Welcome to District 5495 News

Applications open soon for 2022-23 District 5495 grants
District Grant Update
 
Yes, it's about time to think about District Grants again.
 
Many thanks to grantees who have already gotten their reports in for this (2021-22) Rotary year's grants. Early is great! 
 
The deadline for all reports is April 30.
 
The district Foundation Committee is busy preparing for the 2022-23 application process.  We'll have dates set soon for (mandatory) Grants Management Training sessions in the spring. 
 
The application deadline remains May 31. 
 
We're looking forward to seeing your applications.
 
As always, please address questions to me, Rebecca Wilks rebecca@skylineimages.net.
Rotary Leadership Institute goes virtual for Jan. 29
Your Rotary Club is a fantastic and magnificent Rotary Club! However, it is only one Club out of 35,000-plus Rotary Clubs worldwide.
 
Keeping Rotary Clubs vital, interesting, and active requires a key ingredient:  Leadership Beyond the Club. One of the best ways to develop leaders for Clubs is to enroll members into the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI).
 
RLI is a grassroots coalition of Rotary districts implementing a leadership development program for “potential” leaders of Rotary CLUBS.
 
RLI has become a worldwide organization with divisions in every Continent of the world.
 
RLI is not an official program of Rotary International and is not under its control but has substantial support of RI Presidents and current, past, and incoming RI Directors. Its curriculum is upgraded every 4 years.
 
RLI believes that excellent CLUB leadership (all types of club leaders) is essential to the future of Rotary in our complex and fast-changing world. Most Rotarians have not been exposed to the great scope of Rotary around the world and have not considered what leadership skills are necessary to move Rotary forward.
 
RLI strongly believes that a good Rotary Club leader must know the evolution of Rotary, its status, and activities in the world, and have a vision for what Rotary can be in the future. That said, RLI normally holds three one-day Sessions in both Rotary knowledge and leadership skills.
 
The mission of RLI is to have Clubs identify those members with the potential for future Club leadership (not necessarily to become Club president) and to send them to RLI courses at the Club expense. Any interested Rotarian may attend RLI.
 
The overriding goal of RLI it to create ENTHUSIASM for Rotary and showing the enormous potential of Rotary service and how with excellent leadership in Clubs, the world will benefit.
People often ask what the difference is in RLI.
 
RLI is a general education program. Most Rotary International training programs are “job-specific.”  RLI is not PETS, CLA or another District training program. Graduates of RLI bring with them an enhanced background in Rotary when they do attend programs such as PETS, CLA or RLA.
 
This January 29, 2022, RLI will hold its Three-Sessions via ZOOM from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. If you would like to register for RLI, which is not necessarily for leaders, please send your name and Club, to my email, pcady2@cox.net.
 
Please email me with any questions you may have.
 
Pollyanne T. Cady
C:  602-741-8835
H:  602-371-9145
Rotary recognizes District 5495 clubs for their annual giving
The Rotary Foundation has recognized clubs throughout the world that have shown exemplary support of the annual fund and to the End Polio Now campaign during the 2020-21 Rotary year.
 
Clubs recognized for their support will be presented with banners and certificates.
 
In District 5495, 21 clubs are being singled out and recognized for their contributions to the annual fund, and 17 for their support of the End Polio Now campaign.
 
“Top Three Highest Per Capita Annual Giving”
 
The Rotary Club of Superstition Mountain/Apache Junction ranked No. 1 per capita in the district for its contributions to the Annual Fund, followed by The Rotary Club of Tempe Downtown and the Rotary Club of Peoria North.
 
The three clubs are one of only 1,530 clubs worldwide to achieve “Top Three Highest in Per Capita Annual Giving” honors in their district. Only clubs with a minimum $50 Annual Fund per capita contribution are eligible.
 
Seventeen clubs in the district earned “Every Rotarian Every Year” banners. Only 4,000 clubs worldwide attained EREY status. Clubs must have achieved a minimum Annual Fund contribution of $100 per capita with every dues-paying member contributing $25 or more to the Annual fund during the Rotary year.
 
EYER clubs in District 5495:
 
Rotary Club of Anthem
Rotary Club of Buckeye
Rotary Club of Fountain Hills
Rotary Club of Four Peaks (Fountain Hills)
Rotary Club of Glendale
Rotary Club of Goodyear Pebblecreek
Rotary Club of Kyrene
Rotary Club of Peoria
Rotary Club of Squaw Peak
Rotary Club of Phoenix-Camelback
Rotary Club of Rim Country-Payson
Rotary Club of Scottsdale Sunrise
Rotary Club of Sedona
Rotary Club of Sedona Red Rocks
Rotary Club of Surprise Sunset
Rotary Club of Tempe Rio Salado
Rotary Club of Verde Valley (Cottonwood)
Read more...
Rotary steps up to aid victims of Colorado wildfires

District 5495 Rotarians,

We are sure you have heard about the disastrous fires that burned recently in Boulder County. At least 580 homes have been lost in the Superior, Louisville, Marshall, and Lafayette areas. Thousands of people have been displaced; many have lost everything. The fires were very fast burning, growing to a 6,200 acre burn area in this densely populated area. The record high winds fueled the flames.

