Message From District Governor Kaj Pederson

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Dear Rotarians of District 5030,  

Greetings to each and every one of you, our esteemed members!  
As we draw nearer to our much-anticipated annual conference at the picturesque Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC, I am thrilled to share the latest updates on our journey together in Rotary.  

Embracing the Theme of Membership & Extension
Our District has always been defined by our commitment to service, fellowship, and the pursuit of positive change in our communities.
This year, our theme of “Membership & Extension” resonates more than ever as we seek to expand our Rotary family and grow the impact we make. Membership is the lifeblood of our organization, and it’s through the dedication of each Rotarian that we are able to create lasting change. Together, let us focus on strengthening our existing clubs while also inviting new, passionate individuals to join us in our mission. Remember, each new member brings unique skills and perspectives that enrich our collective efforts.  

The Countdown to the Annual Conference Our annual conference at the Empress Hotel in Victoria is just around the corner, and I can hardly contain my excitement for the enriching experiences that await us. This grand event promises to be a celebration of our shared values, a platform for learning, and an opportunity to make connections that will last a lifetime.  

Engaging Lineup of Speakers Prepare to be inspired and motivated by an impressive lineup of speakers who will share their insights and experiences. From dynamic Rotary leaders to experts in various fields, their stories will ignite the spark of passion and dedication that fuels our Rotary journey.  

Activities in the Splendid Surroundings of Victoria Nestled against the breathtaking backdrop of Victoria’s beauty, our conference will offer a plethora of activities that allow you to connect, learn, and unwind. Whether you’re exploring the city’s historic charm, participating in breakout sessions, or simply enjoying moments of fellowship with fellow Rotarians, this conference promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Discount Travel Opportunities
As a special treat, I’m excited to announce that we have secured discount travel options for conference attendees. Thanks to our partnership with Kenmore Air and the Victoria Clipper, you can now enjoy reduced rates while traveling to and from the conference. This not only makes your journey more convenient but also adds to the excitement of your overall conference experience.  

Networking Across District 5030 One of the greatest treasures of our District lies in the diversity of its members and clubs. The conference offers a unique opportunity to connect with Rotarians from various corners of our district. Forge new friendships, exchange ideas, and collaborate on projects that can amplify the impact of our collective efforts.  

The Power of Rotary: Together, We Transform As we embark on this journey towards our annual conference, let us keep in mind the power of our shared purpose. Through Membership & Extension, we expand our reach, our capabilities, and our potential to make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.  

I look forward to embracing this journey alongside each and every one of you. Our Rotary spirit is strong, our passion unwavering, and our potential limitless. Together, we will Awaken to the Extraordinary Opportunity of Rotary!  

Yours in Rotary Service,
Kaj Pedersen
District Governor Rotary District 5030  

P.S. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the conference dates! Your active participation and dedication continue to inspire us all.
MEMBER & GUEST REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Register Early for the Rotary District 5030 Conference 2023, October 13-15, 2023 and Save $75!

Awaken to the Extraordinary Opportunity of Rotary - Conference Header

Rotary District 5030 has launched our registration for the district conference, which will be held in beautiful Victoria, BC at the award-winning Empress Hotel on October 13-15, 2023.  We are also offering an inflation busting discount of $75 for every registration before 1st July. 

We have lined up an exciting agenda of speakers who will focus on leadership, the fight against disease at scale for polio and malaria, the value of Rotary in our vocational pursuits and building peace through cross-cultural learning. We are looking forward to Awaken to the Extraordinary Opportunity of Rotary with all our Rotarians across the district.

We have secured the Empress Hotel, which is a National Historic Site with an alluring blend of classic and contemporary, vintage and cutting-edge: Where Modern meets Iconic. A place where you can enjoy High Tea in style.  During your free time, explore the Royal BC Museum, Miniature World, The Butchart Gardens, The Victoria Bug Zoo, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Tour the beautiful city by carriage or on a ferryboat where you can do some whale watching.

Learn more by visiting our conference website. We look forward to seeing you all there!

