District Governor Staab shared with the club the reason he was wearing a suit and tie by playing the video of RI President Holzer Knaack of Germany. In the video, Knaack reveals his theme for 2020-21 - Rotary Opens Opportunities and the RI tie or scarf is given to DGs to help promote this theme. The DGs are asked to wear these accessories when they visit the clubs. DG Staab reiterated what RI President Knaack said "Rotary is an invitation to endless opportunities and to live a richer, more meaningful life." Of course, the pandemic has created substantial challenges that are also opportunities. There is no denying that COVID-19 has disrupted Clubs around the world. Like us, many of them had grand plans (RYLA, fundraisers that were all cancelled). For the districts, getting exchange students home was another issue. Two students remain here for health or economic reasons. One student from Romania, whose father is a physician felt his daughter was better off here in the States. The other, a student from Venezuela where the economy and food security compounded by the pandemic isn't a secure place for her to return. Here are a few other things going on around RI: Just this week, the district received $25,000 to distribute to the Cook County and Northern Illinois Food Banks. At this time, 95% of the Clubs are meeting on Zoom. The District is looking at how to help members connect with our online meetings. Saving the environment has become the seventh area of focus for RI. The district is working on programs with some Wisconsin Clubs on the clean up of the Fox River. The Rotary Network was created with D6450 (Chicago) and D6440 to share knowledge, vocation mentoring, business networking, a Rotary business directory, career services, financial information, and sharing ideas. You can find more information at therotarynetwork.org. The District hopes that by sharing and collaborating they can help Clubs raise money. There will also be a focus on areas without a Club. Polio vaccinations have restarted in focused areas of Pakistan. End Polio Now Day is Saturday, October 24th. RI is suggesting each Club conduct strategic planning. Where are we now, where do we see our Club in 3-5 years? In closing, DG Staab asked us to continue adapting and to invite others to be a part of Rotary! |