"What divides us pales in comparison to what unites us."
Edward Kennedy
Welcome to March where in the Rotary world we celebrate clean water and in District 6250 we welcome and celebrate our new Administrative Consultant - Megs Lunn. During the month of February and into March, District 6250 Rotarians welcomed Megs into their clubs, communities, and homes. The hospitality, generosity and genuine interest to learn and grow is exactly what Edward Kennedy speaks about. Even though an ocean divides us for the majority of our Rotary year, what unites us is the willingness to celebrate and embrace our differences to create the best possible experiences for ourselves and the communities we serve. Watch here...
As you lean into March, I ask you to take a minute and ponder the importance of embracing the joys and benefits of RI's priority of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - a priority we share here in District 6250. How are you and your club members finding ways to UNITE us in a world that desperately wants to divide us? And if you need a reason to smile, just check out our Facebook page - it's filled with the JOY and HOPE created with Meg's visit.
Please join us at Tri- Con!! Tri-Con is a wonderful way to unite your club, educate new members, or re-energize experienced club members. This conference is filled with incredible keynote speakers, breakout presenters, fellowship and SO MUCH MORE! We are excited to see you in Green Bay this April.
Michelle McGrath, Ed. D
D6250 Governor
RY 2023-2024
ri President gordon R. Mcinally
MARCH 2024 MESSAGE
Rotary Peace Fellows are awarded fellowships to study peace and development, preparing them to work in conflict prevention and resolution. They promote Positive Peace through creative approaches.
Alejandra Rueda-Zarate established NES Naturaleza to support sustainable farming in Colombia and rural Latin America, benefiting 4,500 farmers. Geoffrey Diesel and Kathy Doherty founded the Racial Equity Project to combat racism using the Pillars of Positive Peace. Jamie LeSueur leads emergency operations at the Red Cross, emphasizing the impact of Rotary Peace Centers in creating global peace leaders. Over 1,800 peace fellows have graduated, making a difference in 140+ countries.
Thank you, Rotarians, – this happened because of you. The Rotary Mobile Clinic continues to be a beacon of hope for our patients and a source of inspiration for our volunteers, partners, and communities. We received the Wisconsin Hospital Association’s prestigious Global Vision Award - an award is given out to two organizations each year with the hopes that others will create similar programming throughout the state. Read more...
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It's Time to Plan Your Club's District Grant!
by: Erin Luken
Springtime in Wisconsin means that our Presidents-Elect have just returned from PETS, full of inspiration and ready to collaborate with their club members on what their club's vision and plans will be for the new Rotary year. As the District Rotary Foundation Chair, I hope that your club will consider planning and implementing a district grant. We were able to fund fifteen district grants this year, with our District Designated Funds (DDF) lasting until December 2023 as the committee approved grant applications on a monthly basis. Read more...
In photo: Diane Whitmore picks produce during a volunteer event at River Run Farm for Harvest Against Hunger, a program of Rotary District 5030 (Washington, USA) that makes fresh, local produce that might otherwise go to waste available to people who face food insecurity by connecting farmers, truckers, volunteers, and food banks to bring resources into hunger-relief efforts across Washington state. Sequim, Washington, USA. 8 November 2023. Find the story in "Rotary" magazine, March 2024.
Public Image, Politics, Rotary
by: Lyn Perez-Hewitt
Why do we bring this up now? 2024 is an election year.
Rotary’s reputation and platform are attractive to individuals seeking public approval and acceptance. Hosting a candidate or candidate forum is not unusual for some Rotary Clubs. If your club chooses to host candidates and a photo is requested, before arranging the photo consider this:
The public at large is unaware of the nuances that Rotarians understand between and among clubs. As we all know, if you’ve visited one Rotary club, you’ve visited one Rotary club. HOWEVER, non-Rotarians are likely to see a photo with a Rotary banner and believe that ROTARY, all of ROTARY, supports the individual in the photo.
Our RI Code of policies addresses politics, and each standard club constitution includes an article about Community, National, and International Affairs. For more information and useful references that may help guide and support club conversations as this election year unfolds, click here. Read more...
Mental Health Series
During one of the Tricon plenaries on April 19, we are fortunate to have Dr. Chris Carr as a distinguished speaker. His vast experience promises an insightful session. The topic will focus on Active Listening. Following this, our partner NAMI will lead a breakout session.
Rotary Youth Exchange has entered its “fun” season!
by: PDG Bill Pritchard
Our 2023-2024 Youth Exchange class has 13 current long-term inbounds, 8 long-term outbounds and 7 Short-term exchange students experiencing exciting moments across our district and around the world. Reading their monthly reports is one of the highlights of being chair of this remarkable program… the efforts of Rotarians around our district and world are making the Youth Exchange goal of “Peace thru Understanding” vibrantly real and present. My thanks to each of you that have touched the life of a Youth Exchange student this year. It is a year that they will never forget. Read more ...
(In Photo: fromFt Atkinson RYE Winter Weekend with IB and OB students.
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Counselors needed!
Be a part of a transformational weekend for the youth of District 6250! Your RYLA team is looking for Rotarian/Rotaract Counselors to join our counselor staff at RYLA, May 17-19, 2024. Click here for more details, or use this form to apply!
Rotars of the Month
The Rotary Club of Chippewa Falls “Rotars of the Month” Ethan Faschigbauer, a senior high school at Chippewa Falls High School, with her team Kamryn and Bella, embarked on a project called "Impact Spouts" to benefit elementary school students, starting with Halstad and Parkview Elementary. Read more...
(In Photo: Ethan at the recent RC Chippewa club meeting)
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Finding Harmony Between Rotary and Life
by: Megs Lunn
(In Photo: Admin Megs and AG Aaron Frank RFE Philippines meeting)
Becoming an administrator in another district within the Rotary community presents a fresh and thrilling challenge. This year, I had the opportunity to interact closely with Governor Michelle McGrath and the rest of the district team, whom I had previously only seen virtually via Zoom since assuming the role on July 1, 2023. Read more...
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Beds for Kids in Need
By: Adam J. Fleis
"We are privileged to have beds for our own rest. Understanding the link between sleep and children's education, we aim to offer them a helping hand." Read more...
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