A little Rotary History
Rotary International is the world's first service club organization. Its more than 1.2 million members volunteer their time and talent to further the Rotary motto, Service Above Self.
Throughout its history, Rotary International has collaborated with the United Nations, governments, and nongovernmental organizations to improve the human condition.
The greatest example of Rotary’s effective collaborations is its flagship program, PolioPlus, which aims to eradicate polio worldwide. Working with spearheading partners UNICEF, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization, Rotary has contributed over US$600 million and countless volunteer hours to help immunize more than two billion children against the crippling and often fatal disease.
Cooperative efforts are also a key element of Rotary’s local service. Rotary clubs in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, for example, have worked with Habitat for Humanity to build houses for deserving families in the community. Similar collaborations have helped Rotary’s 1.2 million club members promote goodwill, service, world understanding, and peace in more than 200 countries and geographical areas.
Rotary and the United Nations have a long history of working together and sharing similar visions for a more peaceful world.
In 1942, Rotary clubs from 21 nations organized a conference in London to develop a vision for advancing education, science, and culture after World War II. That event was a precursor to UNESCO. In 1945, 49 Rotarians went to San Francisco to help draft the UN Charter. Rotary and the UN have been close partners ever since, a relationship that’s apparent through PolioPlus and work with UN agencies.
For more information about Rotary, check the local website
http://www.rotaryanguilla.org or speak to any local Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Anguilla meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose.
(Source: Rotary International news)
Monday, December 3, 2007
World Interact Week - November 12, 2007
WORLD INTERACT WEEK
Anguilla’s Rotary Interact Club has been newly revived. Congratulations to all who are participants in this exciting and inspiring venture.
Last week – November 5 through 11 – was Rotary World Interact Week. What is INTERACT?
Interact is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young people. Made up of members ages 14-18 or secondary-school age, Interact gives young people an opportunity to participate in fun, meaningful service projects. Along the way, Interactors develop their leadership skills and initiative while meeting new friends.
Through their service activities, Interactors learn the importance of
• Developing leadership skills and personal integrity
• Demonstrating helpfulness and respect for others
• Understanding the value of individual responsibility and hard work
• Advancing international understanding and goodwill
Interactors have access to the many resources of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation of RI. Rotary International provides the administrative support that helps Interact clubs thrive.
When RI President Harold T. Thomas traveled the world during his year in office in 1959-60, he discovered a deep and widespread feeling among Rotarians that Rotary’s potential for developing youth service had not been fully realized. In 1960, Thomas appointed a committee of five Rotarians to explore the issue, and two years later, 23 students at Melbourne High School in Melbourne, Florida, USA, came together to form the first Interact club.
The word Interact stands for “international action,” and today nearly 200,000 young people in more than 110 countries belong to some 8,700 clubs, making Interact a truly international phenomenon. All over the world, young people are spreading fellowship and international understanding through a wide array of Interact service activities.
The newly-revived Anguilla Interact Club meets at 3:15 p.m. every Wednesday in Room 6 at the high school.
For more information about Rotary, check the website http://www.rotaryanguilla.org or speak to any local Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Anguilla meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose.
Anguilla’s Rotary Interact Club has been newly revived. Congratulations to all who are participants in this exciting and inspiring venture.
Last week – November 5 through 11 – was Rotary World Interact Week. What is INTERACT?
Interact is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young people. Made up of members ages 14-18 or secondary-school age, Interact gives young people an opportunity to participate in fun, meaningful service projects. Along the way, Interactors develop their leadership skills and initiative while meeting new friends.
Through their service activities, Interactors learn the importance of
• Developing leadership skills and personal integrity
• Demonstrating helpfulness and respect for others
• Understanding the value of individual responsibility and hard work
• Advancing international understanding and goodwill
Interactors have access to the many resources of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation of RI. Rotary International provides the administrative support that helps Interact clubs thrive.
When RI President Harold T. Thomas traveled the world during his year in office in 1959-60, he discovered a deep and widespread feeling among Rotarians that Rotary’s potential for developing youth service had not been fully realized. In 1960, Thomas appointed a committee of five Rotarians to explore the issue, and two years later, 23 students at Melbourne High School in Melbourne, Florida, USA, came together to form the first Interact club.
