Mar 2017

District 3780 celebrates Water & Sanitation Month by in-

stalling WASH facilities to safeguard health of over 8,000
young children in day care centers
Rotary International has issued a global challenge to its
members, asking them to work collectively to improve edu-
cation quality and access, and water, sanitation, and hy-
giene (WASH) facilities.

When children have access to clean water, sanitation, and

hygiene, their health improves as well as the ability to do
well in school. When children learn about disease transmis-
sion and practice good hygiene, they reduce absences from
school. And they can
take those lessons
home to their families,
expanding Rotarys
impact.

The WASH program in

RY 2016-17 calls for they are needed.
the installation of lava-
tories or wash basins in District Governor Dwight Ramos, together with District Ro-
105 day care centers in tary Foundation Coordinator PDG Jess Cifra and District
Quezon City. Each of Secretary PP Poch Jaymalin witnessed the turn-over of the
those installations has 5-faucet wash basin at the Amorsolo Yakap Day Care Cen-
been sponsored by a ter in Diliman, Quezon City on March 15, 2017. It was in-
Rotary club in the Dis- deed heart-warming to see the joy on the
trict. The day care centers that would benefit most from Ro- faces of the children, their parents and
tarys initiative have been identified by the local govern- Teacher Remy Tapit for the gift of Rotary.
ments Social Services and Health Care Departments.
District Grants Chair PP Rene Cantos and
As of early March 2017, ninety-one (91) wash basins have Vice Chair PP Marites Nepomuceno have
been installed, with the rest already scheduled to be com- been working hard to ensure the success of this flagship
pleted by the end of March. In addition, thirty-seven (37) project of D3780, a program supported by District Desig-
kiddie toilet bowls have also been installed in centers where nated Fund from the Rotary Foundation.

WASH installations in other day care centers

 District Governors Message
By Governor Dwight Hilarion M. Ramos, Rotary International District 3780
Lets welcome RIPR Tony Heading & Spouse Dianne
RI President John
Germ and Spouse
Judy send their
congratulations to
the District, as we
now hold our DIS-
CON 2017, for our
service during this
exciting Rotary
Year. Much as RI
President John
would like to at-
tend each and
every District con-
ference around the
world, regretfully
thats impossible.
However, he has
sent a representative in his place who is very knowl-
edgeable, informative, and inspirational.
RI President John has given much thought and consid-
eration as to Rotarians who would make outstanding
presidents representatives at each of the more than
533 district conferences this year. It is with pleasure
that he invited Past District Governor Anthony Heading
and Spouse Dianne to represent him and spouse Judy
at our district conference this 30-Mar-2017 through 01-
Apr-2017 in Tagaytay City, Cavite Province, Philippines.
RIPR Tony joined Rotary in 1995 when he and Dianne
moved their family to Stanthorpe, a country town lo-
cated in the mountains about three hours drive west of
Brisbane and the Gold Coast. He has held numerous
directorships within the Rotary Club of Stanthorpe, was
President in 2004-05, an Assistant Governor in 2008-09,
and District Rotary Friendship Exchange Committee
Chair for 2009-12. He led a Group Study Exchange
team to North Carolina, USA in 2010. In 2013-14, he
served as Governor for District 9640, a district of
100,000 sq km spanning the border of S-E Queensland
and N-E New South Wales. The district currently has 52
clubs and 1250 members. He was District Trainer in
2014-15 and is currently District Foundation Grants
Chair.
RIPR Tony has been an
agriculture teacher for
33 years, with the last
15 years as Head of
Stanthorpe High
Schools Agriculture De-
partment, a nationally
recognised centre of ex-
cellence in agricultural
education. He was RIPR Tony Heading and Spouse
Dianne shall be introduced properly
awarded a Westfield Pre- during the District Conference
miers Teacher Excel-
lence Award in 2004 with a funded three month study
tour to the USA and Canada. He has held leadership
positions in the Queensland Studies Authority, and in
state and national professional agriculture teacher asso-
ciations. His success with a teaching vineyard and wine-
making project led to the establishment of the Queen-
sland College of Wine Tourism in Stanthorpe.
The RI Presidents representatives can assist in numer-
ous ways and we are encouraged to work closely with
our representative to ensure a productive and success-
ful district conference. In preparing for our DISCON
2017, we have already been in constant communication
with RIPR Tony in anticipation of his key role at this
event. He has also given his personal message to the
Rotarians and guests attending the conference.
As aptly said by RI President John, Rotary will continue
to thrive and our membership will grow because of the
committed work of all of our members. Thus, I encour-
age everyone to take the lead in our district in securing
Rotarys future as the most vibrant and effective service
organization in the world. We all play a key role in en-
couraging our fellow Rotarians to utilize their talents
and efforts to make a difference in the lives of others
by Rotary Serving Humanity.
2
 The Governors Monthly Letter EDITORIAL BOARD
Members of the Editorial Board thank All Star Presidents District Governor Dwight Hilarion M. Ramos
and club officers who continue to share stories of how Publisher
their clubs have been serving humanity through Rotary.
District Secretary Cesar Poch Jaymalin
Clubs in our district continue to extend outstanding ser-
District Chief of Staff Ma. Cecilia Cecille Rodriguez
vice in various ways.
District Information & Communication Officer Winston Sia
As usual, the GML includes selected stories from those
compiled by Rotary International publications, Ricardo Ric P. Salvador
Editor in Chief
We encourage all clubs to continue sharing their stories
of Rotary Serving Humanity for publication in the GML Associate Editors
which is distributed widely to an international audience.
Jesus Jesse Tanchanco
Elizabeth Beth Directo
In the meantime, we look forward to meeting you
and experiencing with you the forthcoming District Marcia Marcia C. Salvador
Conference on March 31-April 1, 2017, the culminat- Rafael Raffy Chico
ing event in our All Star year. Cresencio Cris Bacho
If youre now reading this publication online, click on this
The Governors Monthly Letter 2016-17 is published by the District
link to view the February 2017 GML, the Janu- 3780 Governor with offices at the Rotary Center Building, Roces Ave-
ary 2017 GML, or the December 2016 GML. nue, Quezon City, Philippines. Materials for publication may be sent to
the Office of DG Dwight, to EiC Ric Salvador at
2016 GML.. rp_salvador@yahoo.com., to Marcia Salvador at mdcsalva-
dor@yahoo.com., or other associates.

