Rotaract District 7070 Newsletter
June - December 2015
Happy Holidays!
I hope you are looking forward to the holiday season! What better way to kick off the holiday season then by celebrating among friends at our District Holiday Party? Our first Annual District Holiday Party will be held in Liberty Village on Friday, December 18th. Our District Social Director, Dennis Lam from the Rotaract Club of Toronto, has worked hard to put together a great party for us to gather, socialize, and celebrate the holidays.
This year the Rotary International theme is: "Be a Gift to the World". Over the holidays, try to think about how you can use your talents to benefit the world. There is no better time than now to step up in your club and utilize your skills (aka your gift) to make a difference. Are you a great artist? Fab. Volunteer to help create materials for your club events or organize an impromptu art session at a club meeting or perhaps you can bring your talents to a local charitable organization that your club volunteers with. The holidays is a season of giving, but not just of physical gifts; we all have gifts we can share that make a difference and a lasting impact.
I look forward to seeing what gifts the Rotaractors in District 7070 have to offer and I will be happy to share your stories in our newly-designed District Newsletter. We have outstanding clubs in our district and I am thrilled to showcase their achievements thus far in this Rotary year.
Happy Holidays, everyone!
Kelly Ku
District Rotaract Representative (DRR) 7070
Rotaract District 7070 Holiday Party!
Additional Details
• $5 to cover room (party room in a condo) and supplies
• Finger foods will be provided
• BYOB
• Optional to bring a gift to your child self to donate to a local charity
• Visitor parking is available, though limited overnight
• Couch/Air mattress available to out of towners who need to crash - please email rotaract7070@gmail.com for details.
Friday, Dec 18, 2015, 08:00 PM
Liberty Village, Toronto, ON, Canada (specific location will be sent to those who RSVP'd)
Volunteering at the Rotary Club of Toronto's Annual Children's Christmas Party!
Can you spot our Rotaract District Chair? Hint: He's wearing antlers!
Decorating for the Party!
Rotaract Club of U of T
Snowflakes Everywhere!
We were lucky enough to meet Santa
The Face-Painting Crew!
Group Photo Time!
Introducing the Clubs
Rotaract Club of Loyalist College
Location: 211 Coleman St, Belleville, ON, Canada
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoyalistCollegeRotaractClub
Carolina Rodriguez - President of the Rotaract Club of Durham College and The University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/rotaractdcuoit/
Location: Durham College, Oshawa, ON, Canada
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rotaract.dc.uoit/?fref=ts
Twitter: @RotaractDCUOIT
Reema - President of the Rotaract Club of the University of Toronto
U of T Rotaractors have also been volunteering for the soup kitchen at Salvation Army once a month to help the homeless community west of downtown.
Stay tuned for the annual Murder Mystery at the Royal Ontario Museum on February 12th!
Melisa Okanovic - President of the Rotaract Club of York University
1. What is your vision for your club this year?
The Rotaract Club of York University is focusing on a vision of membership retention through increasing member involvement and participation in many initiatives and events, keeping our members interested in our club offerings and dedicated to the Rotaract values.
2. How many members does your club have?
As of the 2014-2015 year, the Rotaract Club of York University had 63 members (Very Important Rotaractors), signed up and paying annual membership dues.
3. What is your main community/international initiatives are for the year?
The Rotaract Club of York University is partnering with the Rotaract Club of Kumasi Polytechnic, in Ghana, to work on international school programming. With on-the-ground knowledge, the club based in Ghana has been focused on eliminating a major need in the education system in their community: school supplies. Through funding provided by our club, we are partnering to provide students with the necessary school supplies to be successful in school. Furthermore, we hope to have a cultural exchange of ideas and values with the Rotaract Club of Kumasi Polytechnic.
In order to help fundraise for this initiative, the club at York University planned a networking evening in the fall, offering students the opportunity to speak with relevant professionals in a variety of industries. Career advice, mentorship opportunities, and professional head shots were offered at the event!
Email: rotaract.yorku@gmail.com
Website: http://rotaract.club.yorku.ca/
Location: York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RotaractClubOfYorkUniversity/?fref=ts
Twitter: @RotaractYorkU
Acing Summer Recruitment!
President, Melisa Okanovic, addressing the crowd
Thank you to PepsiCo for sponsoring the event
Upcoming Winter Social by the Rotaract Club of York University
Sarah Hui - President of The Rotaract Club of Toronto
1. What is your vision for the year?
- Working with the district on an international project – the Toronto Rotaract Roundtrip
- Foster a positive environment for strong relationships within our club. For example, in the new year we’re looking to have meetings in different venues to take advantage of the beautiful summer weather (rooftop patio, park and around the city on a scavenger hunt)
- Maintain and deepen our relationships within our community
- Expand and share our impact through social media like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and our Website
In 2014-15, we ended the year with 48 members.
