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DISTRICT GOVERNOR NEWS

DG Pete, RI Pres Mark and Judy

District 9710District Governor

Peter Ford

May 2020

Calendar2020May

30 District Board and Finance meeting

June15 Final date for articles for DG News22 -23 NYSF Selection interviews30 MUNA 2020 applications close30 Closing date for Presidential Citation

July1 District Changeover

From the District Governor...ISOLATION AND FELLOWSHIP

It is quite amazing how many Clubs have kept the Rotary flame alive during May 2020. It really has been the month of the ZOOM Meeting. I have endeavoured to keep in touch with as many Clubs as possible through our on-line means. This has actually been quite refreshing as I might not normally have been attending Club meetings as we lead up to Changeover season.

In the main, I have given some warning of my attendance but do not be surprised if I suddenly appear on your screen. Please do not be too shocked, as opportunities sometimes present themselves at short notice.

It is interesting to see the style of meeting that different Clubs have adopted, ranging from adherence to the normal meeting procedures to quite informal get togethers. I have enjoyed them all. On one occasion we had a Ted Talk featuring Bill and Melinda Gates, which was really interesting. I am hearing of instances where RI President Mark Maloney has been a guest speaker at an Australian Rotary meeting. This really offers new opportunities.

As the Changeover season approaches, Clubs are informing me of the dates they have chosen to conduct this annual event. Most Clubs have decided to adopt the

Continued...

Many thanks to all Clubs and individuals who supported Judy’s charity for the year and gave to St John’s Care in Reid, ACT. The impact of your generosity

means many people who are experiencing tough times have been given some hope and support. THANK YOU!

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on-line approach. However, one Club is having a restricted personal event, while another is shifting to a date later in July, when it is anticipated that restrictions will be further eased. Whatever you decide, please let me or the District Secretary know, as we will endeavour to have a District representative present.

As I said last month, despite the fact that our usual routines have been severely disrupted, I encourage you all

to stay in touch and carry on with Rotary business. Please keep contact with your members as this is a critical time for supporting each other. It appears that there is more than a glimmer of light ahead, so let’s remain positive. Rotary must remain at the forefront of Community Service and Friendship.

Pete

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Ballot results - advice to all Rotary Clubs – Districts 9700 and 9710

D9705 Constitution 1 July 2020 D9705 Bylaws 1 July 2020

Following the closure of the Ballot on Friday 22 May 2020, and a tally of the responses from Rotary Clubs in D9700 and D9710, I can confirm that sufficient Clubs have voted to constitute a quorum of more than 60% as required for the adoption of Special Resolutions, and that more than 75% of those who have responded have voted in favour of the adoption of the D9705 Constitution 1 July 2020, and the D9705 Bylaws 1 July 2020.

The Constitution will now form the basis of our legal requirements for Incorporation as a new District and is the administrative platform on which we will structure and govern our Association in the coming year.

Thank you to all Clubs who responded in this important Ballot, and a special thank you to those Clubs who also provided constructive and positive comments on format and content matters in these documents.

PDG Ian Tooke D9705 Public Officer 29 Brooklee Lane BLAYNEY. NSW. 2799. tookeian@yahoo.com 24 May 2020.

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27 March 2020

Rotary District 9705 Youth Exchange Program Suspended It is with regret that, in the light of advice regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Rotary District 9705 has decided to suspend its Youth Exchange Program for the foreseeable future. This is the impact: • The program is cancelled for those students from abroad selected to come to Australia in the middle of 2020. • The selection process for students to go abroad at the beginning of 2021 will no longer proceed • Students who are currently on exchange will receive appropriate support from the program • Some of these students have already cut short their program and returned home • All other students will be supported in any decision making in discussion with their parents.

