This page was created to depict some noteworthy postings on the ROTI listserv within the past month. May you enjoy and appreciate them as much as we do in a truly Rotarian spirit..

Message: 1
Indian Names
Posted by: "L V Vora" voralv@yahoo.co.in voralv
Sat Mar 1, 2008 3:40 am (PST)

Dear all,

We from Western India write our name as usual i.e. First Name then father,s name then Family name. Family name never changes. Family name remains the same for ever. Due to this we are able to know who is nephew, or uncle, grans father from the names. One more thing about family name in Hindu Sindhis. There is a tradition to make a new family name after passing seven generation. Seventh generation will prepare their family name by adding ANI after name of the seventh forefather. If his name was lalchand then the new family name will be Lalchandani, Thus Ramchandani, Mirchandani, Lakhiramani etc. This practice is only in Hindu Sindhis. Sindhis are/were from Sindh province of Pakistan. India is multiculture country with one civilization.

Thanks.

Rtn.L.V.Vora
R.C. Anjar RID 3050 India.

Message: 2
Club Bulletins
Posted by: "John Glassford" jacksflat@gmail.com huffnpuff2003
Fri Feb 29, 2008 4:35 pm (PST)

G ' day

Once again I look to this list of wonderful folk who have excellent ideas.

In the midst of planning for 08/09 and I have come across a problem in communication with our members.

22 out 24 members have an email address. Probably 3 read their emails on a regular basis once a day, others I have been told once a week and some once every now and then. Only 4 reply and out of those 4 only two reply within 24 hours or so. At a recent meeting most wanted to revert to the bulletin being sent out by snail mail in the printed form, as that way they read it. I do not believe it is an age issue just that they are always busy and after a hard days work all they want to do is catch the news and go to bed.

I am thinking of reverting back to the printed version for my year as President. However I do not give up easily.

They complain I send too many emails however I usually only send one a week to the whole club and follow up with individual email to the various committees and so on. I am mindful of how many I do send though.

Any of you out there have any remedies for the email blues?

Also while I am at it can you give me ideas for what a good bulletin should look like?

I have read a few and I like the RC of Nairobi's bulletin:

http://www.rotarynairobi.org

as well as the Flying Carpet from Bombay (thanks Rajendra Ruia).

http://www.rotary-bom-west.org/

If any of you have any outstanding bulletins send a copy off list to me please: john@glassford.com.au thanks.

As always I appreciate the feed back from this list and it is helping me heaps in my preparation for 08/09.

Yours in Rotary

John Glassford
Community Services Director & President Elect 08/09
Rotary Club of Coolamon District 9700, New South Wales, Australia

Message: 3
Re: Club Bulletins
Posted by: "Peter Hann" phann@shaw.ca rotaryparksville
Fri Feb 29, 2008 5:57 pm (PST)

Very interesting, John. Our club has 50 members and all fifty have email. The question of using "snail-mail" has never come up. In my previous club, there were about four out of forty members who required a printed version because they did not have access to a computer. We did not mail them, rather printed them for pickup at the next weeks meeting. I have more than a passing interest since I have been asked to take over the Editor's job in the new Rotary Year. Our current editor uses the first page of the weekly newsletter to describe the previous weeks meeting then uses the second and sometimes a third page to quote articles that have been sourced from RI, usually involving activities and projects undertaken by other clubs. The newsletter is individually addressed to each member with a welcoming message and concludes with "Peter, what commitments have you made to Rotary this week?"

John, if you are looking a printing weekly newsletter/bulletin, by the time that it is printed and then distributed by Aussi Post, the next weekly meeting will probably already have taken place. Not so dire if it is a monthly publication but there is still the cost factor for postage, paper, envelopes (if used) and the labour involved in preparation of the document.

I am also the editor of a quarterly newsletter for the regional branch of federal superannuates. No matter how hard we try, we have only 400 out of 1650 members who have asked to receive the newsletter (8 pages) by email. It is a major expense for the regional chapter, again postage, paper, envelopes and labour. I have suggested that we reduce the newsletter to four pages and have the newsletter included with the monthly bulletins from national HQ in Ottawa at no cost to the Branch (many other chapters do it) but our members want their eight pages - I like to think that it is maybe because I also include one or two stories and a few jokes (reasonably clean and NO RELIGION or politics).

In closing, I would stick with the email version and, as noted previously, just provide a few printed copies for pickup by members at the next meeting.