3. What are your main Community/International Initiatives for the upcoming year?
We’re still working on planning this but some of them are:
- August: Habitat for Humanity Build
- November: Rotary International United Nations Day in NYC
- December: Volunteering with the Rotary Club of Toronto at the annual Children’s Christmas Party
- February: We will hosting our annual fundraiser on Friday, February 26th at The National Club
- May: Youth Expo
Email: torontorotaract@gmail.com
Website: www.torontorotaract.com
Location: 117 John Street, Toronto, ON, Canada
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rotaract-Club-of-Toronto-245068438866080/
Twitter: @torontorotaract
@TorontoRotaract Volunteers at the Humane Society
12 Rotaractors Volunteer at the Rotary Club of Toronto's Senior's Christmas Party
Rotaractors helped build Feral Cat shelters
Full House at Our Meeting!
President Sarah inducted 12 New Members!
Congratulations to the Newly Inducted Rotaractors!
The Gatsby Speakeasy
The Rotaract Club of Toronto Presents: The Gatsby Speakeasy
Early Bird: $25 (ends February 1, 2016)
Regular (door price): $35
Ticket includes: Appetizers, Silent Auction, Prizes, DJ, Dance Party, Photo Booth & More.
Alcoholic beverages will be sold at the party for $6 each.
Buy your tickets here: https://thegatsbyspeakeasy.eventbrite.com
Proceeds of this event will go to SKETCH which was founded in 1996 in Toronto. SKETCH is a community arts initiative helping young people living on the margins, between the ages of 16-29. SKETCH has studios dedicated to visual arts, movement and theatre, industrial arts, enviro and culinary arts, screen-printing, ceramics, music recording, and more.
Youth come to SKETCH because it's an inclusive, safe space where they experience the transformative power of the arts, develop their leadership and self-sufficiency, and cultivate social and environmental change through the arts.
Friday, Feb 26, 2016, 08:00 PM
The National Club, Bay Street, Toronto, ON, Canada
Travel with Rotaract!
Aegean Roundtrip 2016 - April 16th-21st
This lively trip will take place between the 16th and 21st of April 2016. Ten Rotaractors from 10 different countries will be participating in the trip. The schedule will include not only the center of Izmir, but also small towns around.
Take a look at the website below for more details about the program. This is sure to be an enjoyable, fresh and notable trip with historical-interesting sightseeing and exciting night life.
Rotaractors ages 18-30 who wish to join are welcome to apply. This is your chance!
Stay updated on news regarding the trip by liking the facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/aegeanroundtrip
If you are interested about program, please click this link for registration and discover Turkey: http://aegeanroundtrip2016.blogspot.com.tr/p/application-fo…
Participation & Registration is 170 euros.
Announcement: EUCO 2016 will be in Milan from April 20th-24th!
Website: http://www.euco2016.it/
Announcement: The Next Fall R.E.M. (Rotaract European Meeting) is in Athens!
Dates:
Rotary International Convention: May 28 - June 1
Rotaract Preconvention: May 28 - 29
Important deadlines
15 December 2015: Early-registration discount ends (currently $60 USD)
31 March 2016: Preregistration discount ends
30 April 2016: Registration/ticket cancellation deadline
1 June 2016: Online registration ends; deadline for cancellations due to visa denial
What your convention registration fee includes:
- Inspiring and entertaining speakers, including top leaders in our organization
- Informative breakout sessions to help you build your communication, leadership, and project management skills
- Opportunities to network and exchange ideas while browsing the project and fellowship booths in the House of Friendship
- Entertainment provided by local artists and musicians in the House of Friendship and the general sessions
Preconvention events, Rotary and HOC-ticketed events, accommodations, and meals are not included in your registration fee.
The official "Rotaract hotel" is Mayfield Hotel & Resort (94 Bangwhadae-ro, Seoul); however, you may book your own accommodations elsewhere.
A New Rotaract E-Club is in the Works!
Almost two months ago, an announcement for the new Rotaract E-Club was made at The Rotary District 7070 Conference! This is exciting news as it demonstrates our district’s commitment to supporting Youth Service, one of the Five Avenues of Service.
District Rotaract Chair, Neil Phillips, along with President Elect-Designate, Anmol Mirpuri and District Rotaract Representative, Kelly Ku, have been working to recruit new members to help launch the new E-club and we need your help. We are asking all Rotarians in our district to reach out to Rotaractors from clubs you have sponsored, who may no longer be involved. This is a great opportunity for them to jump back in the Rotaract world despite their geographical location in District 7070. The club is open to all young people ages 18-30, which include RYLA participants, past youth exchange students, and even graduating Interactors. Please note that the youth you reach out to do not need to be involved in a Rotary-sponsored program. Please tap into your rolodex/e-mail list and see who you can inspire to learn, lead, and serve. Let’s do our best to engage the youth today and help grow the Rotary family.
