Featured Segment

Today on Rotary Club Radio, I’ll be interviewing Steve Wilcox, a member of the Hudson Day Break Rotary Club and International Vision Facilitation Council – Chair.  Today we’re going to talk about your club’s vision for the future.  If your club lacks a vision, hang on to your hat, because when were done today you’ll definitely know where to get one!

Rotary Club Radio Episode 029

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Rotary Minute

 

Links

• R.I. Vision Facilitation
• www.Rotary5960.org

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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

Featured Segment

Today on Rotary Club Radio, I’ll be interviewing Steve Wilcox, Membership Chairperson for District 5960. Today we are going to talk about getting new members, retaining existing members, and a little brainstorming on ideas that could help your club.

Rotary Club Radio Episode 028

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Rotary Minute

 

Today’s Show is Dedicated to Patrick Struve

I want to dedicate this show to the memory of fellow Rotarian Pat Struve – a long time member of the St. Croix Falls Rotary Club – who past away recently.

Patrick had a passion for Rotary and loved to serve others. He was particularly interested in the fight to eradicate Polio throughout the world through Rotary vaccinations and supporting a children’s hospital in the Country of Haiti after the tragic earth quake in 2010. You can hear about that project in Episode 8 of Rotary Club Radio, which was recorded after Pat told me about the incredible work happening there.

Patrick’s service would have received his 8th Paul Harris Fellow Award (Paul Harris Fellow +7) the week before he died. Although Patrick was unable to receive the award at the meeting, it was a celebration of his ‘Service Above Self” lifestyle, generosity, and spirit of Rotary in action.

http://scfrotary.org/rotary-club/remembering-rotarian-patrick-struve/

 

Rotary Club Project Spotlight

The St. Croix Falls Rotary Club is working with the Salvation Army and individuals from the community and the St. Croix Falls School District to create a hunger relief backpack program and on Friday, October 28 the St. Croix Falls School District officially kick off the Program.

This program is designed to meet the needs of hungry children when other resources are not available. Backpacks are filled with food, and students bring them home on weekends to help feed their families.

There is no fee charged to be in the program. Currently, over 68 backpacks are filled on Thursday afternoons and sent home with children the following day. 68 backpacks help feed 273 people.

The program is dependent upon donations. Here is how it breaks down: $7.50 will help feed a family for a weekend, $90 will help feed a family for three months, and $270 will help feed a family for the school year.

The Rotary Club of St. Croix Falls is raising money to provide milk, a much needed item, to the program. By setting up special vouchers with local grocery stores, families can redeem the vouchers for milk anywhere they are accepted. Milk is an important part of a child’s diet and at almost $4 a gallon, the Rotary Club of St. Croix Falls is working hard to raise the funds necessary to help out.

I look forward to bringing you updates on this program to see how things are going. If you community is like most communities, 1 out of 6 children go home on the weekends worried about what they are going to eat. Perhaps your club would be interested in creating a backpack program in your community.

Links

• St. Croix Falls Backpack Program
• Remembering Pat Struve
• Friends of the Orphans in Haiti
• www.Rotary5960.org
• www.Facebook.com/5960Membership/

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

Rotary Club Radio Episode 027

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Rotary Updates

District 5960 is excited to initiate ’200 Videos in 200 Days’ – a Public Relations project that seeks to spread the message of Rotary using the power of video and social media!  here is an example from the St. Croix Falls (WI) Rotary Club.

You’re Invited to Attend!

The 10th Foundation Celebration: “Embracing Humanity Through The Rotary Foundation”

Location: Prom Center in Oakdale, MN
Date: Saturday, November 5, 2011
Time: 6:00 –9:00 pm
The featured speaker will be Past Rotary International President Wilf Wilkinson from the Rotary Club of Trenton, Ontario, Canada – he is currently the Chair-Elect of  Board of Trustees of The Rotary Foundation

There will be a Special Presentation on the National Immunization Day for Polio in India.  Proceeds from this event will benefit the Polio Eradication Fund and Annual Programs Fund of The Rotary Foundation.

Registration is required, so don’t wait to sign up for this exciting event!

Featured Segment

Ray Menard is the Founder, CEO, and Executive Director of Cheetah Development.

• Has been in Tanzania since 2008.
• ¾ time in Tanzania
• Comes home to find investors & donors.
• 5 business in Tanzania that are a sustainable model for other relief organizations.

Joined by Angela Eiferts – Past President of Twin Cities Rotaract Club, former Fast For Hope delegate to Nicaragua, and a Group Study Exchange recipient to India in 2009.

Links

• Foundation Celebration
• www.cheetahdevelopment.org
• www.Rotary5960.org
• www.Facebook.com/

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

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

 

 

Rotary Club Radio Episode 025

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Rotary Minute

What is Rotary?

