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.
October 2024 – Annual Fund
October 2024 – Chalk Art Contest Murrieta and Old Town
Murrieta Field of Honor 2024 Announces Call for Artists: Chalk Art Competition
The Murrieta Field of Honor is excited to announce the launch of the 2024 The Vollbrecht Rotary Chalk Walk, inviting talented artists to showcase their creativity and talent in a vibrant, community-centered event. This year’s competition promises to be bigger and better than ever. As a dynamic highlight of our annual Field of Honor event, artists have an opportunity to leave their mark on this cherished tradition.
Event Details:
- Event Name: The Vollbrecht Rotary Chalk Walk 2024
- Date: Saturday, November 9 and Sunday, November 10, 2024
- Location: Murrieta Town Square Park
- Application Deadline: October 30, 2024
The Vollbrecht Rotary Chalk Walk will be held as part of the Murrieta Field of Honor, presented as a community service by the Rotary clubs of Murrieta and Old Town Temecula in partnership with the City of Murrieta. This annual event is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the service and sacrifices of our military and first responders. This year, artists from all backgrounds and experience levels are invited to participate in creating stunning chalk artworks that will adorn the event’s pathways, creating a colorful and engaging experience for attendees of all ages.
Why Participate?
- Showcase Your Art: Gain exposure and recognition for your artwork in a community-focused event.
- Engage with the Community: Interact with local residents, families, and visitors in a festive and supportive atmosphere.
- Win Prizes: Compete for exciting prizes and awards in various categories.
- Support a Noble Cause: Contribute to an event dedicated to honoring our heroes and fostering community spirit.
How to Apply: Artists interested in participating are encouraged to submit their applications by October 30, 2024. To apply, please visit https://murrietarotaryclub.org/vollbrecht-chalk-walk/ and download the application form.
Selection Criteria: Applications will be reviewed based on creativity, originality, and alignment with the event’s theme of honor and community. Selected artists will be notified by November 1, 2024 and will receive further details on the event and participation guidelines.
Contact Information: For more information about the Chalk Art Competition, application process, or event details, please contact:
- Name: Jennifer Rasmussen
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://murrietarotaryclub.org/vollbrecht-chalk-walk/
Join us in making the Murrieta Field of Honor 2024 an unforgettable experience through your incredible chalk artistry. We look forward to seeing your creations and celebrating the artistic spirit within our community!
About Murrieta Field of Honor: The Murrieta Field of Honor is an annual event dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of our military, first responders and other heroes. It brings together the community in a heartfelt tribute to those who have served, with a variety of activities, displays, and commemorative events.
Caption: The 2023 Best of Show chalk art with artist Meg Beverly Canilang.
October 2024 – Membership
Greetings People of Action!
Welcome to Fall, I hope you had a wonderful summer. I hope it’s cooling down, or at least less hot in your neck of woods. I know we’re all looking forward to fall and enjoying a nice hot pumpkin spice latte…too soon?
I had the pleasure of visiting 3 clubs in our district last month to talk membership. Thank you, Riverside Sunrise, Big Bear Lake, and Hemet for the warm welcome and hospitality. It’s nice to know that as a Rotarian, I have many homes away from home in our district and around the world. I highly recommend visiting another club if you haven’t done so lately, it’s a great way to expand your Rotary fellowship.
As I have asked in the past, if you have not set up your MyRotary.org account yet, please do when you have a moment. The amount of information and resources will blow your mind! There’s a learning opportunity around every bend.
In the coming months, I will include membership resources directly from MyRotary.org to assist you with your membership efforts; the first is “Assess and adapt”.
Assess and adapt
Use these resources to see if your club is meeting members’ needs and reflecting the community:
- Club Experience Concierge — Explore ways to improve the club experience through practical tips and resources with this interactive, online resource.
- Club Health Check — Identify your club’s problem areas and make changes to help it stay relevant for members and the community.
- Is Your Club Healthy? — Take this Learning Center course to help your club improve its member experience, service and social events, public image, and club operations.
- Understanding Membership Reports: Getting Started — Learn how to use membership data to determine where to focus your membership efforts.
- Membership Assessment Tools — Be intentional about improving your club experience. Use these tools and their results to make changes.
