In This E-News - see below - Underlined are Rotary Amigos Meetings/Events - all virtual. COG will be hybrid in-person and via Zoom
Tuesday, 5/25 6 - 7 p.m. - Essentially Empowered, Inc. - virtually via Zoom
Essentially Empowered Incorporated (EEI) mission is to provide a safe, fun, educational environment for those who have experienced trauma by utilizing a positive impactful curriculum that includes activities, support groups and Doula services as needed.The purpose of this organization is to be able to provide an added voice to the needs of youth that have experience with trauma by advocating on their behalf and addressing triggers, barriers and supportive measures that will help them achieve a healthier state of mind.
Tuesday, 5/25 7-7:10 p.m. - Board Directors to approve new members
Tuseday, 6-1 6-7 p.m. - May Board of Director Meeting of the Whole
Hold Wed., July 7 and Thurs., July 8 for final notification of Changing of the Guard that will be in-person outdoors AND virtually
There will be a silent auction at the Changing of the Guard (COG) - any items new, (slightly but not noticably used, especially items from another country), and gift certificates will be great donations and we hope that each club member could minimally, donate one item with $50 to $500 value. More to come.
Tues., July 13 6-7:15 p.m. - "How Should I Respond if My Child or Grandchild or Co-Worker Comes Out to Me?" Conversation with Parents of Children Coming Out - LGBTQ - District-wide Zoom Session
Tuesday, March 25 - 6 p.m. - Essentially Empowered, Inc.
Essentially Empowered Incorporated (EEI) mission is to provide a safe, fun, educational environment for those who have experienced trauma by utilizing a positive impactful curriculum that includes activities, support groups and Doula services as needed.
The purpose of this organization is to be able to provide an added voice to the needs of youth that have experience with trauma by advocating on their behalf and addressing triggers, barriers and supportive measures that will help them achieve a healthier state of mind.
Please join us Tuesday, July 13 from 6 to 7:15 p.m. for "How Should I Respond if My Child or Grandchild or Friend Comes Out to Me?" Conversation with Parents of Children Coming Out - LGBTQ
As a global network that strives to build a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, Rotary 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. As Rotarians, the Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do is our moral code for personal and business relationships. And, we know the test can be applied to almost any aspect of life.
Your District 6270 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task force is pleased to present "How Should I Respond if My Child or Grandchild or Friend or Co-Worker Comes Out to Me?" Conversation with Parents of Children Coming Out - LGBTQ.
You likely know someone who identifies as gay, lesbian, bi-, transgender, or queer....though you may not know. In May 7-10, 2009, USA Today/Gallup poll, Americans were asked their views on a number of issues relating to gays and lesbians. Overall, a majority of Americans (58%) say they have a friend, relative, or coworker who is gay or lesbian -- basically unchanged since Gallup first asked this question in 2003. Especially as a parent or a grandparent, you may not know how to start an open communication to know and understand. You may be unsure how to understand if it currently goes against your present beliefs and/or values. Hear from some parents who have been in that place...that space. Bring your questions for an interactive session!
Notice for registration will soon be available. Mark your calendar now and contact PDGResterSamse@aol.com if you are interested but not a Rotarian. All Rotarians in the District will receive notification. While it is open to all people, you should contact PDG Rester to ask for the email invite to register. Save the date and time now!
“We End COVID” initiative draws on volunteers’ diverse skills to support vaccination campaign in Italy’s Verona region
by Ryan Hyland
Riccardo De Paola knew that as Italy’s supply of COVID-19 vaccine doses increased, more people would be needed to administer the shots and staff vaccination sites. He started contacting medical directors in the Verona region about how Rotary clubs could be ready to help — and began mobilizing a volunteer force that has since become a critical government partner.
De Paola, a past governor of Rotary District 2060 (Italy), says the dozen medical directors he talked to in late 2020 all echoed the same refrain: They desperately needed volunteer help to get vaccination sites up and running. De Paola coordinated with the current district governor, Diego Vianello, to recruit volunteers from the region’s 91 Rotary clubs.
