I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your hospitality when I have visited your clubs. It is so rewarding to see how you have embraced the “Together We Can” theme and doing so much good in our communities. Please read about the Maui Wellness Fair below. Great example of doing good in the world!
The September Rotary theme is Basic Education and Literacy. I know that this is near and dear to many of the clubs, as evidenced by the many Dictionary projects, school supply drives and projects throughout the year. Some may say that the students don’t need or use dictionaries, but clubs are hearing back from the schools that they do indeed want them. The Rotary Club of Pearlridge is awarding 11 elementary schools in their area with Dictionaries and at least 8 other clubs are doing Dictionary Projects (Ala Moana, Kauai, Lahaina Sunset, Pahoa Sunset, Upcountry Maui, Volcano, Waianae, Waikiki and others). West Kauai is doing a 3rd Grade Literacy project, Mililani will do an “I Love Books Fair” and Hilo is planning a “Rotary in Kindergarten Reading Program.
Our partnership with the schools is invaluable. We are helping to build their future and I am sure your efforts are valuable and appreciated. For Rotary, one of the initiatives is to develop leaders. Please join us for a Kuleana (Leadership 101) webinar coming up on September 3.
Enjoy the Labor Day holiday and thank you for being People of Action!
Basic education and literacy is one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus. We know that basic education and literacy are essential for reducing poverty, improving health, encouraging community and economic development, and promoting peace. Consider these facts: If all women completed primary education, there would be 66% fewer maternal deaths. Our Rotary goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy. We support education for all children and literacy for children and adults.
EDUCATION STORY CONTINUED: More than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. That’s 17 percent of the world’s adult population. Did you know that in Hawaii, 1 in 6 adults struggle with reading and writing, according to Hawaii Literacy. Disruptions to classroom learning during the pandemic, has led to a reduction in reading rates at island schools and those lower literacy levels are expected to last for years. Learning to read is an important part of keiki's early education.
HOW ROTARY MAKES HELP HAPPEN
We take action to empower educators to inspire learning at all ages. Last year, total Global Grant funding was $25.7 million. Rotary members make amazing things happen, like:
Opening schools: In Afghanistan opened a girls’ school to break the cycle of poverty, social imbalance.
Teaching adults to read: in the U.S. partnered with ProLiteracy Detroit to recruit and train tutors.
New teaching methods: The SOUNS program in South Africa, Puerto Rico and the U.S. teaches educators how to improve literacy by teaching children to recognize letters by sounds instead of names.
Making schools healthy: by providing clean, fresh water to every public school in Lebanon.
Enhancing educational systems: In Kenya, working to advance life-long learning opportunities for poor and marginalized children.
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HRYF DONATIONS THROUGH FOODLAND'S GIVE ALOHA PROGRAM
For the month of September, Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation (HRYF) is participating in Give Aloha, Foodland’s Annual Community Matching Gifts Program. This program honors Foodland’s founder, Maurice J. "Sully" Sullivan, and continues his legacy of giving back to the community. Go to Foodland with your Maika'i card, give the cashier HRYF’s 5-digit code: 77199. Email your receipt with your name and club to : office@hawaiirotaryyouthfoundation.org
Hawai'i Island Rotary Clubs are joining together for a "Sunrise to Sunset Peace Pole Dedications" on Wednesday September 21, 2022, the International Day of Peace. 9:00-Kua O Ka La Charter School. Call Susie 808-640-3439. Noon-Waimea Preservation Association. Call Kimo 808-987-2611. 5pm -Heavenly Hawaiian Farms. Call Mike 808-989-0360. All are invited to join them.
On Oahu, the RC of Honolulu Sunset is planning a Peace Pole Dedication at Jefferson School in Waikiki. At 9am, If you want to join in a Statewide “Ringing Bells for Peace Day” on Zoom, register at: : bit.ly/PeaceDay2022
The International Day of Peace (“Peace Day”) is observed around the world each year on 21 September. Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.
This year is particularly significant: It is the 20th Anniversary of the UN Resolution on the Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace. The 2022 Peace Day Theme is : End Racism. Build Peace. We all have a role to play in fostering peace. Tackling racism is a crucial way to contribute to this effort.
The UN General Assembly has declared September 21 as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. But achieving true peace entails much more than laying down arms. It requires the building of societies where all members feel that they can flourish. It involves creating a world in which people are treated equally, regardless of their race.