The word Interact stands for “international action,” and today nearly 200,000 young people in more than 110 countries belong to some 8,700 clubs, making Interact a truly international phenomenon. All over the world, young people are spreading fellowship and international understanding through a wide array of Interact service activities.
The newly-revived Anguilla Interact Club meets at 3:15 p.m. every Wednesday in Room 6 at the high school.
For more information about Rotary, check the website http://www.rotaryanguilla.org or speak to any local Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Anguilla meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose.
Rotary's Polio Efforts - November 5, 2007
STAR POWER ADDED TO ROTARY’S POLIO EFFORTS
November is Rotary Foundation month, and it is the Rotary Foundation’s efforts worldwide that have helped to reduce the incidence of poliomyelitis to almost nothing in the world today. That eradication effort began for Rotary in 1986, when there were nearly 1000 new cases every single day. Now, there are many fewer than 1000 newer cases every year.
Rotarians from all over the world take part in National Immunization Days (NIDs) during which they administer oral polio vaccine to young children in the affected countries. Because it’s an oral vaccine, the one administering the medicine does not have to be a doctor or nurse – and that is why the ordinary Rotarian can get involved and make a difference.
Recently, Rotary International News reported that a little “star power” was added to this polio effort in Ethiopia. An excerpt follows:
Rotarians taking part in a polio immunization campaign in Ethiopia recently enjoyed a boost of star power for the eradication effort. Singer Beyoncé Knowles, scheduled to perform in Addis Ababa, met the group and helped administer the oral polio vaccine before taking the stage on 20 October.
"Beyoncé was so impressed with Rotary’s commitment to not only provide funding but to make the trip to administer the vaccine," said Ezra Teshome, of the Rotary Club of University District of Seattle, Washington, USA, who led the effort. Teshome immigrated to the United States from Ethiopia in 1971 and has headed up seven other immunization drives in his homeland.
The fight to end polio has made significant progress in Ethiopia, which has not reported a single case of the disease this year. The country recorded 22 cases in 2005 and 17 in 2006 after an outbreak in the Horn of Africa.
In addition to raising and contributing funds, over one million Rotarians have volunteered their time and personal resources to help vaccinate more than two billion children in 122 countries during national immunization campaigns.
Source: Rotary International News - 30 October 2007
November is Rotary Foundation month, and it is the Rotary Foundation’s efforts worldwide that have helped to reduce the incidence of poliomyelitis to almost nothing in the world today. That eradication effort began for Rotary in 1986, when there were nearly 1000 new cases every single day. Now, there are many fewer than 1000 newer cases every year.
Rotarians from all over the world take part in National Immunization Days (NIDs) during which they administer oral polio vaccine to young children in the affected countries. Because it’s an oral vaccine, the one administering the medicine does not have to be a doctor or nurse – and that is why the ordinary Rotarian can get involved and make a difference.
Recently, Rotary International News reported that a little “star power” was added to this polio effort in Ethiopia. An excerpt follows:
Rotarians taking part in a polio immunization campaign in Ethiopia recently enjoyed a boost of star power for the eradication effort. Singer Beyoncé Knowles, scheduled to perform in Addis Ababa, met the group and helped administer the oral polio vaccine before taking the stage on 20 October.
"Beyoncé was so impressed with Rotary’s commitment to not only provide funding but to make the trip to administer the vaccine," said Ezra Teshome, of the Rotary Club of University District of Seattle, Washington, USA, who led the effort. Teshome immigrated to the United States from Ethiopia in 1971 and has headed up seven other immunization drives in his homeland.
The fight to end polio has made significant progress in Ethiopia, which has not reported a single case of the disease this year. The country recorded 22 cases in 2005 and 17 in 2006 after an outbreak in the Horn of Africa.
In addition to raising and contributing funds, over one million Rotarians have volunteered their time and personal resources to help vaccinate more than two billion children in 122 countries during national immunization campaigns.
