Mar 9, 2015 | General News, Uncategorized
Recently, Gina Reuter from the Tiffin Rotary Club traveled to San Pedro Sula, Honduras on a seven day international mission trip. Gina was part of a team of 11 Rotarians from the Tiffin, Bryan, Swanton, Bellevue and Elyria Sunrise Rotary Clubs who traveled to San Pedro Sula to make a difference in the lives of girls in a local orphanage. Gina shares her experience in these words:
“After the initial shock of being immersed in the city with the highest per capita murder rate in the world wore off, and getting used to seeing the heavily armed guards everywhere, it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life.
We spent the week at La Casa de la Nina, a girls’ orphanage in the city. They called it an “orphanage”, but it was more of a home for girls whose parents had either abandoned them or were otherwise unable to care for them.
During our stay we made building repairs, painted, and did lots (and lots!) of clean-up work at the facility. In addition, we were able to provide each of the 14 girls with new shoes, new school uniforms and undergarments, and replenished the pantry with basic food staples. We were also able to provide them with three new computers. I think the best part though, was the interaction we were able to have with these girls throughout the week. They wanted to help us with every task and soaked up every bit of our attention. In a short time we accomplished so much, and formed a bond with them that I know none of us will ever forget. Leaving them was an emotional time for all of us.”
The trip also provided Gina, a member of the Tiffin Rotary Club since 2012, an opportunity to see how Rotarians are viewed in other parts of the world.
“The Rotarians in San Pedro Sula provided a wonderful example to me of what it means to be a Rotarian. It began immediately at the airport where nearly a dozen Rotarians were on hand to greet us and welcome us to their city. It wasn’t long before I realized what a special group this was. For the entire week they spent their personal time and resources to transport us wherever we needed to go, and made sure we were safe at all times. They invited us into their homes and treated us to great food and fellowship. No matter what we needed, that need was met with a true sense of generosity.
It also became obvious that they were highly respected members of the community, and that being a Rotarian was considered to be a great honor. They put their words into actions and I could tell they were really making a difference in their community. Getting to know them made me proud to be a Rotarian.”
A trip like this, although only seven days long, can impact a lifetime.
“It truly was an amazing experience and I learned that even though our lives here are so different, they are still the same in so many ways. We’re all human, you know? We laugh at the same things and cry about the same things, in any language. I hope to be able to look at life from another perspective from now on, with a sense of simplicity and gratitude. I encourage any Rotarian who has a similar opportunity to take it – you won’t be sorry!”
Thank you, Gina, for sharing your story. To learn more about International Service in District 6600, contact Jeremy Watson.
Feb 20, 2015 | Youth Programs
The 2014-15 STRIVE Scholarship Interviews will be held on Saturday, April 18, as part of this year’s District Conference. Specific interview times will be confirmed and updated here as applicant information is received. The deadline for receipt of completed scholarship applications is April 6, 2015. Applications must be complete in their entirety and on time in order to be considered. Please click HERE to download this year’s scholarship packet.
Local Club STRIVE Committee Chairs are asked to submit the 2014-15 STRIVE Student Participant Roster by April 6 as well. DG Engle and PDG Cole will provide certificates of appreciation for each student to be given out at each program’s end of year celebration. Please click HERE to download this year’s STRIVE Student Participant Roster.
Please return applications to STRIVE Committee Chair PDG John Cole via fax (440-775-1120), e-mail (jc1040@oberlin.net) or US Mail (13 S. Main St., Oberlin, OH 44074)
Feb 19, 2015 | General News, Training
Please join us for the First Grant Management Seminar (GMS) of 2015!
The District 6600 Grants subcommittee has developed a Grant Management Toolkit. Within this kit you will find all pertinent information on how to consider, apply, and manage a district grant. At the GMS we will be walking you step by step through the grant process as we explain this new resource.
Highlights of the GMS include but are not limited to the following:
2014-15 District Grant Report
Changes in the Grants from RI
What’s involved in doing a district grant
How do I apply – walk through the application
Rules and Regulations – The MOU and addendum
Records – why we need to keep them and why they are important!