The areas impacted are located in District 5450. District Governor Ray Anderson has set up a process for Rotarians in his district who wish to provide financial assistance to the victims. DG Ray has shared that information with District 5495 Governor Bret McKeand, and we are sharing that information here for those in our district who wish to aid in the assistance efforts. 

Below is the message from DG Anderson:

Donations can be made online(3% of each donation will deducted for handling fees.)For larger amounts, please consider sending a check made payable to:

Rotary District 5450
Subject Line: Boulder County Fires
5103 Dvorak Circle
Frederick, CO 80504

On behalf of the District’s Natural Disaster Response Committee, please consider a donation that will be used to help rebuild lives in our own backyard in the Denver/Boulder Area. At this time the targets for these donations have not been determined as the District is not a first responder and as immediate needs are being met. More information about how your donations will be utilized will be provided in the days and weeks to come.  We are working in concert with Boulder Rotarians and many others in the surrounding area to determine the best use of the funds.

Thanks everyone for joining us in this time of need for our neighbors and friends. 

DG Ray Anderson

District Governor 2021-2022

Rotary Club of Highlands Ranch

DGRay2021.22@rotary5450.org

303-521-5688



 
DG Bret's January Message: Big things lie ahead for Rotary in 2022!
By Bret McKeand
District 5495 Governor 2021-22
 
As we say farewell to 2021 and welcome in the new year, Rotarians throughout District 5495 can be proud of their incredible accomplishments over these past six months.
 
“Serve to Change Lives” is our theme for 2021-22 and clubs throughout our district have made service their top priority.
 
Our list of accomplishments is impressive: collecting food donations for local food banks, providing Christmas gifts to children in need, donating clothing to homeless citizens, supporting recently relocated Afghan refugees and much, much more!
 
Our efforts have impacted people more than any of us can ever imagine and we should be proud of all Rotary is doing here in Arizona – from Laughlin to Prescott, from Anthem to Buckeye, from Scottsdale to Apache Junction. All 64 of our clubs, our three satellite clubs and our Interact and Rotaract clubs are making positive contributions to making our world a better place.
 
But our work has just begun. The next six months offer numerous opportunities to do even more service, impact even more lives and get more engaged in Rotary activities.
 
  • Our Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camps return in person beginning in January. Our Pinerock camp kicks off Jan. 14, with Ponderosa scheduled for April. For more information, visit www.ryla5495.org.
     
  • All club President-Elects begin PETS training in January, starting with six weeks of virtual training capped off with a return to in-person PETS on March 4-5 at the Phoenix Doubletree Inn. For more, visit https://rotary5495.org/page/2020-07-01-pets.
     
  • Our next Mexican-American Friendship Conference takes place Feb. 3-6 in Tucson, Arizona. I encourage all Rotarians to attend the event to meet fellow Rotarians from Mexico and see first-hand how Rotary’s global grant process works and the impact these grants have on underserved communities.  For more information, visit https://rotary5495.org/Page/international-service-2021-22
     
  • The district will conduct its second “Arizona Rotary Week of Service” April 16-24 and we’re hoping every one of our clubs participate. Begin planning a community service project now – and don’t forget to invite the public (a perfect opportunity to live up to our “Each One, Bring One” mantra). The district will once again provide promotional help by placing advertisements and public service announcements in local media and newspapers.
     
  • Our first in-person district conference in three years is scheduled to return May 12-14 at the Prescott Resort. In addition to recognizing six clubs celebrating their 100th anniversary, we’ll also be celebrating the accomplishments and impact made by our clubs during the 2021-22. For information, click here.
     
  • Finally, the international convention also returns after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. This year’s Rotary International Convention is planned for June 5-9 in Houston, Texas. The two districts in Arizona are expecting a large contingent of Rotarians traveling to Houston, and are planning a special District 5495/5500 night at a barbecue restaurant in Houston, so be sure to sign up and join the fun! Visit www.rotary.org for information.
Again, thank you for all you’re doing to “Serve to Change Lives” in your clubs, your communities and in our world. On behalf of the entire district staff, all our committees and the district governor line, please accept our deepest gratitude and best wishes for a safe, healthy and happy new year!
 
Read more...
District 5495 represented on Rotary Rose Bowl Parade float!
 
This year's Rose Bowl Parade on Jan. 1 in Pasadena, Calif., once again included a Rotary International float -- and District 5495 was well represented!
 
District Governor Bret McKeand was one of six Rotarians walking alongside this year's float, which contained Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta. The theme for this year's float was "Changing Lives Through Education" and DG Bret was the Rotarian dressed in a cap and gown to represent literacy. The Rotary float wass entry No. 23 in the parade. 
 
This year's parade took place on New Year's Day morning and was broadcast on several national television stations. The 2022 Rose Bowl Parade marks a return for the parade, as last year's event was cancelled due to the pandemic.
 
