Well, this week was a meeting without having a meeting of sorts as a savage storm decided to turn the lights out for hundreds of thousands of Victorians, including many of us.
Our venue at Holm Park was without power, so it was decided that rather than have a picnic on the oval, we would stay home and have a romantic dinner on Valentine's Day with our nearest and dearest.
May this presentation from the beautiful shores of Hawaii ignite a spark within you. This video is both uplifting and empowering. It was created by Ryan Kawamoto and voiced over by Ted Faigle for Rotary Southwest USA PETS just over a week ago.
We have enormous potential if we step up and join our fellow Rotarians in service to our communities. If we can recruit the right people to help us, Rotary can do more, help more, and make an even more significant positive impact within our communities while having a fulfilling time doing it. Please think about the people you know who could make outstanding Rotarians. Show them this video, and hopefully, they will see the potential we all have inside of us. Look outside the square and be part of a bigger picture.
One of the fortunate things about being in Rotary is that there is so much going on in the broad space of Rotary that there is seldom anything to say or report. Most of you will know that our District (9820) will merge with our next-door neighbour (9810) at the end of this Rotary year to form District 9815. One of my current Rotary jobs is to develop the new District 9815 Website with a team of other Rotarians. The purpose of the site is to supply information and guidance for Rotarians to do the best job possible for Rotary without having to guess what needs doing. This is my contribution to all the club bulletin editors (over 80 clubs), so let's test it out!
At the end of this Rotary year, Gus is taking over the job as our Rotary Club of Berwick Bulletin Editor. Gus insists he will only collate and publish, not write fluffy prose or fancy stories. It then becomes the responsibility of all Club members to contribute something to Gus every week so that our Club bulletin retains its status as a reasonably respectable publication. Gus will be having a taste of things to come in May 2024 as I take a little break from my mundane existence. Currently, a few members are willing to push a story forward, so we are already on the right path to promoting our club, the benefits of being Rotarians, and all the projects and activities we do as Rotarians.
Rotary Club bulletins play a crucial role in keeping members informed, engaged, and connected with the activities and initiatives of the club. They can be fun to put together, especially when some creativity is applied to the mix, and club members should be involved in producing them. After all, the Club Bulletin is a record in the club's history and should be worth looking back on.
Here are some key elements and topics that are commonly included in weekly Rotary Club bulletins:
President's Message:
A brief message from the club president, highlighting key updates, expressing gratitude, and setting the tone for the week's bulletin.
Upcoming Events:
Information about upcoming club meetings, events, and activities. Include details such as date, time, location, and any special instructions or requirements.
Recap of Previous Meeting:
A summary of the most recent club meeting, including highlights, key discussions, and any important decisions made. This keeps members who may have missed the meeting informed.
Member Spotlights:
Feature short profiles or spotlights on individual club members. Share their Rotary journey, achievements, and contributions, fostering a sense of community and connection.
Service Project Updates:
Updates on ongoing or upcoming service projects, including progress reports, volunteer opportunities, and any needs for additional support.
District News:
Information and updates from the Rotary district, including announcements, events, and initiatives that may be of interest to club members.
Rotary International News:
Highlight news and initiatives from Rotary International, emphasizing how the club is contributing to the broader Rotary community and its global impact.
Committee Reports:
Reports from various committees within the club, providing updates on their activities, plans, and any support they may need from the general membership.
Member Birthdays and Anniversaries:
Recognize and celebrate the birthdays and Rotary anniversaries of club members. This adds a personal touch to the bulletin and strengthens the sense of camaraderie.
Member Achievements:
Acknowledge and celebrate the achievements, milestones, or recognitions received by club members inside and outside of Rotary.
Club Announcements:
Share any important announcements, reminders, or news relevant to the club. This could include changes in meeting venues, special announcements, or calls for participation in specific activities.
Inspiration and Quotes:
Include an inspirational quote, Rotary-related message, or a thought-provoking reflection to motivate and uplift club members.
Photos and Visuals:
Incorporate photographs from recent events, meetings, or service projects. Visuals add vibrancy to the bulletin and help members connect with the club's activities.
Member Contributions:
Encourage members to contribute articles, anecdotes, or reflections to the bulletin. This fosters a sense of ownership and participation among the membership.
Creating a well-rounded and engaging weekly Rotary Club bulletin involves collaboration among club leaders, committee chairs, and members. It serves as a valuable communication tool, fostering a sense of community, camaraderie, and shared purpose among Rotary Club members.
Please remember that Club bulletins are also an engaging way to communicate with people close to your Club. Consider making some of your content outward-facing to make these people feel welcome to engage further with the club.