Event
MARCH WATER & SANITATION MONTH Reminder to All Star Presidents
4 INTERACT DISCON RI-mandated Rotary Magazine Subscriptions

5 ROTABOWL
Rotary International has issued warning letters of
11 HARANA
suspension to a number of Rotary clubs in District
ASP MEETING
3780 for failure to subscribe and pay, as a re-
17 NOMCOM DEADLINE
quirement of a functioning club. Club members
18 ASP MONTHLY MEETING must subscribe to THE ROTARIAN, or The Philip-
19 ROTABOWL pine Rotary Magazine (PRM), or other RI-
28-29 RIPR ARRIVAL authorized regional magazine.
30 DISCON GOLF
DISTRICT CONFERENCE As indicated in the letters, those clubs have been
31 DISTRICT CONFERENCE given 120 days, or until June 30, 2017, to comply.
31 ROTARACT DISCON
Please settle your account with the office of the
APRIL MATERNAL & CHILD HEALTH MONTH
Philippine Rotary Magazine at the Ground Floor of
1 DISTRICT CONFERENCE
our Rotary Center Bldg. as soon as possible.
22 ASP MONTHLY MEETING
MAY YOUTH SERVICE MONTH Make sure that your incoming club president
13 ASP MONTHLY MEETING does not take over an RI-suspended club.
20 BLOODLETTING
20 DISTRICT AWARDS NIGHT Reminder from:
Ricardo Ric Salvador
JUNE ROTARY FELLOWSHIP MONTH DG Co-Representative to PR 2016-17
10 to 14 ON TO ATLANTA, RI CONVENTION
Click here to view list of Rotary clubs issued warning letters.
24 ASP MONTHLY MEETING 3
 District celebrates Rotarys 112th birthday and World Under-
standing & Peace Day in uniquely meaningful ways
By Peace President Marcia Salvador, Chair of the District Event
Rotarys 112th birthday and World Un- standing & Peace Day at the
derstanding and Peace Day on Febru- Silver Hall started with an
ary 23, 2017 was celebrated at the Ro- inter-faith invocation that was
tary Center. In the past, the commemo- said in Arabic, Italian, Fili-
rative activities had been done at the pino, Korean, Chinese and
Quezon Memorial Circle. English. The guest speaker,
Dr Michael Zablan, an inter-
Turn-over of the renovated Rotary national peace advocate,
Plaza to District 3780. The commemo- spoke on Paradigm Shift to
ration of Rotarys anniversary started Global Peace: The Culture of
with the formal turn-over of the Rotary a Parent, Teacher and
Leader.
Earth with everyone holding lighted
Another feature of the program was the candles.
launching of the TRF Centennial Wall
where Governor Dwight Ramos and What followed was sheer fun and fel-
DRFC chair PDG Jess Cifra exhorted lowship where everyone got to taste
all Rotarians to contribute to The Rotary culinary delights from different parts of
Foundation to support RIs efforts to
achieve world understanding and peace
through international humanitarian, edu-

