Our blue planet. 70% covered in oceans. Almost everything we build or grow has to manage or use water somehow. Life is not possible without water - and Rotary supports local solutions to bring clean water to more people. March celebrates Rotary’s efforts around Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene. And as with all of our areas of focus there is an associated Rotary Action Group: WASHRAG - supported by those especially keen Rotarians who are helping people in the developing world improve life and livelihood through the provision of safe water and sanitation. An interesting tidbit is that WASHRAG’s founding chair is Ron Denham who started his Rotary career in our District in 1957 - my club actually. His stay in 7090 (it was 709 back then) was all too brief and he has been a long-standing member of the Toronto-Eglinton club. I have had a chance over the past few years to meet up with him several times - an exceptional Rotarian. I would invite you to join WASHRAG - or any one of the other Rotary Action Groups to deepen your membership experience and meet new friends from around the world. If your club has done a project - or is doing a project related to this month’s theme - or any other theme, write it up and get it into the news.
In looking at the future I would like to think we could work together on a clean water project in our own district, support citizen science, and lend a hand in promoting water saving programs.
I would like us to look back at the work of Roy Sheldrick and friends and be able to tell more of that story on our District website. I would hope we can have a discussion about continuing to improve our disaster response when the need arises - whether it is flooding, fires, or otherwise.
I had a jam-packed month of February with many club visits, Rotary’s Birthday, and driving Youth Exchange students to and from Algonquin Park. Rotary also opened up a Peace Center in Türkiye - and I feel we need to talk more ideas for peace these days. And hey, I also discovered Rotary’s rebranded blog!.
There are many events happening this month as we head into spring and warmer weather. Deepen your knowledge of Rotary by taking the Rotary Leadership Institute course. To President Elects of all clubs: whether you are a first timer or doing another turn, are expected to attend the President Elect learning seminar on March 22nd. The District Council is meeting face-to-face on March 29th - but any Rotarian is welcome to attend.
I would also invite you to look at the information and webinars on our Zone website - lots of great resources including goal setting, membership, past meetings, and public image.
March is also World Rotaract Week - March 13-19. We have a few great Rotaract clubs in our District and if your club is thinking of starting one, please let me know - even if it is just a concept.
Lastly, I hope you and your club are gearing up for the District Conference on Saturday, April 5th (and there is a fun foundation shindig on Friday night, too). Register early. Come on out to learn and share regarding volunteering and improve your network. You are also asked to invite out non-Rotarians - anyone or any organization in your network who has an interest in the future of volunteering. Sift through your club speakers for the last few years and invite them. Put up a display on your club’s key project or get that community partner group to put one up. Those with an Interact program or connected with your community’s young leaders should get an invite to join in the part of the program for youth. It’s going to be meaningful…and fun.