Rotary District 6200 Newsletter

Governor's Update

Are you making the world aware of Rotary? January is Rotary Awareness Month, a time to let others know that you are proud to be a Rotarian. Take this opportunity to publicize the club’s volunteer efforts -- such as funding scholarships, improving community facilities, donating books or reading to young students. The electronic media, print, billboards and other sources are available to help spread the word. Use them!

The quest to end polio worldwide has certainly enhanced others’ awareness of Rotary. A recent $100 million challenge grant by the Gates Foundation will help to provide critical funding to complete the effort. Our District’s vital and ongoing assistance to reestablish New Orleans City Park is another way in which Rotary is making its presence known to the public.

Rotary themes such as “Lead the Way” last year and “Rotary Shares” this year are part of Rotary’s public efforts. RI President-Elect D. K. Lee has just announced that “Make Dreams Real” will be RI’s 2008-2009 theme. He intends to continue emphasizing literacy, water, health and hunger, but will ask Rotarians to focus those efforts on children. DGE Mike Collins and the other DGEs from around the world are now attending the International Assembly in San Diego in preparation for next year.

Please take advantage of important upcoming District events being provided to assist you and your club. Attending the Mid-Year Assembly on January 19 in Lafayette is essential. It will prepare your club’s officers, directors and committee chairs for a strong and fun finish to this Rotary year. The Foundation Gala on February 1 is also a must. For the price of your ticket you will meet RI’s senior leadership and enjoy delicious food, Mardi Gras celebrations, dancing, the LSU National Championship Trophy and much more. Wow! These events offer great opportunities to benefit from and celebrate being included in the Family of Rotary.

Learn more about these many subjects and such other interesting ones as RI’s easy-to-use E-Training Center, club member “pods”, CA wildfire victim donations, Ambassadorial Scholars and a call for new applications, new Capozolli Scholarships to France and Italy and much more. Oh, yes – Happy New Year. Read on!

	Yours in Rotary,
	Charles L. Spencer
	District Governor, 2007-2008

Feature Presentation

History Meets Mardi Gras Glitz in the Capital City....Read more here about the District 6200 "Krewe of Rotary" Foundation Gala on February 1, 2008.

LSU's BCS CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY TO BE DISPLAYED AT FOUNDATION GALA IN BATON ROUGE

The National Championship Coaches' Trophy, which was won by the LSU Tigers on January 7th, will be on display at the Foundation Gala in Baton Rouge on February 1st. Rotarians and guests will be able to get great photos of themselves standing next to it.

The entire trophy, which includes the stand, is valued at nearly $30,000. It's 34-inches tall and weighs 45 pounds. The Waterford® Crystal football alone weighs 8 pounds. Come and see it for yourself!

The Rotary Foundation

Bill Gates and the $100 million challenge to Rotary...

Click here to read more about how your club can make a difference in the fight against polio.

District Currents

BEFORE...

AFTER District 6200, and others, helped....

Click here to read more about "Rotary Day at City Park" in New Orleans, coming soon....

Membership Matters

Pump up your Club's spirit -- and membership -- with "pods"! To learn more about this novel club approach, and for a reminder of the approaching membership goal deadline, click here.

Rotary Club of Houma "defines" the Spirit of Christmas with Dictionary Donations. Read more here and learn how Santa played a part.

Training for Success

Internationally-recognized Rotary training is readily available anywhere that you can open your laptop. Click here to learn about the "Rotary E-Training Center."

Action Clubs

Wildfires have consumed more than 516,000 acres in southern California and evacuated more than 880,000 people from their homes. Rotarians there donated $$$ millions to our area after Katrina and Rita. Now is our chance to give back.
Read More...

Lagniappe

Capozzoli Scholarships to Italy and France Now Available to Undergrads and Relatives of Rotarians...

plus Our District Ambassadorial Scholars are Trained and 2009-10 Applications Due by Feb. 29!

Click here to read more...