Governor’s Message
By Ron Petersen, Sr.
Together, we made many dreams real and Rotary remained strong. This was truly a year of change and advancement for District 6110! I think you will agree we have leaped light years ahead in many areas through achieving many of our goals for my year as Governor.
On-line registration for district events coupled with a new interactive web site and DaCdb software, we have the ability to communicate like never before. Being from the communications industry, I felt we lacked a quick and easy mode of communication. You can be sure these advances will be around for a long time to help the district and the District Governors to come.
I must say we had significant attendance at District Conference in September of ’08 along with a record attendance at District Assembly in May of ‘08. More and more Rotarians are finding that going beyond the club level to learn about Rotary is what takes to realize Rotary dreams.
The economy turned into a “wild thing” that gave trouble to us all. No new clubs to report for our district, but we have been working on a long list of some pretty good prospects. With the recession slowing, I believe A.C. is in a good position to charter a good many new clubs. In membership, we conducted six regional Membership Seminars and with the turn of events in the economy many clubs were lucky to just hold the line and retain their numbers. So, membership gains were (like a lot of districts) not what I had imagined either. Currently, Public Relations efforts are giving more exposure to Rotary on TV, Radio and Billboards – the wheels are rolling for more PR to achieve A.C.’s goal of 1,000 new members by September 30th. 6110 in 2010 RAH! As for the Rotary Foundation Goals, clubs in the district have reached a combined 65% of our districts goal for this year. However, we always finish late and grand in June, so I have hopes all of you will come through near the finish line.
We chartered a new Rotaract Club at Northwest Arkansas Community College. What a great experience these young people are having! They will receive the Presidential Citation from RI President D.K. Lee for completing requirements for Rotaract Clubs to be honored in this way.
AND .. due to a decision made in March at MAPETS, Mid America PETS will remain in Ft. Smith, Arkansas several years beyond what was originally planned. This works well for our district since the location is in the heart of D6110. THERE’S MORE .. The Rotary Institute will be held in Tulsa, OK September 8-13. We should feel good with the success that both of these bring to our home turf, so do give a large thanks to PDG Ed Hardesty for playing a major role in bringing this about.
In August of ’08 we had a full boat in that we awarded a Grant for University Teachers, an Ambassadorial Scholarship and a Kirshner Scholarship all in one day!
Our GSE Team had a successful exchange with District 2620 in Japan. Thanks to Chair Jim Spears and PDG Ken Bateman who served as Team Leader, we appreciate the clubs and Rotarians who hosted the Japanese team as well.
As they say in the old western movies “it’s the end of the trail”. The July 09-10 DG A.C. Moncrief will assume the responsibility of the newsletter, but for now, this being my last Governors message - I must say a big “Thank You” for the honor I was given to have the wonderful responsibility to serve and lead this great district as Governor. Thanks to the many district Rotarians for their contributions toward the success of Rotary in District 6110 this Rotary year. There are many to thank for a great year, I will reserve these moments of gratitude for District Conference October 22-25.
Happy Trails to you until we meet again, Governor Ron Petersen, Sr.
Governor’s May Message
By Ron Petersen, Sr.
The Rotary Club Bell
While making my official visits to each of the 79 Rotary Clubs in District 6110, I took special interest in each club bell mainly because they are very ceremonial and play a significant role in Rotary Clubs, districts and even at the International meetings. Since they are such a focal point of the club meeting, I decided to use the club bell as a prop for my Governors talk. To add to my excitement, I noticed a few are very different than most and shot some digital photos of them and promised to write this article about The Rotary Club Bell. The photos are included in this newsletter for your amazement.
As I held up each Rotary Club bell up high in my two hands, it always gave me a few goose bumps as it was a profound moment. Club bells, and bells just like it, are gaveled at clubs throughout the world to call meetings to order and to dismiss the gathering. The club bell can be gaveled again at the podium to call the meeting back to order if the club gets a little rowdy. The club bell is most likely the oldest member and has perfect attendance. A club bell is a special part of the agenda on its charter night as witnessed by what is inscribed on the club bell. The sitting Governor, sponsoring Rotary Club or a even a Rotarian that is as crazy about bells as I am will grace the club with its own club bell. I always read out loud what was inscribed on the bell as those names still mean something to many in the club. A lot of people see the Rotary Club bell on charter night, but they only hear it from then on. I think my recognition of the club bell rekindled some of the fire that burned on charter night.
