District Newsletter
November 1, 2018

Rotary Foundation Month
 
Rotary District 5240 is made up of over 3,300 members, from 72 clubs, in 4 different counties within California, United States. We meet regularly to not only form bonds and friendships, but we also strive to improve lives locally and around the world.
 District Governor's Message
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governor Sandi rode 100 miles on her Peleton on October 23rd for World Polio Day. So far she has raised $14,250 with the Gates 2:1 match to the End Polio Fund.
The theme for November in our Rotary world is The Rotary Foundation. We turn our focus on the Foundation and all of the works that it funds and provides. 

I had very little money when I joined Rotary in 1994. I was the type of person described by Segal and Gale in their study with Rotary. I joined Rotary for my business, and my company paid my dues.
 
With two sons, 500 head of cattle, and a failing marriage, there was not much room in my budget for donations to The Rotary Foundation. So, I did everything I could to contribute in non-financial ways, through sweat equity instead of money. I published the weekly newspaper and mailed it out (it was the 90s – snail mail was all we had). My boys and I volunteered to work in every club project and fundraiser. I sat through our Charter Nights (our club’s annual birthday party where we give out Paul Harris Awards like the Academy Awards) and watched many others receive those awards that I knew I could never afford. My first Paul Harris Fellow was a gift from a Past District Governor to commemorate the work I did when she visited Kern County.
 
I share my story because I feel like there is extraordinary pressure for new members to contribute to The Rotary Foundation. After all, we are a service organization that raises money to do good in the world. However, we should all remember that new members should never be pressured to give more than they can afford – especially our younger members with young families. Membership in Rotary should not create a financial burden for the family. If you are young and finances are tight for now, contribute your time and talents to Rotary. There will be a time in the future when your children are out of your nest (and your wallet – really!) when you can contribute more to Rotary financially.
 
Notwithstanding this message, we should all keep in mind that we share a responsibility to ensure that The Rotary Foundation stays healthy and has sufficient resources to fund much needed projects around the world. As a District Governor, I have the ability to research a member’s giving. Many seasoned Rotarians have NOT given to The Rotary Foundation in years. NOT A DIME. Really??? I also see clubs who have large club foundations that have not contributed to The Rotary Foundation in years. Really??? 
 
November is our month to celebrate our Rotary Foundation. Let each of us review our giving to The Rotary Foundation. Let each club review its Club’s five-year analysis, which I have shared during my visits. Let me know if you can’t find it on the RI website. I will send it to you at no charge!! Analyze your giving as a member and as a club and make sure you are doing your part to keep The Rotary Foundation healthy enough to fund the great work of Rotary around the world.
 
 
Sandi Schwartz
District Governor 2018-19
 

Official District Governor Visit Moments

District Governor Sandi is in her Korean Hanbok with the Korean Governors, Governor Elects and RID John Matthews at the District Foundation Gala
The Rotary Youth Exchange Students from 5240 at the District Conference
End Polio Cheerleader Jim Lewis with the iron lung that saved 1000's of lives. Currently in the US there are still three Polio victims who survive with the help of the iron lung.
Avenue of Service Spotlight
The Rotary Clubs in District 5240 complete hundreds of Community Service Projects each year. Many projects are large in scope and are continuing annual projects in partnership with other organizations or Rotary Clubs. 
Most are smaller projects but are done by Rotarians, family and friends that truly care about their communities. Other projects are done by as few as two or three Rotarians but make a great impact on the individuals that benefit from the project.
Project types are as varied as the Rotary Clubs that make up District 5240. Preparing children for school by providing backpacks, dictionaries, school supplies and clothing and school reading programs. Volunteering to coach or sponsor youth sports teams. Assisting the Homeless Shelters and other organizations in support of their mission of improving the lives of those that find themselves in the position of being homeless with dignity and love. Human Trafficking awareness and support of organizations that work to remove those individuals from these situations. Community Cleanups of all kinds be it street, block, alley, stream, river, park or even someone’s home. Building and supporting school or community gardens that provide for a foundation of healthy eating for children and the community at large. Support of Veterans, Fire and Police through recognition of their service to our community and country. Helping in Animals Shelters or organizations that help animals.
 