Plaza across the Rotary Center building

by Council of Governors Chair and Best
Class Gov Sam Pagdilao to All Star DG
Dwight Ramos in the presence of
Barangay officials. The Rotary Plaza
had been developed as an activity area
and events venue by Spouses PP Andy cation and cultural exchange programs,
Que and PP Thelma Uanang. and, more specifically, to eradicate polio
from the face of the earth.
The Rotary Center was transformed
An intermission during the program was
into and formally opened as Interna- the world. The whole Rotary Center was
the performance of Interactors who did
tional House of Friendship. A ribbon- truly transformed as an International
an Around the World number which
cutting ceremony by Spouses Angie House of Friendship and Dining. There
brought amusement and laughter to the
audience. Before the program ended, was dancing, too! To capture the mo-
there was community singing of the ment, there was a photo booth where
iconic song Let There Be Peace On everyone had
their pictures
taken free.
The District
event was
hosted by the
Peace Presi-
dents led by
Ramos and Joan Policarpio preceded PDG Penny
the opening of the venue to showcase a Policarpio
colorful and delightful display of cultural and chaired
diversity. For the day, participating Ro- by PP Marcia
tary clubs prepared their chosen inter-
national cuisine like American, Mexican, Salvador. Invalu-
Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese, Japa- able assistance
nese, Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, Indo- came from All Star
Malay, Mediterranean, and Filipino. Ro- President Peth
tarians were seen garbed in colorful Rivera who rallied
costumes. her classmates
into joining the
The formal program to commemorate food festival.
Rotarys birthday and World Under-
4
Rotary clinic continues to serve needy patients with wider
range of diagnostic and specialist healthcare services
By District Community Service Chair PP Aiza Remedios
Since the Rotary Clinic at the D3780 headquarters was re-
opened in October 2016, it has continued to provide access
to a wider range of diagnostic, treatment and related health-
care services. Most of the patients served have been indi-
gent members of the community within Barangay Paligsahan
where the Rotary Center is located.
The District Community Service Committee chaired by PP
Aiza Remedios organizes health care missions every Mon-
day of the month, with the support of volunteering Rotary
clubs and the UNTV Kasambahay Kamanggagawa Founda-
tion.
February 13, 2017 was scheduled for geriatric health care
services where a total of 381 patients availed themselves of
medical and optical consultation, dental extraction, blood
sugar testing, hydroid screening, hearing assessment tests,
cataract screening, ENT check-up, biopsy. Services were
rendered by six (6) specialist doctors including an ENT spe-
cialist and audiologist, as well as five (5) dentists. The mis-
sion was hosted by RC New Manila QC led by ASP Ray-
mond Tan, in partnership with QC General Hospital, Delos
Santos Hospital, Better Hearing Philippines, Manila Hear-
ing Aid, Asia Pacific Eye Care Specialists, North Point
Orthopedic and Arthritis Center, and the RCC Dental
Team of RC Kamuning Central.
On February 20, 2017, it was a wellness health mission
where 145 beneficiaries received the following services:
spine alignment, Chinese therapy massage, Ventosa, acu-
puncture, foot spa detoxification, nerve and muscle therapy
and foot acupressure handled by total wellness practitioners.
A number of Rotarians were seen availing themselves of the
services. RC Heroes Hills led by ASP Danny Ponay hosted
the mission. The project had support from Healthy Living
(Cleansing and Detoxification) and Dr Gavino Acupunc-
ture Clinic.
February 27, 2017 was scheduled for OB-gyne and pediatric
health care services. 130 patients received the following ser-
vices: OB-gyne consultation, pediatric medical consultation,
dental extraction, blood sugar testing, ultrasound, breast and
cervical screening, done by two (2) OB-gyne specialists and
five (5) pediatricians. In partnership with the Philippine Can-
cer Society, National Childrens Hospital, Ospital ng
Maynila, Philippine Childrens Medical Center, UERM
Hospital, the mission was hosted by RC Cubao Metro
Aurora led by ASP Loida Cotoner.
The events were covered by UNTV broadcast staff.
5
 Governor Dwight Cup tournament of RC Quezon City en-
hances camaraderie, friendship and sportsmanship as it
raises support for flagship projects that serve humanity
By All Star President Miguel Mike Enriquez, RC Quezon City
On the 17th of February 2017, the Golf
Committee of the Rotary Club of Que-
zon City (RCQC), Chaired by PE
Ronaldo Bong Fernando, successfully
hosted the GOV. DWIGHT RAMOS
CUP - 2nd RCQC Golf Tournament at
the West Course of the Wack Wack Golf
and Country Club with a total of 94 play-
ers.

