February is Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month!
February 23 — Rotary's Anniversary!
Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention. Prevention is better than cure, as the saying goes. 'As a humanitarian organization, promoting peace is a cornerstone of our mission.' In our district, clubs carry out the mission of peacebuilding locally and globally through many avenues within the areas of focus - grants, peace fellow scholarships, youth exchange, and various ways that foster a stable community environment. What projects are you engaged in that promote peace in your community? Check out the Learning Center for more understanding of Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention. Follow this link for an example of how Rotarians help create an environment that fosters peace by leading the campaign to build Rwanda's first public library. 'A bastion against ignorance and tyranny, it has become a gathering place where a culture of reading, the arts, and democracy thrives.' - https://www.rotary.org/en/more-than-a-library
117th Anniversary of 'Doing good things in the World! On February 23, 2023, we will celebrate another birthday of Rotary. Let us toast all the Rotarians, past, present, and future, for changing lives.
2023-2024 Rotary theme. At the recently completed International Assembly, RIPE Gordon McInally introduced his theme for the 2023-2024 year - 'Create Hope in the World.' He acknowledged this historical year and asked us to create a new beginning by building a bridge that continues previous RI initiatives. Emphasizing continuity by building on past work to create something more significant. He urges us to move forward to create hope in the World. Working together with others to put hope in their lives. Rotary helps create peace and opportunity for a world worth living in. You may screen his message at https://my.rotary.org/en/exchange-ideas/events/international-assembly-images-videos?types=audiovideo
Attention all Club Presidents and all Club Membership Chairs During my club visit, I shared the decades-long dismal membership retention rate with you. I informed you about the district's orientation initiative for this year. Well, now is the time for your members to register. There will be three sessions for your members to choose from. All members that have joined in the last five years are expected to attend one of the sessions. I implore you to use your persuasive leadership skills to sign them up. We hope to see all Membership Chairs. I will be at each session to welcome you as we 'Discover ROTARY!" –
You can attend via Zoom on February 6 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, in person on February 11 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at the Fountaindale Library in Bolingbrook, or February 18 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at the Eola Community Center in Aurora. Visit the District website and register for one of the sessions. Learn about Rotary and share your experience with us. Register nowhttps://rotary6450.org/calendar/
Please continue to track your service hours and share a showcase of your work with Rotary and your community.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Ade Onayemi
District Events
Everyone is invited to DISCOVER ROTARY. There will be 3 Discover Rotary sessions which will include Rotary history, Rotary resources and Rotary stories. It will be a fun and informative program. You can attend via Zoom on February 6 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm, in person on February 11 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at the Fountaindale Library in Bolingbrook, or February 18 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at the Eola Community Center in Aurora. Please register through the links on the home page of the district website.
President-elects – register now for Midwest PETS March 3-5, 2023. You should have received a personal registration link; if you didn’t we may not know you’re the PE for your club. Contact Linda Yates at yates.linda@sbcglobal.net for help registering.
2023 District Conference & Club Expo, May 6, 2023. Plan on spending Saturday, May 6, from 10am-4pm at The Max in McCook bragging about what your club has accomplished this year and checking out what other clubs are doing. There is no charge and food will be available for purchase. Register here
Save the Date – 2023-24 District Governor Conor Gee Installation, June 24, 2023. Stay tuned for more information coming soon.
Rotary Day at the White Sox, July 28, 2023. Get your club members together and order tickets now! Don’t forget to sponsor a veteran for the game and dinner. For more information and to order tickets click here: 2023 White Sox Game
REMINDER: Send your news items to be included in the District Headline News to yates.linda@sbcglobal.net.
2023 Annual CORKL Luncheon presented by Western Springs Rotary, Friday, March 17, 2023. CORKL stands for Chamber, Optimist, Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions. Join local service organizations and business professionals at this fun event. CORKL Registration
ROTARY/One Chicago Woman of the Year Award Ceremony Nominations,Deadline Tuesday, February 5, 2023. The Chicago Woman of the Year Committee would like to extend the call for honorees. To nominate a candidate, please fill out this automated Nomination Form. Click here for more information or email Chicago Woman of the Year Committee Chair Lisa Russ or office@rotaryone.club.
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