To receive more information regarding the e-club, please fill out this form: https://rotaract.typeform.com/to/SKFDrP.
Feel free to use this Elevator Pitch to help us recruit:
A Rotaract e-club is an internet-based service club that meets virtually on a bi-weekly basis and conducts its projects and events through the web. The club will offer Rotaractors a chance to get involved and make a difference without the commute and provide the opportunity to mingle with Rotaractors across the district. It also provides the following: a space for on-going learning; opportunities to lead and learn new skills; and a great network to connect and have fun with.
Thank you.
Kelly Ku
DRR 7070
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
Do you want a deserving young member of your community to have a unique opportunity for leadership training and personal growth – all under the Rotary Banner? Not just a weekend seminar, but a solid week of total immersion in leadership training that could change a life? That's RYLA.
What is RYLA?
The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (“RYLA”) is a program for young people that was officially adopted by Rotary International in 1971. Conducted on a district level, RYLA offers Rotarians a special opportunity to take part in developing qualities of leadership and good citizenship among the young people of their communities.
District 7070, which comprises Rotary clubs from Belleville to Toronto, has conducted RYLA programs continuously for many years. RYLA is a life-changing experience for young people aged 19 - 25. Each club may sponsor qualified individuals to attend a one-week leadership training program, all expenses paid.
The District 7070 RYLA program, “Leadership Begins With Me”, provides an opportunity for the participants to get to know themselves better and to cultivate the respect and trust of others. They are able to identify their own leadership skills and determine ways to make more effective use of their resources. Their enthusiasm and technique is brought back to the community from which the participants were sponsored, and thus impacts on the young people being influenced by these youthful leaders.
RYLA introduces a large number of young people and their families to the Rotary ideals of service each year. It helps bridge the communication gap between the generations and helps improve relationships among youth groups, families and the community. RYLA also has been instrumental in the formation of Rotaract clubs and complements all other Rotary youth activities.
Objectives
· To encourage and assist selected youth leaders and potential leaders in methods of responsible and effective voluntary youth leadership by providing them with an unforgettable, indelible training experience;
· To encourage continued and stronger leadership of youth by youth;
· To publicly recognize the high qualities of many young people who are rendering service to their communities as youth leaders; and
· To further demonstrate Rotary’s respect and concern for youth.
The Award
1. To live for one week (from Sunday May 15, 2016 to Friday May 20, 2016) on campus (at Loyalist College in Belleville) to attend a leadership training course, all expenses paid by the sponsoring Rotary club;
2. An invitation to the candidate to join a meeting of the sponsoring Rotary club to meet Rotarians and to learn something of Rotary; and,
3. A special occasion to attend a meeting of the sponsoring Rotary club, after attending RYLA, to address the Rotarians about the RYLA experience and to be presented with a RYLA certificate in recognition of “service to the community”.
THE CANDIDATE MUST SUBMIT THE COMPLETED FORM BY APRIL 1, 2016 TO:
DISTRICT 7070 RYLA 2016 COMMITTEE
c/o Josie Abbate
10 Constance Drive
Whitby, ON L1P 1N3
giuseppina@rogers.com
Application Form: http://bit.ly/1Nriwre
Recent Events and News
Rotary District 7070 Conference
Rotary UN Day in NYC!
New Club T-Shirts with the New Rotaract Logo
Create an account at Rotary.org and explore the Brand Center to learn how to use the new Rotaract logo, including the "Visual Guide: Young Leaders": http://bit.ly/1NnUHmu
What is Rotary?
Other Upcoming Events
The Rotaract Club of the University of Toronto Presents: Murder Mystery at the ROM
Friday, Feb 12, 2016, 07:30 PM
Royal Ontario Museum, Queens Park, Toronto, ON, Canada
World Rotaract Week
Monday, Mar 7, 2016, 12:00 AM
Toronto, ON, Canada
Rotaract District 7070 Conference!
Saturday, Jun 11, 2016, 09:00 AM
York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
Rotaract District 7070 Board Members
- DRR: Kelly Ku (Rotaract Club of Toronto)
- Rotaract District Chair: Rtn Neil Phillips (Rotary Club of Toronto)
- Immediate Past DRR/Rotaract District Conference Chair: Weiting Xu (Rotaract Club of York University)
- District Social Director: Dennis Lam (Rotaract Club of Toronto)
- District Social Media Director: Attilio Ronzani