Y i R

Peter in Parksville (5020)
on "beautiful" Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Message: 4
Re: Club Bulletins
Posted by: "catspaw4@cox.net" catspaw4@cox.net
Fri Feb 29, 2008 6:28 pm (PST)

John;

What about a website to suppliment your bulletin? We use the one offered by the RC of Conwy, Wales and it works just fine for our needs in a club of 40. You can check it out at www.cbia100.rotary-site.org

Cheers

Bob

Message: 5
Re: Club Bulletins/Web sites
Posted by: "Chris Sweeney" ICO@rotary1180.org sweens121
Sat Mar 1, 2008 2:15 am (PST)

Hi Bob

I am in the process of redesigning the scheme, using one database with a CMS for individual club to use.

I'm quite far down the process now - just finalising things like dynamic image galleries and some 'cool' features; expect to see the new site launched in the next few weeks (English version), with other languages available thereafter. There are a few people around the world who have offered to trial things - I will be requesting help shortly.

Keep an eye on www.rotary-site.org

Cheers

Chris Sweeney
RC Conwy www.conwyrotary.org

Message: 6
Photos Posted to ROTI
Posted by: "Ron" yamahajazz@yahoo.com yamahajazz
Sun Mar 2, 2008 5:33 am (PST)

Photos and files can be posted to the list...but not directly; you must use the section on the left. I have just posted two photos of a wonderful donation made this weekend, and the pix were waiting when I returned from District Leaders Workshop.

Here are two photos of the US Air Force providing cases of food being donated to Bahay Bata; a project of RC Clark Centennial. This is one part of the humanitarian efforts for the US Air Force in their visit to the Philippines conducting medical missions, donating medical supplies, and in this case, donating food to the street children being provided a residential center, school, medical clinic, and recreational facilities. Pictured are PP Bill Wright who arranged for the donation, and PP Joey Pineda, Chair for the Bahay Bata Foundation.

Go to the photo section of http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Rotarians and click on Photos.

Ron Nethercutt
ROTI Chair 07-09
Clark Centennial D 3790
Angeles City, Philippines

Message: 7
Re: ROTI website
Posted by: "John and Peg Challender" johnpegc@telus.net arguspilot
Sun Mar 2, 2008 8:38 am (PST)

Ron,

Unless people use Yahoo groups frequently, it is sometimes a circuitous route they must take to see the photos people post on the site. Another suggestion is to use some other software that allows you to upload photos to the software provider's site and simply paste the URL into a message to members on the ROTI list. Here's an example using Nero Photoshow of a presentation of a cheque by members of our club to a local elementary school: http://www.photoshow.com/watch/AZ5vg3bw Just click on the link and watch the the short slide show.

John Challender, RC of Cumberland Centennial, BC, Canada D5020

Message: 8
Re: ROTI website
Posted by: "T Raghav Rao" traghavrao_hyd@dataone.in traghavrao2004
Sun Mar 2, 2008 5:02 pm (PST)

Dear John

Enjoyed seeing the pictures through the link. And discovered Nero Photoshow, which is a great and easy - and free - software for uploading and presenting pictures in presentation.

I immediately created a presentation about "Swayamkrushi", a residential and vocational centre for the mentally challenged at Hyderabad, India, for whom we are trying to provide an additional school bus to transport the "students" from home to workplace and back -- they now have over 100 students - and are looking for a Matching Grant partner. I found the process so easy - took less than 10 minutes including registering as a new member !

Take a look at : http://www.photoshow.com/watch/zv5Ar3sJ

Raghav
Rotary Club of Jubilee Hills
R.I. Dist. 3150, Hyderabad, India

Message: 9
Rotaract Celebrates Its Birthday
Posted by: "Ron" yamahajazz@yahoo.com yamahajazz
Wed Mar 5, 2008 1:24 am (PST)

Thought this of special interest from RI Website.

Ron Nethercutt
ROTI Chair 07-09
RC Clark Centennial D 3790, Angeles City, Philippines
--------------

In the late 1960s, noting the success of the recently formed Interact program, the RI Board realized the need for a program of service, activity, and fellowship for young adults no longer of Interact age (14-18). The name Rotaract (Rotary in Action) was selected to show the program's close affiliation with both Rotary and Interact clubs.

RI President Luther Hodges inaugurated Rotaract in 1968, with the Rotaract Club of the University of North Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, (now called the Rotaract Club of University of North Carolina- Charlotte) being the first club. The club received its charter on 13 March and had 21 members.