“Our members work in so many professions, with deep and diverse expertise. We wanted our volunteers to use their skills in the best way possible,” says De Paola, a founding member of the Rotary Club of Marco Polo Passport D2060, which was chartered in July 2020 with the specific purpose of carrying out coronavirus-related service.
Rotary District 2060 (Italy) created a COVID-19 task force and coordinated hundreds of members to volunteer and use their expertise at dozens of vaccination sites. “We Stop COVID” campaign has been adopted by other Italy Rotary districts.
Within a week of the initial call for volunteers in January 2021, more than 150 Rotarians and Rotaractors had stepped forward. The group included several current and retired doctors, nurses, and paramedics. The volunteers were vaccinated and trained in specific health protocols, which vary from city to city.
Some volunteers had to purchase insurance to be able to administer the vaccine. A task force De Paola and Vianello set up worked with insurance brokers to obtain coverage for four retired doctors at a cost of about $300 each. The task force also established a group of volunteer lawyers to review agreements between various municipalities and the volunteers, providing legal support as needed.
“We even had a member who was a professional notary who could notarize the insurance papers and documents,” De Paola adds. “We weren’t just providing volunteers, we were providing our organization, our resources, our experience, and our reliability.”
Members typically teamed up in groups of four to work a morning or afternoon shift, logging patient names in a database, coordinating with other volunteers and, if they were qualified, administering shots.
Impressed with how quickly and efficiently the Rotary members had mobilized, medical authorities in Verona put the Rotary district in charge of all COVID-19 vaccine volunteer activities in the region, including scheduling patients, assigning shifts, and reporting data.
De Paola says the sanitary director for the city of Treviso credited Rotary with making it possible to increase the number of vaccinations and lauded Rotary members for helping officials reach an incredibly important goal.
The task force’s volunteer roster has grown to more than 700 people, representing more than 25,000 of hours worked that's worth over $1 million, and more than 300,000 people in the region have been vaccinated as a result, De Paola says. Those numbers are expected to increase sharply when Italy ends its current lockdown, which was triggered by a deadly spike in COVID-19 cases in early February.
These efforts have been adopted by all Rotary districts in Italy. Inspired by Rotary’s “End Polio Now” campaign, De Paola and Vianello call their initiative “We End COVID.” All volunteers at the vaccination sites, including nonmembers, wear “We End COVID” badges and pins with Rotary branding.
Vianello says Rotary’s involvement in this historic effort has greatly increased the public’s awareness of the organization.
“‘We End COVID’ has been a great boost for us. Communities are seeing the impact Rotary is having,” he says. “Our clubs have a new energy.”
Rotary Club Amigos de Milwaukee After Hours completed their pledge of $1800 to support the MATC Advancing Digital Divide Access Program for the 2020-21 school year. This support allowed students without a computer or internet access to receive a Chromebook and 1 year wifi access so that they could continue their education as a result of the Covid-19 interruption / disruption. For some students, their only internet and computer access for their college work was at the MATC library / lab or a public library. That access ended with Covid-19. Our support and the support of many partners allowed students to continue their opportunity to learn during these challenging times.
Comments from students receiving the Chromebook and wifi include;
o “It has literally made my virtual learning possible. Without it, I would not have been able to complete my semester.”
o “I did not have access to a computer. It was difficult for me to pass my classes without technology.”
o “Without the chromebook, I’m not sure I would have succeeded this semester with all the virtual learning...The Chromebook has been an absolute blessing”.
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.
Interested in a particular subject? Visit the group's website or email it to learn more.
Rotary International Convention 2021 in Taipei, Taiwan - June 12 - 16 - Virtual
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.
Essentially Empowered Incorporated (EEI) mission is to provide a safe, fun, educational environment for those who have experienced trauma by utilizing a positive impactful curriculum that includes activities, support groups and Doula services as needed.
Comments from students receiving the Chromebook and wifi include;
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. 