Global grants – why we need to get involved and how we can do it
Grant deadlines for 2015-2016
Plan on breaking for lunch on your own at the resort and continuing into the early afternoon. We hope to finish by 2:30 p.m. at the latest.
IMPORTANT: In order for a club to be qualified for grants in the 2015-2016 Rotary year, AT LEAST two Rotarians from a Rotary Club must attend a GMS. We encourage you to send as many people as possible to learn about the process. FACS and Club President Elects are strongly encouraged to attend as well as Grant Chairs in clubs that have created that position.
For questions on this event please email District Rotary Foundation Chair, Joe Ludwig at jludwig67@gmail.com
REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT HERE.
Feb 12, 2015 | General News
District Governor Rex Engle is calling for nominations for awards to be presented at The Safari Adventure. While certain awards are awarded solely by the district governor, others are forwarded on to Rotary International for additional consideration. District Awards and R.I. award nominees will be recognized at the 2015 District Conference. These awards include:
- Club Builder Award for up to ten deserving Rotarians in District 6600 who have significantly supported and strengthened their Rotary Clubs
- Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service to honor members who have been actively involved in service activities related to The Rotary Foundation, such as serving on a Foundation committee, participating in a grant-funded project, or supporting a Rotary Peace Fellow.
- Rotary International Service Above Self Award is Rotary’s highest honor recognizes up to 150 Rotarians each year who demonstrate their commitment to helping others by volunteering their time and talents.
- Significant Achievement Award recognizes a club in our district whose local project has addressed a significant problem or need in your community (international projects are not eligible). One club per district will be recognized each year.
In addition, there are awards that can be given to Rotarians by club presidents as well. These awards may be presented by the club president at a special occasion such as the transition to new officers and directors in June. Submission to the District Governor is not necessary. The awards include:
- Avenues of Service Citation honors a club member who participates in service activities in each of the five Avenues of Service: Club, Vocational, Community, International, and Youth.
- Family and Community Service Award recognizes individuals or organizations that are helping families in your community, as well as Rotarian family members who make positive contributions to a Rotary club.
The following award can be initiated by any Rotarian:
- Rotary Foundation Distinguished Service Award is the Foundation’s highest service recognition and is given to Rotarians who have demonstrated exemplary service to the Foundation. Recipients must have received the Citation for Meritorious Service four years prior to be eligible for this award.
Where applicable, nomination forms are available for download and completion here. Where no nomination form is provided, please submit a letter via e-mail to DG Rex Engle of not more than two pages. Nominations for awards conferred by or forwarded by the district governor must be received no later than March 15, 2015.
Feb 4, 2015 | Events, Youth Programs
Defiance College, Defiance Rotary and Rotary District 6600 are pleased to announce details of the 29th annual World Community Workshop being held May 7-9, 2015 at Defiance College. This three-day workshop for high-school students is designed to help participants learn about the history, customs, economic and political issues of a selected region of the world. Students participate in small group discussions and experience hands-on activities. In addition, guest speakers share their stories about life in different countries.
The World Community Workshop is open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Students should be in good academic standing and have a genuine interest in learning about different regions of the world. Local Rotary Clubs within District 6600 provide scholarships which covers the cost of attending the workshop. This year participants will explore and learn about the history and culture of Brazil, a vital political and cultural leader in South America and one of the most important economic powers in the world today.
Rotary clubs should consider sponsoring one or more students to attend this rich experience designed to promote Peace and Understanding.
Download the 2015 World Community Workshop Brochure to learn more.
For More Information Contact:
Jordan Heiliger, World Community Workshop Liaison
(419) 783-2479 jheiliger@defiance.edu
The trip also provided Gina, a member of the Tiffin Rotary Club since 2012, an opportunity to see how Rotarians are viewed in other parts of the world.
A trip like this, although only seven days long, can impact a lifetime.