Batino Elementary School Special

Education Center (SPED) where, in RCQC shares the success not only with
line with Rotary Internationals 6 Areas the Rotarians and the friends of Rotary
of Focus, RCQC has been doing re- who played in the Gov. Dwight M.
pairs, improvements and renovations in Ramos Cup but also with its various
the classrooms and school campus in sponsors and donors who continue to
partnership with its overseas sister club, believe in RCQCs advocacy and dream
the Rotary Club of Yokohama Honggo of helping and uplifting the youth
Much more than a time of sportsman- (Japan). through selfless service to humanity.
ship, camaraderie and fellowship with
Rotarians from other clubs in RI D3780,
the tournament was organized for the
benefit of the flagship projects of RCQC,
namely but not limited to: Prevention of
Early Childhood Blindness, General
Roxas Elementary School (GRES)
Girls Pony Softball Team and the

The Rotary Club of

Quezon City: 57
Years in Rotary
Service!!!

New Classroom Ceilings

General Roxas Elementary School

Girls Pony Softball Team

Batino Elementary School SPED Center

16 Hand Wash Stations 6
 60 youth leaders gather in Corregidor for 2017 RYLA to
sharpen their leadership skills
By Associate GML Editor and Region 5 AG Marcia Salvador, Youth Service Chair of RC Holy Spirit
On February 18-19, 2017, some sixty coastal clean-up. They were also took time out from his Sunday schedule
(60) Interactors, Rotaractors and chil- brought to the Malinta Tunnel, a tunnel to join the youth participants and share
dren of Rotarians came together for the complex of which the main tunnel spans his thoughts on leadership and selfless
29th Rotary Youth Leadership Awards 253 meters long. It provided bomb-proof service. A number of All Star Presidents
(RYLA) camp that was held in Corregi- headquarters for the embattled Filipino also came to show support.
dor, an island located at the entrance of and American defenders of Corregidor
Manila Bay. RYLA is Rotary Interna- during World War II. RYLA 2017 was hosted by RC Paraiso
tionals leadership training for young chaired by PP Grace Ranjo. Also, RC
people and emphasizes leadership, On their second day, the participants Paraisos ASP Rosanna Cuevas left no
good citizenship and personal growth. had a 30-minute Adventure Game, after stone unturned to ensure that the RYLA
The 2017 RYLA Camps theme was which they proceeded to their plenary camp was an effective training experi-
Serving the Youth, Serving Humanity. technical session where they were ence for all the participating youth and
asked to give their impressions on the potential leaders. Thirty-eight (38) other
For the first-time visitors of Corregidor, RYLA Camp. Governor Dwight Ramos Rotary clubs co-hosted the activity.
they saw it as a great opportunity to be
in an important historic site that played a
significant role during the invasion and
liberation of the Philippines from Japa-
nese forces. Corregidor was one of the
largest islands that formed the harbor
defenses of Manila Bay.

