FRIENDSHIP EXCHANGE
COVID19 NOTE
Until the pandemic subsides, the Rotary Friendship Exchange program is suspended. Like everyone else we are excited to resume more normal lives as soon as possible. As an RFE needs a minimum 6 months planning, we are now looking at 2022 for our next RFE events. Mean time, it's always nice to dream and plan. Contact details remain the same, below, for more information.LOVE TRAVEL. LOVE ROTARY.
2025 July – DEI
2025 June – Polio Plus
Polio Update
Whew! As of May 8, no new cases of the wild polio were reported from Pakistan (5 weeks since the last case). There have been a total of eight cases this year.
In Afghanistan, the total for 2025 is two.
The End Polio Now Torch introduced in 2014 to celebrate Indian becoming Polio Free is going on a road rip from St. Louis to Calgary (2025 International Convention) will be passing through a number of cities including Seattle, WA on June 1.
PolioPlus
What is the PolioPlus program?
The PolioPlus program, enables Rotary members in polio-free countries to provide support to fellow members in polio-affected countries for polio eradication activities. Join with fellow Rotarians to END POLIO NOW.
You can make your donations at https://www.endpolio.org/donate using a credit card – donations will also count toward your next Paul Harris Fellowship when you sign in to My Rotary. You can sign up for a one time donation or do a monthly donation.
Why not try missing a meal at Rotary once a month and donate that amount to polio?
2025 June – DEI
Mind the Gap
“Mind the gap” is a catchy and familiar phrase to anyone who has ridden on
the London subway system and a reminder to be careful when stepping on to the subway car.
It can also be applied to the gap between generations – each has different life experiences that shaped them and are often difficult to recognize and accept.
We all know this, so why bing it up? Because it’s one of the things that can hinder Rotary membership growth.
The majority of Rotarians are Baby Boomers whose ages are between 58 and 78. Vietnam , the civil rights movement and Watergate were influential. They have a strong work ethic, are motivated by company loyalty and duty. Their communication style favors face-to-face and phone calls. Achievement comes after paying one’s dues and they are willing to sacrifice for success.
Gen Xers – the group Rotarians most want to attract – were born between 1965 and 1980, They were shaped by the AIDS epidemic, the dot-com boom and the fall of the Berlin Wall. They value a work-life balance placing their personal – professional interests above
the company’s interests. They are flexible, informal, skeptical and independent. They communicate in whatever is most efficient.They are quick to move on if their employer fails to meet their needs.
It is relatively easy to see how these two generations have different values, outlooks on the world and motivations. It’s apparent how what appeals to Boomers is off putting to GenXers. It’s also apparent that Rotary clubs must tailor their recruiting methods differently for each group.
Boomers see value in club meetings, routine and tradition (think reciting the 4 fWay Test, speakers at each meeting, Happy Dollars) while Gen X might prefer fewer or no meetings, club socials, and flexible structures.
It’s only by recognizing these kinds of differences and adapting a variety of approaches will Rotary recruit younger members.
WHY WE DON’T WANT ROTARY TO BE LIKE BASEBALL
By David Postic, a member of the Rotaract Club of Norman, Oklahoma, USA, and a member of the 2013-14 Rotaract and Interact Committee
“Baseball is a sport so historically beloved in the United States that it is called “America’s pastime. Yet few Americans I know actually watch baseball on a regular basis. Why? Because when you really look at the game, it can seem slow, boring, and it can get old pretty quickly. Most people love the idea of baseball; they just don’t love watching it.
Similarly, there are many young people out there (like me) who love the idea of Rotary. But when you really look at any given Rotary club it can seem, well, slow and boring.
I had the luxury of growing up around Rotarians, so when I see Rotary I see something groundbreaking, something transformational. Yet of all the Rotary meetings I have been to, never once have I heard someone say, Yet of all the Rotary meetings I have been to, never once have I heard someone say, “Did you know that, through Rotary, you can change the world?” That is Rotary’s most powerful message, and it is the one young people need to hear. And if they do not hear it, I can guarantee you they will not be engaged in Rotary.”
Hand Hygiene Education in Didymoteicho & Soufli
2025 June – Council of Legislation
2025 COUNCIL ON LEGISLATION
PURPOSE
- The Council on Legislation primary function is to amend Rotary’s constitutional documents, including the Standard Rotary Club Constitution, the RI Constitution and the RI Bylaws.
- Proposals can be submitted by clubs, districts, the RI Board, and other authorized bodies.
PROPOSALS AND VOTING
- Representatives from each District are select by their respective districts.
- Proposals are debated and voted on by the Council.
- The Council considers proposals that would change Rotary’s governing documents.
- The Council on Legislation aims to make Rotary more efficient by considering those items with widespread support or opposition.
