, R.I. President Bhichai Rattakul encouraged attendees to Sow the Seeds of Love worldwide. He reminded us that when we reach across borders and oceans to collaborate on international service projects, we show the world what is possible if we only listen to each other with open hearts and open minds.

The highlight of the convention for me was having the honor of seconding the nomination for the election of Glenn Estess as R.I. President for 2004-2005. Rotarians from District 6860 watched with great pride as Glenn and Mary walked onto the stage. Glenn thanked Mary, his wife, who has been so supportive of his activities with Rotary and he recognized Past RI Presidents Frank Spain and Roy Hickman for whetting his desire to learn more about Rotary.

In the Rotary tradition of passing the torch from the outgoing R.I. President to the incoming President, members of the Rotary Club of Dhonburi, Bangkok, Thailand presented a banner to the Rotary Club of Kano, Nigeria, home club of Jonathan Majiyagbe. I hope that we will have a large group of Shades Valley Rotarians in Osaka when the banner is presented to us next year.

Incoming President Jonathan addressed Rotarians on the importance of fostering a family atmosphere with clubs and challenged us with his theme to “Lend a Hand.” He said that when we “Lend a Hand,” we work together and celebrate our shared humanity. In this way, one hand can become many and there is no limit to what the helping hands of Rotary can accomplish.

His goals for the upcoming year are stated eloquently:

We will Lend a Hand to alleviate abject poverty

We will Lend a Hand to educate the illiterate

We will Lend a Hand to relieve the scourge of disease, and We will Lend a Hand of fellowship to all of the family of Rotary, uniting Rotarians around the globe, as together we bring the Rotary ideals of peace and tolerance to a troubled world.

And so, during the next year we will strive to meet the goals outlined by President Majiyagbe through the four avenues of service. The challenge has been offered, and I know that members of the Rotary Club throughout District 6860 are eager to meet the challenge. I encourage each and every Rotarian to be actively involved as we “Lend a Hand” within the club, in the Alabama community and around the world.

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District 6860 Celebrates the Election of Glenn Estess as the 2004-05 Rotary International President at the 2003 International Convention in Brisbane, Australia

2004 Rotary International Convention

Osaka, Japan

May 23—26, 2004

Begin planning now to attend the 2004 International Convention in Osaka, Japan. Our very own Glenn Estess will be recognized as the third International President from District 6860. He joins the ranks of the late Frank Spain, 1951-52 RI President, and the late Roy Hickman, 1973-74 RI President.

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Polio Eradication Celebration

By Scott Stone, District Governor-Elect

District 6860 held a dinner at the Harbert Center in Birmingham on Tuesday evening, July 1st to celebrate the Polio Eradication Fundraising achievements. The special speaker was Dr. Robert Scott of Cobourg, Ontario, Canada. Dr. Scott is the International Director of the Polio Eradication Fundraising Campaign effort. A native of Edinburgh, Scotland, he is a medical doctor and a graduate of the University of Edinburgh.

There was an excellent turnout of Rotarians from clubs throughout District 6860. Past District Governor Bo Porter praised all of those who have played a role in raising funds for this worthwhile effort. Awards were presented to the ten area coordinators and other key individuals in the campaign. The Rotary Club of Birmingham was recognized for its significant individual club commitment (second highest in the Rotary world). Johnny Aycock of the Tuscaloosa Club was recognized for his role in chairing the Campaign.

Rotary International raised $98,900,000 for the Polio Eradication campaign as of June 30, 2003. District 6860 raised $468,025 for an average of $158.55 per Rotarian during this effort, which is a three-year campaign.

In 1988 there were 350,000 cases of Polio worldwide in 125 countries. In the year 2002 there were only 2000 cases in seven countries. This dramatic reduction in Polio cases is due in large part to Rotary’s efforts throughout this period.

In addition to Past District Governor Bo Porter and his wife, Barbara, among the Rotarians present were R.I. President-Elect Glenn Estess and wife, Mary, Past R.I. Director Mark Maloney and wife, Gay, and District Governor Don Hadden and wife, Joyce.

