Rotary meetings are boring, right? Livening up Rotary meetings can make them more engaging and enjoyable for participants.
After thinking about it for a while, I expect Rotary meetings became boring because it is easier to entertain/lecture/present in a set format rather than make each meeting more interactive. Of course, having an interactive meeting is outside some people's comfort zone until they become used to it! We have a great selection of members who lead the way, but none quite so than our once-in-a-while Sergeant, Jen Marshall and Secretary Gus Dominguez!
Interactive Activities:
Include icebreakers or team-building activities at the beginning of the meeting to foster a sense of camaraderie.
Every year, World Peace and Understanding Day is observed on February 23. This year, the memorable date falls on a Friday.
World Peace and Understanding Day 2024: The special day is here. Every year, World Peace and Understanding Day is celebrated with a lot of pomp and grandeur worldwide. Rotary International is an international organisation dedicated to service. The first meeting to form the organisation was held on this day, in 1905. Hence, World Peace and Understanding Day is crucial in bringing peace and goodwill to the world. Every year, this special day is observed to remind people of how they can positively contribute to the world. As we gear up to celebrate the special day, here are a few things to keep in mind.
History:
In 1905, Paul P. Harris called a meeting with three of his friends in Chicago – this was the first meeting for the formation of Rotary International. In 1910, the first Rotary Clubs in America were formed, mainly in San Francisco, Seattle, Oakland, and Los Angeles. The club soon spread to the world and became one of the most influential organisations to promote community service, foster goodwill, and advance the concept of networking and professional development among its members. – hence, the name of the organisation was changed to Rotary International. One of Rotary International's goals is global peacebuilding and positive resolution.
Significance:
The best way to celebrate the special day is by hosting events dedicated to meditation, communication and conflict-resolution skills. We can also explore ways to contribute to the world and how we can make the world a better place. We can find local organisations dedicated to conflict resolution and volunteer for them. The message of global peace and understanding can be conveyed through various art forms as well. We can urge our family and friends to also participate in these events.
World Peace and Understanding Day is not a universally recognized or widely celebrated day. However, the concept aligns with the broader goal of promoting global peace and fostering understanding among people of different cultures, backgrounds, and nations.
The idea behind a day dedicated to world peace and understanding is to encourage individuals, communities, and nations to reflect on the importance of unity, tolerance, and cooperation. It emphasizes the need for dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual respect to address conflicts, both on a local and international scale.
Why should we care about World Peace and Understanding Day? Here are a few reasons:
Global Interconnectedness: In today's interconnected world, events in one part of the globe can have far-reaching consequences. Promoting peace and understanding contributes to a more stable and secure international environment.
Humanitarian Impact: Conflict and violence often lead to humanitarian crises, causing suffering and displacement. Working towards peace and understanding can alleviate human suffering and promote the well-being of communities affected by conflict.
Economic Stability: Peace is closely linked to economic stability. Countries in conflict often experience economic downturns, while peaceful nations can focus on development, trade, and prosperity. A more peaceful world is generally more conducive to economic growth.
Cultural Exchange: Understanding different cultures and perspectives fosters appreciation and reduces prejudice. It encourages collaboration and cooperation in addressing global challenges, utilizing the diverse skills and insights of people from various backgrounds.
Future Generations: Creating a peaceful and understanding world is an investment in the well-being of future generations. It lays the foundation for a more harmonious and cooperative global community.
While there may not be a specific day designated as "World Peace and Understanding Day," the sentiment behind it is essential for building a better, more compassionate world. Individuals, communities, and nations can contribute to this goal by promoting dialogue, tolerance, and cooperation in their daily interactions and supporting initiatives that work towards a more peaceful and understanding world.
The Rotary Club of Berwick know the value of Peace to all communities across the world and have embraced the Peace Pole project as a significant symbol of our commitment to fostering harmony and understanding. The Peace Pole project, with its iconic tall poles displaying the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in multiple languages, serves as a powerful visual representation of the Rotary Club of Berwick's dedication to promoting peace at both a local and global level. By actively participating in this project, the club aims to inspire unity, tolerance, and goodwill, contributing to the overarching goal of creating a more peaceful and interconnected world for present and future generations.
