Letters to the Editor

Please send your comments to Managing Editor PDG Y K Cheng c/o Rotary Information Centre
14/F Capitol Commercial Building, 26 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.
Phone:    (852) 2576 4343
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Record turnout at District Installation By District Correspondent

Governor’s Monthly Letter By DG John Wan

District Governor’s Acceptance Speech at District Installation

Rosanna Wong’s full speech at District Installation on the Role of the  Third Sector

Continuity Column By DGE Johnson Chu

District Goals, 2000-2001

Bunny’s Column By Bunny

Attendance Report May 2000

Rosanna Wong praised the Third Sector as District 3450 signed Friendship and Co-operation Agreement with Agency for Volunteer Service, Hong Kong Junior Chamber, Lions Clubs International District 303 and Zonta International District 17

THERE WERE AT LEAST 950 people inside the Grand Hall of the Convention and Exhibition Centre when Guest of Honour Dr. the Honourable Rosanna Wong spoke. Earlier, aided by fearless Sergeants-at-Arms and flanked by M K Cheng and district officials, Rosanna Wong had walked past throngs of journalists and heavily equipped press corps who had been waiting for her a sound byte or throwaway line. But alas, all they could get were her pretty pictures and something akin to  No comments or  I have nothing to add to what have already been said.

Governor John Wan said afterwards that the record attendance for a function organized by the District was  a great success by any standard, a convincing show of solidarity in the District, and a triumph of common sense. Many members and visitors billed it as an evening of extravaganza, and most people had found Rosanna Wong’s presentation on the third sector reassuring, inspiring and invigorating. Read the full text of Rosanna Wong’s speech in pages 4 and 5.

The highlight of the evening was the installation of the 2000-2001 Governor by his predecessor Dipo Sani in a short but dignified ceremony as Governor Dipo handed over the gavel to John a symbol of power, to enable him to maintain order in the District. The new chief then invested Dipo Sani with the Immediate Past Governor pin, at the same time thanking him for the good work and assuring him that he would rely on his co-operation and assistance throughout his term.  This was followed by the installation of all the 2000-2001 Club Presidents by their predecessors. It was a spectacular sight. For details and photos, visit the District Album of the District WebSite.

Flanked by his action Presidents, the new Governor then delivered his acceptance speech in which he thanked his predecessor, his wife and family and urged his Action Presidents and Action Team to be happy and to communicate happiness. Governor John said that he had accepted the office with humility and  as an opportunity to serve before trotting out the theme of his year to the background music of  Man of La Mancha.  See page 3 for the full text of his speech. Another highlight is the signing if Friendship and Co-operation Agreements with four service organizations, namely., the Agency for Volunteer Service, represented by Agency Chairman J P Lee and Mr Mok; the Hong Kong Junior Chamber, by National President Spencer Li, and Ms Louise Chan; Lions Clubs International District 303, by Governor Edwin Yun and his successor Norman Tsui; and Zonta International District 17, by International Director Anna Kwong and Governor Kathleen Yip.  All parties have pledged to work towards joint service projects.

Then, for the first time, there was a mass induction of new members by outgoing and incoming governors. Earlier, both leaders had challenged all outgoing and incoming club presidents to recruit one new member each for induction on the occasion. Many took up the challenge. The evening ended on a high note with performance by a local choral group.

Governor’s Monthly Letter

Be proactive with membership development and extension, enhancing Rotary’s image and building partnerships

My Dear Action Presidents and Rotary Leaders,

This may be the first time I write to you in this particular format, but I hope this is not the first time you come across my thoughts in writing. During the past 12 months, I contributed to a  Continuity Column in Governor Dipo’s Monthly Letter. In addition, I started a letter series through e-mail round about that time to talk about Rotary, my life and life generally. Both series are available on the District Website.