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Jump Start Your Club Rotary Year

With a Literacy & Education Project

By Ty Robin, Past District Governor

July is Literacy month for Rotary and a good time to initiate a Literacy and Education project in your club. The July Rotarian gives several examples of Literacy projects. Check out ideas for club projects and service opportunities related to literacy on Rotary’s website (www.rotary.org). Great resource materials are listed. Check out the web site at www.rotarians-online.org if your club would like to donate one or more refurbished computers in your local area and be part of a larger project.

The five major goals of the Literacy and Education Task Force for 2003-04 are:

Continue emphasis on Concentrated Language Encounter (CLE) type literacy projects.

Focus on smaller projects that can start and finish in 2003-04.

Pursue low-cost, local level projects that do not need specialized instructors or teachers.

Focus on the “marginal” populations in the communities

Emphasize the importance of the education of women and improved literacy rates among girls and women.

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June Membership & Attendance

6/30/03 Membership Attendance Percentage

Alabaster-Pelham 37 Not Reported

Albertville 80 68%

Alexander City 30 63%

Aliceville 36 79%

Anniston 122 66%

Anniston Morning 30 66%

Arab 35 81%

Athens 70 78%

Bessemer 33 73%

Birmingham 541 74%

Birmingham East 41 77%

Birmingham Sunrise 153 61%

Boaz 42 79%

Centre 45 69%

Columbiana 10 73%

Cullman 56 75%

Decatur 196 77%

Decatur Daybreak 50 90%

Eastwood 22 82%

Florence 158 63%

Fort Payne 51 74%

Gadsden 65 22%

Gardendale 41 75%

Goodwater 18 59%

Gordo 19 86%

Greater Huntsville 132 61%

Guntersville 57 72%

Haleyville 31 58%

Hartselle 33 71%

Homewood/Oxmoor 65 52%

Hoover 34 84%

Huntsville 426 49%

Inverness 42 67%

Jasper 98 42%

LaFayette 30 76%

Lawrence County 36 60%

Leeds/Moody 29 63%

Madison 37 79%

Montevallo 24 63%

Oneonta 25 43%

Oxford 23 Not Reported

Pell City 65 84%

Reform 18 71%

Roanoke 20 70%

Russellville 46 Not Reported

Scottsboro 93 76%

Shades Mountain Sunrise 32 48%

Shades Valley 178 79%

Sheffield 65 51%

Sylacauga 45 68%

Talladega 33 66%

Tarrant/Pinson Valley 27 Not Reported

Trussville/East Jefferson 33 76%

Tuscaloosa 174 54%

Tuscaloosa Morning 47 57%

Vestavia Hills 91 88%

Total 4070 68%

Attendance Winners

Small Clubs (Less than 50 members)

Gordo................................. 86%

Hoover................................ 84%

Eastwood........................... 82%

Arab.................................... 81%

Madison, Boaz, Aliceville.. 79%

Large Clubs (50 or more members)

Decatur Daybreak............ 90%

Vestavia Hills..................... 88%

Pell City............................... 84%

Shades Valley.................... 79%

Athens................................. 78%

Direct the monthly attendance report to District Secretary Bob Hicks by the 7th of each month.

Fax: (205) 655-1415

Email: bob.hicks@charter.net

The report should include the membership total at the beginning and ending of the month, number of added and dropped members, and attendance percentage.

Events & Deadlines

July 1..... RI Dues & Semiannual Report

August 12............ Rotary Foundation &            Membership Seminar (Tuscaloosa)

August 14............ Rotary Foundation &                 Membership Seminar (Decatur)

August 19............ Rotary Foundation &         Membership Seminar (Birmingham)

August 21............ Rotary Foundation & Membership Seminar (Anniston)

September 12 Fall District Leadership Meeting

January 16... Winter District Leadership Meeting

March 11-13.. PETS & District Assembly