Rotary District 9705 has over 80 clubs covering an area in southern New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory including Nowra and south to the Bega region. It continues west to include the Tumut, Wagga Wagga, Narrandera and Griffith regions. It also includes the Orange, Bathurst, the Southern Tablelands and Canberra Capital regions. This Rotary District is a result of a merger of the previous Rotary Districts 9700 and 9710. The Rotary International Youth Exchange Program is a matter of pride for Rotary. Clubs from across District 9705 support upper secondary students departing Australia as well as welcoming students from abroad for an exchange year. Our program includes exchange partnerships in countries within Asia, Europe, North and South America with a commitment to upper secondary studies. Rotarians make a commitment to support students leaving their own countries and to home-host them while they learn about the daily lives in their host country. The program is designed to promote peace and understanding globally as well as to build individual leadership skills through the program. Recommencing the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. We look forward to recommencing the program and Rotarians will be working hard through the “stand down” period to evaluate the program and to determine how we can make it even better for future students and families who are involved with the program. For further information: District 9705 Governor Elect: District 9705 Youth Exchange Chair Michael Moore AM 0417 249 731 Rob Uhl 0418 459 049 mooredg9705@gmail.com rob.uhl@bigpond.com

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Rotary Small Grants Project (East Indonesia) Project Annual Donations

and COVID-19 support

District 9710 Family of Rotary (Rotaract, Interact and Rotary) Donor Clubs have already reached its annual $10,000 target to support remote communities in East Indonesia with water, sanitation, education, agriculture and Ikat industry support through NTA Attached is a powerpoint that overviews current status and Project Manager John and Yvonne’s November visit.. Happy to do this as a virtual presentation to clubs.

Rotary Belconnen has donated $400 in addition to help remote communities in East Indonesia help mitigate against COVID-19 with printing of posters and banners promoting hygiene and self isolation.

Currently there is a self isolation requirement in villages where NTA staff are implementing projects. NTA’s immediate strategy is focussed on finding and communicating information to guide local people on preventative measures and good hygiene. To do this NTA have established electronic communication including 2 Whatsapp networks to distribute information without actually being in contact with people. NTA local staff are also working closely with the local government to look at other areas of assistance in regard to COVID-19.

The donation from Rotary Club of Belconnen will provide A3 posters (plastic coated) to be put in place in village community offices and banners to go across village streets. 60 posters and 11 banners will be produced and distributed. Attached are three photos of the first village to be supplied.

John Mercer PHF (Yvonne PHF)District 9710 ChairRotary Australia Community Service (RAWCS)President 2019/20Project Manager Rotary Small Grants (East Indonesia)Rotary Club of Belconnen

SEE NEXT PAGE FOR

MORE INFORMATION

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A Man and a Kelompok

When John and Yvonne Mercer visited Indonesia last year they met a man in the Highlands of West Timor who told them this story

“When I was 32 years old, I was told of an Australian man who helped people in West Timor improve their agricultural practices and

supported people to build infrastructure such as water tanks, irrigation systems and fencing.

We had no water or water storage in our village and we had to walk many kilometers to carry small bottles of water collected from the river.

I had to meet this man and I heard he was visiting the island of Samau. I walked and got motor bike rides most of the way to Kupang. I

then got a small boat over to the island of Samua and walked from village to village until I found this man.

I told him he had to come to my village and help us and he did and we set-up a Kelompok to work with this man. I am now 56 years old and this man Pak Colin has visited us every year and I have helped establish 7 Kelompoks in the village

Pak Colin’s organization NTA has helped my village fund the building of 50 tanks, many toilets and living fences. He has supported us in improving our crops and establishing pig farming

Today my village is much more healthy and we have a more productive life.”

If you would like to hear more about the Mercer’s wonderful trip invite John to be a guest speaker john.mercer47@gmail.com

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Staying connected during the COVID-19 pandemic

It seems that all around the world, not a single person or community is unaffected by COVID-19. In Rotary, the pandemic has changed our daily routines and forced the cancellation of many in-person meetings and events. But for more than a century, Rotary has connected the world through fellowship and service. Even when we can’t hold our usual events as planned, we can still stay engaged, connect with one another, and continue to serve our communities.

