Membership Matters

Rotary District 5420 has taken a stand for Membership Retention and positioned itself for significant growth. The two recent District Membership Seminars helped create awareness and equipped Club Leaders with tools and skills to make this a proposition of results, not just talk. 

The challenge to see the "rubber meet the road" comes in the doing - by Membership Committees and Rotary Members. Your District Membership Leadership is committed and earnestly asks your response to the call for action. It is with excitement and great anticipation that by applying the methods covered in the Seminars, I have submitted applications for ten (10) prospective members for my club during the last month. So to leadership and members, I ask: "Will you please do likewise?"

Suggestions for your immediate review and resolve:

1. Believe in the need and in the process provided for making the change.
2. Doubt no more; there are many people who want to be part of us.
3. Prospects just need to be invited.

There are no hiding places. We have no excuses. Again I promise you will have exciting, positive results if you will put me to the test and apply the simple Personal Daily Membership Strategy. AG's and Club Leaders, prove to members there is a Santa Claus; extend yourself and make it happen.

My Christmas Greeting to all of you is my latest expression of what I feel this whole experience is all about. In "Live the Songs of Christmas" (see this beautiful Christmas song on the district blog). Here's wishing you have your very best Christmas ever.

Live the Songs of Christmas

(1^st Stanza Spoken)

It’s Christmas – A time we think of Jesus –

His birth - His life given for mankind.

Let’s Live the Songs of Christmas

Doing good and being kind. 

Christmas is a time for giving-

Now and all year through.

Give time for dear loved ones,

And for friends we make anew. 

We love the season’s greetings;

It’s that joyous time to share.

By giving from our souls with love-

We gladden heart and show we care. 

CHORUS

We Sing the Songs of Christmas-

Sweet sounds from up above.

Oh Live the Songs of Christmas-

Spread Peace on Earth through love.

 

At Christmas we decorate

And make things pretty and bright.

With our acts of selfless love

We have joy both day and night. 

At Christmas we be our best-

And not want the season to end.

Oh we love the joy of Christmas-

And with the Savior’s love befriend.

CHORUS

 

There’re many ways we show

The true meaning of Christmas;

And if our hearts are inclined-

Heaven’s grace descends upon us. 

Simple things and soft words

May be our very best gifts.

And as we reach out and help others

We have peace the Savior gives.

CHORUS

James O. Coleman ©2012

Principles of the Golden Rule

By Jana Scott and Brian Farr, Rotary Peace Fellows

One of greatest powers to bring people together is that which is shared in common. 

In every faith tradition and in the writings of great thinkers, we find the concept of the Golden Rule or some form of it.  Here are a few examples:

One word which sums up the basis of all good conduct… loving-kindness. Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.     - Confucianism

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.     - Christianity

What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor.     - Judaism

Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself.     - Islam

Regard your neighbour’s gain as your own gain, and your neighbour’s loss as your own loss.     - Taoism
The Golden Rule is part of District 5420’s Peace Project that will be presented at Rotary International’s Peace Forum in Hawaii.  Interact clubs are encouraged to do Golden Rule projects, and Rotary Youth Peace Ambassadors have been selected to help encourage youth projects in their schools and communities and to help with the presentation in Hawaii in late January.

Though seemingly simple, the Golden Rule has profound effect when lived.  Relationships are changed, communities are better, lives are enriched, societies are stronger.

Living the Golden Rule requires deliberate action.  It is a choice which requires effort, often refined throughout a lifetime.  This principle of peace, which comes naturally to Rotarians, is one element of contributing to more peaceable communities, and it lifts all involved.

This holiday season and new year, find ways to implement it more fully in your own life and encourage others.  We’ll include ideas for Interact projects in future newsletters.

 

PR Tips from Park City and RI

The Rotary Club of Park City serves a relatively small residential community.  The majority of the population of Summit County resides in Park City and the surrounding unincorporated area commonly referred to as the Snyderville Basin. The population of the Snyderville Basin area has been estimated at 16,000 people, with an additional 7,558 residents living in Park City proper.