In this day and age, effective communication is vital. This monthly letter cannot therefore be the sole communication tool between us. To encourage the use of the Internet, I am deliberately limiting production to 300 hard copies for each issue. I urge you to advise your members to go for the Website version that is linked to the District Album. Over time, maybe we can print even fewer hard copies or do away with them altogether, thus saving some trees. In the meantime, you are free to make copies for members and friends who prefer to read them as such.

Now, first, my wife Rosita and I would like to wish you well. We wish you prosperity, good health and happiness. Once again, I can no better convey to you the Rotary message for the year than to quote what our leader of leaders Frank Devlyn said to his team members on the first day of the Rotary year. This is what our President said,

 Today is the first day where we officially begin the work of our  Action Team. All of you are aware of the importance I have placed on our theme . . .  Create Awareness . . . Take Action . . . In our clubs, In our Community, In our world. It is now up to each of you to give life and meaning to our theme during our year. Let us never forget it is our time to make things happen. If we are to be successful in our goals, it will depend on you and me. Good luck and best wishes for a very successful Rotary year.

I would like to believe that our Action Team had started work before 1 July 2000. I said in my article  Is there a beginning or an end that to the committed Rotarian, life is a continuing quest to follow the heart, as opposed to a quest for fame and fortune. I also said that any time is a good time for service, such that there is no beginning or end in the enterprise of service. Nevertheless, it is useful to start a new year with new goals and defined objectives. One suggests this is what the annual Rotary themes seek to achieve.

Specifically, President Frank Devlyn has asked us to focus on the following priorities during 2000-2001. First, keep our current RI and Rotary Foundation programs in motion. In particular, keep up the momentum on programs such as PolioPlus. Second, be proactive in our membership development and retention efforts. Third, work hard to enhance Rotary’s public image. Fourth, build partnerships. Fifth, find innovative and proactive ways to address the world’s many pressing concerns.

August being Membership and Extension Month, President Frank Devlyn has reminded us of his 21st Century Challenge issued in July, which will recognize those districts and clubs that achieve the highest net gains in membership between 1 July 2000 and 15 May 2001. President Frank has also challenged each Rotarian to bring in a new member during the year. He asked each club to create two teams—one focusing on recruitment and the other on retention. In short, he has asked clubs and districts to think corporate and to think big.  If every club meets the 21st Century Challenge, notes President Frank,  the results will be felt worldwide, as an ever-growing force of Rotarians strives to Create Awareness and Take Action.

The Presidential Membership Goal for this Rotary Year challenges each club to increase its net membership by five Rotarians. I am happy that many clubs in the District are taking this most seriously and are working hard on it. I am hopeful that we can achieve our District goal of 2001 members and I hope that at least one of our clubs in the District can receive from the hands of  President Frank the award at the 2001 San Antonio Convention in June 2001.

Past Governor Moses Cheng is our District Membership Development and Extension Chairman. He has been working very hard on the program and will no doubt issue guidelines and a District Award Scheme. Watch this column. In the meantime, feel free to write to him or me if you come across ideas on how to take the matter further.

From membership development, I move to Rotary’s image. To start with, one must bear in mind that enhancing Rotary’s image is not an end in itself. It is a means to promote Rotary and to bring Rotary closer to the people that need our service most. In corporate parlance, it is a marketing strategy in the business plan. Building  image takes time and money. It follows that we would achieve economy of scale if this is taken up at the District rather than at the club level. Once again, we welcome your views.

Another way of enhancing Rotary’s image is through building partnerships with other organizations. I suggest we have made a good start by signing Friendship and Co-operation Agreement with four service organizations at our District Installation in June. These four organizations are the Lions Clubs International District 303, Zonta International District 17, Hong Kong Junior Chamber and the Agency for Volunteer Service. We would follow up with these service  organizations with a view to developing joint service projects that would not only benefit more people, but would also help enhancing our image and our public relations. This is a new area and once again, will need to be proceeded at the District level.

In the words of President Frank, there’s so much to do. So we must take action early and be proactive. Talk to you soon.