Here are just a few ways clubs have adapted:• A psychologist and member of the Rotary Club

of Roma Polis in Italy spoke to the club in an online meeting about how to focus on mental and emotional health during the COVID-19 crisis. The meeting was open to everyone.

• To help people stay connected despite social isolation, the Rotary Club of Metro Bethesda in Maryland, USA, is creating a list of members and neighbors who live alone and developing a “telephone tree.” Volunteers will contact five people by phone, daily or weekly, and drop off colorful plants at their doorsteps, which can be left outside or brought into the home.

• Members of the Rotary Club of Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates in Illinois, USA, made the difficult decision to reinvent their biggest fundraising event of the year. Instead of an in-person gathering, they hosted a Facebook Live event, which brought in more than $120,000 — about the same amount they would have raised with their usual fundraiser.

• After canceling its weekly in-person meetings, the Rotary Club of Singapore hosted its first webinar. A medical epidemiologist and an infectious disease specialist responded to members’ questions and concerns. The club, which plans to continue holding online meetings as needed, is also hosting a donation drive to collect essential items for the community.

• The Rotary Club of Brescia Veronica Gambara in Italy researched and purchased urgently needed equipment for frontline medical workers at local hospitals.

• We encourage you, as leaders in your community, to find creative ways to connect with one another and local residents, and to find innovative, safe ways to provide whatever assistance your community needs at this time. Contact your local health authorities to learn what your Rotary club can do to help respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. Check with local education officials to see how you can support teachers or schools offering alternative learning options. Connect with your local labor bureau to find ways to support small businesses and their employees. Research what local nonprofits are doing and explore opportunities for club members to get involved safely. Get inspiration from other clubs’ projects or share your own service story on Rotary Showcase.

Vocational serviceProfessional and personal development

opportunitiesThe Avenue of Vocational Service calls on

all Rotary members to work with integrity and contribute their expertise to address the problems and needs of society. If you are staying home and have extra time to share your skills, you can become an online tutor, create educational videos or blogs, volunteer virtually, or share your knowledge with your network on social media through virtual workshops or videos.

If you are looking to gain new skills, be sure to browse the professional and personal development opportunities available in the Learning Center.

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WHAT IS YOUR CLUB DOING FOR CHANGEOVER?Virtual Rotary club changeovers

This Rotary year’s end is fast approaching.

Officers-elect are planning their year in office. Current officers are hoping they can put their feet up and everyone prepares to celebrate the year of hard work with one of our annual ceremonies, The Changeover.

Our traditional changeovers, like many things in the Covid-19 World, aren’t an option. But where some clubs are opting to cancel or postpone the

changeovers, many are asking another question. “How might we do our changeover online”?

While many of us may feel this is a challenge that may be beyond us, we have seen recently many of us have adapted. We will remember how recently we successfully re-imaged Anzac Day and the entire set of cultural ceremonies that are normally built around physical proximity. Unlike Anzac Day we have already

had a lot of experience in the world of virtual events.

What’s important in a Rotary club changeover?The “Rotary chicken” dinner aside, why is it that changeovers are important

to us? This answer will vary from club to club. It’s important to think about what is important to us. We can design changeover events that reflect what we value most and remembering why they are important to us.

Celebrating Accomplishments are an integral part of changeovers and being able to look back on our achievements of the last 12 months. Such reflections are not just for the vanity of the President and the board, but something all Rotarians can take pride in.

Acknowledging Service follows on to this. Honouring those Rotarians who stand out amongst us remains important. Hard work and service to the club in the community and generosity to the Foundation are clinically celebrated.

Looking Forward to the year ahead, where we can see new opportunities for Service above Self, and working to build a brighter future for the world.

Fellowship and Banter can be more difficult over Zoom, but it is even more critical now than ever before. Let’s remember why we love doing what we do as we join with our fellow Rotarians not just as partners in service but dear friends.