In the Greater Park City area there is one non-profit public radio station (KPCW 91.9 FM), one bi-weekly newspaper (The Park Record), and one FCC licensed television station (PCTV – Park City Television).  The Club continues to make sure there is a representative of each of these organizations as Club members.  Currently the KPCW General Manager, The Park Record Publisher, and the PCTV Owner are all members of the Club.

By having representative of the local media in the Club they are knowledgeable of the Club’s activities and constantly help promote Rotary Club events and other activities Club members participate in.

Following is a short list of other ideas to assist Rotary Club’s in their PR efforts:

• Partner with other Clubs in your area to create a challenge that financially benefits a local non-profit.  The Sunrise Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Park City created a “Club Challenge” to assist the local radio station, KPCW, with their on-air fundraising campaign.  The on-air time provided a great opportunity to talk about Rotary in general and the community service the local Clubs provide.
• Work with other non-profits in your community to assist them with their projects.  Again, both local Clubs provided volunteers for a Middle School Program, Reality Town.  Giving young residents experience in balancing a check book and making life choices to do so.  This outreach provided a one-on-one opportunity to exposure Rotary service to students and facility.
• The Club’s largest fundraiser, “Miners Day”, occurs on Labor Day.  All funds raised on this day go towards a grant program for local non-profits.   The Club organizes all the community activities associated with this celebration.  The “Running of the Balls” is a fundraiser prior to the Parade (people purchase numbered golf balls that are sent down Main Street with prizes going to the winning balls), and a multitude of activates in City Park for resident of all ages.  To ensure community awareness, pre-event media interviews allowed the Club to talk about Rotary and the goals of the Club.  Again, having representatives of the local media in the Club was instrumental in getting the service message out to community residents.  In addition, promotional materials (flyers/posters), banners in the parade, and signage in City Park included the Club logo in prominent positions.      

Project partnerships have broadened the Club’s exposure, and increased opportunities to provide community service.

Here are more PR tips for the holiday season when your local media will be looking for stories of service to the community.  Be sure to share your club’s holiday service projects with your local media outlets.  Whether your club is collecting winter clothing, shoes or money for those in need or just spreading goodwill and cheer, make sure to get the word out about how Rotary is making a difference in your community and don’t forget to tell RI, too, by sending your write-up to pr@rotary.org.

Because January is Rotary Awareness Month it’s a great time to reflect on what it means to be a Rotarian.  Rotary’s strength for worldwide good is in its 34,000 clubs in 200 countries and geographical areas, so this is the time to make sure your community knows who you are and what you do.  Consider these activities for Rotary Awareness Month.

·         Place a localized Facebook advertisement to promote an upcoming event or service project.

·         Invite a non-Rotarian friend or colleague to attend your next service project or social event.

·         Partner with your local Rotaract or Interact club for a joint service project, social event or fundraiser in fundraiser in order to make Rotary more visible in your community.

·         Share why you are a Rotarian through your Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin social network.

·         Get to know young professionals in your club or community.  Listen to their ideas and ask them to share their thoughts about how our club can attract more young professionals.

Celebrate a Rotary Day on February 23 when RI will celebrate 108 years of making a difference in the world.  Every club is encouraged to plan an activity or event on or around that day, especially to promote the End Polio Now campaign. 

But, any day can be a Rotary Day in your community!  Focus on service and spread the message about what Rotary is . . . and does in your community, the state, the nation or the world!!!

Rotary Foundation Month

November is the traditional month to celebrate The Rotary Foundation, one of the largest privately held foundations in the world - and the fuel which drives our Rotary clubs. Without the Foundation, Rotary would not have the necessary resources to change the world for the better.  

On November 3rd in Salt Lake City and again on November 10th in St. George, Rotarians spent their time discussing 10 of our large club projects. Attendees learned about these Global and District Projects being supported by District Designated Funds, and were asked to partner with one of these clubs seeking additional financial support .

