Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

Please visit: Rotary Club Radio Episode 39 to view the recording of Episode 39 and view the show notes.

The Rotary Club of Londonderry, Northern Ireland, is hosting a Rotary Global Peace Forum on May 24-26 2013.

Derry-Londonderry is the UK City of Culture 2013 and to celebrate this and as this city has come through many years of conflict, we have undertaken to host this Peace Forum. We have a website which is www.rotaryglobalpeaceforumderry-londonderry.com and our club website is www.londonderryrotary.org.

Our Facebook is www.facebook.com/londonderry.rotary and Twitter is @LDerryRotary. We would be so grateful for a like/follow!

Press Release

Global Peace Forum Derry~Londonderry Coming at the Right Time

 The Rotary Club of Londonderry in partnership with the University of Ulster’s International Conflict Research Institute (INCORE), will host a Global Peace Forum from 24^th – 26^th May 2013.  The Forum is part of Rotary’s year of Peace through Service.   The aim of the Derry~Londonderry Forum is to contribute to Reconciliation, Learning and Full Self Expression for those involved in peacemaking and peacebuilding throughout the world.

Derry or Londonderry – one place with two names – has an intriguing story and a special place in the history of Ireland, Britain and the world. From Colmcille through the siege of Derry and the plantation of Ulster to World War II; from the Civil Rights Marches through Bloody Sunday to the emerging Peace Process and the cessation of violence – Derry is the place where these significant episodes were thought about, fought about and worked through, shaping the histories of Ireland, Britain, America and the rest of the world.

2013 is a landmark year for the Derry~Londonderry, the Rotary Club of Londonderry, Peace studies at the local University and the Northern Irish peace process.  It is:

• The 15^th anniversary of the Belfast or Good Friday Agreement;
• The year that Derry will celebrate its designation as the UK’s first ever City of Culture;
• The 400^th anniversary of the granting of the city’s charter and the name Londonderry;
• The 90^th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Londonderry; and
• The 20th anniversary of the founding of INCORE, the University of Ulster’s centre of excellence in peace studies; and

President of the Club, Gavin Killeen says ‘We have designed a stimulating programme, which will provide delegates with the opportunity to engage with local and international peacemakers, political, community and business leaders, in the context of the ongoing culturally-led regeneration underway in this historic city’.

Sessions on the Northern Irish peace process will offer delegates a unique opportunity to witness peacebuilding as it unfolds, with participation from many of those who have made, and continue to make peace in Northern Ireland a reality.

Speakers confirmed include Rotary International world president Sakuji Tanaka, Roelf Mayer (Chief Negotiator for the South African National Party), Juan Jose Ibarretxe (former Basque President); ChouChou Namagabe (Gender Activist in Congo) and John Cullinane (US Entrepreneur involved in the Northern Irish Peace Process).  These speakers will be joined by political, business and community leaders from Ireland, North and South.

President Killeen adds ‘Although much has been achieved in making peace in Northern Ireland, there are still sensitive issues to deal with so we can embed the peace and build social cohesion here. This Forum provides Rotarians with a chance to observe Northern Ireland’s journey from conflict, through reconciliation to peace, in the context of other International Peace Initiatives’.

Details on the event can be accessed via www.rotaryglobalpeaceforumderry-londonderry.com   where you can register online for the Forum and the Gala Dinner.

Press Release

by Citizen League

St. Paul, MN – Few issues have a bigger impact on the lives of Minnesotans than healthcare, and critical decisions about the future of our healthcare system are being made in St. Paul this year.

Citizens like you need to be a part of the conversation. Here’s why…

The bipartisan Minnesota Health Care Reform Task Force has asked for guidance directly from Minnesota citizens on the tough decisions that need to be made related to improving our healthcare system.

Citizens Solutions is designed to do just that.  Sponsored by the Citizens League and the Bush Foundation, Citizen Solutions is a series of forums taking place across the state to engage thousands of Minnesotans in a different kind of conversation about health and health care.

