Year-end thoughts and looking forward.

 

            June is a special month for Rotarians. We transition to new leadership in our clubs, district, zone, and international leadership. This year we look forward to Creating Hope in the World as we reflect on how we have Imagined Rotary and the ways we serve.

            Thank you for an incredible year of learning from you how I may be a better Rotarian and leader. I am inspired by the service projects and fundraising ideas utilized by your clubs to achieve “service above self,” in your communities.  

            Thank you for supporting my book drives and book distribution initiative. I read a recent opinion article by  Nicholas Kristof in the New York Times (May 31, 2023) applauding the success of Mississippi in raising its literacy and math rates: “In the National Assessment of Educational Progress, a series of nationwide tests better known as NAEP, Mississippi has moved from near the bottom to the middle for most of the exams — and near the top when adjusted for demographics. Among just children in poverty, Mississippi fourth graders now are tied for best performers in the nation in NAEP reading tests and rank second in math.” Another milestone: In 2011, 75 percent of students graduated from high school, four percentage points below the national average; by 2020, the state had surpassed the national average of 87 percent by one point. The success in part comes from encouraging reading and requiring reading proficiency at the Third-Grade level before allowing the student to move forward. Parents, teachers, and students are held accountable and are encouraged to promote enjoying books at a young age.  Louisiana’s legislature just introduced a series of bills adopting many of the Mississippi programs.  Perhaps our efforts to collect books and get them into the hands of children in our District just might help encourage a few more students to love books and reading. Please continue to collect books and then fill Little Free Libraries, Backpack Program bags, daycare facilities, and holiday food baskets with books! Don’t forget to consider bringing books to nursing homes and senior citizen centers. Ask CASA, juvenile court judges, and detention facilities if books are needed.

            Thank you for getting to know your club member and sharing stories and past accomplishments with new Rotarians as well as members of Rotaract and Interact Clubs. Let’s stay excited about what we do and develop ideas that inject new life into our projects.

            Thank you for reaching out to other clubs, asking for help, sharing events, and enjoying social events. Thank you for inviting me to visit and share your fairs, festivals, and other activities.

            Thank you to those Rotarians who served on my Team this year and to those Rotarians who have accepted new leadership roles at the club and District levels.  Your enthusiasm and willingness to volunteer are crucial and deeply appreciated.

            Now, a few gentle reminders:

             It is not too late to enter goals in Rotary Club Central and track your club’s progress toward the Rotary Citation. (don’t hesitate to contact me or your Assistant Governor if you have no idea where to begin!) We aim to have every club in the District achieve the Rotary Citation but it is up to your club to input this information. This is such a simple way to express appreciation for the hard work your club members offer your community.  To date, 10 clubs have completed sufficient goals to achieve this award for this year. Please check with your Club President about where your club stands. The deadline is June 30, 2023

 

            Your donations to The Rotary Foundation by the end of June still count toward Paul Harris Fellow recognition for this year and will help make more funds available for District Grants for the 2025-2026 Rotary year.   Rotary asks each Rotarian to donate $25.00 to the Annual Fund each year. When all club members meet this threshold of $25.00, and the club members donate $100 per capita, the club is recognized with the Every Rotarian Every Year banner. If each member donates $100 to the Annual Fund, all members in the club are recognized as Sustaining Members and The Rotary Foundation banner. As of the end of May 2023, only 7 clubs in our District qualify for these awards. Less than 30% of our members in the District (438) have made donations to The Rotary Foundation this year.  These individuals are from 37 clubs. Thank you.  Contact me if you want to learn how to donate directly to The Rotary Foundation.

 

            Let’s continue our Rotary journey by joining incoming RI President R. Gordon R. McInally to create hope in the world by working for peace and mental well-being.

 

 

AWARDS AVAILABLE TO CLUBS AND INDIVIDUALS IN ROTARY DISTRICT 6840 - 2022-23

 

Rotary District 6840 is pleased to announce the availability of various awards for clubs and individuals in the district. These awards recognize outstanding achievements, leadership, and service in the Rotary community. The following is a list of the awards along with their respective dates and deadlines for submission.