The District Foundation Committee asked clubs to do four things during Governor Summerhays' Rotary year:

• One: Each club is asked to strive to have their best Rotary Foundation year in their history by raising more per capita funding than ever before.
• Two: Hold a club fundraiser exclusively for The Rotary Foundation to solicit funds from the general fund.
• Three: Allow the District Foundation Chair to come to their club and present information about The Rotary Foundation.
• Four: Join an international project by partnering with a Rotary Club whose project is already supported by District Designated Funds but is still in need of additional funding to increase the impact of the project. By doing so your club money will be multiplied by matching funds from The Rotary Foundation.

Rotary didn't create the challenges faced by two thirds of the world population including hunger, water, literacy and shelter challenges; but Rotary will be involved in solving these challenges.

Here is the most recent list of international projects seeking partners among clubs in District 5420:

Rotary Global Grants 2012/2013:
Project Proposal Descriptions &Seeking Partnerships

Blanding Rotary - Utah Navajo Land - Westwater Dine Project - Project Funding Ongoing - Clayton Long:  801-232-5624; clong@sjsd.org

West of Blanding on 120 acres of land, Navajo families are living in trailers and shacks without running water, electricity or sewers.  Projects goals are to provide water to every home, to clean up the 120 acres; to finalize a Land Use Plan that includes home site leases to provide 29 families with decent homes to live in.  Currently 14 homes are completed.  Short & Long-term Needs:  Dumpsters and volunteers for clean-up.  Funds for 15 more homes.  Build a service, utility road across Westwater Canyon.  Community Center needs.

Hispano Latinos Rotary - Mexico  - Project Funding Ongoing - Francisco Soto;  jasoambar@gmail.com

Casa Hogar “La Paz” is home for the elderly.  Funds for this project will be utilized to provide shelter and basic necessities for elderly individuals that have been abandoned.  Funds will also be utilized to purchase much needed equipment to properly operate and upgrade this facility.

Vocational Technical Training Project Seeking Partners

Salt Lake Rotary – Morocco – Neurologic Trauma Hospital Project – Immediate Project Total: $12,500.  Salt Lake, Park City Sunrise, American Fork, and Pleasant Grove have contributed $7,500.  $5,000 more is needed, $2,500 ASAP. John Pace 801-898-7223; john@pacehartdesign.com.

Grant Status:  Vocational Training Team Global Grant Proposal in Draft Stage for the 2013-14 year.

Funds are utilized to support the first neuro-rehabilitation center in Morocco so that individuals with neurological injuries can receive much needed treatment not currently available.  This will be our district’s first Vocational Training Team Global Grant.  Hospital staff from Morocco will come and be trained at facilities in Utah, and a medical team from Utah will go to Morocco to help them in their own facility. This Global Grant will provide other needed equipment as the facility grows.

Global Grant Projects Seeking Partners

Heber Rotary - Guatemala - Transitions (Wheelchairs) - Global Grant Total:  $45,000.00.  Contact:  Andy Dahmen - 453-671-5034; andy@andydahmen.com

Grant Status:  Proposal in Draft Stage - Not Yet Submitted to TRF

Heber Rotary has teamed up with an organization in Guatemala called Transitions, whose goal is to mobilize disabled Guatemalans through health, rehabilitation, education, spiritual development, leadership skills and social integration.  This grant will be used to help build wheelchairs in the wheelchair shop owned by Transitions and run by disabled Guatemalans.  The grant will also be used to purchase expensive prosthetic parts and to purchase much needed tools as simple as wrenches from Sears to a lap top to manage activities. 

Murray Rotary - Ecuador - Bathrooms/Safe Water Education - Global Grant Project Total: $49,750.00.  Murray, Brigham, Richfield, and Midvale have committed $7,000.  So commitment for $3,000 more club money is needed.  Money can come from this year’s or next year’s budget.  Contact:  Ron Jensen - 801-266-9577; ronrotary@gmail.com.