Please join us for a meeting at a location convenient to you.

See Schedule

Light refreshments will be provided.  Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend!

See the article in the West Central Tribune about our meeting in Wilmar, MN | Click Here!

For more information, please contact:
Amanda Stewart
amanda@grassrootssolutions.com
(612) 770-7860

St. Croix Falls, WI – On February 8, 2012, Rotary Club Radio will host 6 Russian delegates for a live interview that will be broadcast over the internet all over the world!

About the Open World Leadership Center

The Open World Leadership Center administers the Open World program, one of the most effective U.S. exchange programs for countries of the post-Soviet era.  Begun as a pilot program in 1999 and established as a permanent agency in late 2000, the Center conducts the first and only international exchange agency in the U.S. Legislative Branch and, as such, has enabled more than 17,000 current and future leaders from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan to meaningfully engage and interact with Members of Congress, Congressional staff, and thousands of other Americans, many of whom are the delegates’ direct professional counterparts.

Mission Statement:
To enhance understanding and capabilities for cooperation between the United States and the countries of Eurasia by developing a network of leaders in the region who have gained significant, firsthand exposure to America’s democratic, accountable government and its free-market system.

Open World Website

Rotary International is a Host Organization and active supporter of the Open World Leadership Center.  It is a privilege to have the opportunity to interview the delegates and look forward to finding out more about the program.

Rotary Club Radio Live!

On February 8th, 2012, Rotary Club Radio will broadcast our first ever live show from the St. Croix Falls Library and will have the honor of interviewing 6 delegates from the Open World Leadership Center.  The delegates are being hosted for their 8 day stay in America by the White Bear Lake Rotary Club in White Bear Lake, MN.

Be Part of the Show

Rotary Club Radio invites the members of the St. Croix Falls Rotary Club and other interested person to attend the show.  If you would like to be a part of the audience, please come to the St. Croix Falls Library on February 8th – the show starts at 10 AM. Space is limited, so please RSVP by emailing: kirk(at)rotaryclubradio.com

The show will be broadcast live on our website, so you if you prefer, you can watch the program at www.RotaryClubRadio.com.  If you miss the show, don’t worry – we’ll post the replay.

The Delegates

The delegates are all educators, with an emphasis on Special Education.  During their stay in America, they will experience a wide variety of both cultural and educational learning experiences.  They will arrive in Minneapolis/St. Paul on February 3 and depart on February 11th with a greater understanding of American culture and experiences.

Some of the activities they will take part in are:

• Minnesota ‘Special’ Ice Hockey Game
• Super Bowl Party
• Multiple School Tours
• College Tour
• Rotary Clubs
• Golf day with Disable War Veterans
• Feed My Starving Children Packing
• Hiking Interstate Park
• NHL Hockey Game – MN Wild
• MN Supreme Court Visit
• MN State Capitol Tour

Meet the Delegates:

• Yevgeniya Cherepovskaya – Facilitator
• Zoya Berdnikova
• Larisa Falkovskaya
• Yuliya Vitalyevna
• Yelena Levina
• Olesya Romanova

Delegates will speak at the St. Croix Falls Rotary Club

After the live Rotary Club Radio broadcast, the delegates will be escorted over to the St. Croix Falls Rotary Club meeting for a delicious lunch at the Dalles House Restaurant.  They will also be speaking to the club about their experiences in Russia and the United States over the last week.

Due to the number of Members & visitors on February 8th – if you are interested in visiting the club, please email rotary@scfrotary.org.

Watch Live Here @ 10 AM CST – Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

If you didn’t catch the live show, you can watch it here or download the audio on the website or from iTunes!

Thanks for listening to Rotary Club Radio.

Kirk

Rotary International has succeeded in meeting the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s US$200 million match in funding for polio eradication, raising more than $202.6 million as of 17 January.