Your Governor John Wan

Governor’s Acceptance Speech

The full text of DG John Wan’s Speech at District Installation

Governor Dipo, my Rotary Family, my Action Presidents, my fellow Rotarians, friends of Rotary, and ladies and gentlemen,

During the past year, Governor Dipo has led our District across the threshold of a new millennium with firm leadership, aided by his charming Renuka. This lovely couple has indeed made their mark in the District, in a year characterized by outstanding fellowship between members, increased membership, and a quantum expansion in the district boundary. For the first time, they have brought our world President to Hong Kong for a Presidential Conference, and in so doing, have put Hong Kong on the Rotary International road map to greater heights. All these and others are no small achievements. I invite you all to join me in a round of applause for their exemplary leadership.

I have no doubt that the year ahead will be difficult, but nothing easy would be worth our effort. I would like to take time now to thank my wife Rosita and our children Stephanie and Lawrence. Without Rosita, I won’t be here today. It was Rosita who encouraged me nearly two years ago to go for the office of Governor so that I can be a happier and hopefully a better man. My two children too have been most supportive of my Rotary activities. In particular, Stephanie flew all the way from the West Coast to be here tonight, leaving behind her pets at the animal clinic in Berkeley. I rely on their love and support to help me through the next 12 months, so please join me to give them a big public thank you.

My friends, it is truly my honour and privilege to stand before you on this special occasion. You have asked me to be your leader in the District next year, and I accept the office with due humility. I accept the office as an opportunity to serve, an opportunity to render myself more extensively serviceable to my fellow-creatures, and an opportunity to make myself a slightly better man and a better husband.

My fellow Rotarians, in particular my newly installed Action Presidents, I need your help to get me there. More importantly, I rely on you for the collective leadership that the membership deserve.

Together, we would encourage our members to be proactive Rotarians. Together, we would Create Awareness and Take Action.

My Action Presidents, by accepting your high office, you have pledged to lead your clubs through good or bad times, through thick and thin. I want you to be happy Presidents so that you can share the happiness with your members. Your top priority therefore is to be happy and to communicate happiness. Your members will more than achieve their goals at the end of the day if you treat them well and if you make them happy.

Next week, we will start a new Rotary year. I want you to go forth like Don Quixote, not just as Don Quixote the dreamer, but a Don Quixote that creates awareness and takes action.

The legendary Don Quixote never stopped to consider whether he might realize his dreams. He had full faith in his quest to right the unrightable wrong, and to reach the unreachable star, no matter how hopeless, no matter how far.

We must also have this unshakable faith that we can reach our goals no matter how high, and that we can make a difference.

My Rotary family and friends, the years will go by, and future Rotarians in the District will look back at how we conducted ourselves at the beginning of the 21^st century. Let it be said that this was the year that a dynamic team of Rotarians stepped into this new century, this new millennium, with renewed vigour, dedication and commitment making it known to all that Rotary’s mission from then on was to Create Awareness and Take Action.

May God bless you all.

The role of the  third sector - By Dr. the Hon. Rosanna Wong Yick-ming, JP

Dr. the Hon. Rosanna Wong was the key note speaker at the Installation Ceremony of the Rotary International District 3450 held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 29 June 2000.  Noting the current political and social tensions in Hong Kong, Dr. Wong said that Rotary’s Ideal of Service should be central to the development of our society. She then went on to discuss the role of service organizations such as Rotary, which have come to be known as the  third sector and which need to be nurtured in order to put the values of community, of social justice, democracy, equality and partnership at the forefront. The following is the full text of her speech.  - Ed.

Former Governor Dipo Sani, Governor John Wan, Mr. Cheng, Rotarians, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen. It is my great pleasure to greet you all this evening and offer the new office bearers my warmest congratulations at this Installation Ceremony of the Rotary International District of Hong Kong and Macau.

