Time to consider Ambassadorial Scholarships

Ambassadorial Scholarships, The Rotary Foundation's oldest and best-known program, was founded in 1947. Since then, nearly 38,000 men and women from about 100 nations have studied abroad under its auspices. Today it is the world's largest privately funded international scholarships program. Nearly 800 scholarships were awarded for study in 2005-06. Through grants totaling approximately US$500 million, recipients from about 70 countries studied in more than 70 nations.
"The Rotary Foundation does some terrific things, not the least of which is the Ambassadorial Scholarships program." — Michael R. Whiteman, international programs director, University of Idaho
The purpose of the Ambassadorial Scholarships program is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries and geographical areas. The program sponsors several types of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students as well as for qualified professionals pursuing vocational studies. While abroad, scholars serve as goodwill ambassadors to the host country and give presentations about their homelands to Rotary clubs and other groups. Upon returning home, scholars share with Rotarians and others the experiences that led to a greater understanding of their host country.

The February issue of the Rotarian magazine covers the topic of polio with a new twist. It contains a 16-page illustrated feature, “Amazing Stories of Polio,” which explores some of the history and science behind the disease and its eradication. The story of Polio eradication is told through the medium of graphic art. This innovative way to tell the Polio story potentially appeals to the Gen X, Gen Y and Millenial generations, who grew up reading comics and magazines in similar formats.

With Four Months remaining we can achieve our membership goals

There are four months remaining for this Rotary year - still time for clubs and Districts to achieve their membership goals. Why not contact your clubs to see what help and guidance we can offer them to recruit new members to revitalise our great association. Remember..... MEMBER GETS MEMBERS  

Welcome to the Rotary International Zone 18 Membership Blog

The purpose of our membership blog is to keep the Zone 18 District Governors and District Membership Chairs up to date on the latest initiatives on membership recruitment and retention.

By sharing best practice and seeing what succeeds, we can significantly increase our membership. So please keep me posted on what is happening in your District and how membership is progressing.

Ray M Burman RRIMC Z18 

Get connected with Rotary's social networking sites

Rotary clubs are using social networking sites to contact Rotarians and Rotaractors toughout the Rotary World. By utilising social networking as a valuable tool, clubs are able to link up with other clubs to undertake joint projects. Utilising social networking sites provides a great opportunity to find other Rotarains with an interest in membership issues.

Rotary International now has a presence on several sites, including Facebook , YouTube , LinkedIn , and Twitter . Search the sites for other members who list Rotary as one of their interests or activities and get connect. By communicating across the Rotary world, you can share ideas and information. Why not start an online discussions about membership recruitment, retention and forming new clubs .

Get The Latest RVM

In this newest issue, see how Rotarians are using vocational service to help rural students in Wisconsin and urban youth in Chicago reach their potential.

District 1240 Purple Up

During the week 23rd February to 1st March 2009, Rotary clubs throughout District 1240held numerous events to raise money to help eradicate polio once and for all, supporting the Rotary International End Polio Now programme– one of the world’s biggest ever immunisation programmes.
Polio has no cure. It is a crippling and potentially fatal disease and children under the age of five are at greatest risk. However Polio is easy to prevent by vaccination that costs just 50p. When a child is vaccinated, they have a purple stamp put on their little finger – giving them a Purple Pinkie.

Purple Pinkie Week in D1240

District Governor Ken Buck has joined in with the Purple Pinkie celebration by showing how easy it is to "Purple Up"

Purple Pinkie Week

Clubs in District 1240 (England) are planning a Purple Pinkie Week with club members visiting schools, colleges, universities, and shopping centers 23 February through 1 March to gain public support for ending polio. Advertisements in major newspapers have been promoting the event, which gets its name from the purple dye applied to a child's little finger during National Immunization Days.

RI President-elect John Kenny announces the 2009-10 RI theme, The Future of Rotary Is in Your Hands