These are but a few examples of types of projects getting done this Rotary Year throughout our district. Rotarians everyday are Inspiring and helping others. We hope that you enjoy all you do in Rotary this year and that through that service to the community you find “Your Rotary Moment!”
Rotary 5240 Business Networking Site
Discover and connect with great local businesses in your local neighborhood like dentists, hair stylists and more. Support fellow Rotarians.
ClubRunner Webinars
In these webinar sessions, subscribers will get a guided tour of ClubRunner's features and how it will help you automate, streamline and enhance communication for your club. There are various specialized sessions available to help you get the most out of your level of site access.
District Conference Photos
Thanks for all who attended the District Conference in Bakersfield. It was quite the success. We have a number of photos that covered everything. Feel free to look around.
4-Way Test Essay Contest
District 5240 will be starting the 4-Way Test Essay Contest on February 1st. Essays will be due to the District March 1st. This will give the students time to compose their essays, give local clubs time to judge their essays, and forward the winning essays to the District for final awards by April 1st.

Get these dates to the schools or organizations participating so they can incorporate the timeline into to their schedules.
Save the Date!
District 5240 Reception in Hamburg!
 
Sunday, June 2, 2019, 6:30 pm
 
Traditional German Dinner & Beer at Hofbrau Munchen in Hamburg
 
Details coming soon!
Stories From Around the District
Origins of a Global Grant
Why should you give to The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund? Your contribution to the Annual Fund is the primary source of support for Rotary Club projects worldwide. “To ensure that the funds for the projects are there when needed,” says Past RI President Ron Burton, “all contributions to the Foundation’s Annual Fund are invested for three years.” When the three years period is up, the investment earnings of your gift go toward the operating expenses of the Foundation. Your principal is split 50/50, with half going to our District Designated Fund and half going into the World Fund, a pool that the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation use to match grants where they are most needed.” 

To better explain how the TRF Global Grant process works, I want to tell you about a project that I am personally involved with that originated on my trip to India last January. Prior to joining the D5240 2018 NID team in Delhi, Kay Bliss, Susan Weaver and I spent five days visiting the Prashanti International School in the city of Puri, India. Puri is in the state of Odisha on the Bay of Bengal. Odisha is one of the poorest states in India - 80% rural, with many families living well below the poverty index, often on less than 50 cents per day. 
 
Read more...
Council on Resolutions 2018 Vote

The Council on Resolutions meets online each year. Representatives from all of Rotary’s districts vote on resolutions that clubs, districts, the RI Board, and the General Council or Conference of RIBI have proposed. The RI Board of Directors will consider all resolutions that the Council adopts. Learn more about the Council on Resolutions.

If you are a Council representative, sign in to vote.

View the current resolution proposals: 2018 Council on Resolutions: 15-Oct to 15-Nov

New Generations District Conference Recap
84 in attendance for Conference Sat. Oct 6th in Bakersfield 
22 Rotaractors in attendance
 
Speakers: 
R.I. Zone Dir John Matthews
PDG Wade Nomura
PDG Deepa Willingham
R.I. Dir. Steve Solomon
DG Sandi Schwartz
 
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District 5240 NID Trip 2019
District 5240 is putting together another team of Rotarians to India to participate in a NID (National Immunization Day) on February 3-4, 2019.
 
The trip will most likely start on January 28th and end around February 9th 2019. Besides the activities on Feb. 3rd, door to door immunization will be conducted over a few days starting on the 4th (we will do door to door immunization only for 1 day). This will entail some long hours and lots of walking (which means you need to be in good shape, physically and mentally).
 
Here are some guidelines that will influence the selection process:
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Keeping Paso Robles Beautiful
The Paso Robles Rotary Club connected with their local Interact club to help clean up the Salinas River Bed this last Saturday.  Rotarians and Interactors in Action, together, helping keep Paso beautiful.
Disney Tickets for Non-Profits and Schools

Disney Parks and Points of Light are celebrating family volunteerism by rewarding nonprofits and schools in the United States with Disney 1-Day Park Hopper tickets for hosting – or participating in – family volunteering activities.Eligible organizations create and register projects, track family volunteers, and complete projects to receive complimentary park tickets from Disney. Projects can benefit the organization directly, or support another community effort or need. The more volunteers participating in your project, the more tickets you earn – up to 20 tickets! Tickets may be used to reward volunteers, as a contest prize, for a fundraiser, or in other creative ways.

 

Read more...
Upcoming District Events
Master PRLS Weekend - Bakersfield
Feb 15, 2019 – Feb 17, 2019
 
Master PRLS Weekend - SM or SLO
Apr 26, 2019 – Apr 28, 2019
 
     
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