Have you ever noticed when the bell is gaveled calling the meeting to order, we come to immediate attention and the room falls quiet. It happens at the International Conventions as well. Thousands of Rotarians from all over the world are assembled in a huge auditorium, and when the bell is gaveled it speaks the same language to all as all of a sudden the big room becomes perfectly still. All bells have the same loud, clear and distinct tone apparently known to all no matter their language. The Rotary Bell calls us to service. It reminds us that we are one as Rotarians, just ordinary people doing extraordinary things all over the globe.
What an exciting time to be a Rotarian. We are about to wipe out Polio worldwide. Others like Bill and Melinda Gates are noticing what good Rotary is doing and have joined our efforts by giving millions to help us champion this dread disease called Polio. End Polio Now we chant. We will all stand proud that day. I only hope each person reading this message have given or helped at fundraisers for this effort, because on that day you will cry real tears with all who have done the same. If you have not given to Polio Plus, the bell is tolling my friend, and it’s calling out to you to do your part in ending Polio NOW.
Governor Ron Petersen, Sr.
Governor’s Message
By Ron Petersen, Sr.
April is Rotary Magazine Month
January of 1911, a 12-page newsletter called The National Rotarian was published. The Rotarian magazine is one of Rotary’s oldest traditions and can be obtained today in hard copy form or on line at www.rotary.org
RI Board of Directors designates April of every year as Magazine Month. It’s a good time to reflect and truly recognize what role Rotary publications play in our lives in Rotary and more importantly the role that Rotarians should play in the publications. The English-language flagship magazine, The Rotarian , is edited at RI headquarters in Evanston and has a circulation of about 500,000. Today, with electronic communications virtually everywhere, the role of the hard copy magazine is still very important in Rotary. The Rotarian magazine provides us with snapshots of what’s happening in different clubs and districts as well as important news and updates from RI headquarters. I invite you to be a more effective Rotarian by reading, enjoying and learning more about our great organization.
are not alone in the USA. Around the world, 31 more magazines are published in 24 other languages, for a total of 32 magazines published by the Rotary World Magazine Press, and a total circulation of about 1.25 million. For the magazines to live up to Paul Harris’ original vision, the effort is more than an editorial staff. It relies greatly on the efforts of Rotarians to share their stories. Club membership now spans more than 200 countries and geographical areas; the mandate of our publications is more involved and more critical to our survival than ever before.
month we await the arrival of “The Rotarian” to read up on the latest happenings in the Rotary world. My Wife Louise is a Rotarian as well so we both get the magazine and find ourselves reading our separate copies and discussing what we have read. We find some interesting articles in each issue that are not only worth reading but are worth talking about at the next Rotary meeting, church or even at the barber or beauty shop!
time now to enjoy the April issue of “The Rotarian” and share some of the stories with pride and in some cases, astonishment. Be proud you are a Rotarian.
Ron Petersen, Sr.
Governor’s Message
By Ron Petersen, Sr.
IF you have never given to the Rotary Foundation – NOW is the time. Rotary is finally getting the attention and credit it deserves! Everyday people around the world are learning for the first time about Rotary and our organization has certainly received the attention of Bill Gates Jr. Please read RI President D.K. Lee’s March message below.
Governor Ron
March 2009
At the International Assembly in January, we were privileged to host a special guest from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: Microsoft founder Bill Gates Jr., who had come to speak to the incoming Rotary officers on the Gates Foundation’s involvement in PolioPlus. A few moments into his remarks, the room erupted in cheers at the announcement that Rotary’s US$100 Million Challenge had become Rotary’s US$200 Million Challenge: The Gates Foundation would commit an additional $250 million of funding, over and above its initial $100 million contribution, and Rotary would agree to raise an additional $100 million match by 30 June 2012.
This is a tremendous vote of confidence in our work, and its implications are spectacular. When we succeed in meeting this challenge, Rotary and the Gates Foundation will have brought an additional $555 million of new funding to the polio eradication effort, at the time when it is most needed. Only four countries are still polio endemic, but those four present the greatest practical and epidemiological challenges. We are close to the final hurdle of this race – but the final hurdle is also the highest and will require the greatest effort from us all.
This money will be used for operational support, surveillance, and social mobilization – vital aspects for the success of the campaign. In order to make the world polio-free, we must be vigilant for signs of new cases, we must coordinate well-planned and well-executed immunization days, and we must keep all our efforts organized for maximum efficiency and effectiveness. The hiring of town criers, the purchase of megaphones, the transportation of lab samples and vaccines, the mapping of villages to be sure not one child is missed – all of these needs are being met with the support of this challenge grant.
