Dear Rotarians,

For this week’s message, I wish to discuss in more detail a great way for our members to become involved in more action at the international level. At the Hamburg convention, I attended a breakout session where I learned about Rotary Action Groups. Taken directly from rotary.org, “Rotary Action Groups are international groups of Rotarians, family members, program participants, and alumni who are experts in a particular field or passionate about topics such as microcredit, peace, the environment, or water.”

“Group members collaborate with clubs and districts on service projects by offering their technical expertise or helping them find partners, funding, and other resources. RAGs (Rotary Action Groups) can also help clubs prepare grant applications, conduct community assessments, raise funds, and establish monitoring and evaluation plans.” As I was listening intently to the presentation, I immediately thought of “Rotary Connects the World” our theme for this Rotary year.

There is a group directory on the RI website, so members can look up groups with interests and a focus that resonates with that member. Groups focus in the areas of promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water and sanitation, saving mothers and children, supporting education/literacy, growing local economies, and RAGS with a multiple focus.

Rotary Action Groups function independently of Rotary Clubs, establishing their own rules, fee structure, and administration. Membership is open to all Rotarians, their families and alumni, but the groups must still be in compliance with Rotary International By Laws and operate in accordance with Rotary.

Rotary Action Groups give members the opportunity to become involved with meaningful service outside the local club, district or country. Partnering with a RAG can benefit clubs and districts by utilizing experts in planning and implementing a project.

There is a downloadable brochure on rotary.org which lists the current RAGs and how to contact them for more information. Don’t see what you are looking for? The brochure describes how to start a Rotary Action Group. New RAGS need the approval of the RI Board of Directors.

An example of one of the RAGS is action: Rotarians for Family Health and AIDS Prevention, sponsors and annual event to provide health care services including HIV testing and counseling to thousands of people in hundreds of sites across Africa. There is a Rotary Action Group focusing on literacy. Upon going to their website, www.litrag.org, I learned that over 776 million people over 15 are illiterate. That is 17% of the world’s population. While our club mission statement focuses on children, the site has a specific program called Rotary TEACH an anacronym for Teacher support, e Learning, Adult Literacy, Child Development and Happy Schools. This is one area, there are 5 other areas of focus with children as a centerpiece!

I urge any of you who may be looking to become involved in an ongoing International Project, to take a look and see what Rotarians around the world are doing and join in!

Jackie Thornhill
President
Las Vegas Rotary Club

Las Vegas Rotary Club Meeting:  August 29, 2019

• President Jackie Thornhill called the meeting to order:

• Toni Kern gave the invocation;

• Jaime Goldsmith led the club in singing “The Star-Spangled Banner”, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance;

• The Sergeant at Arms was Joakim Nyoni;

• There were no International Rotarians, (1) visiting Rotarians and (3) Guests of Rotarians introduced;

• President Jackie encouraged members to log in to Facebook and share the live stream.  There was then a reminder that the People of Action Campaign is still going and the 30th annual peace conference is at Treasure Island on November 16th;

• Melanie Muldowney awarded Rose Falocco as a Major Donor Level 1;

• President Jackie awarded P.P. Jim Kohl with the Rotarian of the Month award;

• Jamie Goldsmith presented a check in the amount of $1,000 to Jimmelle Siarot toward the canned food drive from the funds raised from the brunch event;

• Carey Grohs reminded everyone that the canned food drive to benefit the Salvation Army is currently underway;

• Janet Linder reminded everyone of the new member orientation on September 10th at Francesca Gilbert’s home and encouraged everyone to participate;

• Marie Walsh discussed breakfast with books and reminded all Rotarians to sign up;

• Jaime Goldsmith, announced the high tea on September 15th at La Postte and also, reminded everyone of SOAR awards on September 16th and said the largest need is attendance;

• President Jackie reminded everyone about the highway clean up on September 7th at Old Bonnie Springs entrance gate and brunch afterwards at Sennes’ home;

• Jim Tucker reminded all Rotarians that there is still one space available in the wheel and member photos are now due for next year’s directory;

• The weekly drawing began at $799 plus this week’s donations.  The Ticket Winner was John Ingeme, who received a prize of $10 and the Lawry’s Bucks went to Jaime Goldsmith;

• Bill Stieren introduced John Laub, President and co-founder of the Las Vegas Medical Marijuana Association, who gave updates on the state of Nevada since the legalization of marijuana;

• President Jackie presented our speaker with the “Share What You Can” certificate to benefit the local USO and then adjourned the meeting.