Visit https://rotaryfloat.org/ to learn more about the Rotary float.
RI President Shekhar Mehta: Rotary Supports Vaccines
 
 
We see the decision to vaccinate as a civic and humanitarian imperative. Rotary is not a political or religious organization, it is a service organization and this is the lens through which we are advising you of our position.
  1. Global vaccination is the path to ending the pandemic and the emergence of new variants. Rotary endorses and strongly encourages vaccination for all individuals including our members who are currently able to be vaccinated against COVID-19. In areas where COVID-19 is surging, communities are facing extreme challenges, health systems are overwhelmed, and contentious rhetoric is dividing us. It is critical that the virus be contained so that the world may begin to heal. To that end, the purpose of this statement is to reinforce Rotary’s position.
     
  2. Misinformation has become an “infodemic” that hinders the fight against COVID-19. In line with our Four-Way Test, Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation are committed to providing our members with science-based information.
     
  3. Rotary International staff at One Rotary Center were required to be vaccinated by 10 October 2021, as a criterion for employment after that date. RI’s employee vaccination rate stands at over 99 percent.
     
  4. Globally, Rotary is actively engaged in assuring equity in vaccine access to all people. Our efforts have included advocacy with the G-20, and a proof-of-concept program with GAVI/COVAX to leverage our frontline experience with polio eradication to facilitate vaccine delivery in several low- and middle-income countries where Rotarians are active. While we know many clubs are already deeply involved in COVID-19 prevention, we are working on additional strategies to multiply our collective efforts. GAVI/COVAX is a partnership including WHO and UNICEF focused on global access and delivery of COVID-19 vaccines.
     
  5. Those children for whom vaccines are not currently available are at significant risk. Until vaccines are available for all children, the vaccination of adults is the best way to protect children who cannot be vaccinated. Pediatric admissions for COVID-19 are rising precipitously in areas of low vaccination.
     
  6. Rotary salutes health care workers everywhere as they continue to provide lifesaving services. Local recognition of these heroes by each of our clubs can help to encourage them to continue their important work. Rotary abhors any harassment and attacks on healthcare workers.
     
  7. Rotary and Rotaract clubs are encouraged to
    • set good examples by being exemplary role models; 
    • redouble their efforts to support COVID-19 treatment, prevention, and vaccination efforts.
       
  8. Vaccines have proven to be one of the greatest advances of modern medicine. The World Health Organization estimates that vaccines save between 2 to 3 million children’s lives each year, and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative estimates the polio vaccine has saved more than 19 million children from paralysis. Vaccines are safe, effective and are responsible for eliminating or controlling many other vaccine-preventable diseases such as smallpox, measles, rubella, and Ebola. And now, there is the opportunity to end the COVID-19 pandemic through vaccines.
     
  9. The eradication of polio remains a goal of the highest order for Rotary. We can apply the lessons we have learned in fighting polio to the efforts in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regards,

Shekhar Mehta                                                                              John Germ
President, Rotary International                                                Chair, The Rotary Foundation
 
Rotary membership seminars explore 'Expanding our Reach'
 
 
Dear club and district leaders:

What would it mean for Rotary if we were the first choice for people seeking both a greater sense of purpose and the person-to-person involvement the digital realm can’t provide?
 
When we think beyond traditional membership or partnership opportunities, we demonstrate that positive change starts with welcoming the talents and ideas of others. 

Join us for the third webinar in our Engaging Members + Delivering Value series, Expanding our Reach. Register now for one of the sessions using the hyperlinks—this is also where you can learn about the speakers and submit your questions. A recording will be available to everyone who registers. Please note these sessions will only be offered in English.  
 
REGISTER NOW: Thursday 13 January 11:00 (UTC-6). See the time in a city near you.
  
REGISTER NOW: Thursday 13 January 18:00 (UTC-6). See the time in a city near you.  
  
During this webinar we will speak to participants who are sharing our values with new audiences, creating new ways to bring people together to experience the power of Rotary, and proving we are an organization that’s inclusive, engaging, compassionate, and ambitious. 
 
We look forward to hearing your thoughts and questions.  
 
Sincerely,  
The Membership Development Team 
Rotary International 

D5495 Rotarians: Let's gather in  Houston for RI Convention!
 
 
The 2022 Rotary International Convention 4-8 June in Houston, Texas, USA, is fast approaching, and so is the deadline for attendees to take advantage of the reduced registration rate.  After two years, this is an opportunity for us to meet new friends and reunite with old friends.
 
All Rotary members who register for the convention and pay in full by Dec. 15 will enjoy significant savings!

This will be a convention like none before, showcasing Rotary’s ability to bring people together, connect, share ideas, and strengthen our friendships as we Serve to Change Lives. We have overcome so many obstacles in the past two years, and this is our chance to show the world what Rotary does best. We look forward to welcoming you and your club members to Houston in 2022! 
 
To register, click here.

Regards,

Shekhar Mehta
President, Rotary International, 2021-22