Soon after the participants arrival in

Corregidor, they listened to two (2) very
important topics: Rotary Organization
and Servant Leadership. After the talks,
they went to McArthur Beach for a

200 Interactors learn and frolic in 2017 Interact Discon

By District Interact Chair PP Marites Nepomuceno
March 4, 2017 was a red-letter day for Interactors as they
gathered together for their culminating activity for RY 2016-
2017. Some 200 Interactors from twenty-five (25) Interact
clubs trooped to the Amoranto Theatre, together with their
faculty advisers. The DISCONs theme was Acquire, Share,
Inspire.
DIR Julianne Baguio reported on the state of Interact clubs in
D3780. There are now 30 active/registered Interact clubs, a
significant increase from the number at the start of the Rotary
Year which was recorded at 20.
In his message to the Interactors, Governor Dwight Ramos
stressed on the importance of discipline and the core values
learned from family and in school. He urged the youth to be
cognizant of current events in the country and have the desire to change
and make a difference.
The Interactors listened to informative speakers. Ms Peachy Dioquino-
Valera spoke on Climate Change its effects and also its solutions. She
presented the inconvenient truth hurricanes, heat waves, sinkholes in
various parts of the world. The next speaker, Mr Carl Balita, regarded as
The Entrepinoy Guru, electrified the audience with his topic on The Road
Map to Prosperity. The last speaker, Ms Art Batenga, talked on
Emotional Engagement. She told of success stories Steve Jobs, Mark
Zuckerberg, Elon Musk and showed why attitude is more important than
IQ. She said that your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine
your altitude. Congressman Alfred Vargas also shared his own
experience.
Guided by Vice Chair Rtn Rick Bugayong, the Interact presi-
dents elected Akira-Zen Meneses of the Interact Club of New
Era High School as DIRN.
Before the program ended, District Interact Chair PP Marites
Nepomuceno presented awards to four (4) Faculty Advisers who
have actively supported their Interact clubs. She also gave
Leadership Awards to twelve (12) Interact Presidents. Also
given awards were three (3) Interact clubs which have been
consistently joining district contests. Twenty-one sponsoring
Rotary clubs were recognized for continuously supporting the
District Interact Committee and its activities.
The Interact DISCON was hosted by RC Midtown QC led by Chair PP
Florian Enriquez and ASP Maris Galang, and co-hosted by RCs Bagong
Sandigan, Batasan Hills, Holy Spirit, Kamuning East, Loyola Heights, Neo-
politan Fairview, New Manila East, North Balintawak, North Edsa, Paraiso,
QC Central, St Mesa, St Ignatius, and West Triangle. The Organizing
Committee led by District Youth Chair PP Thelma Uanang and District In-
teract Chair PP Marites Nepomuceno and with assistance from PP Marcia
Salvador, PP Doris Sanchez, Rtn Rick Bugayong and Rtn Jerry Sy perse-
vered to ensure the success of the event.
7
Rotary turns over life-saving human milk pasteurizer system to
Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center to benefit babies and mothers
By All Stall President Jubee Navarro, RC Timog
On February 23, 2017, RC Timog QC D3780 and
partners (sister club RC Carlingford Australia Direct beneficiaries of the life-saving service are
D9685 and RC Pasay Centro D3810) turned over a pre-term infants, babies with feeding problems and
human milk pasteurizer unit and accessories to offi- infants with critically-ill mothers. These babies are
cials of Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center (OMMC) confined in the hospitals Neonatal ICU and
in Malate, Manila. The equipment and accessories wards. Other beneficiaries are adult patients suf-
have been funded by a Global Grant award from fering from cancer, Hemolytic anemia and the like;
The Rotary Foundation. donor women with excess breast milk, healthcare
students and workers. The
OMMC is a general and train-
ing medical center, a labora-
tory hospital of health science
students (students of medi-
cine, nursing and physical
therapy) enrolled at the
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng
Maynila.

Those who witnessed the turn

-over included Governor
Dwight Ramos, DRFC PDG
Jess Cifra, IPDG Rey David,
Global Grant District Chair
Rene Cantos, and officers of
RC Timog QC led by ASP
Jubee Navarro, with PP Ben-
jie Alonzo and PP Kit Victoria.

8
 Member Spotlight: Reading is fundamental
By Sarah Sugden, Rotary Club of Waterville, Maine USA
Sarah Sugdens love of libraries
started early when she discov-
ered the joy of perusing the end-
less stacks of free stories.
THE ROTARIAN February 2017
Sugden also participates in the Waterville clubs Rhoda
Reads program, the brainchild of current club President Tina
Chapman, who hoped to engage children in reading at a very
young age.

