Thursdays, 2/25 - 4/1 - YWCA Conversations on Race Series - there is a $250 fee that will be the individual's responsibility
Monday 3/8 6 - 7:15 p.m. - Rotary District 6270 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Zoom Series - Jason Rae- LGBTQ 101
Saturday, 3/20 8:30 a.m. Partner Mtg Rotary Club Milano Aquileia, Italy
Saturday, 4/24 9 a.m. - Noon - Milwaukee Riverkeeper Spring Cleanup - This will be Amigos 4th year as river adopters. Our river section gets better and better each year with our 3-4 times each year cleaning. Group size limited to 10 and masks will be required, and social distancing protocols will be put in place.
$30,000 Global Grant Scholarship awarded to Sussex, WI Alaina Eckert
New Rotary International Area of Focus - Supporting the Environment
IMPORTANT - Please be sure to attend tonight's meeting with District 6270 District Governor Craig Burnett followed by Board Meeting
DG Craig Burnett will share information regarding Rotary and how the District supports our clubs. There will be opportunity for Q&A followed by a board meeting of the whole.
DG Burnett is an active member of the Rotary Club of Oshkosh Southwest. He has served in various leadership roles in his club, his community, and at the Rotary District level.
Please join us Monday, March 8, from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m.
for "LGBTQ Equality – How to Be An Advocate for Inclusion"
Rotary International values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. In District 6270, a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force was created with the purpose to engage members through education and conversation to better understand the inherent worth and dignity of all. As Rotarians, we seek truth and fairness to all -- two tenets of our 4-Way Test of the things we think, say, and do. When we become advocates of the truth, we can achieve fairness for the LGBTQ community.
Your DEI Task Force is pleased to present "LGBTQ Equality – How to Be An Advocate for Inclusion". This session will provide an overview of the LGBTQ community, get us on the same page with language, and explain current LGBTQ protections. We will learn how to be LGBTQ advocates and what we can do in the workplace to foster inclusivity.
Join us for "LGBTQ Equality – How to Be An Advocate for Inclusion" on Monday, March 8, from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
About Our Presenter: Jason Rae (he/him) is the founder and President/CEO of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, an organization of more than 600 LGBT owned and allied businesses from around the state. Jason founded the organization in 2012 and has seen it grow to record numbers and achievements, including winning the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber of the Year award in 2015. Jason is responsible for the overall direction and operations of the Chamber, as well as membership outreach and retention. He works to build inclusion and diversity through Wisconsin and make the state a truly welcoming & inclusive place. Jason also serves as a partner at the public affairs consulting firm Nation Consulting in Milwaukee, WI where he focuses on non-profit management, corporate communications, and political campaigns. In his volunteer time, Jason has been a member of the Democratic National Committee since 2004, when he became the youngest person ever elected to the DNC. In 2017, he was elected as the DNC Secretary, one of the national officers. Jason is a member of The Rotary Club of Milwaukee and holds an Honors Bachelors of Arts degree from Marquette University in history and political science.
“RACISM IN AMERICA Speaker Series”
Thursday, February 11, from 7:00-8:15 p.m. on the topic of “Employment Barriers Faced by Diverse Communities.” You can click on the following link to watch all the speaker sessions online, including mine: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89109430677
Registration is encouraged by emailing the United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay c/o aeversfield@umcwfb.org or by calling 414-964-2424
YWCA Conversations on Race - Winter 2021 Schedule and Topics
Thursday afternoons from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
February 25 Socialization
March 4 History/Roots of Racism
March 11 Manifestations of Racism
March 18 On Whiteness
March 25 Racial Implicit Bias
April 1 Wrap up
Each two-hour session will allow time for content review (video clips, reflection questions) along with listening pairs, breakout rooms and full group discussions. All are welcome! Registration required. Sessions held over Zoom.
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, April 24, 2021
Last year presented many challenges for us all. While we were unable to host our large cleanup, we still found ways to care for our rivers while also caring for ourselves.The response from our community, our friends and Adopt-A-River adopters is clear: we’re ready. It’s time to tackle pollution and restore our rivers once again.
We’re taking steps to mindfully proceed, with safety at the center of our plan. This year’s event will look a little different, we’re limiting the total number of volunteers at each site, and staggering start times. We’ll also be requiring volunteers to:
Register and complete digital waivers in advance, there will be NO onsite registration or paper forms
Wear a mask during the cleanup
Maintain a safe 6ft distance from other volunteers not in your household
Use hand sanitizer, and limit contact with others
Future meetings are expanded on in the mini-calendar and events page at RotaryAmigos.org
(In the process of updating...check back Feb 18, 2021)
The film, "Growing Up Milwaukee" is now streaming on HBO MAX!
Tyshun Wardlaw's feature documentary debut follows three young Black people growing up in the heart of our city as they grapple with daily experiences of racism and segregation, while fighting to avoid becoming a statistic.