 

1. Rotaract Club Citation:

Award Dates: July 1 – August 16

Notice sent out – Responses due back – Selection Committee recommendation due.

 

2. Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award:

Award Dates: July 1 – September 30

Notice sent out – Responses due back – Selection Committee recommendation due.

 

3. Alumni Global Service Award:

Award Dates: August 1 – September 15

Notice sent out – Responses due back – Selection Committee recommendation due.

 

4. Service Above Self Award:

Award Dates: Already Awarded

Notice sent out – Responses due back – Selection Committee recommendation due.

 

5. Polio-Free World Service Award:

Award Dates: September 1 – No other relevant dates

 

6. Interact Awards:

Award Dates: September 1 – December 1

Notice sent out – Responses due back – Selection Committee recommendation due.

 

7. Meritorious Service Citation:

Award Dates: October 1 – October 17 – October 31

Notice sent out – Responses due back – Selection Committee recommendation due.

 

8. Distinguished Service Award:

Award Dates: December 1 – December 15 – January 1

Notice sent out – Responses due back – Selection Committee recommendation due.

 

9. Service to Humanity Avenues of Service Rotary Award (RI Recognition – All Five Avenues):

Award Dates: January 1 – January 21 – February 15

No one eligible in 6840 this year.

 

10. Rotaract Outstanding Project Award:

Award Dates: January 1 – February 1

Notice sent out – Responses due back – Selection Committee recommendation due.

 

11. World Interact Week Recognition:

Award Dates: February 1 – March 1 – March 15

 

12. World Rotaract Week Recognition:

Award Dates: April 1 – April 21 – May 1

 

13. Foundation District Service Award:

Award Dates: May 15 – June 15 – July 15

 

14. Club Builder Award:

Award Dates: May 15 – June 15 – July 15

 

15. Rotarian of the Year:

Award Dates: Already Awarded

 

16. Ray Hymel Sustainer of Rotary:

Award Dates: May 15 – June 15 – July 15

 

17. Interact Citation:

Award Dates: June 1 – July 15

 

18. Rotary Significant Service Award and the District Award for Community Service:

Award Dates: June 1 – June 22 – July 15 (est.) - July 31

 

19. Clubs of the Year (Small, Medium, Large):

Award Dates: June 1 – June 25 – July 22

Categories: Meetings, Newsletter, Club Service/Public Image, Club Service/Fund-Raising

 

20. Rotary Citation for Rotary Clubs:

Award Dates: June 1 – June 30

 

21. Gill Miller Club Secretary Award:

Award Dates: June 7 – July 1 – July 29

 

22. International Service:

Award Dates: June 7 – July 1 – July 29

 

23. Vocational Service/Networking:

Award Dates: June 7 – July 1 – July 29

 

24. Club Service/Fellowship:

Award Dates: June 7 – July 1 – July 29

 

25. Youth Service Partnerships:

Award Dates: June 15 – July 7 – August 1

 

26. Innovation:

Award Dates: June 15 – July 7 – August 1

 

27. Avenues of Service Award (District Recognition – One Avenue):

Award Dates: June 22 – July 15 – August 7

 

28. Governor's Award:

Award Dates: Already Awarded

 

29. District All-Star Team:

Award Dates: Already Awarded

 

30. The Rotary Foundation/Paul Harris Society:

Award Dates: August 7 – August 18

 

31. Membership Development/New Members:

Award Dates: August 7 – August 18

 

32. Membership Development/Retention:

Award Dates: August 7 – August 18

 

33. Membership Development/Overall:

Award Dates: August 7 – August 18

 

34. The Rotary Foundation/Annual Fund:

Award Dates: August 7 – August 18

 

35. The Rotary Foundation/Endowment Fund:

Award Dates: August 7 – August 18

 

36. The Rotary Foundation/PolioPlus:

Award Dates: August 7 – August 18

 

These awards provide an excellent opportunity for clubs and individuals in Rotary District 6840 to be recognized for their exceptional contributions. We encourage all clubs and members to actively participate and submit their nominations by the specified deadlines. For more information about each award, including the eligibility criteria and submission guidelines, please visit the Rotary District 6840 website or contact the district administration.

 

Let's celebrate the outstanding work and achievements within our Rotary community!