- Getting to Know Prospective and New Members (member interest survey) (online version)
- Understanding How Your Club Represents Your Community (diversity assessment)
- Finding People to Invite (prospective member exercise)
- Engaging and Keeping Members (retention assessment and analysis)
- Enhancing the Club Experience (member satisfaction survey) (online version)
- Understanding Why Members Leave (exit survey) (online version)
While your club’s membership chair will take the lead on this info, I think it’s important for all members to have access to become educated about Rotary membership. Next month’s membership article will include information about engaging current members.
Pausing my article for this important message. If you are still reading this, please text me at 909-730-0447 and ask me to send you your $25 Amazon gift card. The first person to respond will win the card! Congratulations to Charlotte McKenzie of the Riverside Sunrise club for winning the Amazon gift card last month!
As I mentioned earlier, I visited 3 clubs this month and would love to visit yours! You know how to reach me.
Thank you for all you do for Rotary, and for your community. I look forward to seeing you soon, stay safe and be blessed.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Al Rubio
District 5330 Membership Chair 2024/2025
Past President 1998-1999 / 2008-2009
909-730-0447 Cell
951-491-2505 Office Direct
October 2024 – DEI
All of us felt “out of control” and isolated with things happening in our culture in 2020, especially because of COVID. How did Rotarians deal with it? We stayed in touch and socializedtThrough our Rotary Clubs and Zoom meetings.
Membership has taken a big hit because of the isolation COVID caused – every club has felt it. So how do we deal with these losses DIVERSIFY. Don’t tune out yet!! That “trigger” word has many meanings beyond age, race, etc. and all the other attached negative perceptions.
Your club can shake things up and try new practices such as:
- Change meeting times. Lunch to morning, or one meeting monthly as a social (different place & time), or alternative meetings on different days and times for members who can’t make regular meetings. Just because you’ve always done it one way doesn’t mean there can’t be any variety.
- Add “get to know a Rotarian” presentations at meetings. Club members take the floor to talk about themselves. You think you know people in the hour you spend with them, but you don’t.
- Increase the number of service projects. After all, that’s why most people join Rotary. Partner with other clubs and community members AFTER your club has completed a community needs assessment.
- Quickly bring new members into the fold with a survey about which committees, projects and fundraisers they’d like to be involved with. Put them to work on their choices. Give them an opportunity to choose instead of assigning them.
Does all this sound familiar?? Then you probably read it in the September Rotary magazine (pages 48-49), and I give the author full credit. Surprised you, didn’t I – it’s all about DIVERSITY, and It isn’t always about race, sexual orientation, or country of origin. It’s more about new ideas, adjusting tradition and gaining new members.
Has your club gotten outside the box with new ideas? Send them to me via text (619-694-7073) or email- [email protected] so I can publish them next month.
October 2024 – Polio Plus
It’s not political – it’s Polio, and it’s ROTARY.
Vaccine pauses in Gaza’s polio crisis aren’t political—they’re vital for public health.
Gaza recently reported its first polio case in 25 years — a 10-month-old boy, now paralyzed in a leg. The World Health Organization says the presence of a paralysis case indicates there could be hundreds more.
The recent detection of variant poliovirus type-2 isolates in environmental samples and the confirmation of a 10-month-old child who has contracted polio in Gaza is a stark reminder that as long as polio exists anywhere, it is a threat everywhere. The ongoing crisis in Gaza has contributed to reduced routine immunization rates and an increased risk of vaccine-preventable diseases, including polio. The crisis also poses a significant challenge to fully implementing disease surveillance and vaccination campaigns.
Gaza is a stark reminder that as long as polio exists anywhere, it is a threat everywhere.
Rotary is committing S500,000 to bolster the initiative, channeling these funds through a dedicated Polio Outbreak Response Fund. This contribution represents Rotary’s sustained support to the WHO in combating polio globally.
Rotary will continue to work with its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and other agencies as vaccination efforts unfold. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers there to be a high risk for the spread of this polio strain within Gaza and internationally, particularly given the current situation’s impact on public health services.
Learn more and donate to End Polio Now
One Day. One Focus: Ending Polio
World Polio Day is a time for Rotary members, public health advocates, and all who want a world free from polio to come together, recognize our progress in the fight to end polio, and talk about the actions we need to take in order to end polio for good.
All donations are matched 2:1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, tripling your impact!
Need ideas for October 24 for your club? Check out the Event Guide – Google World Polio Day.– lots of great ideas!
October 2024 – District Learning
**COMING SOON**. The District Education Team is excited to announce a new session on **FACILITATION SKILLS**. Facilitators play a crucial role in guiding group meetings and learning sessions, ensuring objectives are met through effective group processes. Unlike traditional lectures, facilitators encourage participation and focus on collaboration. This training will equip you with the skills to become a district facilitator.