Within a day of the certification of the Rotaract Club of the University of North Charlotte, the Rotaract Club of the University of La Salle was chartered in Tacubaya, Mexico. The Rotaract clubs of Florence, Italy; Gaston College and Sylva both in North Carolina; and Secunderabad, India, were all certified in the following weeks. Since the 1950s, many Rotary clubs had been starting unofficial clubs for young adults, so this fueled Rotaract's rapid growth in its first few years. Rotarct grew from 21 clubs in 1967-68 to 289 clubs a year later. There are now 7,000 Rotaract clubs in 163 countries and geographic areas.

Rotaract clubs were originally open to young men and women ages 17- 24. Since 1971, young adults ages 18-30 have been welcomed.

Learn more about World Rotaract Week, observed this year 10-16 March. Contact Rotary history and archives for more historical information about Rotary.

Message: 10
Women's Day -- Messages
Posted by: "Kamala Kanta Rath" kamalakantarath@yahoo.com kamalakantarath
Fri Mar 7, 2008 7:15 am (PST)

Greetings to all woman rotarians, on Women's Day.

We cannot underestimate the role of women in the success of Rotary. They participation, both directly (as Rotarian) or indirectly (as spouse) has helped in successful implementation of many projects. I believe, in future, we will have more woman Rotarians, working hand in hand with men for a better world.

Women should be considered as individuals with intelligence who shares common space in terms of rights, work and life. They have historically proven to be more concerned and appreciative of grassroots issues. Whether it is environment or health, they are always in the forefront of social change. Today, women have come to the fore in all fields. We have many role models.

Kamala Kanta Rath
Rotary Club of Bhubaneswar Elite, RI Dist.: 3260

Message: 11
Balinese Silence Holiday
Posted by: "Mercia Inkiriwang" mercia@globalxtreme.net mimibali2000
Fri Mar 7, 2008 7:53 am (PST)

Dear Jacques and Fellow Rotarians,

I did not know that the calender we are useing now called Gregorian Calender.

Today is the best day of the year, no sound from human beings, only the sound of animal, I think it would be nice if the whole Indonesia has one Nyepi (silence) day every year, and even better if the whole world has one silence day every year to celebrate enviromment friendly day, can you imagin no polution from cars, motorcycles, factorys, no one working or using electricity etc. for 24 hours, how clean the air of the whole world would be.

The Balinese celebrate New Year or Nyepi - the Balinese equivalent of the word for silence. This is a day the Balinese Hindus dedicate to quiet introspection and spiritual cleansing.

Starting from approximately 6 a.m. on Friday, March 7, 2008 and continuing until 6 a.m. the following morning, Nyepi is observed by the devout through abstinence from food and drink, human speech, movement outside the family compound, and even the lighting of fires or lamps. As a result, the island of Bali will resemble a ghost town with businesses and thoroughfares closed and silent. Traditional village security forces - pecalang, will patrol the island allowing only emergency vehicles passage through the otherwise deserted streets. Compounds discovered to have lights shining from their windows or emitting noise may receive the "quiet" rebuke of small pebbles tossed against their window sills by local security teams, reminding all to adopt a more contemplative mood.

Nyepi is the first day of the Balinese Saka calendar (1930) and is strictly observed island-wide as a day of absolute silence and meditation, which includes the shut down for a 24 hour period of the island's airport.

Regards,

Mercia Inkiriwang (Mimi) PP 2001/02
RC. Bali Nusa Dua D-3400

Message: 12
Interesting Rotary Statistics
Posted by: "Ron" yamahajazz@yahoo.com yamahajazz
Sun Mar 9, 2008 7:25 am (PDT)

Dear Rotarians

There are some very interesting statistics posted on the new Rotary website. A lot of the information has been moved around, but a bit of searching will reveal information that you will find of interest.

For instance, the financial burden of Rotary has been frequently discussed on ROTI. A report is found that discloses the cost of membership from a survey done with 5,351 clubs in 141 countries and geographic areas in all 530 districts. Charts are shown providing club member demographics and related costs of membership at the follow URL

http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/memb_demographic_survey_en.pdf

Cost of being a Rotarian are broken down by club and district, and RI dues, Magazine, Meals, Foundations, Service and Other. It was interesting to note that club dues represented the highest (40%) in Japan and lowest in Australia/NZ/Pacific Islands (07%). On the other hand, meals were 46% of the cost in in Australia/NZ/Pacific Islands and on 9% in India. Service (I can only assume they mean Service Projects) were 30% of the financial costs in Korea and only 08% in Japan.