Rotary and the United Nations have a shared history of working toward peace and addressing humanitarian issues around the world. Today, Rotary holds the highest consultative status offered to a nongovernmental organization by the UN’s Economic and Social Council. The Rotary Representative Network consists of Rotary International representatives to the United Nations and other or
ROTARY PARTNERSHIP WITH LIONS, KIWANIS AND OPTIMIST
Oahu Rotary members are invited to participate in a Hunger Action Day joint project with the Lions Clubs by donating food items or volunteering to collect goods on Friday, September 23, 11am to 1pm. We will be on the Beretania Street side of the State Capitol. If you are interested in volunteering, just show up with a Rotary shirt and jump in. If you want to drive by and drop off food items, bring them between 11am and 1pm.
For a second year, Rotary International, Kiwanis International, Lions Clubs International, and Optimist International are working together internationally to celebrate and give back to our communities with a weeklong service event, to be held 11-17 September. Leadership from the four service organizations have encouraged their clubs and youth programs around the world to work together on projects during one week as part of a joint initiative dubbed Celebrate Community – #CelebrateCommunity. Rotary and Rotaract clubs are encouraged to partner with local Kiwanis, Lions, and Optimist clubs on a project that will have a long-term impact in their community.
Imagine the difference we can make when we harness the power of our four organizations’ 3.4 million members, all of whom share a passion for taking action and creating lasting change.
Public Image Webinars
As we are well into the Rotary Year, Public Image may be on your mind. If you want to go further into upping your Rotary PI knowledge, there’s more help. From resources, to training, to action - the Zones 26/27 Public Image team is also ready to assist. On the Third Thursday of each month the Zone is excited to host a virtual Discussion Hour covering the following topics: Register in advance for one or all of the meetings at the link below. Should you have any questions, reach out to the District PI or Zone team using the ExpertHub on the Zones 26/27 website at zone2627.org
September 15, 2022: Social Media Tips & Tools October 20, 2022: Brand Integrity - How to get every club using the rotary logo correctly. November 17, 2022: Media Relations December 15, 2022: PI Social Hour - Open Discussion January 19, 2023: Internal Public Image Campaigns February 16, 2023: Content Development/Brand Center March 16, 2023: Developing your PI Plan and Committee April 20, 2023: PI Social Hour - Open Discussion May 18, 2023: Website Development/POA
Alena, her 9 year old daughter and 57 year old mother had come to Hawaii on vacation then were unable to return to Ukrania when the war broke out. Alena was located by Senator Michelle Kidani’s office (Michelle is a member of our club), as an Ukranian living in the Mililani area and was invited to attend the dedication of the Rotary Club of Mililani Sunrise’s (RCMS) Peace Pole at Mililani High School on April 5th. Since then, President Lynn Goya has kept in touch with Alena, asking her what things she might need that the club could help her with. Month-to-month, Alena’s family lives in temporary housing and never know where they might be. Alena asked if she could get some kitchen supplies, as they could never be sure that the house they would be in would have a stocked kitchen. RCMS rallied and donated brand new silverware, pots and pans, dishware, glassware, a hotpot – so much that it barely fit into her small car. Below is the thank you note.
West Maui Community Wellness Fair
On August 27th, the Rotary Clubs of West Maui, in partnership with the Lahaina United Methodist Church, held a Wellness Fair, which was funded in part by The Rotary Foundation grant funds. Kihei-Wailei President Al Weiland reported that there were 30 organizations, from keiki to kupuna participating, along with 2 Food Trucks; Feed My Sheep signing up people for food assistance and handing out free food.
We had a Qi Gong class; followed by CPR training for 50 people; followed by a chair Yoga class. We handed out passports for adults to get stamped and turn back in for a door prize; about 100 were filled out and turned back in. Joanne Laird ran a prize wheel for keiki and handed out around 100 prizes. In addition, we had entertainment - first a 50-member Lahainaluna Band, and then Uncle George Kahumoku played guitar and sang for about 2 hours. The initial feedback from the vendors was all positive, and they were happy they came - "let us know your next event". (Click the "Read more" for more pictures and the Press Release)
Youth Exchange is back! We have three students outbound from Hana sponsored by Lahaina Sunset and one from Big Island sponsored by North Hawaii. Hennessy is in Chile, Mahea is in France and Kawai, who has not left for Spain just yet. They are all spending their junior year abroad. Lily from Kamuela is in Belgium where she is a gap year student as she was supposed to go abroad when COVID hit so we are excited that she is able to fulfill her dreams this year.
There are four students who are inbound. Sara from Italy is spending her year in Hana and sponsored by Lahaina Sunset. Julie from Norway is sponsored by Maui Upcountry. Elsa from France is sponsored by North Hawaii. Nico from Sao Paulo, Brazil is sponsored by Poipu Beach. Please take the opportunity to meet these students and invite them to speak at your club.
