District Rotary Foundation Seminar 2005-2006

District 3450

By John Wan, DRFC Chair (D-3450) 2003-2006

The Trustees of The Rotary Foundation are keen that Rotarians understand as much as possible how the Foundation operates and serves the needs of the districts and Rotarians as well as those who need our service. The Foundation Trustees appointed Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinators (RRFC) for different zones and a principal function of these Coordinators is to help educate Districts and Rotarians within their jurisdiction and to speak at the District Rotary Foundation Seminars organized for every district every year. 

District 3450 falls under the jurisdiction of RRFC PDG Dens Shao. Shao is a very keen and knowledgeable Rotarian from District 3520 and had decided very early on to speak at our Foundation Seminar. 

In preparation for the Foundation Seminar, the District Rotary Foundation Committee planned a series of Foundation Workshops by Areas to familiarize clubs and the Rotarians with the basic information and operation of the Foundation and to advise them of the goals and objectives of the District. Between July and October, eight workshops were held and were all very well received. Indeed, some clubs have indicated that they would welcome more workshops on specific topics. We would certainly come to any such sessions on demand. 

The Foundation Seminar took place on 5 November 2005, which is a Saturday, at the Miramar Hotel. We have thought about the time slot carefully to enable most Rotarians to attend without affecting their work too much. The core programme ran from 11am to 4pm with a lunch in between. We had also conferred with RRFC Dens Shao beforehand to ensure that the Seminar contents would not overlap with the Area based Foundation Workshops. 

Following some introductory remarks from Convenor PDG Gloria Cheng and District Governor Peter Wan, I was asked to speak before introducing our keynote speaker and good friend by then PDG Dens Shao. A copy of my speech is attached. 

As we had expected, Dens gave a comprehensive update on The Rotary Foundation in a most lively and interesting fashion. He had obviously thoroughly researched on the principal protagonists of our district so that the visual aids he deployed were relevant as well as entertaining. The result was a solid hour of input on The Rotary Foundation which would benefit everyone. 

It was then show time for PDG Jason Yeung who is also a past RRFC. He spoke on the latest thinking of Evanston on how best to motivate the Foundation alumni for the good of the Foundation as well as Rotary generally. 

Over lunch, RRFC was invited to recognize clubs and Rotarians for their achievements and contributions. 

In the afternoon, the participants were divided into three groups to discuss three equally important subjects, namely, the Foundation’s humanitarian programmes, the Foundation’s educational and cultural programmes, and fund raising for the Foundation. Our keynote speaker visited every session and saw them in action. 

After the group sessions, the District Governor invited the RRFC to present on behalf of the Trustees Chairman a Citation for Meritorious Service to a PDG of the District before launching the Paul Harris Society for the District, the first outside the United States. 

There were then closing remarks from the principal speakers and players before the Seminar ended on a high note and followed by a group photo. 

[Ends]