I just fell in love with the fact that
I could come here every day after
school by myself and read, says
Sugden, director of the Waterville
(Maine) Public Library.
Through the program, volunteer readers receive a kit that
includes a selection of age-appropriate books including a
story featuring Rhoda the Owl, the program mascot, and a
plush toy version of Rhoda. Its storytime in a bag, basically,
Sugden says.

A past president of the Rotary
Club of Waterville, she has spent
her career finding ways to pass
along that love. In 2014, she was
one of 10 librarians nationally to win the I Love My Librarian
Award, sponsored by the Carnegie Corp. and the New York
Times.
The volunteers are matched with a child care facility that they
will visit regularly to read to the children.
Since the program began in 2013, about 40 Rotarians have
received training and about a dozen participate at any time.
Ten preschools and child care facilities are participating.

In District 3780, Gov Dwight Ramos leads Rotary during annual Araw ng Pagbasa, or
National Reading Day, to promote love for reading among school children
From D3780 GML November 2016
On November 25, 2016, Gov Dwight Ramos led the district in RC Bagong Sandi-
the nationwide observance of Araw ng Pagbasa by reading a gan, RC Broadway
story entitled Si Pingkaw before some 1,200 Grade 7 stu- and other clubs
dents and their teachers at the Ernesto Rondon High School conducted their
(ERHS) in Project 6, Quezon City. The activity was coordi- own similar story-
nated by Basic Education & Literacy Chair PP Tess Alalcar- reading activity.
Tan and Community Service Chair PP Aiza Remedios with
RC Quezon City Circle who has been conducting the yearly Starting with
reading activity at ERHS, their adopted school. This years School Year 2011-
event was organized by RC Quezon City Circle led by ASP 2012, all schools
Caloy Agulto and PP Butch Madarang. The second reader have encouraged
was PP Aiza Remedios who narrated Ang Mabangis na to have a synchro-
Lungsod". While the stories were being read, the schools nized reading program on this day. The activity aims to make
Interactors did an interpretative skit. A question-and-answer reading a shared physical experience among the youth,
activity was held and students were awarded cash, books and thereby increasing its relevance amidst the growing reliance
computer peripherals. The event ended with sumptuous on the internet and on-line activities.
snacks served to the students and teachers.

Since 2012, weekly reading-feeding program of RC Holy Spirit motivates interest to

learn and consequently raises literacy of indigent out-of-shool kids
By ASP Peth Rivera, RC Holy Spirit Quezon City, Philippines Posted on ROTARY SHOWCASE
Introduced in July 2012, the weekly The children sing and play games and are
learning-feeding program motivates in- served food, too, as part of the weekly learn-
terest to learn and consequently raises ing-feeding sessions sponsored by PP Linda
literacy of young children from poor fami- Palattao. The activities are held at the cam-
lies in the garbage dumpsite areas of pus of Elite Business, Science and Technol-
Payatas, Quezon City. ogy School owned by the Palattao family.

PP Linda Palattao and PP Beth Sy of There are up to forty beneficiary children in