We are already close to halfway to raising our first $100 million; in the three years ahead, we must, and will, raise a full $200 million. We ask every Rotary club to carry out at least one fundraising event for polio eradication in each of these three years, and we especially ask newer Rotarians, and newer clubs, to be a strong part of this effort. We are so close to eradicating polio. We are so close to making this Rotary dream real. We should all be part of this incredible effort and this page in Rotary history.
Dong Kurn (D.K.) Lee
President, Rotary International
Governor’s Message
By Ron Petersen, Sr.
February is World Understanding Month
For this month of February, let us focus on the importance of goodwill and understanding for peace in a world that is filled with conflict and intolerance. It is a time for all of us to pause and consider how we are pursuing Rotary’s Fourth Avenue of Service – International Service. It’s our international service coupled with our international fellowship that will do the most good in building a more peaceful tomorrow. As humans, and as Rotarians, we were born to shine as a beacon of hope! We must let our light shine throughout the world. Rotary welcomes all men and women and invites them to get their arms around the spirit of “Service Above Self” and stand proud and live by the high ethical standards of the Four Way Test, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, religion, or political affiliation. Rotary shares the value of the entire human family and seeks to bring peace by creating world understanding.
Rotarians around the world practice tolerance and focus on the aspects of humanity that make us one. This quality is the miracle of Rotary especially in a world that is filled with spoil sports that often practice intolerance and seek to point out our differences. Rotarians throughout the world enjoy fellowship and friendship at meetings such as the Rotary International Convention and the International Assembly which create watersheds for a lifetime, flying in the face of the stereotypical stories often portrayed by the media. All of this runs parallel with the efforts of too many who aim to separate our oneness as the human family. The strength of Rotary is that we go about our role in building peace and world understanding in a quiet and confident way which is evident as we respond to human needs with projects that serve people with whom we have nothing in common other than the love and respect we have because we were born to shine and are happy to share this world with all others.
Yes, February is World Understand Month – a month to truly realize that Rotary builds understanding through programs such as Group Study Exchange, Youth Exchange, Ambassadorial Scholarships, Grants for University Teachers, Kirshner Scholarships and World Peace Scholarships. What stands out so profoundly is that we touch lives one person at a time providing such a needed miracle to build world understanding. I invite you to share and let your light shine by asking someone to join Rotary. Let your light shine by getting involved in Rotary beyond the local club level. I could never repay Rotary for what it has given me. I am fulfilled by the rich experiences provided by getting acquainted with and knowing and serving others even though they may seem quite different. This warm fuzzy feeling cannot be measured easily or simply put into words; many times it can only be felt.
Governor Ron Petersen, Sr.
Governor’s Message
By Ron Petersen, Sr.
Promote Rotary during “Rotary Awareness Month”
January is Rotary Awareness Month an opportunity to promote the good works of Rotary!
GOOD NEWS! Teddy Steen of the Rotary Club of Joplin, MO and D6110’s Public Relations Chair, has been successful in applying for and receiving a $10,000 PR Grant from RI. Coupled with the required 1/3 match by D6110, she will set out to launch the plan proposed to RI to use the budget of $13,333 to make “broad strokes” in the 4 corners of the four states. Watch for more Billboards and TV utilizing the just released version of “Humanity in Motion” #5 to promote Rotary and End Polio NOW. In addition to the purchased Billboards and TV time, her application to RI included a promised $200,000+ of in-kind Cable TV PSA time and hopes for the billboard companies to use the movable vinyl posters to post in-kind boards to fill unused space this year.
On the club level - putting Rotary in the public eye involves more than just writing press releases and maintaining contact with local media. Rotary International provides pre-produced public service announcements and encourages all clubs to localize these materials for use in their communities. Public Relations materials are available from RI by using the District Web sites Public Relations link at www.6110times.org
Supplement the District placements by dovetailing own your clubs PR efforts! Consider Cable and public-access television – ask the local cable operator for public access. Do Billboards, posters and signs. Use newspaper supplements, club brochures, presentations and speeches!
Beyond traditional media - Promoting Rotary in the 21st century means moving beyond traditional media. New technology hasn’t made press releases obsolete, but it has added to the arsenal of media tools.
· Blogs are online journals that can include text, audio, video, and images. When the December 2004 tsunami hit Sri Lanka, the Rotary Club of Colombo Regency used a blog to collect donations and help coordinate relief efforts.
· A podcast is a digital audio file distributed over the Internet, usually through a subscription-based service.
