“Every Rotarian, Every Year” Open Forum
                
Panelist :  Norbert Turco, RI Past Director

1030-1200, Saturday, 7 May 2005

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Dear President Glenn,

Dear Chairman-Elect Frank,

Dear Fellows Rotarians, 

This is a great honor for me having been invited to participate at this open forum during this presidential celebration in Taipei.

And for me, this topic we discuss about today “Every Rotarian, Every Year” takes a special importance for the future of our foundation, and seems very consistency with our strategy for the new century.

Even if, in 2003-2004, the contribution to the Annual Program Funds (70M$) well the most important of the history of our organization and that this year, the level would be higher, don’t forget, few years ago, the Rotary Foundation was not able to finance all the matching grants: It did not mean that TRF was short in money, but only because our financial possibilities were not in related with the Rotarian’s dreams.

To face this situation, do you remember, our trustee had decided moratorium about several programs, like 3H and a part of GSE; and these programs were reinstated last year, with the good results in contribution.

Indeed, TRF is like a bank account – without available funds, we cannot invest or withdraw them.

So what does mean this slogan “Every Rotarian, Every Year”? : Two things

-   The first one, each Rotarian would be convinced by a donation of $100 to the Annual Program Funds.

-   The second: we need continuity in this funding and we cannot have volubility like in the financial markets.

The perception of the slogan is different according the part of the world we are. So, I suggest 2 or 3 ways, to improve the contributions, perhaps more appropriate in my area.

-   You know, to realize a good investment in a hotel there are 3 conditions: location, location, location.

In our concern, I say transparency, transparency, transparency.

We must have a perfect transparency not only to communicate our achievements but also to inform the Rotary World, and the non-Rotarians of our financial statements.

Rotary International and the Rotary Foundation have significantly improved their financial communication on the past few years and aim at a better transparency. And audit like this requested by the Chairman T…. Carlo Ravizze will have certainly a position support.

Then, why not, an audit for example every five year and immediate communication of the results.

-   If, in some countries the celebration to TRF don’t allow taxes deductions, we have to imagine to visit Local organized associate.

-   The use of the Rotary credit card should be strongly encouraged because it is a source of reverse for the Annual Programs Fund.

In total, if our TRF demonstrate that our contributions are well utilized, I am confident for a bright future. Then TRF will be in a position to rivet with other organization, in a market where the competition very strong today.