RC Holy Spirit RI D3780 observed the most Saturday sessions. The kids are tu-
young children as they learn reading and tored by volunteer students.
arts skills.
9
 MESSAGES FROM ROTARY LEADERS
RI Presidents March 2017 Message
Forty years ago, the Rotary Club of
Duarte, Calif., admitted three women
members, in violation of the Rotary In-
ternational Constitution. As a result, the
club's charter was terminated by RI.
Undeterred, the club's members contin-
ued to meet. They put an X over their
Rotary insignia, made themselves new
pins, and dubbed themselves the Ex-
Rotary Club of Duarte as they continued to fight for the
right of women to serve as Rotarians. Ten years later, a
restored Rotary Club of Duarte sent Sylvia Whitlock, Ro-
tary's first female club president, to a presidents-elect
training seminar. Not long after that, in 1989, Rotary's
Council on Legislation permanently ended Rotary's status
as a men-only organization.
Today, with more than 240,000 women in our clubs, Ro-
tary is stronger than ever. We are women and men from
nearly every country of the world, serving our communi-
ties in more than 35,000 clubs. At the club level, we need
men and women of all backgrounds, ages, cultures, and
professions; internationally, we need clubs in every city,
country, and region of the world. The better our clubs re-
flect their communities, the better we can serve them. Our
diversity is our strength.
It is difficult for most of us to imagine today why anyone
argued so strongly against the idea of women in Rotary.
Looking back, I think that opposition came from a simple
resistance to change. Rotarians loved Rotary the way it
was and couldn't imagine it any other way.
We still love Rotary as much as we ever did. We love the
friendships and connections we make there, and the abil-
ity Rotary provides us to serve humanity. We believe Ro-
tary has tremendous value in our own lives and in the
world at large. And we recognize, more than ever, that for
Rotary to continue to grow, it needs to embrace the world
it serves in all of its diversity, all of its variety, and all of
its evolving needs for service.
The Rotarians of today owe a debt of gratitude to the Ro-
tarians of Duarte 40 years ago. Their determination, per-
sistence, and enduring goodwill set the stage for the or-
ganization we have become: Rotary Serving Humanity.
JOHN F. GERM
President 2016-17
Foundation Chairmans March 2017 Message
When you give to The Rotary Foundation,
you can be completely confident that your
fellow Rotarians put those donations to
work on life-changing projects in our six
areas of focus. That confidence should
inspire our continued support, especially
when we consider the remarkable results.
In March, as we observe Water and Sani-
tation Month, let's take a closer look at
how Rotarian-led projects are providing millions of people
with access to clean water and adequate sanitation facilities.
This area of focus has long been high on many Rotarians'
service agendas, and for good reason 663 million people
do not have access to clean water, and one-third of the
world's population live without access to a toilet.
Think about how different life would be if you had to spend
hours each day fetching water or worry about the threat of
dysentery, cholera, Guinea worm, and a host of other water-
borne diseases.
Our efforts in providing clean water have far-reaching ef-
fects. An estimated 10,000 clubs participate in water- and
sanitation-related projects, with strong support from our
Foundation. In 2015-16 alone, The Rotary Foundation pro-
vided $19 million for global grants in this area of focus.
And that's just one of the six critically important issues that
our Foundation is addressing today. In 2015-16, our Foun-
dation provided $76 million for all global grants, which also
fight disease, save mothers and children, promote peace,
support education, and provide economic opportunities to
many people worldwide. Your gifts are what make this good
work possible.
Our Foundation was conceived in 1917 to "do good in the
world," and that is exactly what it has been doing for 100
years. To celebrate this milestone, I encourage all Rotarians
to consider making a special centennial contribution to en-
sure that we continue our urgent and transformational work
throughout the world.
KALYAN BANERJEE
Trustee Chair 2016-17
10
 Serious Fun
President-elect Ian Riseley on things that are working well
in Rotary and things that arent
Selected items in the interview with THE ROTARIAN March 2017. Click here for the full interview.

Ian H.S. Riseley, Rotary president-elect, gets up from his

desk, and he is tall. He has white hair, a firm handshake, and
no tie. Early on, you sense that he likes the sort of energetic
exchange that can swerve from serious to lighthearted, which
makes him very good company. He exudes competence
which makes him seem like the right person to advise you on
vexing tax issues. Thats good, because its what he has done
for the last 40 years.