Source: Rotary International News - 30 October 2007
Humanitarian Award - October 29, 2007
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL HONOURED - 2007 HUMANITARIAN AWARD
The United Nations Association of New York has honoured Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation of RI with its 2007 Humanitarian Award on 25 October, in recognition of Rotary’s significant efforts to provide safe water and sanitation and its commitment to sustainable development worldwide.
"In the years since Rotary International has started focusing on water as one of its annual service emphases…we’ve learned just how much can be accomplished with relatively little, how a single small water project, perhaps a pump or a filter, can change the life of a community," says RI President Wilfrid J. Wilkinson. "However, our work has also included participation in many other major water projects."
The award is presented annually in observance of United Nations Day (24 October). This year's award ceremony focused on the global water crisis. Other honorees include Antony Burgmans, former chair of Unilever, and Cirque du Soleil's One Drop Foundation for their deep commitment to water care initiatives and sustainable development.
Prof. Jeffrey D. Sachs, director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University and special adviser to the UN secretary-general, served as honourary chair of the event.
Last October, the association honoured Robert L. Corcoran, president of the General Electric Foundation and Ann M. Veneman, executive director of UNICEF, for their significant work in global education.
The proceeds from the black-tie dinner will benefit organizations and enterprises working to alleviate water-related problems around the world.
For more information about Rotary, check the website http://www.rotaryanguilla.org or speak to any local Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Anguilla meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose. You too can be part of this exceptional organization.
The United Nations Association of New York has honoured Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation of RI with its 2007 Humanitarian Award on 25 October, in recognition of Rotary’s significant efforts to provide safe water and sanitation and its commitment to sustainable development worldwide.
"In the years since Rotary International has started focusing on water as one of its annual service emphases…we’ve learned just how much can be accomplished with relatively little, how a single small water project, perhaps a pump or a filter, can change the life of a community," says RI President Wilfrid J. Wilkinson. "However, our work has also included participation in many other major water projects."
The award is presented annually in observance of United Nations Day (24 October). This year's award ceremony focused on the global water crisis. Other honorees include Antony Burgmans, former chair of Unilever, and Cirque du Soleil's One Drop Foundation for their deep commitment to water care initiatives and sustainable development.
Prof. Jeffrey D. Sachs, director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University and special adviser to the UN secretary-general, served as honourary chair of the event.
Last October, the association honoured Robert L. Corcoran, president of the General Electric Foundation and Ann M. Veneman, executive director of UNICEF, for their significant work in global education.
The proceeds from the black-tie dinner will benefit organizations and enterprises working to alleviate water-related problems around the world.
For more information about Rotary, check the website http://www.rotaryanguilla.org or speak to any local Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Anguilla meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose. You too can be part of this exceptional organization.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Commitment to End Polio - Week of October 22, 2007
ROTARY’S COMMITMENT TO END POLIO
Rotary and its spearheading partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative remain committed to reaching all children with the oral polio vaccine (OPV).
Nigeria is one of only four countries where the spread of the wild poliovirus has not been stopped. Since the outbreak was identified in August 2006, four mass immunization campaigns have been completed, and more are scheduled.
More than 70 Rotarians from the United States and Canada volunteered this past weekend with fellow Rotarians, volunteers, and health workers to administer the oral polio vaccine to children as part of a nationwide immunization campaign in Ethiopia 18-20 October.
Significant progress has been made toward ending polio in Ethiopia, which has not reported a single case of the disease this year. The country recorded 22 cases in 2005 and 17 in 2006 after an outbreak in the Horn of Africa. Vigilant surveillance remains critical, especially during the upcoming season of traditional pilgrimages that bring many travelers to the region.
For as little as 60 cents worth of vaccine, a child can be protected against this crippling disease for life. To date, the annual number of polio cases worldwide has been reduced from 350,000 in the mid-1980s to approximately 2,000 cases in 2006. Only four countries – Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan – are still polio endemic.
Rotary’s commitment to end polio represents the largest-ever private sector support of a global health initiative. In 1985, Rotary members worldwide vowed to immunize all the world’s children against polio. Since then, Rotary has contributed US$620 million to polio eradication, of which $7.7 million has supported immunization campaigns in Ethiopia.