Well lookie here Past Rotary International Director Vicki Puliz offering her wisdom to the group.
These are the booths were all of the Translators stay and do all of the conversions of the Rotary official languages for all of us to understand. I have to say they are very good and quick – no delays in this group.
Past District Governor Bette Hall holding up a stripe card which means – end the discussion and lets vote now.
I believe there were 482 representatives from the districts from all over the world. All in Chicago for this session of great importance and how we will move forward to change the world.
REPORT OF ACTION
I am pleased to provide you with the Report of Action. In this report, you will find:
- A letter from General Secretary Hewko
- Legislation that was adopted at the Council, including amended legislation
- Vote tallies for the adopted items
- An Opposition to Legislation Report Form
A copy of this report is also being sent to club secretaries, governors, alternate representatives, and Rotary senior leaders. Clubs may use the opposition form if they disagree with an adopted enactment. Completed forms must reach Council Services by 15 July 2025. More informationabout this form can be found in General Secretary Hewko’s letter.
The updated constitutional documents will be published in English by 17 June 2025, with languages to follow a few months later. The updated Manual of Procedure will be published in English by October 2025, with languages to follow.
2025 April – District Grants
To the 49 clubs who applied for the Community Grants this year, if you haven’t wrapped up your grant you have about 2 months left to complete. If you need assistance please call me at 951-746-8364. I hope to see you at Assembly!
Mary Brown
District Grant Chair
2025 April – Human Tracking
Human Trafficking Awareness Trailer
It’s been almost a year since the District 5330 Human Trafficking Awareness trailer debuted at the District Training Assembly last April. In that time, it has been all over our district to your events, it was at the KABOOM festival last July 4th in Pomona, it was shown at the Peace Conference in Northern California, at the Tour de Palm Springs cycling event and at SWPETS. Where folks from 5 other districts had a chance to view the video.
The trailer and its message has been seen by thousands of people. Some commenting that they didn’t know Human Trafficking was a problem in this country. Some sharing stories of survival and healing. Some thanking us for having this exhibit.
We, you, the Rotarians of District 5330 are doing a great thing for the people of our communities and our world, shining a light on Human Trafficking.
Let’s keep it up. If you are interested in having the trailer at your event, or just need more information please go to the District website click on “what we do” scroll down to Anti-Human Trafficking and fill out the form. It will come to me, and I will respond to you.
Or just send me an email if you have questions.
Thank you
Amy Laboda
[email protected]
2025 April – Club Event Menifee
2025 April – Club Event Menifee
2025 April – 4 Way Test Speech
HOW DOES IS WORK?
2025 July – DEI
2025 June – Polio Plus
Polio Update
Whew! As of May 8, no new cases of the wild polio were reported from Pakistan (5 weeks since the last case). There have been a total of eight cases this year.
In Afghanistan, the total for 2025 is two.
The End Polio Now Torch introduced in 2014 to celebrate Indian becoming Polio Free is going on a road rip from St. Louis to Calgary (2025 International Convention) will be passing through a number of cities including Seattle, WA on June 1.
PolioPlus
What is the PolioPlus program?
The PolioPlus program, enables Rotary members in polio-free countries to provide support to fellow members in polio-affected countries for polio eradication activities. Join with fellow Rotarians to END POLIO NOW.
You can make your donations at https://www.endpolio.org/donate using a credit card – donations will also count toward your next Paul Harris Fellowship when you sign in to My Rotary. You can sign up for a one time donation or do a monthly donation.
Why not try missing a meal at Rotary once a month and donate that amount to polio?
2025 June – DEI
Mind the Gap
“Mind the gap” is a catchy and familiar phrase to anyone who has ridden on
the London subway system and a reminder to be careful when stepping on to the subway car.
It can also be applied to the gap between generations – each has different life experiences that shaped them and are often difficult to recognize and accept.
We all know this, so why bing it up? Because it’s one of the things that can hinder Rotary membership growth.
The majority of Rotarians are Baby Boomers whose ages are between 58 and 78. Vietnam , the civil rights movement and Watergate were influential. They have a strong work ethic, are motivated by company loyalty and duty. Their communication style favors face-to-face and phone calls. Achievement comes after paying one’s dues and they are willing to sacrifice for success.
Gen Xers – the group Rotarians most want to attract – were born between 1965 and 1980, They were shaped by the AIDS epidemic, the dot-com boom and the fall of the Berlin Wall. They value a work-life balance placing their personal – professional interests above
the company’s interests. They are flexible, informal, skeptical and independent. They communicate in whatever is most efficient.They are quick to move on if their employer fails to meet their needs.
It is relatively easy to see how these two generations have different values, outlooks on the world and motivations. It’s apparent how what appeals to Boomers is off putting to GenXers. It’s also apparent that Rotary clubs must tailor their recruiting methods differently for each group.