I'll send much more along re this statistical data as the days progress. You might find it of interest to see how other country fares. The Philippines seems to be at the low end for District dues and about in the middle on meal costs.

Ron Nethercutt
ROTI Chair D 3790
RC Clark Centennial D 3790, Angeles City, Philippines

Message: 13
Rotary- Peace- Wat Jiang--- YouTube video!
Posted by: "Jeffers R" jreiss1111@hotmail.com
Wed Mar 12, 2008 2:00 am (PDT)

Shown on local TV in Thailand....enjoy the website, too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4jgzksPkqY

Jeffrey A. Reiss-Special Peace Ambassador
www.rotarypeacecities.info

Message: 14
SERGEANT AT ARMS
Posted by: "mike.dagnall" mike@guttenbergs.net mike.dagnall
Thu Mar 13, 2008 1:51 am (PDT)

Having now risen through the dizzy ranks, I have been coersed into becoming SAA in the next Rotary Year, I would like some help and guidence and the regular duties of this post, and how can I make it a profitable appointment. I have no problem in squeezing "till they bleed" however apart from the obvious, what can I weald my big stick over. Bare in mind, I'm not in this to win popularity contests so any suggestions will be gladly accepted apart from anything which breaks the law.

Mike Dagnall
Blairgowrie, Scotland. District 1 [010]

Message: 15
Re: SERGENT AT ARMS pt 2
Posted by: "Ron" yamahajazz@yahoo.com yamahajazz
Thu Mar 13, 2008 2:11 am (PDT)

Mike,

I did a search at the Rotarians list for "Duties of the Sgt at Arms" and found 24 listed. This is general list; I am sure a search of this, the serious list, will reveal some more.

That is what is nice about being in ROTI, you can find answers to many of the questions to which Rotarians need answers.

Have a great year as S&A; I've seen some good ones. The one in Marshall, MO has been doing it for many years; I visit that club when I see my Mom. They will not let him resign....and he just keeps getting better. The Chief of Police is a member of that club, so he can't try anything illegal, but he sure comes close !!!

A search of the serious list (this one) revealed 6 more posts re Duties of the Sgt at Arms. That makes 30 you have to draw from. After your year, you have to contribute one more so we keep things in ROTI growing.

Ron Nethercutt
ROTI Chair 07-09
RC Clark Centennial D 3790, Angeles City, Philippines

Message: 16
Never get sick you might get elected
Posted by: "Cheri Cutright" cutright@mtco.com ckbryant.geo
Thu Mar 13, 2008 4:53 am (PDT)

Hi all,

Earlier this week I was down with influenza and was forced to miss my Rotary meeting. Last night I learned that during the meeting I was moved up in the seniority to suddenly become Vice-President for 2008-2009 and Club President for 2009-2010. That will teach me to NEVER miss a meeting because of illness, LOL.

Cheri "C.K." Cutright
Marseilles, Illinois Rotary Club - member
Ottawa, Illinois Noon Rotary Club - newsletter editor
District 6420

Message: 17
Nationalized Free Health Care
Posted by: "Philip" pmnugget@yahoo.com pmnugget
Fri Mar 14, 2008 7:54 am (PDT)

Hi all,

I watched the documentary "Sicko" last night, which was nominated for an Academy Award this year for "Best Documentary" and started thinking about those countries that have nationalized health care and those countries that don't have nationalized health care around the world, and wondering if it is generally a good thing or generally a bad thing for the people as a whole.

The documentary seemed to make the case that nationalized health care (free health care for all citizens) in England and Canada works rather well and gives a great deal of health security to the people of those countries. I believe there are many other countries such as those found in northern Europe and elsewhere that have nationalized health care, but I don't have a compiled list.

I think that the people of the United States have been led to believe that these nationalized health care systems are not very good and that they can receive better care at home in the USA. But is that true? Or is it only true if have plenty of money?

If indeed nationalized health care is a very good thing for the people as a whole then I can't help but wonder why the United States, the largest economic power in the world, could not also create a nationalized health care system which would provide free health care for all the people.