· Other new media tools include electronic press releases, distributed through e-mail, and uploaded videos. More than 50 video uploading and sharing sites allow you to publicize your Rotary efforts on the Web.
ASK YOURSELF How well am I communicating with my club, my community and my District?
Ron Petersen, Sr.
District Governor
Governor’s Message
By Ron Petersen, Sr.
As the year comes to an end, so does our official club visits. What wonderful clubs! Louise and I are blessed to have had the experience. Thank you all for the warm reception and great hospitality! We extend warm greetings to each of you for a Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year!
December is Family Month and time to focus on our families, to involve them in our Rotary service, and to answer the call to do even more for the many in need throughout our world. There are so many families and children waiting for our help, and helping is what we as Rotarians do best. We cannot look away. We should not rest until children, all over, have a chance for long healthy lives. For we must Make Dreams Real for every child in every home where there is hunger, sickness, and want.
December 1st a baby girl was born into our family, Alexis Claire is our first great-grandchild. As a father of five, grandfather of sixteen and now a great-grandfather, I have been fortunate to be surrounded by a loving growing family. As we raised our five children, Louise and I worked hard to provide for them and giving them what all children need most: a loving, safe, and stable home. Our children were priority number one! We always had good nutritious meals on the table, enough adequate clothing, superb medical care, and a quality education for each of them. In doing this we knew too well how fortunate we were and truly grateful that we never had to say, “Sorry kids, we have nothing to eat tonight,” or “I’m sorry, but we can’t afford warm clothing for the winter.”
As a Rotarian, I read and hear about too many children in the world that are deprived of the basic essentials of food, medical care, clothing, education and shelter. And as a Rotarian who is also a father, I have said at many of our Official Visits to clubs in District 6110 “All of the world’s children are our children.” This Christmas Time, I want you to think about them and pledge to be the spark plug in your Rotary Club that will lead the way and get involved with DK Lee’s efforts. We must Make Dreams Real for the children of the world.
As I watch my grandchildren - laughing, pictures of health and going to good schools - I cannot help but think of the millions who do not have these advantages. I think of the children with too little to eat and only dirty water to drink. I think of the children who are sick with preventable diseases and those who will sleep in a dangerous place tonight. These things lead me to think of the children, millions of them every year, who will not live to see their fifth birthday.
Ron Petersen, Sr.
District Governor
Ron Petersen, Sr.
In exchange for living here on this earth, I believe we must “pay rent” by giving back. The Rotary Foundation is used by many Rotarians throughout the world to make our dreams of Service Above Self a reality.
In 1917, Arch C. Klumph, Rotary’s sixth president, proposed to the Rotary International Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, the creation of an “endowment fund for Rotary - for the purpose of doing good in the world in charitable, educational, and other avenues of community service.” A few months later, the endowment received its first contribution of $26.50 from the Rotary Club of Kansas City, Missouri. In 1928, when the endowment fund had grown to more than $5,000, the fund was renamed The Rotary Foundation, and it became a distinct entity within Rotary International. Five Trustees, including Klumph, were appointed to “hold, invest, manage, and administer all of its property, as a single trust, for the furtherance of the purposes of RI.” Two years later, the Foundation made its first grant of $500 to the International Society for Crippled Children. The ISCC, created by Rotarian Edgar F. “Daddy” Allen, later grew into the Easter Seals organization. It was a beginning.
We can take pride in our heart felt efforts for Foundation giving over the past several years, but we should not reduce our level of support for the Foundation. The Rotary Foundation supports community projects throughout our District through District Simplified Grants. In addition, through additional District Designated Funds and Matching Grants, our Foundation adds value to projects that improve the quality of life, administer healthcare, food, disaster relief, clean water, and educational programs. Our Foundation builds peace and better understanding in the world through Group Study Exchanges, Ambassadorial Scholarships, Grants for University Teachers, and Rotary’s Centers for International Study in Peace and Conflict Resolution. From the beginning, the Trustees of the Foundation have insured good stewardship of our funds. Personally, I could not think of a better charity to give funds to than the Rotary Foundation. You have seen and heard of the millions of lives touched by Foundation projects.