Rotary International (RI) District 6270 is pleased to announce the selection of Alaina Eckert, Sussex, WI, as its Global Grant Scholarship applicant for 2021-2022.
Ms. Eckert is a graduate of Sussex Hamilton H.S. and of The University of Wisconsin—Madison. She has already begun a dual degree, Master of Science/Master of International Nature Conservation, in a cooperative program of the Georg-August Universität in Göttingen, Germany, and Lincoln University in Lincoln, New Zealand.
The practical approach of the program is to preserve the integrity of nature, in combination with the assessment of risk management and conservation strategy, and offers an invaluable experience in the education of international conservation. The four-semester program offers new perspectives to maintaining biodiversity and ecosystems that allow local communities to be resilient to future ecological changes, maintain economic stability and growth, use adaptive conservation management strategies for both the betterment of the community and the ecosystem, and preserve critical ecological systems. Thus, Ms. Eckert’s program of studies aligns with RI’s “Community Economic Development” Area of Focus, and it anticipates close alignment with RI’s newest Area of Focus, “Protecting the Environment,” which becomes effective on July 1, 2021.
The amount of the Global Grant Scholarship is U.S. $30,000. RI District 6270 is providing $15,000 of that amount, and The Rotary Foundation is matching it with another $15,000. The Rotary Foundation, RI districts, and Rotary clubs invest in our future leaders and philanthropists by funding scholarships for graduate study through the Global Grant Scholarship program. Information about Rotary’s other scholarship programs can be accessed at: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/scholarships.
Rotary Foundation Trustees & Rotary International Board Unanimously Approve of Supporting the Environment as an Area of Focus
The Rotary Foundation Trustees and Rotary International Board of Directors have both unanimously approved adding a new area of focus: supporting the environment.
More than $18 million in Foundation global grant funding has been allocated to environment-related projects over the past five years. Creating a distinct area of focus to support the environment will give Rotary members even more ways to bring about positive change in the world and increase our impact.
RI President Mark Maloney says that during his travels around the world as a Rotary senior leader he encountered many Rotary members and Rotaractors who advocated for the environment to be an area of focus.
“I believe strongly that our Rotary Foundation programs now have a valuable added dimension to our efforts,” says, Maloney.
Foundation Trustee Chair Gary C.K. Huang says that with the global population reaching near eight billion, protecting the environment is increasingly important.
“It is time for us to use our collective resources to invest in a smart and efficient way to protecting our environment,” says Huang. “We are qualified to take this initiative because we are a global group of problem solvers with diversified talents.
In 1990-91, RI President Paulo V.C. Costa made the environment one of his primary causes, creating the Preserve Planet Earth subcommittee, which looked at ways clubs and members could conduct environmental initiatives.
“We have finally caught up to Costa [his vision],” says Past RI President Ian H.S. Riseley, chair of the Environmental Issues task force, which championed the new area of focus.
“As a lifelong environmentalist, I’m delighted that our great organization has recognized that the environment is a worthy and appropriate destination for our project activity,” says Riseley. “This is an exciting moment in Rotary history.”
Supporting the environment becomes Rotary's seventh area of focus, which are categories of service activities supported by global grants. It joins peacebuilding and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation, and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; and community economic development.
Grant applications for projects will be accepted beginning on 1 July 2021. Gifts and commitments from Rotarians and others will be sought to provide global grant support for the new area of focus.
More information about this new cause will be announced soon.
PLEASE NOTE - Until further notice we are not meeting in person. If you would like to participate in our Zoom meetings, check the info in the left column of this newsletter.
Articles in January / February issue of Milwaukee Ethnic News. These newsletters often list over 20 ethnic events and involve these groups:
The January/February 2021 issue features history and needs of Latinos in the Greater Milwaukee area and an article on Ethnic Activities for Coronavirus "Shut-ins", lots of resources to learn more about WI ethnic groups, a list of ethnic Wiscsonsin books and much more.
Rotary Curious??
What Does it Take in Time?
One in-person meeting per month
What's Expected of Me?
To represent your vocation and help us know about you and that vocation.
Be a person of high ethical standards.
Give some of your time to Service in the Greater Milwaukee community and / or internationally.
Share Rotary and the opportunity to make a difference in the world with your Rotary Family in ways you could not individually.
Have Fun and WANT to see your Rotary club members because you miss them when you don't.
Rotarians - use this link to download the brochure and application form to sponsor / suggest a new member.
Interested in Rotary Club Milwaukee Amigos After Hours? Please fill in this form (click here) and send without a commitment....simply wanting to learn more!
Did you know that Rotary does not require weekly attendance even though we generally meet weekly?
Did you know that our project and volunteer service counts as attendance?
Did you know that you can do a Rotary make-up by attending another club meeting OR by going on-line and read several "programs" and then apply for a make-up? Use these links to get started.