I was simply going to say that I felt very honoured by your invitation to join you on this wonderful occasion, but that would actually be only half the truth. Of course I feel honoured, but I also feel very much at home. Whenever I am in the company of Rotarians, I always have a pervasive sense of fellowship, camaraderie and community. The people that you are dedicated, committed professionals with little spare time, yet still finding even more time to give of yourselves in service is something that inspires me greatly. But this evening as I stand here, I also want to say thank you for making me feel so at home a feeling for which I am particularly grateful, especially given, what can only be called a rather hectic and turbulent past few weeks!

I actually find the current mood in Hong Kong very interesting. In spite of the discontent in the air, the strikes, protests and demonstrations, I believe that we are witnesses to something that could be the start of a new stage in Hong Kong’s development. 

For a long period in our history, there was a shared understanding that the government was the panacea for all of our difficulties and problems we had the belief that the government could solve everything for us and the government too perpetuated this image. When markets crashed, it intervened; when there were social difficulties, it acted; when there were natural disasters, the government responded. But this level of expectation on the part of the community and the concomitant response by the government is simply not sustainable. The government does not have the capacity to provide all the solutions. And even if it could, it would be impossible to do it on its own. The same is true of the business world.

As Rotarians you know all this. The Rotary Foundation’s Humanitarian Programme, for example, funds programmes in developing countries to improve the quality of health care or to provide clean drinking water and food, or to give an education. Obviously the government and business sectors in these countries could not do it without assistance and, while maybe not sharing the exact same concerns, Hong Kong is no different.

We in Hong Kong, like the rest of the world, very often measure success by material gains and acquisitions, by status, position and profit and loss margins. We do this both for an individual society, as well as individuals in society.  While these indicators should be acknowledged and lauded, we cannot make them the sole gauges of evaluating success.

Once again, you as Rotarians, better than anyone else understand this. As your own history has shown, it is the dedication to the development of fellowship and understanding, as well as the commitment to the ideals of service, that become the hallmarks, not only of respected organisations such as the Rotary Club, but also of a society’s ultimate success.

Given the political and social tensions present in Hong Kong at the moment, I believe that it is imperative that these ideals of service and commitment do not remain peripheral to the issues that determine the development of a society, but that somehow we can make them central. It is precisely on this issue that I would like to focus on this evening.

Prior to the elections that brought him to power, Tony Blair articulated a stirring vision for the  New Britain which involved a close partnership between the public, private and non-profit sectors of the political economy. He put forward a paradigm of society that could no longer pivot only around the ambitions of big government or big business. Blair believed that the non-profit, or  third sector, as  it has now come to be known, needed to be further nurtured in order to, as he stated,  put [the] values of community, of social justice, democracy, equality [and] partnership at the forefront. ¹

While Blair’s position is neither novel nor unique, it does highlight a hitherto invisible aspect of modern political and economic culture: the need to rely more on voluntary and service organisations to help in society’s development and advancement. Let me be clear, this is not to assert that government and business relinquish their status or renege on their responsibilities, but rather, that this third sector be encouraged in their already selfless contribution of service. More importantly however, and this I believe very strongly, third sector involvement allows the community itself to feel a sense of ownership and control over their own lives.

This is because the third sector includes a range of organisations that are comprised of ordinary members of the community. These include, voluntary service organisations, charities, sports clubs, and foundations, or even at some level, religious bodies, universities and trade unions. The commonality lies in the fact that all these organisations are non-governmental and non-profit, offering services and promoting public participation.

The Rotary Club, for example, can be categorized as part of the  third sector, as can Mother’s Choice, the Zonta Club of Hong Kong, Oxfam, World Vision and even the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups. Each of these organisations, among countless others, has a very important role to play in society. They act as places where individuals of similar beliefs and attitudes join together  to consolidate and express their freedoms, to solve problems, to provide services to each other [and the wider community] or simply to enjoy each other’s company.² They are, in fact, catalysts in encouraging public participation in community life by playing a major role in renewing civic culture.