In addition to raising and contributing funds, over one million Rotarians have volunteered their time and personal resources to help immunize more than two billion children in 122 countries during national immunization campaigns.
For more information about Rotary, check our local website http://www.rotaryanguilla.org or speak to any local Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Anguilla meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose. You, too, can become part of this excellent organization.
(source: Rotary International news)
Rotary and its spearheading partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative remain committed to reaching all children with the oral polio vaccine (OPV).
Nigeria is one of only four countries where the spread of the wild poliovirus has not been stopped. Since the outbreak was identified in August 2006, four mass immunization campaigns have been completed, and more are scheduled.
More than 70 Rotarians from the United States and Canada volunteered this past weekend with fellow Rotarians, volunteers, and health workers to administer the oral polio vaccine to children as part of a nationwide immunization campaign in Ethiopia 18-20 October.
Significant progress has been made toward ending polio in Ethiopia, which has not reported a single case of the disease this year. The country recorded 22 cases in 2005 and 17 in 2006 after an outbreak in the Horn of Africa. Vigilant surveillance remains critical, especially during the upcoming season of traditional pilgrimages that bring many travelers to the region.
For as little as 60 cents worth of vaccine, a child can be protected against this crippling disease for life. To date, the annual number of polio cases worldwide has been reduced from 350,000 in the mid-1980s to approximately 2,000 cases in 2006. Only four countries – Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan – are still polio endemic.
Rotary’s commitment to end polio represents the largest-ever private sector support of a global health initiative. In 1985, Rotary members worldwide vowed to immunize all the world’s children against polio. Since then, Rotary has contributed US$620 million to polio eradication, of which $7.7 million has supported immunization campaigns in Ethiopia.
In addition to raising and contributing funds, over one million Rotarians have volunteered their time and personal resources to help immunize more than two billion children in 122 countries during national immunization campaigns.
For more information about Rotary, check our local website http://www.rotaryanguilla.org or speak to any local Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Anguilla meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose. You, too, can become part of this excellent organization.
(source: Rotary International news)
Monday, October 15, 2007
Rotary around the World highlights Vocational Service Month - Week of October 15, 2007
ROTARY AROUND THE WORLD HIGHLIGHTS VOCATIONAL SERVICE MONTH.
Rotary International reports that teenaged students in a troubled neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, are being given a chance at a promising future. Teenagers are learning to bake bread with the idea of preparing them for the job market as they pursue their regular studies.
Three Rotary Clubs from Rio de Janeiro joined forced with clubs in Germany and India to put together this exciting program. Together, they were able to gather club and Rotary District funding of US $33,000 with which they purchased industrial baking equipment, including an oven, a kneading machine, and a mixer to set up shop just a few doors away from the school.
Brazilian Rotarians have been partnering for the past decade with clubs from Germany and elsewhere on a series of 17 Matching Grant projects to help young people from the community, which struggles with unemployment, drugs, and prostitution. Projects have included providing nutritious lunches and offering shop and graphic arts courses.
“Today, more than 5,000 children are safe, off the streets, and have a future because Rotarians care,” said Past District 4570 Governor Adélia Villas, a longtime Rotarian volunteer at the site.
In May, students baked their first product: French rolls. “I am really happy,” said 16-year-old Nayara Araújo de Oliveira. “I never thought the bread would turn out so tasty. Now this is my favorite class. I like being able to see the results of our work so fast.”
Noting how the students shared their first bread with the kindergarten children, District Governor Villas, said: “Here you can feel the love that exists in this school. You see how different this school is from others.”
Through Rotary, a better world is possible.
For more information about Rotary, check the website http://www.rotaryanguilla.org or speak to any local Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Anguilla meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose. You too can be part of this exceptional organization.
Rotary International reports that teenaged students in a troubled neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, are being given a chance at a promising future. Teenagers are learning to bake bread with the idea of preparing them for the job market as they pursue their regular studies.
Three Rotary Clubs from Rio de Janeiro joined forced with clubs in Germany and India to put together this exciting program. Together, they were able to gather club and Rotary District funding of US $33,000 with which they purchased industrial baking equipment, including an oven, a kneading machine, and a mixer to set up shop just a few doors away from the school.