Grant Status:  Proposal in Draft Stage - Not Yet Submitted to TRF

This project is a continuation of GG-25087, Bathrooms and Safe Water/Education for Ecuador.  Ecuador Rotarians recently communicated that costs per school have escalated to $5,000.00 per school.  We propose bathrooms for 9 schools so are seeking $45,000.00 in funding for the bathrooms.  Because education of community health workers, students and mothers is so important, $4,570 is budgeted for duplicating materials (flip charts, DVD’s, posters, etc.) created previously by GG-25086 for training sessions for communities. 

Park City Rotary - Guatemala - Water Project - Global Grant Total:  $60,000.00.  Contact:  Frank Furr - 435-647-9436; wffurr@gmail.com.

Grant Status:  Proposal Approved by TRF.  Application Pending Approval by TRF.

These funds will be used to support a water project, water filters and latrines for 275 families in Sacala Las Romas, Guatemala.

Salt Lake Rotary - Thailand - Dengue Fever Prevention  -  Global Grant Project Total:  $60,000.00 Contact:  Doug Mortensen - 801-349-8597; dandvmort@msn.com.

Grant Status:  Proposal Approved by TRF.  Application Pending Approval by TRF.

The requested grant will help fund a pilot project in Thailand, a country in which Dengue Fever is prevalent.  Dengue fever is caused by a virus transmitted by a particular species of mosquito.  Treatment consists solely in relief of symptoms (rest, fluid intake, etc.).  There is no known cure, medicine or antibiotic to treat the disease.   Prevention and control of the spread of the disease depend on education and vector control.  Individuals, families and communities must proactively reduce mosquito habitat.  Dengue Fever is a debilitating, potentially fatal disease which is now present in 100 countries, putting at risk about 40% of the world’s population.   There are approximately 100 million cases of Dengue Fever per year and some 22,000 deaths, mostly of children under the age of 10.

Salt Lake Rotary - India - Eye Surgeries - Global Grant Project Total:  Minimum $30,000.00.  The more clubs that donate money, the more eye surgeries can be done.  Contact:  Duane Millard - 801-706-5082; duane@allied-sign.com

Grant Status:  Proposal in Draft Stage - Not Yet Submitted to TRF

In India $10 PER PATIENT funds eye surgery to restore vision! Charity Vision Inc. has performed 340,000 procedures worldwide. There are 20 million people unnecessarily blind worldwide, 4 million in India alone.  Cataract surgery restores their productive lives.   

Sugarhouse Rotary - Columbia - Bathrooms and Water Project - Global Grant Total: Minimum $30,000.00.  Sugar House, South Salt Lake and Orem have committed $4,000.  So commitments for $6,000 more club money are needed, preferably from this Rotary year’s budget.   Contact:  Therese Milad – 801-599-9410; Miladhome@gmail.com

Grant Status:  Proposal in Draft Stage - Not Yet Submitted to TRF                                                                                                                                                                    

This grant will be a continuation of Grant 25088 to fund the building of additional bathrooms and provide adequate water supplies.  Many young females will not attend school because there are no bathrooms.  Children are more frequently ill with diarrhea because they do not have clean water to wash their hands and do not understand the relationship of illness to this factor.  By working with the community to provide the clean water and bathrooms we will help them to understand the relationship of hygiene to illness.  Also, by providing bathrooms rather than an open pit more young women will attend schools.  Along with new bathroom facilities and instruction in the school setting as well as community, we expect to realize a drastic decrease in the incidence of diseases.  The combination of polluted drinking water, along with inadequate sanitation conditions, lack of knowledge of diseases and cultural risk factors, such as food preparation, have a direct impact on pregnancies and healthy babies, missed days of school or work, and the overall well being of the community.   

 

St. George Rotary - Guatemala - Stove Project  - Global Grant Project Total:  Minimum $30,000.00 Contact:  Lowry Snow, vlsnow@gmail.com.

Grant Status:  Proposal in Draft Stage - Not Yet Submitted to TRF

The St. George Club has been actively involved with stove projects in Guatemala for more than six years.  In cooperation with Behrhorst Partners for Development, the specific objectives of this project will be to construct high efficient wood burning stoves (constructed with cinder blocks, metal plancha, stove pipe, water sealant for roof, sand, gravel, cement, sand and water),  to reduce wood consumption for cooking, improve the health of Mayan families by reducing the amount of smoke on the interior of the homes by venting the stove smoke and carbon oxide to the outside and to reduce the number of accidents among children that fall into an open fire and suffer burns. 