I believe that herein lies the importance of these organisations: they encourage the public to be collectively interested and, may I add, responsible for the issues that directly concern them. The  third sector forces the public to act on their own behalf. This they do by voluntary cooperation, with their own points of advocacy and activism to facilitate change. The  third sector points the public away from the habit of constantly looking to government or business to answer all their needs, and instead develops trust in the citizenry to, in the words of Vaclav Havel,  share, in a substantial way [the exercise of responsibility] for the conditions of society.³

Societies, whether they are small and affluent like Hong Kong, or more populous and challenged, like the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, can only progress with a vibrant and vital  third sector. In a study conducted for the Hong Kong Council of Social Service just this month, in what is the SAR’s first Social Development Index,⁴ it was stated that there have been only modest levels of social improvement since 1986 for the most vulnerable in the community. The least favourable changes occurred for low-income persons and youth, while development trends among the elderly and children  indicated comparatively little net improvement in the overall social, political or economic status of these groups.⁵ What the study concluded is that for Hong Kong to rectify this situation, it must not only ensure that its wealth is more equitably distributed, but that there must be and I emphasise it greater efforts at  promoting stronger and more effective partnerships between government and non-governmental sectors⁶ which was a reminder of the forgotten strength of the third sector.

Thus it becomes apparent that the role of the  third sector has far wider implications than what many of us may have believed until this point. Non-profit and non-governmental organisations can no longer be relegated to the domain of  do good charities. Suddenly, as we look squarely into the tunnel of the 21^st century, we see how much more crucial they are and how seriously we must take them,

As a platform for expression: where the public express their instincts, not only to help each other, but also themselves, rather than constantly seeking assistance from over stretched and understaffed state services.

As a platform of policy priorities: where individuals can become involved with key priorities that are required for a society to develop and which  depend almost entirely on the voluntary giving of time and services. The Rotary Club, among other organisations already take an active role in the areas of literacy, numeracy, crime reduction, leadership training areas in which mentors are required and for which I know that each of you would be most suitable.

As an economic force: where the  third sector can contribute tangibly to the economy by providing services in the form of charity or subsidies and employment, either within their own organisations or beyond.

As a source of local knowledge: when community level  third sector organisations have a far greater and comprehensive understanding of local needs and issues. This makes them far more credible and effective in pursuing strategies than outside organisations.

As providers of identity: When individuals from whatever fields and disciplines become involved in  third sector organisations, there is a renewed sense of identity around shared and common values that often dilutes the stresses of everyday life. Caring for others less privileged than ourselves allows us to share what we have for good.  In Hong Kong, our overwhelming response through various aid agencies to floods and earthquakes, in both Mainland China and Taiwan, are examples of how our identity as Chinese people was manifested and how touched we were by our neighbours’ distress.

Mid way through the first year of the new millennium, Hong Kong really is at a cross road in its own development. These are interesting times, and rather than be fearful of the increasing political tensions, those of us who are part of the third sector should see this as a challenge and opportunity to become more involved in the issues of society.  We can find the space, not only to articulate opinions and positions, but also to put those words into action through service to the most vulnerable and needy amongst us.

The Rotary Club had until 1989 the motto: He profits most who serves his fellow best.  In my opinion, this is what makes us as human beings unique our ability to be able to serve others without a calculation on the returns. This is also the bottom line in why the  third sector should be involved more fully in public life, as a complement to the public and private sectors. Each has much to learn from the other and as they increasingly act in partnership together, we will be able to claim responsibility for the development of society.

Thank you.