The Education team will soon announce training session dates when you will have the opportunity to learn and qualify to be a District Facilitator.
DISTRICT TRAINING OPPORTUNITY
Virtual District Training Assembly – Club Leader & Member Training sessions continue:
October 7 – Community Service
November 7 – International Grant Writing
December 2 – PR/Branding
January 8 – Vocational Service DISTRICT TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
February 3 – Peace Building
March 5 International Service
April 7 – District Grant Writing
May 7 – Youth Service
June 2 – Paul Harris Fellowships ad Rotary Action Groups
All sessions begin at 5:30 pm and are on Zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86303333504
2025 District Training Assembly – Club Leader & Member Training – April 2025 – date to be announced. DISTRICT TRAINING OPPORTUNITY
Rotary Leadership Institute – May 3 Watch for the sign up remail from PDG Rudy Westervelt coming this spring. DISTRICT TRAINING OPPORTUNITY
THERE ARE AT LEAST 27+ TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES LISTED ABOVE. We’ve listened to member/leader feedback asking for more District trainings. We now offer more than 27 in person and virtual sessions. Virtual sessions are recorded and posted on YouTube. All these opportunities are available to every Rotarian.
October 2024 – Community Grants
Community Grants
The grants are now closed and I will keep you posted on the funding.
October 2024 Orchid Festival
October 2024 – Speakers Bureau
A new Speakers Resource Center for our District 5330 website: www.district5330.org has been developed. The information will be posted under the “Rotarians” tab, scroll down to the Speaker Resource Center.
The Resource Center will include a list of ideas for possible speakers in your community to explore, as well as contact information for District Experts and Freelance Speakers who have generously agreed to share their expertise with clubs in District 5330. It is anticipated this information will be useful to program chairs and club leaders who are responsible for arranging speakers for our meetings.
This will remain a “work in progress” and with your help it will continue to grow. If you know of any speakers who would be interested and has agreed to participate – please contact Carol Winston, Chief of Staff, at: [email protected] or call: 503-705-7441 and they will be added to our list.
Thank you!
Carol Winston
Chief of Staff D5330
October 2024 – Community Service
Living in the inland empire it seems to always be fire season here unless it is raining or snowing. Community Service starts at home! This time of year my phone is frequently dinging with either alerts to new fires in SoCal or status of existing fires in SoCal. Our District 5330 family is frequently “on fire”: this means that there is a ton of opportunity for many of us to step up to bat at the community service plate!
The very minute we hear of a fire in any D5330 area there is an opportunity to reach out to members you know are in that area. Ask if they need help, what can you do in any way. You may very well either reach someone in need, or light a match (sorry for the term) under them to get involved in their area with other Rotarians to find the need and come up with a quick plan to assist! You’ve heard me many times talk about club “last minute militias”. If any of you have ever been in a fire situation: any and all hands need to be on deck.
Back in 2013 and again in 2018 we were evacuated up here when we had the mountain fire and the Cranston fire. There is no feeling in the world like knowing you could lose everything. You want to grab what you can, but extra hands and knowing that someone has your back in many ways makes a huge difference. On the flip side…….during snowmageddon a couple years ago there was a call for shovelers to assist. Fire is far more debilitating and far more frequent in our district. We all need to think about this. I would have given my right arm to have a few Rotarians show up at my home both of the times we were evacuated. The beauty of using DacDB is you can find a Rotarian in an emergency area and reach out QUCKLY! When the question is put out there …….in your mind have the last minute militia group text ready to go so you can mobilize quickly.
REMEMBER: WE ARE THE ROTARY FAMILY! There’s always need and opportunity to jump in and help. A few of you that are reading this (boring as it may be!) have heard from me when there has been a fire in your area. I know what it’s like…..and I never want to be there again, unless it’s to assist others that are there!
This is a call for clubs to tune up and create your last minute militias so that when we hear of an opportunity to help out……we can do it. We are in “fire country” and we all need to be on our toes for our own survival, as well as those in our Rotary families that we can reach out to when the need is there!
Chuck Weisbart (Cheeze)
Proudly- an Idyllwild Rotarian!
D5330 Community Service Chair
760 578 3592
P.O.Box 278, Idyllwild CA 92549
HOW DOES IS WORK?