I do realize that once you start moving away from a capitalistic base of health care (health care for profit) and start moving towards a more socialistic type system of health care, that there will be concerns that the health care itself will start degrading. But is that really true? I would very much like to read some reports from our members in countries that currently have a nationalized health care system and see what their opinions are.

I think it is probably true that the poorer people of a particular country would tend to be the ones who would benefit the most from a nationalized health care system since the wealthy can generally receive good health care no matter where they live in the world. This Fellowship is likely (in my estimation) comprised of people that are far above average in their income and wealth, so maybe we cannot get a good representation of how nationalized free health care works for everyone in a country, but I am very curious to read some reports anyway.

I know there are a tremendous number of lobbyists paid by the health care industry in the USA to help promote their agendas and keep their profits rolling in. But how do the poor people get that kind of lobbying power? I guess they get a certain lobbying power just with their vote, but is that enough and is that fair? Personally I think they should take all the lobbyists in Washington and line them up on Pennsylvania ave and shoot them! (I'm exaggerating)

I wonder if the USA Federal government could institute a national 1% (or 2%) sales tax, and if that would create enough funding to finance a nationalized health care system. I don't know how other countries finance their nationalized system.

I mean we already have a free military and free police service and free fire departments and certain free social services. Would it be impossible for the United States to also have free health care?

After seeing this movie it made me want to immigrate to Canada or England or some country with a good national health care system.

Your thoughts?

Best regards,

Philip Merritt

Message: 18
Re: Nationalized Free Health Care
Posted by: "Prof Robert G Sommerville" rsommerville120@btinternet..com
Fri Mar 14, 2008 9:27 am (PDT)

Steve and Philip:

Read your post about 'free' healthcare with interest. UK went down that line many years ago. We pay sweetly thru taxes but the service is 'free at the point of delivery' and just look at the desperate mess the UK system is now after many years of politicians meddling and the vast army of so-called administrators 'fine-tuning' so that the entire system stinks and no one is happy. You don't ever want to get admitted to a UK hospital or you'll come out with more than you bargained for!

Bobby Sommerville
Blairgowrie R/C, Dist 1010, Scotland North.

Message: 19
Canada's Rotary Dream Team lending a hand in Cebu
Posted by: "axel bourseaux" rc_mactan@yahoo.com rc_mactan
Sun Mar 16, 2008 3:25 pm (PDT)

They are from Canada. 7 PDG who Lend A Hand during their term, and 1 DGN. They come, they see, - and they do. They lend a hand, they share Rotary, they make dreams come true.

This is another example of the true Rotary Spirit at its best.

Come and see what they do in Mactan, Mandawe and Cebu, Philippines... and it is not finished yet

http://rc-mactan.blogspot.com

axel bourseaux
RC MACTAN, district 3860
Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines

Message: 20
Past Assistant Governor
Posted by: "Asa Saligupta" centella4u@yahoo.com
Mon Mar 17, 2008 6:20 am (PDT)

In my district, 3330 RI, Thailand, we had a serious debate going on for a few years now regarding the term "Past Assistant Governor". There are 2 factions in this debate:-

Some of the "older" Rotarians (ie. PDG) said that there is no such PAG. It doesn't exist. They support their side by stating that in the "past" positions, all of them are elected - like Past President, you had to be elected as a President and after that you automitically you become PP. Or Past District Governor, you have to be elected as District Governor and then you, also, automatically become PDG. While in PAG, at first the DG select you to become Assistant Governor, so after that full year of services, you no longer hold the position so you go back to the PP or RTN again. They said this is like a chairman of the District committee. After that, if you're fortunate, you go the RI and the top position is the RIP and the RIPP.

The other faction said that it's like demoting the rank. Take for example, you started you Rotary life as a Rotarian, RTN then you become President which of course after one full year you become Past President or PP. Now comes the problem, you shine enough in your district so the Gov ask you to become AG. You get to use the word AG in front of your name. After one full year, you're done with, you should be named PAG so people know you have served. Then it's on to RIP ..... So, here's the conflict, to have PAG or not. This group said that you can't compare AG with other board of the district since those committees didn't have any "rank" in front of their name. That means you're still the PP or RTN or PDG or whatever. They also said that it's like military, you don't just take their ranking away.

I'm confused, is there any rules in this. Personally, I think that they (PAG) should be honored for what they've done but I may be wrong.

PP.Asa Saligupta, PHF
D 3330 RI, Thailand's Governor's Monthly Newsletter Editor-in-chief