“We’ll celebrate this milestone, but it doesn’t mean that we’ll stop raising money or spreading the word about polio eradication,” Rotary Foundation Trustee John F. Germ told Rotary leaders at the International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA. “We can’t stop until our entire world is certified as polio-free.”

The fundraising milestone was reached in response to $355 million in challenge grants awarded to The Rotary Foundation by the Gates Foundation. All funds have been earmarked to support polio immunization activities in affected countries where the vaccine-preventable disease continues to paralyze children.

“In recognition of Rotary’s great work, and to inspire Rotarians in the future, the [Gates] foundation is committing an additional $50 million to extend our partnership,” said Jeff Raikes, chief executive officer of the Gates Foundation. “Rotary started the global fight against polio, and continues to set the tone for private fundraising, grassroots engagement, and maintaining polio at the top of the agenda with key policymakers.” Raikes also addressed Rotary leaders at the International Assembly.

The new $50 million grant from the Gates Foundation is not a challenge grant.

Since 1988, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99 percent, from about 350,000 cases annually to fewer than 650 cases reported so far for 2011. The wild poliovirus is now endemic in only four countries: Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan. However, India on 13 January marked a full calendar year without a case, paving the way for its removal from the endemic list.

But other countries also remain at risk for polio cases imported from the endemic countries. In Africa in 2011, Chad and the Democratic Republic of the Congo had significant outbreaks. Also in 2011, a small cluster of polio cases in China, which had been polio-free for a decade, was traced to Pakistan.

Rotary club members not only reached into their own pockets to support the Gates challenge, but also engaged their communities in a variety of creative fundraising projects, such as a fashion show in California that raised $52,000, benefit film screenings in New Zealand and Australia that netted $54,000, and a pledge-supported hike through Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, that brought in $38,000. Many events were planned around 24 October, widely observed as World Polio Day.

To date, Rotarians worldwide have contributed more than $1 billion toward the eradication of polio, a cause Rotary took on in 1985. In 1988, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention joined Rotary as spearheading partners of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. More recently, the Gates Foundation has become a major supporter. In 2007, the Gates Foundation gave Rotary a $100 million challenge grant for polio eradication, increasing it to $355 million in 2009. Rotary agreed to raise $200 million in matching funds by 30 June 2012.

Reaching children with the oral polio vaccine in the disease’s remaining strongholds is labor- and resource-intensive due to a host of challenges, including poor infrastructure, geographical isolation, armed conflict, and cultural misunderstanding about the eradication campaign.

For more information: Rotary’s efforts to eradicate polio

Are you looking for a fun event for a worth while cause?  Check out the 2012 ‘BEAR’ly Open Golf on Ice!

White Bear Lake, MN – White Bear Events and WBL Rotary Club are excited to announce the 5th Annual ‘BEAR’ly Open Golf on Ice Winter Fun Event sponsored by Lexus of Maplewood.

This official St. Paul Winter Carnival Event is scheduled for Saturday, January 21, 2012, and will take place on the ice at Ramsey County Beach in White Bear Lake, from 11 am to 4 pm. There is also a Community Dance Party at the White Bear Country Inn in WBL on Friday, January 20, from 8 pm to 11 pm.

An 18-hole course is designed on the lake, complete with real pine trees, hole sponsors and many fun activities. Form your own foursome, or sign up individually. The event is open to all ages. Registration is limited and online entries must be emailed by January 18. You may register in person the day of the event as well.

All net proceeds go to the WBL Area Food Shelves – where the need has never been greater. So far the event has contributed over $40,000 to the Area Food Shelves.

Don’t miss the “Hottest” Winter Golf Event of the year.