Footnotes

1.        Quoted in  A Step Beyond Morris Dancing: The Third Sector Revival by Ian Hargreaves in Ian Hargreaves and Ian Christie (eds), Tomorrow’s Politics: The Third Way and Beyond, pp. 66 and 78

2.        Ibid, p. 68

3.        Quoted from http://www.salesm.ac.at/ Thirdsector/thirdsector.htm

4.        See  Rich and poor growing further apart report in South China Morning Post Thursday June 22 2000 p.2 and  Haves and have-nots in Ibid, p. 17

5.         Social Development in Hong Kong: The Unfinished Agenda A study conducted for the Hong Kong Council of Social Service by Richard J. Estes, PhD in collaboration with Chua Hoi Wai, John Fung, Anthony Wong. June 2000, p. 29

6.     Ibid, p. 39

Continuity Column - By DGE Johnson Chu

Johnson Chu has been a member of the Rotary Club of Peninsula since 1977. Since then, he has been involved with many Rotary programs at club, district and international level. He has gone through most of the heavyweight offices in the district, including District Secretary, District Assembly Chairman, District Conference Chairman, DGGR, AG, GSE Chairman, GSE Team Leader, and so on. In short, his Rotary career has been nothing but outstanding. He was confirmed District Governor-elect at the Rotary International Convention in Buenos Aires in June 2000. At the invitation of Governor John Wan, he has agreed to contribute to the  Continuity Column. This is his first article. — Ed.

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

A new Rotary Year 2000-2001 has started. May I extend my sincere wishes to every  Rotarian for another successful and fruitful year, especially to DG John Wan, who has made some unprecedented changes in the district organization and the district budget. I sincerely hope everything turns out fine for DG John, our  Revolutionary Governor.

This year, there are more District Secretaries than ever and we also have the highest number of clubs (49). The district territory has increased by several times because of the inclusion of the entire country of Mongolia.

Every Rotary International President operates a Presidential Citation program. In 2000-2001, President Frank J. Devlyn retains this good tradition. Moreover, President Frank Devlyn has also created   The 21st Century Challenge to award the Governors of 50 districts with the highest percentage net gain in membership. The addition of the Rotary Club of Ulaanbaatar would move Governor John closer to the winning line.

When IPDG Dipo Sani called me in the morning of 22^nd January 2000 to inform me that my appointment of District Governor Nominee 2000-2001 was finally confirmed, it was my birthday. What a great and memorable present it was to me in my life. My wife, Jenny, was very happy too. I was immediately invited by IPDG Dipo to attend the  Continuity Meeting the following week. The meeting was a breakfast meeting held on the last Friday of every month at the Jockey Club. Members included PDG Anthony Hung, IPDG Dipo Sani, DG John Wan and one Past District Governor by invitation.

At the first meeting, I was asked by IPDG Dipo Sani to be responsible for locating a larger premises of about 2000 square feet for Rotary Information Centre. I called a meeting at the coffee shop of Furama Hotel on 14 March 2000 (Tuesday) at 4:30p.m. The other two members were PP Pi Leung (Rotary Club of Tsuen Wan) and PP Ted Ho (Rotary Club of Kingspark, Hong Kong). I chose these two Rotarians because PP Pi is a property consultant while PP Ted is the Chairman of the Rotary Information Centre Supervisory Committee (1999-2000).

I wrote a report to the  Continuity Committee. I was then told to locate a premise in Causeway Bay, Central, Queensway, Sheung Wan, Tsimshaitsui, or Yaumatai. With the help of PP Pi, his brother and I visited two places in Kowloon on a Saturday afternoon. I also gave a full report to the  Continuity Committee.

At this time, DG John Wan appointed PP Joop Lithmaath to head a new committee to look into the long term accomodation needs of the District from 1^st July 2000. For the time being, therefore, my duty was over.

During the period from 22^nd January 2000 to 30^th June 2000, I attended the Presidents-Elect Training Seminar in March, the District Conference in April. At the conference, I was formally introduced by IPDG Dipo Sani and I delivered a short speech. Unexpectedly, I received a standing ovation, which really made me deeply impressed. The gesture indicated all those present at the conference gave me full support and encouragement. I sincerely thank all of them. At the District Assembly held on 6^th May, I made a presentation on  Leadership.