October 2024 – Annual Fund
October 2024 – Chalk Art Contest Murrieta and Old Town
Murrieta Field of Honor 2024 Announces Call for Artists: Chalk Art Competition
The Murrieta Field of Honor is excited to announce the launch of the 2024 The Vollbrecht Rotary Chalk Walk, inviting talented artists to showcase their creativity and talent in a vibrant, community-centered event. This year’s competition promises to be bigger and better than ever. As a dynamic highlight of our annual Field of Honor event, artists have an opportunity to leave their mark on this cherished tradition.
Event Details:
- Event Name: The Vollbrecht Rotary Chalk Walk 2024
- Date: Saturday, November 9 and Sunday, November 10, 2024
- Location: Murrieta Town Square Park
- Application Deadline: October 30, 2024
The Vollbrecht Rotary Chalk Walk will be held as part of the Murrieta Field of Honor, presented as a community service by the Rotary clubs of Murrieta and Old Town Temecula in partnership with the City of Murrieta. This annual event is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the service and sacrifices of our military and first responders. This year, artists from all backgrounds and experience levels are invited to participate in creating stunning chalk artworks that will adorn the event’s pathways, creating a colorful and engaging experience for attendees of all ages.
Why Participate?
- Showcase Your Art: Gain exposure and recognition for your artwork in a community-focused event.
- Engage with the Community: Interact with local residents, families, and visitors in a festive and supportive atmosphere.
- Win Prizes: Compete for exciting prizes and awards in various categories.
- Support a Noble Cause: Contribute to an event dedicated to honoring our heroes and fostering community spirit.
How to Apply: Artists interested in participating are encouraged to submit their applications by October 30, 2024. To apply, please visit https://murrietarotaryclub.org/vollbrecht-chalk-walk/ and download the application form.
Selection Criteria: Applications will be reviewed based on creativity, originality, and alignment with the event’s theme of honor and community. Selected artists will be notified by November 1, 2024 and will receive further details on the event and participation guidelines.
Contact Information: For more information about the Chalk Art Competition, application process, or event details, please contact:
- Name: Jennifer Rasmussen
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://murrietarotaryclub.org/vollbrecht-chalk-walk/
Join us in making the Murrieta Field of Honor 2024 an unforgettable experience through your incredible chalk artistry. We look forward to seeing your creations and celebrating the artistic spirit within our community!
About Murrieta Field of Honor: The Murrieta Field of Honor is an annual event dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of our military, first responders and other heroes. It brings together the community in a heartfelt tribute to those who have served, with a variety of activities, displays, and commemorative events.
Caption: The 2023 Best of Show chalk art with artist Meg Beverly Canilang.
October 2024 – Membership
Greetings People of Action!
Welcome to Fall, I hope you had a wonderful summer. I hope it’s cooling down, or at least less hot in your neck of woods. I know we’re all looking forward to fall and enjoying a nice hot pumpkin spice latte…too soon?
I had the pleasure of visiting 3 clubs in our district last month to talk membership. Thank you, Riverside Sunrise, Big Bear Lake, and Hemet for the warm welcome and hospitality. It’s nice to know that as a Rotarian, I have many homes away from home in our district and around the world. I highly recommend visiting another club if you haven’t done so lately, it’s a great way to expand your Rotary fellowship.
As I have asked in the past, if you have not set up your MyRotary.org account yet, please do when you have a moment. The amount of information and resources will blow your mind! There’s a learning opportunity around every bend.
In the coming months, I will include membership resources directly from MyRotary.org to assist you with your membership efforts; the first is “Assess and adapt”.
Assess and adapt
Use these resources to see if your club is meeting members’ needs and reflecting the community:
- Club Experience Concierge — Explore ways to improve the club experience through practical tips and resources with this interactive, online resource.
- Club Health Check — Identify your club’s problem areas and make changes to help it stay relevant for members and the community.
- Is Your Club Healthy? — Take this Learning Center course to help your club improve its member experience, service and social events, public image, and club operations.
- Understanding Membership Reports: Getting Started — Learn how to use membership data to determine where to focus your membership efforts.
- Membership Assessment Tools — Be intentional about improving your club experience. Use these tools and their results to make changes.
- Getting to Know Prospective and New Members (member interest survey) (online version)
- Understanding How Your Club Represents Your Community (diversity assessment)
- Finding People to Invite (prospective member exercise)
- Engaging and Keeping Members (retention assessment and analysis)
- Enhancing the Club Experience (member satisfaction survey) (online version)
- Understanding Why Members Leave (exit survey) (online version)
While your club’s membership chair will take the lead on this info, I think it’s important for all members to have access to become educated about Rotary membership. Next month’s membership article will include information about engaging current members.