Your generosity and selfless giving can help exceed last year’s Foundation gifts and I ask you to encourage those Rotarians you know that are capable of leadership giving to become Major Donors, and for every Rotarian in District 6110 to get involved at some level of giving to the Foundation. The need is great, and we are Rotarians who never turn our backs on those who count on us to step forward. Consider giving just $25 a quarter over the course of every year through electronic funds transfer (EFT). Your giving will insure that future projects will not go undone. Thanks primarily to PDG Gerald Harp’s continuing generosity, we still have matching Foundation credits available for Rotarians who sign up for EFT. Want more information? Go to www.ri6110.org where you can download the form to make your gift today, then lead the way as an example and be proud to stand up and challenge every member of your club to do the same. If you have become a Paul Harris Fellow and say you’ve given to the Rotary Foundation, that was just the beginning. I encourage you to contact PDG Ed Hardesty about joining the Paul Harris Society. Contact Ed at Edwin.Hardesty@ssa.gov and think seriously about it.
Governor’s Message
By Ron Petersen, Sr.
Our Official Club Visits are stacking up .. at the beginning of October we have visited 46 clubs in the District. We are finding a warm welcome wherever we go. Thank you!
It’s time to FOCUS on October which is Rotary’s “Vocational Service Month”. Rotarians are encouraged to focus on this essential element of Rotary. Vocational Service means:
1. Adherence to, and promotion of, the highest ethical standards in all occupations, including fair treatment of employers, employees, associates, competitors, and the public.
2. The recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, not just your own or
those that are pursued by Rotarians.
3. The contribution of your vocational talents to solving the problems of society and meeting the needs of the community.
Discussions among clubs and districts on Vocational Service can lead to projects that not only develop the ethical consciousness and vocational skills of Rotarians but also the talents within their communities. Vocational Service month is an opportunity to begin year-long Vocational Service activities, ranging from Rotary discussions to awards to community projects.
Some ideas for your club:
Devote a meeting in October to examining the second Avenue of Service, including The 4-Way Test and The Declaration of Rotarians in Business and the Professions. After expanding members’ awareness, solicit their input in planning projects for the remainder of the year.
Introduce a “mini-classifications talk” series in which each member gives a five-minute talk on his or her vocation. Schedule one speaker for the beginning of each meeting until everyone has made a presentation. The purpose: promote vocational awareness among Rotarians and help them recognize the worthiness of all useful occupations.
Present a vocational award to someone in the community who has exemplified outstanding professional achievement while maintaining very high ethical standards. Promote the presentation within the community, and consider making it an annual October event.
Invite experts to give a presentation on the vocational needs of the community and develop a project in response to those needs. Possible projects could focus on developing character, providing career information to youth, mentoring small businesses, or organizing workshops that provide employees with new skills.
Ron Petersen, Sr.
District Governor
Governor’s Message
By Ron Petersen, Sr.
As we make our rounds through the District, Louise and I are having a fantastic time on our Official Visits to the clubs. What a great group of Rotary clubs we have in District 6110 .. which proves there are no better people who exist on the earth than Rotarians. On August 31st we will have visited 38 clubs and look forward to our visit to your home club.
It’s time to FOCUS on September which is Rotary’s “New Generations Month”. Rotary has always centered its attention on the needs of children and youth. Is your club making efforts to support young people in your community? There are many opportunities for clubs to be involved with youth.
Get involved in Youth Exchange. We as a District have the potential to sponsor a great deal more inbound and outbound long-term exchange students. Now is the time to make it happen next year. Make a commitment to host or sponsor an exchange student. Plan to send a representative to the SCRYE Conference in Tulsa in February.
Adopt a school. Every Rotary club should adopt a school. Life long relationships will be formed with the influence of Rotary role models cannot be overstated.
Get involved in Interact or Rotoract. If your club does sponsor an Interact or Rotoract Club, make an effort to get involved, and if your club does not sponsor an Interact or Rotoract club, be the driving force in forming a club.
Send youth from your community to RYLA. Our RYLA program is second to none! A leadership opportunity your club should get its arms around by sponsoring several young persons and volunteer at the camp. Tentative dates are March 26, 27, 28 & 29th, 2009.
Be involved in the Four Way Test Speech Contest. A great way to get students exposed to Rotary and the ethics in life and in business. Every club in the District should conduct a contest.
Recognize outstanding students in local schools. Recognize Juniors/Seniors of the month and invite them to attend your club meetings. Provide scholarships and other support.
Participate in the CHOICES program a fantastic and life changing program that teaches junior high students that the choices they make have long-term and lasting effects now and into the future.
Support the Dictionary Project. Only a few clubs in District 6110 are not involvement in this great project which makes sure every third grader in District 6110, even those in communities without a Rotary Club, receives a dictionary. Let’s get 100% of our clubs doing this program!
These are only a few suggestions. As adults, we forget what an influence we have our youth!
Ron Petersen, Sr.
District Governor