Kaj Pedersen
District Governor Elect
Rotary District 5030

Awaken to the Extraordinary Opportunity of Rotary - Empress Hotel

Letter from Rotary District Governor Howard Cohen: “Help Rotary Help in the Ukraine”

Like you, I am deeply concerned about the crisis in Ukraine. As you know, Rotarians have been the champions throughout the world of “Breathing IN Suffering and Breathing OUT Compassion! One of the most direct, high-impact ways to Breathe OUT Compassion to help alleviate the suffering of Ukrainian citizens being displaced by the conflict TODAY is to donate today to Rotary International’s Disaster Response Fund

As one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, Rotary has made peace the cornerstone of our global mission. We are deeply concerned about the Ukraine crisis and need your help.

Rotary is made up of people of action, especially in difficult times. In response to the deepening refugee crisis, The Rotary Foundation Trustees have decided to prioritize contributions made to the Disaster Response Fund until 30 April 2022 to support disaster response grants for districts affected by these events. These expedited disaster response grants can be used to supply water, food, medicine, shelter, and clothing.

Half a million people have fled Ukraine and are in dire need of emergency aid. The United Nations estimates that the number of refugees could grow to as many as 5 million people displaced. Rotary clubs in Europe and around the world have stepped up their relief work, some working on the ground to help displaced families. Rotary District 5030 is working to consider using any available District Grant funds to contribute to this most important relief effort. Along with the District, please consider a personal and club donation to our Disaster Response Fund. Together, we can make a difference! Please support Rotary’s relief efforts today.

With your donation to our Disaster Response Fund, we can support communities and help rebuild lives during this tragic time.  Click HERE to donate now. 

Let’s join together TODAY to “Serve to Change Lives”

Yours in Rotary,

Howard Cohen

Rotary District 5030 Governor

Rotary District 5030 Conference, October 1-3, 2021

It’s time to come together to IGNITE our PASSION with ACTION!

As we begin to come out from the effects of the COVID19 pandemic, we are excited to announce our upcoming Rotary District 5030 Conference to be held in Coeur d’Alene, ID to be held on the weekend of October 1-3, 2021.
 
We can’t wait to get together face to face and hold this event as it will be the first District Conference to be held since the spring of 2019 in Spokane, WA.
 
The conference weekend will start with a golf tournament on the world famous golf course with the floating green with the proceed benefiting Polio Plus! At the same time, for the non-golfers, we will be engaging in a local community service project.
 
The conference will feature outstanding Plenary Session speakers along with fabulous breakout sessions that will cover Rotary’s seven areas of focus, using a fun acronym to remember them by:

  • -P: Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution
  • -C : Child and Maternal Health
  • ???????-W: Water and Sanitation
  • -E: Education and Literacy
  • ???????-E: Economic and Community Development
  • -E: Environmental Sustainability
  • -D: Disease Prevention and Treatment

We will also be honoring Past District Governor Ezra Teshome and his warriors for their amazing work with polio vaccinations in Ethiopia with additional fundraising for Polio Plus.

To find out more about more, register and book your hotel rooms, click on the link www.5030conference.com.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Howard Cohen
Rotary District 5030
District Governor 2021-2022
Direct: (206) 228-5518
Fax: (206) 374-2548

Rotary District 5030 Year End Events

Please join us in celebrating the end of the Rotary year!
Three days of programs & activities are planned for all Rotarians and Rotaractors in the District.

Online:  https://zoom.us/j/99940287206

Discounted Cougar Mountain Zoo admission tickets available until June 21st
                     at https://shop.cougarmountainzoo.org/discount/ROTARY
Meet Saturday at 2PM @ Red Town Trailhead for DG’s hike to DeLeo Wall at Cougar Mountain Regional Park
         Meet Sunday at 10AM @ Nick Loutsis Park Trailhead in Carnation to start bike ride


For more information and to register for Golf and/or RSVP for the Year-end Reception/Dinner/Program
           visit: http://www.rotary5030newcastle.org


Rotary District 5030 Forum: “Race Matters to Rotary,” April 17, 2021

We have the honor of welcoming Valarie Wafer on Saturday, April 17, 2021, for the final “Race Matters to Rotary” online forum of this Rotary year. Valarie is on the Board of Directors of Rotary International and is leading Rotary International’s global DEI effort. The forum begins at 9 a.m.