The Peace Pole pictured (with Nathan the installer) will be celebrated on the 15th March at 10.00am at Beaconhills Berwick. Beaconhills Pakenham will hold their ceremony on the 22nd May. It is a significant contribution to our community to hold our values by actively engaging in initiatives like the Peace Pole project. Through this meaningful endeavor, the Rotary Club of Berwick not only demonstrates its dedication to upholding the core values of Rotary but also makes a lasting impact on the community by promoting a culture of peace, understanding, and cooperation. By fostering these principles locally, the club contributes to building a more harmonious and connected society, reflecting the broader mission of Rotary International to create positive change and address global challenges through service and goodwill.
Congratulations, Terry, on joining this ragtag lot!
Welcoming a new member to our Rotary Club is like unlocking a treasure trove of potential and possibilities. It's not just about adding a name to the roster; it's about infusing a fresh wave of enthusiasm, skills, and dedication into our collective pursuit of service and community impact.
Picture it as a mosaic, where each member is a unique piece contributing to the vibrant tapestry of our Rotary family. With every new addition, we don't just gain a person; we gain a set of talents, experiences, and perspectives that enrich the very fabric of our organization.
Think of our Rotary Club as a dynamic engine and each new member as a vital gear, seamlessly meshing with the existing ones to propel us forward. Their willingness to be involved becomes the catalyst for positive change. It's akin to having a new instrument in the orchestra, enhancing the harmony and depth of our collective symphony.
What makes this process truly special is the diversity of skills and passions each member brings to the table. It's not merely an increase in numbers; it's an expansion of our capabilities, an augmentation of our potential to make a real difference in the community we serve.
Imagine a community project as a canvas awaiting the artist's touch. Each new member is like a brushstroke, adding nuance, creativity, and effectiveness to our endeavours. When they're willing to be involved, it's not just a passive participation; it's an active commitment to roll up sleeves and work alongside fellow Rotarians to turn visions into reality.
In essence, every new member is a building block, strengthening the foundation of our Rotary Club. Their willingness to be involved becomes the mortar that binds us together, creating a sturdy structure upon which we can construct impactful projects and lasting change.
So, as we welcome each new member, let's not only see an individual joining our ranks but envision a dynamic force amplifying our capacity to do good. It's a celebration of growth, potential, and the shared commitment to service that makes our Rotary Club an ever-evolving powerhouse of positive influence in our community.
Terry has already been fully involved in many activities of the Club, and we have discovered a very capable side of him. We have learnt that he is a genius and also a capable pilot of many types of planes. I know I am looking forward to getting to know Terry a lot better!
Thank you to Trevor Watson, Andrew Somers and our newest member, Terry Pollock, for helping at a Rotary Overseas Relocated Playground (RORP) harvest this week. The urgent call for help came in only three days out from this harvest and there was concern from Rotarian and RORP project coordinator Wayne Jenkins that this playground may end up in landfill. Luckily, the Rotary Club of Berwick came to Wayne's aid, providing three wonderful helpers to assist at the harvest last Friday.
Wayne was very grateful for the help of our members, and while Jen labelled the playground, Lachie Marshall got the fun of playing on the playground one last time before it heads overseas to be relocated to a developing country, ready for a second life bringing joy to other children.
Over the past few years, a dedicated group of individuals from the Rotary Club of Berwick has generously offered their time to support the Rotary Club of Dandenong-Endeavour Hills in organizing their car show. To those involved, you know who you are! As one of these volunteers, I can't help but express the immense joy and fulfilment that comes with being part of this larger Rotary endeavour, even though I might not be a car enthusiast myself. It's a fantastic opportunity to embrace the excitement of contributing to the broader Rotary community and witnessing the impact of our collective efforts.
If there is one thing I love about the people I meet in Rotary, some of them are willing to have a go at anything once they have plugged into the support network of the club. Let's face it: our club only gets better when we all support each other, especially in areas where we have only limited experience. We grow by mentorship, guidance, and encouragement, which creates a community where we collectively contribute to each other's development and success.
Michelle Oliver-Rodrigues is one such person who seems to have a remarkable capacity to courageously face challenges head-on. At this week's meeting, she pulled off her Behind the Badge presentation with style and meaning. Michelle is powerfully motivated, and I like that in a person. Since Marta has stepped aside as the program director due to work pressures, Michelle has jumped into the role without hesitation.