Riseley is a practicing accountant near Melbourne,

Australia, and principal of Ian Riseley & Co., where he ad-
vises local and international businesses. He received Austra-
lias AusAID Peacebuilder Award in 2002 in recognition of his
work in the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. He also re-
ceived the Order of Australia medal in 2006 for his service to
the community.
A member of the Rotary Club of Sandringham since 1978, he
has served RI as treasurer, director, trustee, RI Board Execu-
tive Committee member, task force member, committee mem-
ber and chair, and district governor. He received The Rotary
Foundations Regional Service Award for a Polio-free World
and its Distinguished Service Award.
His wife, Juliet, is also a Rotarian (but not in the same club)
and is a past district governor. The Riseleys are multiple Paul
Harris Fellows, Major Donors, and Bequest Society members.
Editor in Chief John Rezek met with Riseley at his office in
Rotarys Evanston, Ill., headquarters.
Q: How did you hear about Rotary and when did you be-
come a member?
A: A couple of years after I launched my accounting practice,
my most significant client was a private hospital close to my
office. The CEO was a Rotarian, and they must have been
desperate because one day they invited me to a lunchtime
meeting to speak about the fascinating topic of current devel-
opments in income tax. Yes, they more or less stayed awake.
A few weeks later, the same client got in touch with me and
said they were chartering a new club nearby and I said, What
does chartering mean? (That tells us how often we lapse into
Rotary-speak.) He said they were starting a new club in San-
dringham and asked if I would be interested in going to the
initial meeting. I said, Absolutely. But I didnt go, which was
foolish. I did go to the second meeting and met the 20 or so
people who had been at the first meeting. They were the busi-
ness elite of Sandringham, and I thought, wow, this is quite a
group. So I kept going and we chartered which means, by
the way, we started the club in November 1978.
- opportunity by not having more women in our clubs.
Q: What things are working well in Rotary and
what things arent?
A: Well, the service we do for humanity, I think we do
particularly well. Can we do better? Of course we can.
Rotary President-elect Ian H.S. Riseley meets with Rotary mem-
bers at the International Assembly this January in San Diego,
California, USA. Alyce Henson/Rotary International
Can we be better organized? Probably. Can we have a
better relationship with the community at large? Yes, we
probably can, but the actual service work that Rotary
does is second to none, its wonderful.
What else is good? Membership is growing in India, in
Korea. In places where theres a developing middle
class, theres a stampede to join Rotary. The corollary of
that is that membership in places like the U.S., the UK,
Australia, and New Zealand has fallen. Were not at-
tracting enough new members and were not retain-
ing them.
Our demographic is aging and thats not good.
Were not reinventing our clubs, and that really
needs to be at the forefront of our attention. Satel-
lite clubs [a new type of affiliate club sponsored by
a traditional club] provide an avenue to involve
younger people who need more flexibility. Female
Rotarians are making a real difference, and we
need more of them. The best clubs are those that
are close to their communities.
Q: Do you have any specific suggestions for clubs?
A: A review of the vocations of our membership is a
good method to identify weaknesses and determine who
to invite to join. Also I think we are missing a significant
There are some clubs, Im ashamed to say, that dont
have any female members. We also need more women
at the senior ranks of both the Trustees and the Board
of Directors.
11
 RI President-elect Ian Riseley: Our demographic is
aging and thats not good.
Synthesis by D3780 GML Editor in Chief

SERVICE ABOVE SELF Rotary membership has remained steady at 1.2 million.
Alarming fact is that 18%, or 216,000 Rotarians world-
The Object of Rotary wide, are 70 years old & above.
The Object of Rotary is to encourage and Data presented during the Rotary International Webinar held last August 13, 2014.
foster the ideal of service as a basis of wor-
thy enterprise and, in particular, to encour-
age and foster:

FIRST. The development of acquaintance

as an opportunity for service;

SECOND. High ethical standards in busi-

ness and professions, the recognition of the
worthiness of all useful occupations, and
the dignifying of each Rotarian's occupation
as an opportunity to serve society;

THIRD. The application of the ideal of ser-

vice in each Rotarian's personal, business,
and community life;

FOURTH. The advancement of interna-

tional understanding, goodwill, and peace
through a world fellowship of business and
professional persons united in the ideal of
service. Watch the webinar MEMBERSHIP: ITS NOW OR NEVER by clicking here or on the image

The Four-Way Test What the Big Picture may suggest:

OF THE THINGS we think, say or do At present, most recruitment mainly replaces members lost by natural attrition
1) Is it the TRUTH? rather than support growth of Rotary

2) Is it FAIR to all concerned? Retention may be significantly improved by attracting younger members and
learning to keep them
3) Will it build GOODWILL and
BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4) Will it be BENEFICIAL to all ROTARY WORLD AT A GLANCE
concerned? Data as of 30 November 2016

Rotarians worldwide: 1,227,217 as of 30 November 2016

Rotarian Code of Conduct
As a Rotarian, I will
ROTARY ROTARACT INTERACT RCCs
1) Act with integrity and high ethical stan-
dards in my personal and professional life

2) Deal fairly with others and treat them Members Members Members Members
and their occupations with respect
1,227,217 226,389 483,230 210,500
3) Use my professional skills through Ro-
tary to mentor young people, help those
with special needs, and improve peoples
quality of life in my community and in the
world Clubs Clubs Clubs Corps

4) Avoid behaviour that reflects adversely 35,263 9,843 21,010 9,154

on Rotary or other Rotarians
Source: THE ROTARIAN March 2017 published by Rotary International
12