Rotary International Convention

Welcome to the Global Kalinga e-Rotary Club for the week of Sunday, June 21 through Saturday June 27, 2015. We are an Internet based Rotary Club based in Quezon City, Philippines with core groups of members in Southern California and elsewhere. We serve our local and nearby communities as well as projects in the Philippines,

Inspiration

There are many quotations about Rotary, many from our founder Paul Harris, yet this seems to be appropriate because we do reach halfway around the world, with projects such as Gawad Kalinga. “Whether we are reaching out to those in our own clubs, or reaching halfway across the world, personal involvement has always been fundamental to Rotarian service. When we Lend a Hand, we focus on this personal involvement and wecelebrate our shared humanity. Working together, ready and willing to help our brothers and sisters in need, one hand can become many and there is no limit to what the helping hands of Rotary can accomplish.” — 2003 International Assembly, Anaheim, California, USA

Rotary 4-Way Test

Of the things we think, say or do: 1. Is it the TRUTH? 2. Is it FAIR to all concerned? 3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? 4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?”

By building your team's self-esteem and encouraging them, the entire team becomes stronger.

Sing-Along Song - Rotary International Song

Take your time and sing-along (wherever you may be).

Program

The 2015 Rotary International Convention was held in São Paulo, Brazil.RI President Gary C.K. Huang called the 106th Rotary International Convention to order on 6 June at Anhembi Parque. More than 14,000 attendees from all over the world had assembled for the four-day festival.President Huang called the convention a "festival of ideas" and the highlight of his year as president. "It provides the stage to showcase our achievements and inspire each other with stories and new ideas," he said.

Huang began his keynote speech by celebrating the year's gains in membership, a top priority of his presidency."Rotary clubs around the globe have engaged in tireless efforts to bring capable leaders into our organization," said Huang. "Their hard work has paid off. As of the end of May, 30 zones have increased their membership in the past 11 months. This Rotary year there has been a 47,884 net membership increase, which is a 4 percent increase, and the best in the last 14 years."

Huang praised the service projects he had seen during his travels as president, including a clean water initiative in Myanmar, a dental care project in Thailand, and food banks in the U.S. "If every Rotarian could see all of this work, see the way that Rotary is changing lives, I know we would not have any more membership problems in Rotary," he said.Rotary has clubs in more than 200 countries and territories, covering more of the world than even the United Nations does. But Huang said that opportunities for Rotary service still lie in other areas, including China, Laos, and Vietnam.Huang touted Rotary's expansion into China, a country that he says offers Rotary great room for growth. Membership in Rotary clubs in China is for expatriates only, and the 300 Rotary members there come from 23 countries. Rotary has expanded from Beijing and Shanghai to other cities. The RI Board of Directors approved chartering 10 more prospective clubs. "I hope the extension will pave the way for our future in China," Huang said."We have done a successful job expanding our clubs in new territories.

But membership growth is also crucial to our future growth," he added.Huang applauded the 50 new members of the Arch Klumph Society, which honors those who donate at least $250,000 to The Rotary Foundation. Their contributions totaled more than $220 million this year, an increase of $12 million from last year. "Their donations will enable Rotary to light up the world through a wide range of local and international projects," he said.Huang closed his speech by reflecting on a Confucian saying that has guided and motivated him: "It is better to light a single candle than to sit and curse the darkness.""Instead of cursing and complaining about world problems, we take action and make small changes one at a time," he said. "But nothing we do is ever small. It all adds up. Every candle you light makes a difference."

Opening of the 2015 Rotary International Convention

Fernando Haddad, mayor of São Paulo, and Geraldo Alckmin, governor of São Paulo state, also took the stage to welcome attendees. Huang joined Alckmin on stage and noted Alckmin had agreed to join Rotary.Later in the program, the Phoenix fire dancers entertained the audience. The performance incorporated pyrotechnics and laser lights.

Rotarians celebrated the opening of the House of Friendship and attend the Opening Session of the 2015 Rotary International Convention in São Paulo, Brazil.

Anne Kjaer Riechert shares her experience as a Peace Fellow in Japan as well as her two exciting new ventures since graduating.

Beth Murphy - What Tomorrow Brings

One of the many programs during the convention, documentary filmmaker, journalist, and founder of Principle Pictures, Beth Murphy addresses the Rotary International convention in São Paulo, Brazil. Learn more at www.buildaschooltoday.com.

There are many more videos of the 2015 Rotary International Convention in São Paulo, Brazil. You may review them on Rotary International's website: Rotary's Convention Coverage

Club Business

President-elect Celly held her planning meeting last Saturday at the Delfin's Hacienda. Minutes and video highlights will be available soon.

Remember, the donated cost on the installation dinner has been increased from the early bird spoecial of $45.00 to $50.00 The installation dinner will be on July 11, 2015 from 6:00 to 10:00 pm (perhaps later) at Malarkey's Grill in Long Beach. RSVP and details are available on the website and the Facebook Members group.