We had a wonderful District Conference Part 1 with capacity attendance. The social media components and the panel discussion on Diversity were the highlights of the day. As I have emphasized during my visits to our Clubs, we must make extra efforts to restore our public image. We aren't visible enough and the world doesn't know what we are doing. Thank you for attending. Those of you who missed it be sure to join in for the District Conference Part 2 on 18 April 2020..
Our District has gone through sad moments last month as we unexpectedly lost our Co-Chair of the District PolioPlus Committee and President of the Yonkers-East Yonkers Club Shahid Latif. Shahid was a relentless champion in the fight to eradicate Polio. When we reach our goal, polio will become only the second human disease eradicated on the planet, and Rotary will receive international acclaim. But what matters most is the children who will never again have to face this terrible, disabling virus. Rotary must continue to connect the world in the effort toward polio eradication. It is up to us. Let us finish the job.
November is Rotary Foundation month. We need to renew our commitment to our communities by supporting the best organization - our Rotary Foundation – It is through the Foundation that our Clubs can leverage their resources for the greatest impact, in our communities and across the globe. Your support is what keeps our Foundation great.
Last month we chartered one new Rotaract Club, our 5th, and one Interact Club – our 12th. Rotarians, please do not forget these different Youth Clubs are your projects. Please continue to help the Rotaractors and Interactors to grow stronger to serve better and also to be part of Connecting the World.
We had a great meeting with the Interactors and Youth Exchange participants of Bermuda during this year's On To Bermuda. A big thank you to those Rotarains in Bermuda who made the 11 New York visiting Rotarians feel at home.
This Rotary year, we are organizing a bigger and better Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) where more young community leaders can gain leadership skills and Rotary knowledge to become stronger individually or as a group by promoting leadership skills and community involvement. Our objective is to encourage young people who are interested in personal growth and who have a desire to make a difference in their community to participate in RYLA and learn more about our organization. The more young people grow stronger with leadership skills and gain a better understanding of Rotary, the more they may be interested in joining Rotaract, or Interact or becoming better prepared leaders to serve and make a difference in people’s lives.
As we look forward to celebrating UN Day this Saturday, let us commit ourselves to being the catalyst for change, for inclusion and for Connecting the World.
If you have seen the Rotarian Magazine for November - you will have noticed the cover story highlighting a Global Grant project in our District. This is only the second time our District has been featured in a cover story. In case you missed it, here is a link to the story
The impact of our actions depends on the weight they will have. Don't be afraid to work with several Clubs on the same action, so that its radiation covers our areas and tomorrow our communities remember what Rotary has done and is doing!
A happy Thanksgiving from our family to your families. Enjoy the moments with your families and remember those who need us at this time.
And in this holiday season - Do you know about Rotary Rewards at Amazon? If you go to https://smile.amazon.com