TO REGISTER FOR GOLFING, CLICK HERE

TO SPONSOR A HOLE, CLICK HERE

FACEBOOK LINK

For registration forms and more information visit www.explorewhitebear.org or email bearlyopen@hotmail.com

Rotary Club Radio Episode 026

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Featured Segment

On September 22, 2011 at the Walker Art Center in Downtown Minneapolis, a documentary film will be previewed featuring the band Staff Benda Bilili.  The band originates from the Democratic Republic of the Congo – and each band member has a unique story to tell about how Polio has effected them.

Rotary International has been a supporter of this event and film, which promotes so much of what Rotary is known for around the world and they want to encourage you to to attend and promote this important events that focus on Rotary’s efforts to eradicate polio.

The documentary Film, “BENDA BILILI!” will be previewed on September 22, 2011 at the Walker Art Center, but it will be released widely around the united states in coming months – so if you missed it, be sure to look for again soon!

Here is a little more about the group:

Staff Benda Bilili, is an up and coming group of rising music stars that will be touring our area. Most of the members of the group are survivors of Polio. This is a major opportunity to to get the word out in your community of the fact that Rotary is dedicated to the eradication of this deadly disease.

Significantly the group is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo where the disease had been eliminated but has now resurfaced in a major way.

Staff Benda Bilili, has a wonderful sound that is truly unique to our Midwestern ears, especially when you understand the messages they are conveying to the listeners. Watch the video below where they are singing about the importance of Polio Vaccinations.

Links

• www.staffbendabilili.com
• www.myspace.com/staffbendabilili
• www.WalkerArtCenter.org
• www.Rotary5960.org

Thank you for listen to this podcast; please leave feedback!

Right Click Here To Download This Episode

Rotary Club Radio is a unique online community and we encourage you become part of it. Looking for ways to get connect? Leave us a comment, become a fan on Facebook, or leave us feedback on the Rotary Club Radio Feedback Hotline at 715-942-7367 – again that is 715-942-7367.

Contact Rotary Club Radio

To contact the host of this program with questions, show ideas, or any other reason, email him at: kirk@rotaryclubradio.com. Rotary Club Radio is produced with the support of Rotary District 5960 and Rotary International.

Copyright 2011

For Immediate Release

District Governors Judy Freund (5960) and Chuck Berg (5950) invites all Rotarians from both districts to consider attending and promoting an important events that focus on Rotary’s efforts to eradicate polio.

A documentary Film, “BENDA BILILI!” will be playing on September 22, 2011  (Download Press Release: Rotary International – Staff Benda Bilili)

NOTE: The LIVE Performance by Staff Benda Bilili – scheduled on September 27, 2011 was CANCELLED.

Here is a little more about the group:

Staff Benda Bilili, is an up and coming group of rising music stars that  will be touring our area.  Most of the members of the group are survivors of Polio. This is a major opportunity to to get the word out in your community of the fact that Rotary is dedicated to the eradication of this deadly disease.

Significantly the group is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo where the disease had been eliminated but has now resurfaced in a major way.

Staff Benda Bilili, has a wonderful sound that is truly unique to our Midwestern ears, especially when you understand the messages they are conveying to the listeners.  Watch the video below where they are singing about the importance of Polio Vaccinations.

Like all the finest African bands, Staff Benda Bilili’s swirling complexity removes the option to do anything but dance … Havana cantina, Kinshasa slum, psychedelic club, or London arts centre—this crack outfit would tear the roof off anywhere.”— Independent

Ignite, Develop, Sustain – The Cheetah Development Story 

First Annual Benefit to support Cheetah Development, a non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable change for the poor in Africa by investing instead of giving handouts.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (August 23, 2011) – After only 2 years of operation in Tanzania, Cheetah Development will host its first annual benefit on Thurs. September 29th from 6:00 -9:00 p.m. at the Minnesota Valley Country Club, located at 6300 Auto Club Road in Bloomington. Along with great Tanzanian-style food and auction, music and fun, a live auction will be held for a beautiful 4 Kt Tanzanite stone. Cash bar will be provided.

For more information or to purchase tickets (starting at $35) to attend this exciting event please contact Angela Eifert at 612.644.6545.

