Quick recap
The Rotary meeting proceeded to cover various topics including club updates, presentations on the Queensland Brain Institute and Rotary Foundation, and discussions about ongoing projects and initiatives. Speakers shared insights on Rotary's structure, fundraising efforts, and the importance of shifting public perception towards hands-on service projects. The conversation ended with presentations on international collaborations, peace initiatives, and announcements of upcoming local events.
Next steps
- Angela to update the website with the correct meeting ID for future meetings.
- Keith to continue as chair of the breakthrough project and recruit committee members from other districts.
- Angela to publish a bulletin with the containers for change barcode for club fundraising.
- Angela to create instructional videos using Scribe software to teach members how to use Club Runner and My Rotary.
- Club members to consider attending the Membership Action Plan Workshop on August 9th in Rothwell.
- Mark to share the full presentation on Rotary Foundation with club members at a future meeting.
- Club to consider collaborating with Rotary Club of Musasa on rural clinic refurbishment project (estimated $50,000 USD).
- Club to consider collaborating with Rotary Club of Musasa on WASH project to drill 10 boreholes in 2 districts.
- Club to consider sponsoring a youth exchange student to/from Zimbabwe.
- Club to consider sponsoring a Rotary Peace Fellow for the fellowship program at UQ.
- Club members to volunteer for the tree planting day in Ashgrove on August 3rd at 7 AM.
- Club members to attend the presentation by John Paskin from South Brisbane Rotary Club about the Kids Picnic on July 28th.
Summary
Rotary Club Updates and Initiatives
The meeting began with welcoming remarks and introductions, including the current district governor. The agenda included a Rotary test, club updates, and a presentation on the Queensland Brain Institute. Tim Keeler, chair of the breakthrough project, was mentioned as continuing in his role and managing a diverse committee. The club discussed joining Rotarians on the Internet, a fellowship group within Rotary International. Angela, a past president, spoke about containers for change and efforts to document how the club uses Club Runner and Rotary systems to share knowledge with other clubs.
Rotary Programs and Membership Updates
The meeting covered two main topics: Containers for Change and Rotary Foundation. Angela explained the Containers for Change program, which collects bottles to raise money for the club's operational account and the Queensland Brain Institute. She also introduced a new software called Scribe for creating instructional videos. Mark announced an upcoming Membership Action Plan workshop on August 9th at Rothwell, which aims to improve membership engagement and recruitment. The conversation ended with a presentation on the structure of Rotary International and the Rotary Foundation, including details on zones and associate foundations.
Rotary's Service Impact and Fundraising
The speaker, a major gift officer for the Rotary Foundation, explained the organisation's fundraising structure and emphasized the need to shift public perception from being solely a fundraising organisation to one that actively implements service projects. They highlighted that while Rotary clubs receive more funding than they give, there's a need to increase community awareness of Rotary's actual impact through hands-on projects rather than just fundraising activities. The presentation concluded with a discussion of Rotary's constitutional purpose and alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the importance of local clubs in implementing global impact projects.
Rotary Journey and Club Initiatives
Shingai shared his journey with Rotary, starting in 2013 with the Rotary Club of Musasa in District 9210, which spans Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique. She highlighted the club's significance as the first in the district to induct women and discussed her involvement in various committees, including Admin, Youth, and Public Image. Shingai described typical meeting structures, such as the 4-Way Test, fines, and guest speakers, and mentioned projects involving youth exchange, Interact clubs, and community service. He concluded by suggesting potential collaborations with Rotary clubs, including peace fellowships, and acknowledged the presence of Mark, who was noted for his financial expertise.
Zimbabwe Rotary Development Projects
Rotary discussed various projects and opportunities in Zimbabwe, including basic education and literacy initiatives, maternal and child health programs, environmental support, and community economic development. They highlighted a significant $50,000-60,000 project involving the construction of water tanks, solar power, and community gardens to support a district clinic and surrounding schools. Rotary also mentioned potential new projects, including a rural clinic refurbishment and a water supply initiative involving 10 boreholes, as well as opportunities for youth exchange programs between Australia and Zimbabwe.
Rotary Peace and Community Initiatives
The meeting covered several topics related to Rotary projects and activities. Shingai presented on Rotary peace initiatives, including sponsoring fellowship programs. Randy discussed the club's collaboration with the University of Queensland's peace center and their youth exchange program. Angela announced upcoming events, including a Kids Picnic speaker and a tree planting day in Ashgrove. The conversation ended with thanks to the speakers and a brief discussion of future activities.