Mayan women cook their family meals over an open fire inside their huts.  Constant inhalation of smoke creates respiratory diseases in both the women and their children.  A World Vision study done in 2008 in the Guatemalan Highlands shows that 75% of these families cook with wood causing a negative impact on the surrounding forests.  The study also shows that 37% of acute respiratory infections occur because of inhaling cooking fire smoke.  Of 350 women tested, 22% had throat problems and 25% of those had pneumonia and chest pressure problems due to cooking smoke inhalation.  The same study showed a high incidence of tuberculosis, asthma and lung cancer.  Eliminating the smoke from the interior of the family homes will significantly reduce these health issues.  By removing the hot surfaces and open flames exposure, the rate of burn accidents among children will be reduced.

MURRAY ROTARY DISTRIBUTES 1890 DICTIONARIES!

Murray Rotarian Ron Jensen

Murray Rotary has been giving dictionaries, with almanacs included in the dictionary, to 3rd graders since 2004!  It began at the Utah Rotary District Conference in Moab in 2003 where our District was invited to participate.  Murray Rotarians took the information back to our club and started with just seven schools in Murray District in 2004, which was the first year for our District.  Murray Rotary gave dictionaries to 29 schools this fall and will give more later if asked.  The total number of dictionaries distributed this year was 1,890 books!

Among the seven schools in Murray District, 420 dictionaries were given to the 3rd graders.  Two schools that are in the Granite District are now in Murray (Woodstock and Twin Peaks) and are not included in the 420 dictionaries.  Dictionaries were given to ten schools in the Granite District, five in Emory County and seven Private or Charter schools.  Moab Rotary covers one other school in Emery County which is Green River Elementary.

Murray Rotarian Keith Hardy (center)

Murray Rotarian Ron Jensen has spearheaded this project for the past nine years.  The schools and students look forward to this every year.  It is very rewarding to see the excitement in the 3rd graders when they are given the dictionary.  Murray Rotarians explain how to use the dictionary and almanac.  The students are fascinated by looking up many things in the book.

Murray Rotary has given dictionaries to a school in New Mexico and Nevada but those schools are now done by other Rotary Clubs.

Bountiful Interacters Feed the Hungry

From the November 12, 2012 issue of the Standard Examiner:

BOUNTIFUL — Every month, the Bountiful Community Food Pantry serves 600 to 700 families living between North Salt Lake and Farmington, and while that number is continually growing, food donations the pantry receives annually are decreasing.

In September, the pantry’s total food donations were 20,000 pounds less than in September 2011, said Lorna Koci, director of the food pantry.

In order to make up the difference, Bountiful High School’s Interact Club has recruited the efforts of students at the high school, as well as those from a dozen of their neighboring junior high and elementary schools.

“Every food drive is important, and Bountiful High’s food drive is one of those helping us fill in the gap,” Koci said.

After several weeks of food collection at each of the participating schools, Interact Club members picked up the food Friday and loaded it onto a semitrailer provided by the food pantry.

Steady snow did not deter the students, though some commented on how chilly it was while they sorted through the food to put in the right bins inside the truck.

“It was a little bit hard because it was really cold in the trailer. But the fact that we were helping out and that my friends were there made it worth it,” said senior Kaitlyn Tullis.

Tullis joined the club because she enjoys volunteer work and helping other people — the main goal of the Interact Club.

The most interesting food Tullis said she came across during the sorting was a can of pink salmon.
The most common items donated were cans of soup, she said.

Though senior Shannon Engberson, president of the Interact Club, was excited to see all of the food accruing, filling most of the 18-wheeler, it was not her main reason for doing the food drive.

“The food drive isn’t necessarily my motivation, but rather helping other people, so this is one way to achieve that,” she said.

Helping the students serve others is exactly why Bountiful High School teacher Jan Wray enjoys working as the club adviser.