Supporting Economic Growth in the Developing World

Cheetah Development is engaged in one of the poorest areas on earth, East Africa, primarily in Tanzania. While malnutrition rates hover around 40%, half of the food grown by farmers rots and is never consumed. This organization is filling the gap in an investment range essentially missing in the developing world, from $5,000 to $500,000.

This is the key investment size because it creates businesses that solve the problems that keep people hungry. And since the model is based on business, it is sustainable for the long-term. Moreover, it is highly efficient with money – creating a substantial impact for the amount invested – far beyond what is expected in traditional aid.

Since 2009, Cheetah Development has cultivated several community relationships and small business opportunities to provide sustainable economic development in rural Tanzania. With five major projects underway, Cheetah Development is driving long-term, sustainable development of small businesses that serve entire communities by providing employment opportunities and economic growth. Cheetah Development has grown to support several hundred farm families across 25 villages.

Cheetah Development seeks to grow its impact by increased business development and innovation in Tanzania, Africa, and beyond.

Contact: Tina Freeman
Cheetah Development
612.720.5431
Tina.freeman@cheetahdevelopment.org

Note from Angela Eifert:
Angela is the As a former Fast For Hope delegate to Nicaragua, Group Study Exchange recipient to India in 2009, and Past President of Twin Cities Rotaract Club member in Rotary District 5960.

I believe Cheetah Development offers the kind of “sustainability” that Rotary Clubs around the world are exploring and trying to adopt.

As a very young organization, in operation since just 2 years ago, Cheetah Development has already made great progress in economic development in Tanzania. While the nonprofit organization is based in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, there is an investment company in Tanzania that allows investors to support the business development projects that Cheetah Development generates, along with the donor support of the nonprofit.

This organization is changing the way foreign aid is delivered and executed. While the donated goods and services provided by traditional foreign aid programs are a great short-term solutions, they are not sustainable and often times will stop any business development progress that has, or could be made in the communities they serve.

Instead of unfairly competing with local business by offering free hand-outs, Cheetah Development supports local community entrepreneurs in Tanzania, helping to implement effective business plans that will provide jobs, commerce and economic sustainability for the entire community.

Cheetah Development strives to be a model of true sustainabillty for all developing communities as they try to pull themselves out of poverty.
www.cheetahdevelopment.org

Rotary Club Radio is pleased to be attending the Rotary District 5960 – 2011 Fall Training on September 17, 2011.

The event will be held  at the YMCA Camp St. Croix, 532 County Rd F, Hudson, WI from 9:00 am – 2:45 pm.  The training focus will be for Membership, Public Relations & The Rotary Foundation. (Registration is required by September 7)

The Fall Training is an interactive, informative and practical opportunity for Club Presidents, Presidents-Elect, Membership Chairs, Foundation Directors, Grants Subcommittee Chairs, and Public Relations Chairs to learn how to excel at their current role in Rotary.

There will be speakers, presentations and break-out sessions focused on membership, public relations, scholarships, and other Foundation programs.

The day will also provide an introduction to our “200 Videos in 200 Days” project.  You can get a chance to be help plan, produce and possibly star in your very own video. This will be a hands-on, interactive day of learning and doing.  To work on this part, bring along a video camera or a smart phone!

All District 5960 Rotarians welcome at no charge for registration and luncheon!

• Where: YMCA Camp St. Croix, 532 County Rd F, Hudson, WI
• When: Saturday, September 17, 2011 – 8:00 a.m. – registration and a light breakfast
  9:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. -  sessions (including lunch) NO FEE
• Registration:      All Rotarians must register by September 7
  To register, go here: Registration Page

There is no charge for registration and luncheon.  The cost is already included in your club’s training fee. 

Please contact Gorden Hedahl or Sue Tindell if you have any questions.  You can also contact Jingle Mahan, or call her at (651)636-9054 or (800)636-9054.