Posted by Josie Marie - Bendigo Community Bank, Beaconsfield District on Feb 09, 2024
The Beaconsfield District Community Bank has been a very strong supporter of the Rotary Club of Berwick for many years. It has offered us opportunities through their sponsorship that we may not have afforded on our own.
We have been invited to an event that may interest some of our members, so if you are thinking about property investment to grow personal wealth, this could be an event for you. Please note the RSVP deadline is 16th February, so get your reservation in quickly,
My name is Josie Marie & I am the newly appointed Branch Manager at Community Bank Beaconsfield District.
Your Rotarian and Board Member of Community Bank Beaconsfield District, David Nutter has asked me to write to you and request your support.
Our Branch is hosting a boutique seminar on Tuesday 27 February 2024 at the Officer Sports Club Function Rooms in Officer at 6.30 PM. Christine Williams is a director of Smarter Property Investing and has collaborated with Bendigo Bank for over a decade. She is the preeminent thought leader on creating wealth through property investment. We believe this event will be of benefit to Rotary Club of Berwick members and potentially their friends and family.
I have attached an invitation to this email. This is a free event & places are strictly limited so it is important that Rotary Club of Berwick members who wish at attend RSVP directly to me via email or phone.
Posted by AVNEET KAUR BHASIN, DONOR SERVICES SPECIALIST RI on Jan 15, 2024
'Every Rotarian, Every Year' is an initiative that encourages every Rotary member to:
Participate every year in a Rotary Foundation program that makes a difference in the world.
Contribute every year to the Foundation’s Annual Fund at a sustainable amount.
The Foundation recognizes a club as Every Rotarian, Every Year Club if its giving reaches US$100 per capita or more and all dues-paying members give $25 in a year.
Today, about one-third of Rotarians participate in this initiative. Thanks in part to the generosity of these donors, the Foundation awarded more than 2,000 global grants in 2020-21 for large-scale, sustainable projects. Think about how much more Rotary could accomplish if every member gave at least $25 to the Annual Fund.
Thank you for supporting Every Rotarian, Every Year initiative.
This weeks meeting with be a highlight for one of our newest members Michelle Oliver-Rodrigues. Michelle is on the right if you are wondering! Sheldon, Michelle's husband is on the left.
Behind the Badge
Michelle will present her background to all members attending this week's meeting. This is the perfect opportunity to learn more about Michelle, making knowing, understanding, and developing friendships easier. Think of it as an icebreaker. Michelle has been a very active club member, helping in many different areas in ways that are not always comfortable with her upbringing (I am thinking of her fear of worms when we did our garden project). But Michelle has had a good crack at everything, and I am personally looking forward to hearing more about her life's journey. Michelle has also put herself forward as President in a couple of years, and it is always a good idea to be in tune with any potential leader in the club.
Now if you ever get asked to do one of these types of talks, here are the pointers to make the job of building the presentation easier.
A Personal Background Presentation is an opportunity for an individual to share key aspects of their life, experiences, and background with an audience. The content and structure of such a presentation can vary based on the context and purpose, but here are some common elements you might consider including:
Introduction:
Briefly introduce yourself, including your name and any relevant affiliations.
Mention the purpose of the presentation and what you aim to convey.
Family Background:
Share information about your family, such as the number of family members, siblings, and their roles in your life.
Mention any cultural or familial influences that have shaped you.
Educational Background:
Highlight your educational journey, including schools attended, degrees earned, and any academic achievements.
Discuss any major influences or experiences during your educational years.
Professional Background:
Outline your career path, including key positions, roles, and responsibilities.
Highlight any significant achievements, projects, or milestones in your professional life.
Interests and Hobbies:
Share your hobbies, interests, and passions outside of work or academics.
Discuss how these activities contribute to your personal development or well-being.
Values and Beliefs:
Discuss your core values and beliefs that guide your decisions and actions.
Explain how these values align with your personal and professional life.
Challenges and Overcoming Adversity:
Briefly mention any challenges or obstacles you have faced and how you overcame them.
This can demonstrate resilience and personal growth.
Goals and Aspirations:
Share your short-term and long-term goals, both personally and professionally.
Discuss what motivates you and drives your aspirations.
Memorable Experiences:
Share any impactful or transformative experiences that have shaped who you are today.
Consider incorporating anecdotes or stories that highlight important life lessons.
Conclusion:
Summarize the key points of your presentation.
Express gratitude to the audience for their time and attention.
Remember to tailor your presentation to the specific audience and context. Be mindful of the time allotted and ensure that your personal background presentation strikes a balance between being informative, engaging, and relevant to your audience.
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.
Rotary partners with Bahçeşehir University to establish Peace Center in TurkeyNew center will train regional peacebuilders through a one-year Rotary Peace