Boomers see value in club meetings, routine and tradition (think reciting the 4 fWay Test, speakers at each meeting, Happy Dollars) while Gen X might prefer fewer or no meetings, club socials, and flexible structures.
It’s only by recognizing these kinds of differences and adapting a variety of approaches will Rotary recruit younger members.
WHY WE DON’T WANT ROTARY TO BE LIKE BASEBALL
By David Postic, a member of the Rotaract Club of Norman, Oklahoma, USA, and a member of the 2013-14 Rotaract and Interact Committee
“Baseball is a sport so historically beloved in the United States that it is called “America’s pastime. Yet few Americans I know actually watch baseball on a regular basis. Why? Because when you really look at the game, it can seem slow, boring, and it can get old pretty quickly. Most people love the idea of baseball; they just don’t love watching it.
Similarly, there are many young people out there (like me) who love the idea of Rotary. But when you really look at any given Rotary club it can seem, well, slow and boring.
I had the luxury of growing up around Rotarians, so when I see Rotary I see something groundbreaking, something transformational. Yet of all the Rotary meetings I have been to, never once have I heard someone say, Yet of all the Rotary meetings I have been to, never once have I heard someone say, “Did you know that, through Rotary, you can change the world?” That is Rotary’s most powerful message, and it is the one young people need to hear. And if they do not hear it, I can guarantee you they will not be engaged in Rotary.”
Hand Hygiene Education in Didymoteicho & Soufli
2025 June – Council of Legislation
2025 COUNCIL ON LEGISLATION
PURPOSE
- The Council on Legislation primary function is to amend Rotary’s constitutional documents, including the Standard Rotary Club Constitution, the RI Constitution and the RI Bylaws.
- Proposals can be submitted by clubs, districts, the RI Board, and other authorized bodies.
PROPOSALS AND VOTING
- Representatives from each District are select by their respective districts.
- Proposals are debated and voted on by the Council.
- The Council considers proposals that would change Rotary’s governing documents.
- The Council on Legislation aims to make Rotary more efficient by considering those items with widespread support or opposition.
Well lookie here Past Rotary International Director Vicki Puliz offering her wisdom to the group.
These are the booths were all of the Translators stay and do all of the conversions of the Rotary official languages for all of us to understand. I have to say they are very good and quick – no delays in this group.
Past District Governor Bette Hall holding up a stripe card which means – end the discussion and lets vote now.
I believe there were 482 representatives from the districts from all over the world. All in Chicago for this session of great importance and how we will move forward to change the world.
REPORT OF ACTION
I am pleased to provide you with the Report of Action. In this report, you will find:
- A letter from General Secretary Hewko
- Legislation that was adopted at the Council, including amended legislation
- Vote tallies for the adopted items
- An Opposition to Legislation Report Form
A copy of this report is also being sent to club secretaries, governors, alternate representatives, and Rotary senior leaders. Clubs may use the opposition form if they disagree with an adopted enactment. Completed forms must reach Council Services by 15 July 2025. More informationabout this form can be found in General Secretary Hewko’s letter.
The updated constitutional documents will be published in English by 17 June 2025, with languages to follow a few months later. The updated Manual of Procedure will be published in English by October 2025, with languages to follow.
2025 April – District Grants
To the 49 clubs who applied for the Community Grants this year, if you haven’t wrapped up your grant you have about 2 months left to complete. If you need assistance please call me at 951-746-8364. I hope to see you at Assembly!
Mary Brown
District Grant Chair
2025 April – Human Tracking
Human Trafficking Awareness Trailer
It’s been almost a year since the District 5330 Human Trafficking Awareness trailer debuted at the District Training Assembly last April. In that time, it has been all over our district to your events, it was at the KABOOM festival last July 4th in Pomona, it was shown at the Peace Conference in Northern California, at the Tour de Palm Springs cycling event and at SWPETS. Where folks from 5 other districts had a chance to view the video.
The trailer and its message has been seen by thousands of people. Some commenting that they didn’t know Human Trafficking was a problem in this country. Some sharing stories of survival and healing. Some thanking us for having this exhibit.
We, you, the Rotarians of District 5330 are doing a great thing for the people of our communities and our world, shining a light on Human Trafficking.
Let’s keep it up. If you are interested in having the trailer at your event, or just need more information please go to the District website click on “what we do” scroll down to Anti-Human Trafficking and fill out the form. It will come to me, and I will respond to you.
Or just send me an email if you have questions.
Thank you
Amy Laboda
[email protected]
2025 April – Club Event Menifee
2025 April – Club Event Menifee
2025 April – 4 Way Test Speech
D5020 FRIENDSHIP EXCHANGE LEAD
 | Kevin Dale Hilgers Victoria-Harbourside Friendship Exchange Chair Contact |