Pausing my article for this important message. If you are still reading this, please text me at 909-730-0447 and ask me to send you your $25 Amazon gift card. The first person to respond will win the card! Congratulations to Charlotte McKenzie of the Riverside Sunrise club for winning the Amazon gift card last month!
As I mentioned earlier, I visited 3 clubs this month and would love to visit yours! You know how to reach me.
Thank you for all you do for Rotary, and for your community. I look forward to seeing you soon, stay safe and be blessed.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Al Rubio
District 5330 Membership Chair 2024/2025
Past President 1998-1999 / 2008-2009
909-730-0447 Cell
951-491-2505 Office Direct
October 2024 – DEI
All of us felt “out of control” and isolated with things happening in our culture in 2020, especially because of COVID. How did Rotarians deal with it? We stayed in touch and socializedtThrough our Rotary Clubs and Zoom meetings.
Membership has taken a big hit because of the isolation COVID caused – every club has felt it. So how do we deal with these losses DIVERSIFY. Don’t tune out yet!! That “trigger” word has many meanings beyond age, race, etc. and all the other attached negative perceptions.
Your club can shake things up and try new practices such as:
- Change meeting times. Lunch to morning, or one meeting monthly as a social (different place & time), or alternative meetings on different days and times for members who can’t make regular meetings. Just because you’ve always done it one way doesn’t mean there can’t be any variety.
- Add “get to know a Rotarian” presentations at meetings. Club members take the floor to talk about themselves. You think you know people in the hour you spend with them, but you don’t.
- Increase the number of service projects. After all, that’s why most people join Rotary. Partner with other clubs and community members AFTER your club has completed a community needs assessment.
- Quickly bring new members into the fold with a survey about which committees, projects and fundraisers they’d like to be involved with. Put them to work on their choices. Give them an opportunity to choose instead of assigning them.
Does all this sound familiar?? Then you probably read it in the September Rotary magazine (pages 48-49), and I give the author full credit. Surprised you, didn’t I – it’s all about DIVERSITY, and It isn’t always about race, sexual orientation, or country of origin. It’s more about new ideas, adjusting tradition and gaining new members.
Has your club gotten outside the box with new ideas? Send them to me via text (619-694-7073) or email- [email protected] so I can publish them next month.
October 2024 – Polio Plus
It’s not political – it’s Polio, and it’s ROTARY.
Vaccine pauses in Gaza’s polio crisis aren’t political—they’re vital for public health.
Gaza recently reported its first polio case in 25 years — a 10-month-old boy, now paralyzed in a leg. The World Health Organization says the presence of a paralysis case indicates there could be hundreds more.
The recent detection of variant poliovirus type-2 isolates in environmental samples and the confirmation of a 10-month-old child who has contracted polio in Gaza is a stark reminder that as long as polio exists anywhere, it is a threat everywhere. The ongoing crisis in Gaza has contributed to reduced routine immunization rates and an increased risk of vaccine-preventable diseases, including polio. The crisis also poses a significant challenge to fully implementing disease surveillance and vaccination campaigns.
Gaza is a stark reminder that as long as polio exists anywhere, it is a threat everywhere.
Rotary is committing S500,000 to bolster the initiative, channeling these funds through a dedicated Polio Outbreak Response Fund. This contribution represents Rotary’s sustained support to the WHO in combating polio globally.
Rotary will continue to work with its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and other agencies as vaccination efforts unfold. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers there to be a high risk for the spread of this polio strain within Gaza and internationally, particularly given the current situation’s impact on public health services.
Learn more and donate to End Polio Now
One Day. One Focus: Ending Polio
World Polio Day is a time for Rotary members, public health advocates, and all who want a world free from polio to come together, recognize our progress in the fight to end polio, and talk about the actions we need to take in order to end polio for good.
All donations are matched 2:1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, tripling your impact!
Need ideas for October 24 for your club? Check out the Event Guide – Google World Polio Day.– lots of great ideas!
October 2024 – District Learning
**COMING SOON**. The District Education Team is excited to announce a new session on **FACILITATION SKILLS**. Facilitators play a crucial role in guiding group meetings and learning sessions, ensuring objectives are met through effective group processes. Unlike traditional lectures, facilitators encourage participation and focus on collaboration. This training will equip you with the skills to become a district facilitator.