Brazilian Rotarians have been partnering for the past decade with clubs from Germany and elsewhere on a series of 17 Matching Grant projects to help young people from the community, which struggles with unemployment, drugs, and prostitution. Projects have included providing nutritious lunches and offering shop and graphic arts courses.
“Today, more than 5,000 children are safe, off the streets, and have a future because Rotarians care,” said Past District 4570 Governor Adélia Villas, a longtime Rotarian volunteer at the site.
In May, students baked their first product: French rolls. “I am really happy,” said 16-year-old Nayara Araújo de Oliveira. “I never thought the bread would turn out so tasty. Now this is my favorite class. I like being able to see the results of our work so fast.”
Noting how the students shared their first bread with the kindergarten children, District Governor Villas, said: “Here you can feel the love that exists in this school. You see how different this school is from others.”
Through Rotary, a better world is possible.
For more information about Rotary, check the website http://www.rotaryanguilla.org or speak to any local Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Anguilla meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose. You too can be part of this exceptional organization.
October is Vocational Service Month
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL DESIGNATES OCTOBER AS
VOCATIONAL SERVICE MONTH - October 8, 2007
The second of the four Avenues of Service, Vocational Service, fosters and supports the application of the Ideal of Service in pursuit of all vocations. Inherent in the Vocational Service Ideal are :
1. Adherence to, and promotion of, the highest ethical standards in all occupations, including loyalty to employers, employees, and associates, and fair treatment of those with whom one has business or professional relations;
2. The recognition of the worthiness to society of all useful occupations; and
3. The contribution of one's vocational talents to the problems and needs of society.
Vocational Service is the responsibility of both a Rotary club and its members. The role of the club is to develop projects that help members contribute their vocational talents. The role of members is to conduct their professional lives in accordance with Rotary principles and to share in projects which the club has developed.
Vocational Service evolved from the classifications principle - a feature originally unique to Rotary that limited active membership to one representative from each business or profession. This classification system remains the basis for each Rotarian's personal obligation in Vocational Service - to serve as a representative of that classification within the club. This knowledge and experience gives each club the resources to complete projects that address all aspects of the second Avenue of Vocational Service.
THE FOUR-WAY TEST
Rotarians are concerned with promoting high ethical standards in their professional lives. They embrace the philosophy of "The Four-Way Test," written in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor after he took over a company that faced bankruptcy.
It asks the following four questions:
"Of the things we think, say or do:
1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?"
For more information about Rotary, check the website http://www.rotaryanguilla.org or speak to any local Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Anguilla meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose.
VOCATIONAL SERVICE MONTH - October 8, 2007
The second of the four Avenues of Service, Vocational Service, fosters and supports the application of the Ideal of Service in pursuit of all vocations. Inherent in the Vocational Service Ideal are :
1. Adherence to, and promotion of, the highest ethical standards in all occupations, including loyalty to employers, employees, and associates, and fair treatment of those with whom one has business or professional relations;
2. The recognition of the worthiness to society of all useful occupations; and
3. The contribution of one's vocational talents to the problems and needs of society.
Vocational Service is the responsibility of both a Rotary club and its members. The role of the club is to develop projects that help members contribute their vocational talents. The role of members is to conduct their professional lives in accordance with Rotary principles and to share in projects which the club has developed.
Vocational Service evolved from the classifications principle - a feature originally unique to Rotary that limited active membership to one representative from each business or profession. This classification system remains the basis for each Rotarian's personal obligation in Vocational Service - to serve as a representative of that classification within the club. This knowledge and experience gives each club the resources to complete projects that address all aspects of the second Avenue of Vocational Service.
THE FOUR-WAY TEST
Rotarians are concerned with promoting high ethical standards in their professional lives. They embrace the philosophy of "The Four-Way Test," written in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor after he took over a company that faced bankruptcy.
It asks the following four questions:
"Of the things we think, say or do:
1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?"
For more information about Rotary, check the website http://www.rotaryanguilla.org or speak to any local Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Anguilla meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose.
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