This is a question that we all here from time to time, as we share with others more about the organization that we invest our time, talents, and money into each week.  Would you know how you’d answer the question – “What is Rotary?”

District Fall Training

On September 17th, Rotarians in District 5960 will be given the opportunity to learn how to answer the question, “What is Rotary?” during the Fall Training that is taking place in Hudson Wisconsin.

The Fall Training is an interactive, informative and practical opportunity for Club Presidents, Presidents-Elect, Membership Chairs, Foundation Directors, Grants Subcommittee Chairs, Public Relations Chairs, as well as any Rotarian to learn how to excel at their current and future 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 the district’s “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.

There is no charge for event and it comes with a free lunch.  Please go to www.rotary5960.org to find out more.

See the Press Release for this event by Rotary Club Radio too.

Rotary Club Radio Host Update

On August 19, 2011 at 5:11am – my wife, Shara, and I welcomed Sawyer Wayne into the world.  Weighing in at 8lbs. 8oz., Sawyer joined his big brother Cade and sisters Ella and Addie.  We’re very lucky to have a photographer in the family, who came to the hospital to take some newborn photos of our little guy.

I appreciate all the well wishes, prayers and support from the Rotary Club Radio community!  Yes, mom and baby are doing great!

Featured Segment

I interview Bill Breon with Students Today Leaders Forever, an independent non-profit organization.  Bill is a member of the Twin Cities Rotaract.  He is the Professional Development Chair for that club.

Students Today Leaders Forever started in 2003 by a group of University of Minnesota students with a desire to server others.  It is currently in 13 states and has worked with over 3,300 students.  Students Today Leaders Forever provides opportunities to server through Community Service Road Trips for young people.

Each Road Trip take 30-40 students to various locations to perform service activities and teach leadership skills and responsibilities.   The trip length depends on the age group (see below).

Middle School – 3 day trip
High School – 5 day trip
College Age – 9 day trip

Students pay a portion of their own way, but the majority of the funds are raised through individual and corporate donors and grants.  Students and staff will stay in the communities they server at facilities like churches, YMCA, Salvation Army, or Hotels.  Services include, but are not limited to environmental clean up projects, visiting nursing homes, cleaning up youth/community centers, and habitat for Humanity projects.

Students Today Leaders Forever has partnered with Rotary Clubs in several states to bring students to help with Club Projects in local communities.  This is a unique opportunities for Rotary Clubs like yours to connect with an organization willing to provide students willing to server in your community at no cost to the club.  I highly recommend you take advantage of this opportunity.

Links

• www.stlf.net
• Twin Cities Rotaract
• www.Rotary.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

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.

Our District 5960′s ‘Rotary Friendship Exchange’ (RFE) Planning Team is excited to announce an Friendship Exchange opportunity with District 2430 in Turkey.  We will be accepting applications for the Outbound Team starting Sept. 1st – deadline for applications is Oct. 31st, 2012.

Application and information regarding this exchange can be found on the District Friendship Exchange website.

Dates for the outbound and inbound trips are scheduled for:

• Outbound Team -  May 24th – June 3rd, 2012
• Inbound Team – June 20th – June 30th , 2012

The Rotary Friendship Exchange committee is also looking for 3 clubs to host our Inbound guests when they arrive next June.  Guests would stay for 3-4 days at each club location and there will be a team of 8 participants per team.

If your club would like to become a part of this exciting program and learn more about the Turkey Culture and make friends during the hosting process or the “traveling to Turkey” process, please contact Lonna Lysne – RFE Chair @  travelerljlys@hughes.net  or 507-451-1153.

For more information on Rotary Friend Ship Exchange, please visit: Rotary’s Friendship Exchange website

Rotary Club Radio Episode 024

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Rotary Minute

Watch RI President Kalyan Banerjee speaking at the January 17, 2011 International Assembly as he unveils the next RI theme, Reach Within to Embrace Humanity .

Featured Segment

Judy Feund is the District Governor for District 5960.  It was a privilege to interview her and have her here in the Rotary Club Radio Studio to talk about her vision for District 5960.

Some of the important things we discussed are:

• Her vision for Rotary District 5960 in 2011 – 2012
• The Foundation
• The Governor’s Blog
• Friendship Exchange with Brazil
• 200 Videos in 200 Days – Public Relations initiative
• District Conference – April 13 & 14, 2012

Here is an example of the short video that the St. Croix Falls Rotary Club created, which is playing before every movie in the local theater.  It will play over 5,000 times this year!  It was  a Public Relations gift from the theater and the advertising agency that produces the ads.

Links

• www.Rotary5960.org
• Governor’s Blog
• www.Rotary.org
• www.scfrotary.org
• www.rosevillerotary.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