The fortunate news is that we don’t necessarily have to change. If your club has a changeover program that they are attached to, see what you can do to convert it to working online. If in doubt hold discussions about what is vital for the club. What do the President and President - elect want and how will

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the Master of Ceremonies accommodate everyone’s needs?

Unlike most things, changeover protocols are absent in our constitutions, bylaws or formally mandated. Instead make it something to reflect what your club wants and needs it to be.

How do we practically run the event?Most active Rotarians will now have experience using videoconferencing for

club meetings.

Online meetings can be a bit like herding cats; things are constantly changing, everyone wants to do their own thing, and nobody is quite sure what the purpose of having a herd of cats is in the first place. So, what is the

magical solution to running a good online event?

We already know the answer: Having a good master of ceremonies.

Being able to keep the event flowing, the audience interested, everyone on time and in order is equally important online as it is in person. Having someone in charge can keep things going in the face of disruptive audiences, or an old charter member who was wishes recount the history of their Rotary life, is essential to a good event.

But there’s another part: Knowing the Platform.

Zoom and other videoconferencing platforms have a lot of useful features for the event host. Being able to forcibly mute participants, having people raise their hand to indicate a desire to speak and the ability to share presentations are all handy. The MC doesn’t have to be an expert on Zoom but it might be useful to have an assistant MC to manage the technology.

How might we run our particular rituals?Awards ceremony

Honouring our fellow Rotarians is just as important this year as in other years. The process can be very much the same, with the Club Presidents announcing recipients of the awards. Not all awards are a surprise. Examples include Paul Harris Society members know they are likely to receive an upgrade to award. Surprise awards (such as a PHF or a President’s Award) can be easily managed. Mail the award on the day of the changeover, announce it at the changeover and they will receive soon after.

Investiture

Due to the limitations of the physical universe, your club presidential collar, or other regalia, can only be in one place at any given time. How do you handle this?

Consider the significance of physical transfer and how it works with your club given your clubs tradition and cultures.

Do physically hand over the regalia before the event or after. Would you consider having each president take a photo or video with collar as part of the

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presentation? You may simplify things by not using ‘the collar’ in this year’s formal ceremony at all.

Badges for offices are much simpler and can be mailed ahead of time, similar to awards. As the incoming President calls their names, they display the badge of their position to the audience.

National anthem

The singing of the National anthem varies between clubs. If you’ve ever heard two people trying to talk at once on a video call multiply that by several times to imagine trying to sing the National anthem at the changeover. No matter how disciplined the timing, the technology just won’t work. Another option is to play recording of the National anthem and everyone sings along on mute.

Other things:Your club may have other ceremonies or habits that you undertake at

changeover. How might you handle it?

Experiment and practice. Things may need to be adapted, modified, or in some cases even sidelined for the year.

How do you handle a large number of attendees?

Everyone who has been in a large Zoom call knows it is difficult to spot who is talking, or where that person is, even if they are the only ones talking and unmuted.

An option is to use the spotlight video feature of Zoom, similar to the Speaker view which will enable the host to display everyone, or a single person of the host’s choice, on the screen. During awards you could focus on the person receiving the award.

Start planning and practising now.

Could we put it on hold until after the pandemic?The Club changeover belongs to the club and is run for the benefit of the

Rotarians of the Club.

Before deciding on that, considered 2 things.

Changeovers are moments in time.

We hold them as close as possible to the change of the Rotary year as a point of significance in transition. The further away we are from July 1 to hold the event, the less meaning it may have. When a physical changeover is in November will it be more meaningful than a virtual one in June?

Covid-19 is challenging member engagement.

Even with all our efforts, it can be harder to feel attached to Rotary at the moment. Changeovers are a moment to celebrate what we do and the value of what we are. If we just ignore this event, will individual Rotarians find it harder to justify paying their annual dues? We need to keep our members engaged and part of what we do.