THE ROTARY FOUNDATION TRAINING DAY

Today we attended a Rotary Foundation training day for the Foundation committee and hosted by Tony Fryer.  Topics covered included:

·      The “Big Picture” of TRF.  What are the funds held at TRF, how are they funded and invested , how are they used, what belongs to us (9940). 

·      The “Local Picture” of TRF.  What is the District Designated Fund (DDF), where does the income come from, how is it managed, what does it fund, management of club pledges and reporting.  

·      The Future Vision Plan basics (FVP 101).  What are the changes brought about by being a Pilot District – how does it compare/relate to the “traditional/current” Foundation programmes/activities. 

·      FVP District Grants.  What’s available in 2011/12 and how do clubs get their hands on the cash.  How much can they ask for, how much do they have to contribute, what can grants be used for, what can’t grants be used for, how are funds managed by District and by clubs.    

·      FVP Global Grants.  What is possible, what are the basic rules regarding areas of focus, sustainability, minimum and maximum funding limits, partnerships, financial stewardship  

·      Vocational and Peace and Peace Conflict Resolution Scholarships.  What are they, when and where can they be taken up, how are they funded, application requirements, when is the next round due, selection process, partnership requirements with other FVP Pilot districts  

·      PolioPlus and Polio Awareness.  Where are we at with PolioPlus, Where is NZ at with Polio awareness immunisation.  What is planned this year to educate and promote on both these issues.  How can local clubs and clusters assist.   

·      TRF Promotion and Fundraising.  How can we keep TRF awareness, activities, and concerns in the sight of clubs and Rotarians during the 2011/12 year. Tools available from RI and TRF.  How can we share and develop ideas with and between clubs and clusters in TRF fundraising activities, and the promotion of EREY.   

·      Vocational Study Exchange.  Plans for 2012/13.  Outbound team possible focuses, selection process - inbound team from 5370,  how can clubs become a partner in the 2012/13 programme and share the hosting fun.   

The intention is to now put together a presentation that the committee can  take to clubs to increase awareness of The Foundation.

Participants listening intently!

Here Margaret Emerre is running
the session on Vocational and
Peace and Peace Conflict Resolution
 Scholarships

DIRECTORS BRIEFING WEEKEND

Christine and I attended the DGE RI International Director’s Briefing Weekend in Parramatta, Sydney on 5-7 August.  This weekend brings together the 22 DGEs from Australia and 6 from New Zealand.  It is the opportunity for networking, meeting the staff at RDU and RI South Pacific and Philippines Office.  We also heard about many of initiatives and programmes being run in the area including Cure Kids, StarJam, Interplast, Shelter Box and ROMAC – just the tip of the iceberg.  What it brought home to Christine and I was the vast number of humanitarian projects being supported and run by Rotary.  Our challenge will be in deciding which of these very worthwhile projects we should support.  It was also an opportunity to hear of Rotary initiatives and future directions from RI Director Stuart Heal and his successor John Boag.  Positive change is in the wind and we need to start embracing that change.  This will give us the opportunity to see how we can revitalise clubs and embrace this change.

Of particular benefit was the opportunity to meet with other DGE’s and exchange ideas.  The NZ and Pacific Island DGEs were able to get together and start planning our time at International Assembly and the entertainment presentation we will need to give at International Assembly in January next year.  Already we are forming a tight bond, no more evident than on Saturday when we supported the All Blacks to an excellent victory in front of an Australian audience.

Here are the New Zealand DGEs and partner

Being met by Scots guards at old Government House prior to dinner on Saturday night where we heard about the history of Governor Macquarie and Bly.