The Education team will soon announce training session dates when you will have the opportunity to learn and qualify to be a District Facilitator.
DISTRICT TRAINING OPPORTUNITY
Virtual District Training Assembly – Club Leader & Member Training sessions continue:
October 7 – Community Service
November 7 – International Grant Writing
December 2 – PR/Branding
January 8 – Vocational Service DISTRICT TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
February 3 – Peace Building
March 5 International Service
April 7 – District Grant Writing
May 7 – Youth Service
June 2 – Paul Harris Fellowships ad Rotary Action Groups
All sessions begin at 5:30 pm and are on Zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86303333504
2025 District Training Assembly – Club Leader & Member Training – April 2025 – date to be announced. DISTRICT TRAINING OPPORTUNITY
Rotary Leadership Institute – May 3 Watch for the sign up remail from PDG Rudy Westervelt coming this spring. DISTRICT TRAINING OPPORTUNITY
THERE ARE AT LEAST 27+ TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES LISTED ABOVE. We’ve listened to member/leader feedback asking for more District trainings. We now offer more than 27 in person and virtual sessions. Virtual sessions are recorded and posted on YouTube. All these opportunities are available to every Rotarian.
October 2024 – Community Grants
Community Grants
The grants are now closed and I will keep you posted on the funding.
October 2024 Orchid Festival
October 2024 – Speakers Bureau
A new Speakers Resource Center for our District 5330 website: www.district5330.org has been developed. The information will be posted under the “Rotarians” tab, scroll down to the Speaker Resource Center.
The Resource Center will include a list of ideas for possible speakers in your community to explore, as well as contact information for District Experts and Freelance Speakers who have generously agreed to share their expertise with clubs in District 5330. It is anticipated this information will be useful to program chairs and club leaders who are responsible for arranging speakers for our meetings.
This will remain a “work in progress” and with your help it will continue to grow. If you know of any speakers who would be interested and has agreed to participate – please contact Carol Winston, Chief of Staff, at: [email protected] or call: 503-705-7441 and they will be added to our list.
Thank you!
Carol Winston
Chief of Staff D5330
October 2024 – Community Service
Living in the inland empire it seems to always be fire season here unless it is raining or snowing. Community Service starts at home! This time of year my phone is frequently dinging with either alerts to new fires in SoCal or status of existing fires in SoCal. Our District 5330 family is frequently “on fire”: this means that there is a ton of opportunity for many of us to step up to bat at the community service plate!
The very minute we hear of a fire in any D5330 area there is an opportunity to reach out to members you know are in that area. Ask if they need help, what can you do in any way. You may very well either reach someone in need, or light a match (sorry for the term) under them to get involved in their area with other Rotarians to find the need and come up with a quick plan to assist! You’ve heard me many times talk about club “last minute militias”. If any of you have ever been in a fire situation: any and all hands need to be on deck.
Back in 2013 and again in 2018 we were evacuated up here when we had the mountain fire and the Cranston fire. There is no feeling in the world like knowing you could lose everything. You want to grab what you can, but extra hands and knowing that someone has your back in many ways makes a huge difference. On the flip side…….during snowmageddon a couple years ago there was a call for shovelers to assist. Fire is far more debilitating and far more frequent in our district. We all need to think about this. I would have given my right arm to have a few Rotarians show up at my home both of the times we were evacuated. The beauty of using DacDB is you can find a Rotarian in an emergency area and reach out QUCKLY! When the question is put out there …….in your mind have the last minute militia group text ready to go so you can mobilize quickly.
REMEMBER: WE ARE THE ROTARY FAMILY! There’s always need and opportunity to jump in and help. A few of you that are reading this (boring as it may be!) have heard from me when there has been a fire in your area. I know what it’s like…..and I never want to be there again, unless it’s to assist others that are there!
This is a call for clubs to tune up and create your last minute militias so that when we hear of an opportunity to help out……we can do it. We are in “fire country” and we all need to be on our toes for our own survival, as well as those in our Rotary families that we can reach out to when the need is there!
Chuck Weisbart (Cheeze)
Proudly- an Idyllwild Rotarian!
D5330 Community Service Chair
760 578 3592
P.O.Box 278, Idyllwild CA 92549
D5020 FRIENDSHIP EXCHANGE LEAD
 | Kevin Dale Hilgers Victoria-Harbourside District 5020 Friendship Exchange Chair Contact |