 

“We’re making these students become lifelong lovers of service, and I love that I can help them love service as much as I do,” Wray said.

“I find kids who give service are more on top of everything because they seem to get their homework and assignments done on time and still work service around their schedule.”

For more information, contact Anne Lee Wiese at anne_lee73@hotmail.com.

Service in Action in Moab

Local BSA Troop #802 and five members of the Moab Rotary Club came together on Saturday, October 27 to help Drake Hackney complete requirements for his Eagle Scout badge. Moab Rotarians, including Tara Richardson (Moab Club President), Jared Shumway (past president), Steve Getz (Foundation Chair), Kate Cannon and Mike McCue worked alongside members of Drake’s troop and their leader Jimmy Hawks to build a gazebo at Moab Rotary Park.  This light weight metal, powder-coated black gazebo will be a wonderful addition to what is considered one of the best outside musical areas in the world!

Another outstanding example of Rotary service in action!

MURRAY ROTARY'S FALL SOCIAL OUTING

Murray Rotarian Wynn Tate shared his lovely cabin with fellow Rotarians the end of September.  His cabin is in Sterling just south of Manti, Utah.  The cabin over looks Gunnison Reservoir, although there wasn't much water in the reservoir this fall!!  The weekend began with those interested in playing golf at the Palasades Golf Course midday!  The course is known for the most scenic golf hole in the Friday night was a BBQ out on a bluff over looking the reservoir!  All on Wynn's property!!  Murray Rotarian Tyson Soffe and his family took one of Wynn's paddleboats for a spin on the reservoir that evening!

The views and scenery were amazing Saturday morning breakfast was served at Wynn's before heading out on the ATVs!  Dressing warmly was a must for those higher elevations!  More beautiful scenery

One ATV didn't quite make it through the mud . . . and needed a little help!  And that ATV had none other than our own District Governor Jerry Summerhays on it! He quickly manuvered his balance in keeping his camera safe from the mud! DG Jerry was quoted as saying "This made the trip!"

Saturday night was another delicious meal for the hungry ATVers at the Tate's home/cabin! Some departed for home after dinner and others stayed until Sunday! A very memorable trip.

Once again, Murray Rotary lived up to it's motto:  Fun with a Purpose!

MURRAY AND BOUNTIFUL ROTARY'S SERVICE PROJECT CONTINUES YEAR ROUND IN MEXICO

In August, a 15 passenger van was delivered to the Kings Kids Orphanage in Empalme, Mexico just in time before school started.  Prior to the van arriving, their bus hadn’t been repaired and the van they had was moments away from going to the junk yard!

We learned the orphanage needs two vans to operate.  Currently, they have 19 orphans, the house parents and their kids (which makes 16 more) so if everyone went to an event that would be transporting 35 people!  The orphanage only had one car seat and they have at least seven children who needed car seats.  Along with the van, Murray and Bountiful Clubs sent 7 car booster seats and 24 backpacks with school supplies inside the packs! 

Getting the van to Mexico was a joint effort with the Missions for Jesus International (MFJI) Team in Prescott, AZ.  Two team members drove up to SLC to take the van back to AZ.  Then Jenny and Jessy from the orphanage drove to Prescott to pick up the van!  What great team work of several organizations working together!!

We learned later the kids from the orphanage were thrilled to have their own car seats.  A counselor at the orphanage said she thought the kids would be squirming and complaining but in actuality it was like they had their own space!  Kids who live in group environments often feel like nothing is really theirs.  Something as simple as their own car seat makes them feel like they are an individual!  This small simple thing is HUGE in their development as individuals!  In September, the children were able to load up in the van in their “Mariachi” outfits and go to a school event, which is similar to our 4th of July!  Without the Murray and Bountiful Club’s support in the items they sent, the orphanage would not be able to afford their children to participate in these extra programs!