The position of Program Director has traditionally been a challenging role within our organization. The task of consistently sourcing engaging and entertaining speakers for 40 weeks of meetings is undoubtedly a demanding endeavour. In a dynamic and diverse community like ours, members naturally seek presentations that not only provide valuable insights but also captivate their interest.
Recognizing that the quest for entertainment often takes precedence over the potential for chance opportunities, the Program Director faces the ongoing challenge of striking a balance between informative and enjoyable content. It's no small feat to keep our meetings not only educational but also engaging, ensuring that each session contributes meaningfully to the overall experience for our members.
However, it is within these challenges that the true essence of the Program Director's role emerges. Beyond the quest for entertaining speakers, there lies an opportunity to curate a program that not only aligns with our members' preferences but also introduces them to diverse perspectives, fresh ideas, and unexpected opportunities. By embracing the intricacies of the position, the Program Director becomes a key architect of our club's intellectual and social landscape, shaping an environment where learning is not only enlightening but also enjoyable.
So, taking this into consideration, I would like to invite all members to engage with Michelle in a productive way to build our Club program so that there is hardly a reason to miss a meeting. Michelle has already bounced out of the blocks with this:
Hi everyone March 9th is International Women’s Day. I’m trying to weave this theme into the first two meetings this month☺️
6th March-Barbara Scanlan from St. Vincent de Paul will be giving us a talk on Vinnis and The Berwick Soup Van. The work she and her team do is simply awesome!
13th March- Our very own Wendy Moseley will be giving us a Behind the Badge presentation🥳 Looking forward to hearing all about you Wendy😊
I would also love it if our lovely ladies would say a sentence or two about themselves. For instance, something new, something not many in the club know about you. Something that drives you- a passion, hobby, interest.
Something that grinds your gears- something you’d really like to see changed. Anything really… let’s make the 13th all about us 😉
Oooh. And could we all wear green on the 13th ? Just a bit of fun coz St Paddy’s day is on the 17th.
Ps: I was hoping to make 13th a partners night ..but we’ll probably need more planning for that, so maybe soon 😊
Can you imagine the good we could do if all of Australia came together one day and took practical action to improve the environment? What a difference we could make! Let's see how many people we can bring together on Sunday, 3 March, and make a real impact...
It's hard to believe that what was started over thirty years ago by Ian Kiernan, AO, an "average Australian" who had a simple idea to make a difference in his backyard, has now become the nation's largest community-based environmental event, held annually on the first Sunday in March.
Over twenty million Aussies have stepped up over the years, donating their time to improve the environment. This year, the Rotary Club of Berwick is again putting its hand up to be involved.
Cleaning up a small piece of Berwick gives a little self-satisfaction for one day; there is nothing wrong with that. Rotary can do way more than that, so join us at Buchanan Park to talk about how Rotary can be a positive force in the community (while we are picking up rubbish, of course!).
You don't even have to be a Rotarian to join in! We are happy to have anyone who wants to give back to the community join in and enjoy a morning chat while we get to work.
Pip Kiernan, Chair of Clean Up Australia, says, “Our environment is facing pressure unlike ever before. As all Australians know, over the past few years, we’ve seen severe bushfires, cyclones and floods, and increased pressures on our biodiversity and an ever-growing volume of waste which leaks into our natural and marine environment.”
“Australians tell us every day that they are concerned about the world we live in but often feel frustrated and unsure how to make a positive impact. Clean Up Australia Day is a great opportunity to work together and take practical action. Together, we can all make a real difference,” Pip continued.
“Signing up now means you’re pledging to improve and protect Australia’s environment. Whether you are 9 or 90, participating in a Clean Up Australia event changes the way you think about your everyday habits and the practical changes each of us can make. Everyone who gets involved tells us how rewarding the day is and how it has made a lasting positive impact.” Pip said.
Every year, World Peace and Understanding Day is observed on February 23. This year, the memorable date falls on a Friday.
If there is one thing I love about the people I meet in Rotary, some of them are willing to have a go at anything once they have plugged into the support network of the club. Let's face it: our club only gets better when we all support each other, especially in areas where we have only limited experience. We grow by mentorship, guidance, and encouragement, which creates a community where we collectively contribute to each other's development and success.
