Rotary District 5320 Newsletter

World Understanding Month is an excellent time to stop for a moment and think about the many wonderful programs and projects we have as Rotarians in District 5320 working towards "World Understanding".

Our Group Study Exchange Committee is busy preparing for our visitors from District 1590 in the Netherlands. Plans are being made for a stimulating and welcoming experience for our incoming team.  They will be focusing on conflict resolution advocacy in their respective vocations. This will be another opportunity to make new friends, gain new knowledge and develop an appreciation for another culture. The Dutch team arrives on April 19^th and will be with us until May 15^th.

Our scholars, both Ambassadorial and Peace, are helping to spread Rotary goodwill and information about our district in Netherlands, Scotland, Lebanon, Columbia, Germany, and Egypt. The Rotary Club of Fullerton Sunrise is currently hosting Japanese Ambassadorial Scholar, Furukawa Yoko.

The purpose of the Ambassadorial Scholarship Program is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries. While abroad, scholars serve as ambassadors of goodwill to the people of the host country and give presentations about their homelands to Rotary clubs and other groups. Upon returning home, scholars share with local Rotarians and others the experiences that led to greater understanding of their host countries.

Take for example, current scholar Amy Henslin, who is studying in Germany and blogs: "I'm happy to announce that I chose Migration Studies as my specialization, and I am also super excited about my thesis topic (which will now take over my life till August), "Under what conditions can a feasible path to citizenship in the United States and Germany lessen the economic and social consequences of immigrants in order to allow for more effective integration?" Immigration is a very controversial topic where everyone has an opinion, so I'm excited to look at it from an academic point of view."

As we are nearing the end of our grant application cycle, many clubs are already focusing upon the good works they have planned to make life better for people around the world. You can all be proud of the wide variety of good works that are being done by clubs in District 5320. I would like to encourage each of you to think about other opportunities to promote and experience the programs of Rotary that promote world understanding. Try to participate with and meet the incoming GSE team members. Consider being a host to a Rotary Youth Exchange Student. Visit another Rotary club as you are traveling, whether it is in the US or abroad. Plan to attend the Rotary International Convention in New Orleans in May. There, you can really rub elbows with thousands of fellow Rotarians from many countries around the world.

And don't forget your fellow Rotarians right here in District 5320!  The District Conference committee is working very hard to put together a wonderful Conference. I look forward to seeing you at the Hilton Hotel in Irvine, to "Celebrate The Heart Of Rotary" April 29th, 30^th and May 1^st.  District Assembly will be March 5, 2010. If you have not signed up for either the District Conference or the District Assembly, please do so.  These are great opportunities to hear wonderful motivational speakers, learn about what is going on in the District and give yourself a chance to renew your friendship with the other Rotarians.

World Understanding Month is a time for every club to pause, plan and promote the Fourth Avenue of Service, International Service. Rotary's continued quest for goodwill, peace and understanding among people of the world is done every day by Rotarians who are "Building Communities -Bridging Continents". You get out of Rotary what you put in and more!

Johrita Solari

Governor, Rotary District 5320