The Rotary District Foundation Committee awarded Murray Rotary $3200 towards the Empalme Rotary Club Project in Mexico.  The Murray and Bountiful Clubs are working together with the Empalme Rotary Club on a fire truck and ambulance for the tiny town in Mexico.  A Fire Truck was purchased in October at an auction for $5500.  Now we just need to equip it with hoses, axes and whatever else is needed on a fire truck!  Murray Rotarian Jim Charnholm is coordinating with local fire stations in town to find out what all is needed to equip the truck before sending it to Mexico.

To learn more about the Kings Kid Orphanage, visit their website at www.kingskidsorphanage.com and see the children in action!  Their everyday needs are so important and in these economic times of “leanness” they often suffer at the basic level!

Holladay Rotary Picks Punk Pop

Here's an exciting Vocational Service project story submitted by Sue Vanderhoof of Holladay Rotary Club:

Weilenmann School of Discovery in Salt Lake City has a program which invites 6^th, 7^th &  8^th graders to participate in an Entrepreneurial Business Venture by creating, marketing and selling handmade items at a school-sponsored “Market Day” held three times throughout the school year!  All prospective participants are required to submit an application and a business plan for review from which 15 student vendors are selected to “set up shop” and sell their products to the school community.   

When Holladay Rotary became aware of this program, members immediately recognized it as a wonderful vocational service opportunity for Rotarians to mentor young entrepreneurs.  Teresa Criscione, Market Day coordinator for the PTA, welcomed our involvement! 

Five Holladay Rotarians were involved with the first Market Day in September.  We met with each student vendor, evaluated their product for creativity, presentation, pricing & marketability, advertising & signage and asked each student questions about simple business concepts.  Overwhelmingly, we were impressed that at such a young age, these students had put so much thought into the development of their products and were so enthusiastic about answering our questions and learning from our input. It was a great experience and a great day! 

Rotary’s involvement in this program is still developing and we are excited to be able to share this vocational opportunity with the students at Weilenmann School of Discovery.          

Holladay Rotary’s choice and Weilenmann’s actual Entrepreneur of the Day was Punk Pop!   

 

RYLA: Lifechanging for Youth and Rotary Leaders

2012 RYLA Chairman Shelly Dansie (Cedar City Rotary Club) reports:  RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) was held this year September 19-22 at the beautiful Heber Valley Camp. We had around 130 participants and 40 staff attending the annual event. Rotary Clubs chose their participants from their local high schools. RYLA is open to sophomores and juniors. Many Rotary Clubs have functioning Interact Clubs and select the leadership from that club. RYLA is an unprecedented event in District 5420. It gives the students and the Team Leaders (Rotarians) an opportunity to have an experience of a lifetime. I recently received a thank you letter from one of the participants. He commented “RYLA was one of my most memorable and life changing experiences."
 

This year each of the clubs assisted with the transportation of the students. A big thank you to all who helped with this endeavor. This will help RYLA grow in the future. As the students arrived, the Alumni (past participants) involved the students in getting-to-know-you games and fun. On Thursday we had the opportunity to have several speakers. Jeff Dansie taught the students about how to listen for the principles they would be taught over the couple of days and how to incorporate them in their lives. Guest speaker, Sam Bracken, taught the students how to overcome difficulties and triumph. Larry Chatterton taught the students some amazing memory skills and communication skills.  Mike Wells (Youth Services Chairman) coordinated a cultural walk to help students understand even though they are each very unique, they also have many things in common. This is one of the most memorable events at RYLA. 

 

On Friday, we had the opportunity to listen to Amanda Dickson from KSL. She taught an impactful message about living in the moment and making the most of it. Our day was filled with team activities and several classes about Interact and Rotary. We taught the students how to start an Interact Club, conduct activities and retain their membership. RYLA is an important event for the students to get excited about Interact and making a difference in their community and the world.

 

Saturday, the final day concluded with the very popular speaker Chad Hymas. He gave us inspiration to make a difference in the world. Our days are long at RYLA, but on the final day no one wants to go home. 

 

As the 2012 RYLA Chairman, I am soliciting one member from each club to attend RYLA next year. We need your help in this important event and it will be an event you will cherish. RYLA 2013 will be held Sept. 11-14. We hope to see you there.