Frequently, Rotarians ask what they
should be doing in their Club, District and as individuals to help
promote the 100th Anniversary of Rotary International. The official
launching of Centennial activities was February 23, and
continued through Rotary’s Centennial Convention in Chicago from June 18
to 23, 2005. The following twelve steps were provided for
Rotarians who wished to become involved in promoting and supporting this
once-in-a-lifetime Rotary event. Cliff
Dochterman, Chairman Centennial Operations Committee
#1 -- CENTENNIAL POLIOPLUS GOALS
In 1982, the Rotary’s PolioPlus program was designated a "birthday gift
to the children of the world" for our 2005 Centennial. Every Rotarian's
activity to help conduct National Immunization Days, supporting
PolioPlus Partners projects, or maintain awareness of PolioPlus can
actually assist Rotary achieve our Centennial Goal of a "polio-free
world."
#2 -- ROTARY CENTENNIAL COMMUNITY PROJECTS
Every Rotarian should help and encourage their club to complete a
Centennial Community Project to fulfill some significant community need.
Over 5000 clubs have registered their Centennial Community projects with
Rotary International. (This can still be done.) Children’s playgrounds,
community parks, health clinics, groves of trees, senior centers, food
banks and civic plazas are but a few of the various projects planned
around the world.
#3 -- CREATE A CENTENNIAL TWIN CLUB
Hundreds of clubs have established a "twin club" in another part of the
world to promote international goodwill and friendship through joint
projects, youth exchange, World Community Service, Friendship Exchanges
and regular communication. Rotarians should seek out a "twin club,"
register the relationship and create new experiences in international
fellowship.
#4 -- CENTENNIAL DISPLAYS OF ROTARY IN YOUR
COMMUNITY
Many clubs are collecting memorabilia, photographs of service
activities, civic awards given to Rotary, and other interesting
historical items to prepare attractive centennial displays for store
windows, libraries and local museums. The rich history of Rotary in your
community can be portrayed on high quality displays and posters to show
how Rotary has been a significant influence to the quality of life in
your community. Rotary International has produced a set of three
colorful Centennial posters (at a cost of only $10) which can be
incorporated into local displays.
#5 -- CENTENNIAL PEACE SEMINAR AT THE UNITED
NATIONS
Rotarians can make plans now to attend and participate in the Centennial
Seminar at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City in the
spring of 2005. World leaders, Rotary Peace Scholars, and Rotarians will
explore critical issues related to peace, goodwill, conflict resolution
and international understanding. Details of this seminar will soon be
announced.
#6 -- CENTENNIAL ‘SERVICE ABOVE SELF’ VOLUNTEER
MONTH
The vocational avenue of Rotary will be observed the month of April,
2005 during Centennial Volunteer Month. All Rotarians will be encouraged
to volunteer at least 10 hours of service in their vocation, profession,
avocation or community service during the month. The event will
demonstrate the tremendous importance and commitment which Rotarians
have given in serving their communities during the past 100 years. A
special report form will be made available to record each club’s
volunteer contribution. Local club leaders should soon be planning
community volunteer activities. A worldwide goal of 10 million hours of
donated service is anticipated from the Rotarians of the world.
#7 -- CENTENNIAL HISTORY BOOK
A beautiful 354 page book has been written called, "A Century of Service – The Story of Rotary
International." This colorful historical publication is now on sale for
$25. Many Rotarians will want to secure a personal copy of the book, as
well as additional copies to place in local libraries. The story of
Rotary would also make a nice gift to college, university and high
school libraries. Each club should anticipate where the Centennial
History Book should be donated.
#8 -- CENTENNIAL CLUB ACTIVITIES
Many clubs are already setting aside one meeting per month, beginning in
July, 2004, to feature the Centennial as the club meeting program.
Twelve power-point presentations are under production for use at one of
the meetings of Rotary clubs each month. These presentations on
different historical features and programs of Rotary may be downloaded
from the Rotary website as soon as the power-point presentations are
completed. Monthly historical features will cover such topics as Rotary
and Youth activities; Community Service; The Rotary Foundation; the Past
Presidents of Rotary; Polio Eradication and Rotary, etc. Clubs and
districts will also be planning birthday celebration banquets during
February, 2005. Many Clubs are scheduling a short "historical moment" at
each club meeting to recall special events in Rotary’s first 100 years.
#9 -- CENTENNIAL PUBLIC IMAGE ACTIVITIES
The 100th birthday of Rotary International is the greatest opportunity
Rotary has ever had to expand our public image. It is a chance to tell
the community and the world what Rotary is and what Rotary does.
Rotarians should be planning now to take advantage of every local media
opportunity. Many clubs are seeking support from billboard companies for
free or reduced costs to place attractive centennial billboards and
large posters which tell of a century of service to the world. Some
clubs are planning special sections of newspapers and television
productions to commemorate Rotary in their community. A documentary
video has been commissioned and is being prepared for showing on U.S.
Public Broadcasting stations, and later become available and translated
for worldwide distribution. Rotary International is preparing materials
for public service announcements on radio and television which clubs may
use locally. Some states are seeking Rotary commemorative license plates
which promote the Rotary identity along the highways. Many clubs are
appointing public relations teams to promote the centennial.
#10 – CENTENNIAL GOALS FOR MEMBERSHIP AND
FOUNDATION GIVING
Two major goals will challenge Rotarians during the Centennial
celebration. The Centennial Membership goal is to seek several hundred
thousand new Rotarians during 2004-05. By bringing in new members Rotary
will demonstrate that even at the age of 100, Rotary Inter-national is
still strong, healthy and very attractive to men and women of all ages.
An active membership, retention and orientation plan should be created
in all clubs to achieve this goal. A Rotary Foundation contribution goal
of an average $100 per member has been established for the Centennial.
This goal will require a personal commitment and some sacrifice by many
Rotarians. However, when achieved, it will enable the humanitarian and
educational programs of The Rotary Foundation to be greatly expanded.
#11 – CENTENNIAL CONVENTION IN CHICAGO
All of the Centennial activities will culminate at the International
Convention to be held in Chicago in June, 2005. Thousands of Rotarians
are already making plans to attend the convention of the century. A
centennial parade will initiate a fantastic convention weekend. Many
groups are already preparing to participate in the parade through the
streets of Chicago. World renown speakers will be on hand and visiting
Rotarians will find Rotary at its very best. A large menu of activities
is being planned by the host, Chicago Rotary Club Number One.
#12 – CENTENNIAL ROTARY WEBSITE
There are dozens of other ideas on the Rotary International website
www.rotary.org which will give
your club and district many additional ways to observe the Rotary
Centennial. Browse the Centennial pages to learn more about the
Centennial Bell, the Centennial Calendar, 100 Ideas for Rotary clubs,
Famous Rotarians, and much, much more. The Centennial is limited only by
the imagination of Rotarians.
