BY: Dick Hall
District Governor 2021-2022
RC of Portland
I want to address Rotary’s April Theme and Ukraine, District-wide Events, RYLA and the progress clubs are making to bring their members together.
Rotary’s theme for April and relevance to Ukraine
The Rotary theme for April is Maternal and Child Health, and all the work being done around the district to help families from Ukraine demonstrates that this theme resounds with Rotarians. As I have talked to many clubs, I am so proud of the various ways you all have thought to help by raising money, collecting medical supplies, and offering emotional support in zoom meetings with those experiencing this awful time.
District-wide Events
I am so excited to be planning a half day in-person District Training Assembly (DTA) April 16. I can’t wait to see you all in person, break bread together, socialize and learn. DTA has always been my favorite district event because it is all about expanding our Rotary knowledge and learning from each other. I am so pleased that we are offering 24 excellent breakouts ranging from club service to the seventh area of focus, the environment. We are still planning the speakers for the general assemblies, and have several options to pick from. University of New England’s Portland Campus is a treat in the spring with many of the flowers showing their early colors. I hope to see teams from each club attending.
We are also planning a one-day District Conference for May 14 at the Sable Oaks Hotel in South Portland. The theme of the conference is Celebrate Our Rebirth. We have several speakers, from organizations and groups who received benefits for District 7780 Rotarians. We are going to give them about 10 minutes to tell us how Rotary made a difference. The conference runs 10:00 AM-7:30 PM, with an opportunity for an after party until 8:30. It includes two meals, great speakers, some fun stuff, House of Friendship displays and ample time for socializing. Of course, we will have awards to help with the celebration. This is a special time for us all to feel good about what we do.
RYLA
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is our big opportunity for the high school sophomores in the district. We are recruiting now with a goal to have 144 campers and 10 new staff members. Check out the three-minute video to hear what RYLA is all about, https://ryla7780.org/ryla-video-2019/. This program has been life changing for so many students. Please be sure your local high school(s) are represented at RYLA this year.
Clubs Creating Hybrid Meetings
As COVID continues to improve, please keep reaching out to those who have stayed on the sidelines. A few clubs have been meeting continuously in-person since the start of the Rotary year July 1. Other clubs have been going back and forth based on the needs of the members. Most clubs are trying to offer a hybrid option for those who are not quite ready to get together. Food at meetings is all over the map, but mostly it has been trying things and keeping the things that work. We need to maintain our flexibility as we continue to listen to everyone in the club. This has been a challenging time as good communication is sometimes difficult. Thanks to all for your understanding and compassion for every member who has their own unique needs and challenges. Please continue to make the calls to invite anyone back who has not been seen recently.
Thank you all for your Rotary service and I look forward to seeing you at the upcoming district events.