From 17^th May to 22^nd May, I joined a district delegation to Beijing, China, and Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, headed by IPDG Dipo Sani and DG John Wan respectively. We visited six ministries in Beijing. In Ulaannbaatar, we attended the regular meeting of the Rotary Club of Ulaanbaatar, visited a hospital and the Institute of Music.

In addition to the above, I attended meetings of the Governor’s Policy Committee (which replaces the  Continuity Meeting), District Management Committee, RIC Supervisory Committee, Rotary Foundation Committee, and Group Study Exchange Committee. Meanwhile, I have been looking for members for my district team for 2001-2002. All these mean that a District Governor Nominee has to work hard for twelve months before the commencement of his or her own term of office.

As from 1^st July 2000, District Governor John Wan has assigned me various jobs. My first important appointment is to supervise and conduct all matters relating to the nomination of members to serve on the Nominating Committee for District Governor 2002-2003.

Fellow Presidents 2000-2001, you should have received the letter from DG John regarding the above-mentioned matter. The qualification for the candidate for the Committee as well as the procedure for nomination of the candidate are clearly set out in the letter. Please note that this is an exercise for nominating members to serve on the Nominating Committee and NOT one for the nomination of District Governor Nominee 2002-2003. Should you have any question, pleases do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you.

District Goals 2000-01

CREATE AWARENESS - TAKE ACTION

Objective: Develop effective clubs

1. A quantum increase in membership

·         Achieve a net increase of five members per club

·         Start two new clubs

·         Reach 2001 members by 30 June 2001

2. Address the needs of our community

·         Organize a Youth Forum with Government and other NGOs

·         Encourage volunteerism

·         Promote reading habits among students and youths

·         Create awareness of the needs of children

3. Support The Rotary Foundation

·         Contribute a total of US$200,000 to Rotary Foundation

·         Encourage each member to contribute US$100 each year

·         Promote 100% Paul Harris clubs

·         Organize a District Rotary Foundation Seminar

·         Organize one regular GSE team and another  with China

·         Support the Rotary Centres for International Studies

4. Develop leaders to serve beyond club level

·         Establish a District Leadership Academy

·         Organize continuing Rotary education

·         Encourage training in Rotary at all levels

Objective: Promote Rotary

5. Promote Rotary’s image

·         Organize large scale and multi-year district projects

·         Partner with other organizations

·         Participate proactively in the International Year of Volunteers

·         Invite the media to district activities

·         Develop working relations with the media

6. Promote communication through Internet

·         Establish a Web page for each club

·         Establish and operate an electronic mail box for each club

·         Promote 100% email address clubs

7. Create Awareness of Rotary

·         Organize visits to business and professional organizations

·         Organize visits to schools and universities

·         Encourage members to carry  What is Rotary cards

·         Start a system to log our community service systematically

Bunny’s Column

In Prison or At Work

IN PRISON you spend the majority of your time in an 8x10 cell.
AT WORK you spend most of your time in a 6x8 cubicle.

IN PRISON you get three meals a day.
AT WORK you only get a break for 1 meal and you have to pay for it.

IN PRISON you get time off for good behavior.
AT WORK you get rewarded for good behavior with more work.

IN PRISON a guard locks and unlocks all the doors for you.
AT WORK you must carry around a security card and unlock and open the doors yourself.

IN PRISON you can watch TV and play games.
AT WORK you get fired for watching TV and playing games.

IN PRISON you get your own toilet.
AT WORK you have to share.

IN PRISON they allow your family and friends to visit.
AT WORK you cannot even speak to your family and friends.

IN PRISON all expenses are paid by taxpayers with no work required.
AT WORK you get to pay all the expenses to go to work and then they deduct taxes from your salary to pay for prisoners.

IN PRISON you spend most of your life looking through bars from the inside wanting to get out.
AT WORK you spend most of your time wanting to get out and go inside bars.

IN PRISON there are wardens who are often sadistic.
AT WORK they are called managers.

[Bunny is a Rotarian—Ed.]

Attendance Report May 2000

You can visit the attendance section of this web-site for the current and previous attendance reports.