I am hoping to have the students visit each of the islands. This is a perfect opportunity for your club to experience Youth Exchange. Youth Exchange in Hawaii has different challenges than the mainland, like having events where the students in the district get to meet the other students and other club’s members meet in a social setting. I am hoping that you know of a way to bring the students in for 2 or 3 nights to your island, participate in a service project, meet other students with the interact club you may be sponsoring and see something special on your island like a special hike or a boat trip. If you have a home that could house the students (hide-a-beds and air mattresses work just fine) or know an inexpensive location that could have housing, please let me know.
I cannot do this alone. I need your club’s help. I do have some funds to assist with costs. Please let me know if you can assist in making this an amazing year just as your counterparts in Chile and Europe are doing for our kids. Please reach out to me at d5000rye@gmail.com or 808.634.2988.
Yours in Rotary,
Tom Gross, 808-634-2988
D5000 Hawaii Youth Exchange Chair
Lily's arrival in Belgium and Nicolas arrives on Kauai. Student from Milan with her Hana host family and counselors
ANNOUNCEMENTS: + Jr RYLA on September 10th on Zoom still has space for any middle school student. For information and to register, go to https://rotaryd5000.org/sitepage/junior-ryla + District Conference in Hilo May 19-20, 2023 registration is open. Early registration ends on Sep 30. Book your Grand Naniloa hotel room now. CLICK HERE for information.
+ Rotary International Convention is on May 27-31, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. CLICK HERE for information
PEOPLE OF ACTION SUMMITS
Registration for the Zone Institute November 10-12 in Salt Lake City is still open. Go to trailstopeace.com for more info.
Our Zone 26/27 has put together People of Action Summits for you to attend either in-person or virtually. The Zone is made up of thousands of Rotary members across the Western US, as well as part of British Columbia, Canada. The People of Action Summits will provide an opportunity for Rotary members to join forces with communities and industry experts to tackle some of the biggest challenges we face. It’s all about individuals identifying issues, solving problems, and making a difference. More info at: https://zone2627.org/
Green Transportation and Clean Energy Hybrid Summit, San Jose, CA, Sep 10, 4pm GMT
Water: Source to Sea Hybrid Summit, New Port Beach, CA, Sept 10-11, 4:30pm GMT COST: $50 for in-person attendees, and $10 for virtual attendees, REGISTER at https://rotarysummits.com/water/
Healthy Soils Virtual Summit, Fort Collins, CO, Sept 10, 3pm GMT COST: $25 for virtual attendees, REGISTER at https://rotarysummits.com/soils/
Stop Human Trafficking, Virtual and In-Person in San Diego, CA, Oct 1,
Director Vicki Puliz and TRF Trustee Larry Lunsford would like to thank YOUfor your support for The Rotary Foundation. Thank you for your amazing generosity and commitment to doing good in the world. Click below for a short Thank You message.
Don't miss the special Foundation webinars coming up:
Aug 29, Monday, 7pm: Foundation Planning for Club Foundation Committees, Club Trainers and Presidents
Sep 10, Saturday, 9am: The Rotary Foundation Basics 101
Sept 10, Saturday, 10am: Grant Qualification for Presidents-elect and another Club member to qualify for a 2023-2024 grant
Sept 24, Saturday, 9am: International Service and Global Grants (see what projects your club would like to pledge funds to)
Sept 24, Saturday, 10am: PolioPlus
Oct 8, Saturday, 9am: Global Grants Project Fair (projects looking for a sponsor club)
Oct 24, Monday: World Polio Day
Nov 5, Saturday, 10am: Foundation 201, a Deeper Dive
School Supply Drive Pictures
Lahaina Sunset, Ala Moana, East Honolulu, Kihei-Wailea, Mililani, Kahala Sunrise, Downtown Honolulu
Rotary Club of Downtown Honolulu Celebrates Their 25th Anniversary!
Rotary Club of Downtown Honolulu was chartered on July 21, 1997 under the leadership of President Jeff Nauser, and the sponsorship of the Rotary Clubs of Honolulu Sunrise and Metropolitan Honolulu. Since its inception, the Rotary Club of Downtown Honolulu has welcomed over 100 different members through its family, and thousands of speakers to its meetings. Previously meeting at the Pacific Club, the Rotary Club of Downtown Honolulu now meets at its sponsor school, Ke'elikolani Middle School. The club continues to work closely with KMS staff and students, and keeps them at the core of its projects, vision and mission. We are excited to celebrate 25 years with our club members and district, and welcome everyone to join us on September 16, 6-9pm at the Pacific Club! Contact Valerie Wang at valeriecwang@gmail.com
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