Don't know what they are? Awesome way to connect Internationally and locally with other Rotarians who share your interests or hobbies.
Rotary Fellowships are independent, social groups that share a common passion. Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world.
How do I join a fellowship?
Fellowships are open to Rotarians, family members, and program participants and alumni. You can contact a fellowship directly by using the information listed in the Rotary Fellowships directory. Or search our discussion groups to find Rotary and Rotaract members with similar interests.
Ask your district Rotary Fellowships chair for assistance. Reach out to district Rotary Fellowships chairs in other countries to build membership by emailing us.
Be sure you meet the criteria for a fellowship and apply for official recognition.
Explore our fellowships:
Interested in a particular subject? Visit the group's website or email it to learn more.
Did you know that our District now has a new Fellowship? Rotary Means Business - this was taken from the District 6270 home page -
"District 6270 has now officially become the first Rotary district in Wisconsin to be chartered under the Rotary Means Business Fellowship. Rotary Means Business encourages Rotarians to support the success of their fellow Rotarians by doing business with them, and by referring others to them. I am of the firm belief that the most honorable people to transact business with are people who abide by the 4 Way Test. So, to launch the Rotary Means Business Fellowship, we are planning an event that will be announced soon where Rotarians who are involved in business or interested in business can come to socialize and learn more about how to join the fellowship. We are also working on an Electronic Business Directory (in PDF format) for all Rotarians involved in various businesses to be able to have their businesses listed so that other Rotarians can reach out to them to transact business or refer business to them."
Rotarian and Cycling Fellowship member Angie Rester recently rode in the Penninsula Century Fall Challenge where she ran into the Rotarians from the Rotary Club Door County North who hosted one of the rest stops and fueling stations in the ride that starts and ends in Sister Bay. Cycling Fellowship members are also able to purchase the Rotary and End Polio jerseys made just for the Fellowship. Angie is available for presentations to clubs regarding Fellowships. She serves as the District Fellowship Chair. Click here to email her your request or questions.
Are you interested in serving on the District Committee for Fellowships? Meetings will be telephonically so you can join the committee from any place in the District.
Rotary International Convention 2021 in Taipei, Taiwan - June 12 - 16 (pending world conditions)
Unforgettable moments are made at the convention, a place where the Rotary spirit fills the air with a level of energy and enthusiasm you can’t find anywhere else. This is the event where we unite and take action to create true and lasting change in the world.
Angie has attended multiple conventions starting in Nice, France in 1995; Indianapolis, Indiana; Singapore, Singapore; San Antonio, Texas; Chicago, IL; Salt Lake City, Utah; Montreal, Canada; and Hanover, Germany.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Make new friends or connect with old ones while you explore the House of Friendship with your fellow Rotarians. With so much to see and endless things to do, the Rotary Convention is sure to be an experience you won’t want to miss.
Rotary Curious??
Did you know that Rotary does not require weekly attendance even though we generally meet weekly?
Did you know that our project and volunteer service counts as attendance?
Did you know that you can do a Rotary make-up by attending another club meeting OR by going on-line and read several "programs" and then apply for a make-up? Use these links to get started.
IMPORTANT - Please be sure to attend tonight's meeting with District 6270 District Governor Craig Burnett followed by Board Meeting
Jason Rae (he/him) is the founder and President/CEO of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, an organization of more than 600 LGBT owned and allied businesses from around the state. Jason founded the organization in 2012 and has seen it grow to record numbers and achievements, including winning the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber of the Year award in 2015. Jason is responsible for the overall direction and operations of the Chamber, as well as membership outreach and retention. He works to build inclusion and diversity through Wisconsin and make the state a truly welcoming & inclusive place.
Last year presented many challenges for us all. While we were unable to host our large cleanup, we still found ways to care for our rivers while also caring for ourselves.The response from our community, our friends and Adopt-A-River adopters is clear: we’re ready. It’s time to tackle pollution and restore our rivers once again.
Ms. Eckert is a graduate of Sussex Hamilton H.S. and of The University of Wisconsin—Madison. She has already begun a dual degree, Master of Science/Master of International Nature Conservation, in a cooperative program of the Georg-August Universität in Göttingen, Germany, and Lincoln University in Lincoln, New Zealand.
More than $18 million in Foundation global grant funding has been allocated to environment-related projects over the past five years. Creating a distinct area of focus to support the environment will give Rotary members even more ways to bring about positive change in the world and increase our impact.
Rotarian and Cycling Fellowship member Angie Rester recently rode in the Penninsula Century Fall Challenge where she ran into the Rotarians from the Rotary Club Door County North who hosted one of the rest stops and fueling stations in the ride that starts and ends in Sister Bay. Cycling Fellowship members are also able to purchase the Rotary and End Polio jerseys made just for the Fellowship. Angie is available for presentations to clubs regarding Fellowships. She serves as the District Fellowship Chair. Click here to email her your request or questions. 