As Rotarians who care about Rotary’s stand against discrimination, injustice and racism, please join me – and invite your fellow club members too – to hear Valarie’s remarks and to engage with her during the Q&A.

Here is the link to pre-register: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMqf-iprT4sEtwPB3VAt0t8FGngLVuDWXfe

Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change— across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

Cathy Gibson, Rotary District 5030 Governor

University Sunrise Rotary Club Recognized By Rotary District 5030 for Outstanding Growth in Membership

The University Sunrise Rotary Club was recognized by Rotary District 5030 for outstanding membership growth during the 2020-21 Rotary year. We started the year, on July 1, 2020, with 31 members. As of April 9, 2021 we are at 43 members (growth of 39 percent). With three new members in the pipeline, we hope to see that continue!

Find the District Newsletter here. Here is the content of the Newsletter:

Congratulations to the University Sunrise Rotary Club for Outstanding Membership Growth!

Clubs all across our district have welcomed new members this year, and many have experienced a net increase in membership since July 1st. Impressively, the University Sunrise club has seen a 20% growth in membership since the beginning of the 2020- 2021 Rotary year.

“We have been very intentional about a number of things this year,” says Club President Tom Ranken. “We have built up our database considerably and we use it every week to let the greater community know about our programs and our projects. By getting the word out, it helps build a positive brand for the Club in the community.” Ranken adds: “We have been more aggressive about asking people to join the Club. If you show up for a meeting or two, you will be asked if you are interested in joining us.”

What are club members saying about the University Sunrise club?

“I joined mainly for networking opportunities, was blown away by the great speakers and then the service projects really pulled me in.”

“I was a longtime Scoutmaster. One of the parents in our troop invited me to a club meeting. After meeting some members, I realized Rotary was scouting for big kids.”

“I attended a meeting, received a friendly greeting from Club members, enjoyed breakfast, and listened to an interesting presentation from the speaker. I decided then and there that University Sunrise Rotary was the organization I wanted to join. And I did.”

“I visited for the programs and stayed for the service.”

“I rejoined Rotary by becoming a member during COVID-19 in University Sunrise. I have always believed in service before self and defining and discovering myself by being in community with others who want to serve. Joining University Sunrise is like discovering you have this wonderful extended family you never knew about.”

“I joined because it seems that the country is losing its sense of community. I wanted a chance to do some good with good people. Rotary is giving me that chance.”

District Conference Announced: October 1-3, 2021

It’s time to come together to IGNITE our PASSION with ACTION!

As we begin to come out from the effects of the COVID19 pandemic, we are excited to announce our upcoming Rotary District 5030 Conference to be held in Coeur d’Alene, ID to be held on the weekend of October 1-3, 2021.
 
We can’t wait to get together face to face and hold this event as it will be the first District Conference to be held since the spring of 2019 in Spokane, WA.
 
The conference weekend will start with a golf tournament on the world famous golf course with the floating green with the proceed benefiting Polio Plus! At the same time, for the non-golfers, we will be engaging in a local community service project.
 
The conference will feature outstanding Plenary Session speakers along with fabulous breakout sessions that will cover Rotary’s seven areas of focus, using a fun acronym to remember them by:

  • -P: Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution
  • -C : Child and Maternal Health
  • ???????-W: Water and Sanitation
  • -E: Education and Literacy
  • ???????-E: Economic and Community Development
  • -E: Environmental Sustainability
  • -D: Disease Prevention and Treatment

We will also be honoring Past District Governor Ezra Teshome and his warriors for their amazing work with polio vaccinations in Ethiopia with additional fundraising for Polio Plus.

To find out more about more, register and book your hotel rooms, click on the link www.5030conference.com.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Best regards.

Howard Cohen
Rotary District 5030
District Governor 2021-2022