District 32220 Rotary Opens Opportunities Governor's Governor’s Monthly Letter - 1 s t July 2020 Quest Volume 1

“Rotary is an invitation to endless opportunities and creates pathways”

Year ahead... Editor’s Note Rotary International President-Elect Holger Knaack is encouraging Rotarians to seize the many opportunities Rotary offers to enrich their lives and the communities they serve. Revealing his Presidential Theme for 2020/2021, as Rotary Opens Opportunities, to incoming District Governors at the Rotary International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA, in January 2020 he said that Rotary isn't just a club for people to join, but rather an invitation to endless opportunities and creates pathways for members to improve their lives and the lives of those they help through service projects.

“Rotary creates leadership opportunities and gives members the chance to travel the world to put their service ideas into action and make lifelong connections. Everything we do opens another opportunity for someone, somewhere.”

He stressed on Clubs and Districts to think about how to grow in a sustainable and organic way, focus on keeping current members engaged and adding new members who are the right fit for their club that included more women in leadership roles and see Rotaractors play an integral role in how new clubs are formed. Urging members to embrace change so Rotary can expand and thrive, he noted “We will not let rapid change defeat us. We will capture this moment to grow Rotary, making it stronger, more adaptable, and even more aligned with our core values”

Overall, the new Theme asks Rotarians to create opportunities that strengthen their leadership, help put service ideas into action, and improve the lives of those in need. Rotary Opens Opportunities

1 District 32220 Rotary Opens Opportunities Governor's Quest

22 June 2020 Dear fellow Rotarians:

Ask any Rotarian what led them to Rotary, and you’ll usually get different answers. Why? Not only does Rotary mean RI President’s different things to members in different parts of the world, it also has a unique meaning for each Rotarian.

Message However, we are all brought together in three important ways. We believe in Rotary values and all share the same Four Way Test. We believe in friendships and love spending time together. And we take great satisfaction in helping others – we are committed to Service.

The District Board has assumed important responsibilities and I thank them for this hard work. They have made a commitment to help grow Rotary, adapt to the digital future and make Rotary more appealing to younger generations.

We have important work in front of us and so many opportunities to open for others and ourselves. I hope you will continue your journey with us, as we continue to serve our communities so that future generations can thrive as Rotary Opens Opportunities.

Regards,

Holger Knaack President, Rotary International 2020-21

As we step into a new Rotary year, “Business as usual” is no longer exists and we as Rotarians, I believe we need to think in novel and creative ways about how we will re-introduce ourselves to the communities, address Governor’s and reinforce community relationships. Priorities will evolve and we will see many changes in Rotary with all the individual clubs finding ways to maintain membership engagement during a time we have had to stop in-person Message meetings. We need to learn how to manage projects under these circumstances and serve our communities with the same commitment and zeal, whilst adopting to the New Normal. Overall, I trust we need right now to work towards creating a New Rotary Normal in and around us.

We had our very first virtual Rotary District Assembly followed by Membership Development seminar and the Grants Management seminar both virtually, showcasing record numbers of participation, all of which confirmed the commitment and passion of our Rotarians, where I observe not only the active involvement but also the enthusiasm they showed throughout the programme.

The RI President Holger Knaack himself attending the event together with our own PRIP Ravi, both the Directors in our region Dr. Bharat Pandya and Kamal Sanghvi, Directors Elect, TRF Trustee and many more added the colour to our programmes and that was really a rare opportunity.

I have also seen clubs launching impressive projects that are geared in contributing immensely towards managing and overcoming the pandemic and serving the whole nation whilst extending their helping hands for those who needed assistance during the lockdown.

Sighting all these dazzling projects, it has given me a great confidence that I can count on each of you and look forward to a fabulous Rotary year where my Brave Titans, The Comrades in Service will continue to serve their communities for it's betterment. So, let us keep adapting and moving forward and not wait for opportunities to knock, but create the opportunities instead, where we make a move and transform the community around us. The doors are now open, come in, let us together make this world a better place!

Thanking you

Let’s keep adapting and Ajith Weerasinghe moving forward and not wait District Governor 2020-21 for opportunities to knock, but create the opportunities instead,

2 District 32220 Rotary Opens Opportunities Governor's Quest TRAINING TO OPEN THE DOORS TO OPPORTUNITIES THE ASSISTANT GOVERNORS SEMINAR

The Assistant Governors in Rotary are the key connection between the Clubs The training that was organized with no compromises made in terms of it's and the District and therefore the relationships they build with Club leaders quality, had a panel of distinguished speakers and trainers that consisted of leads for stronger Clubs that ultimately pave the way for the District to be PDG Krish Rajendran, District Trainer 2020-21 who conducted a stronger in each Rotary Year. Therefore the Assistant Governors Training that motivational session titled “You Are the Key”- Roles & Responsibilities which takes place prior to each new Rotary year is an utmost important one. outlined how best to work with their designated Clubs. Other sessions conducted included PDG Dr. V. Vijaykumaran who spoke on the “Our Rotary This year the AGTS started with it's own unique twist. Due to have been Foundation” and PDG Suri Rajan, District Advisor 2020-21 who touched on held in Kumarakom, Cochin, India with a star studded program was the subject of the Governor's Visit and Financial Guidelines. This was dampened by the influx of the Coronavirus overtaking the world that put a followed by a session on Vibrant Clubs, Goals & supporting Clubs by PDG stop to all international travel plans. Never one to be defeated in face of Gowri Rajan and PDG George Jesudasan giving insights on Clubs requiring adversity, the incoming Governor Ajith Weerasinghe was determined to special attention. Toast Master Sudath Fernando's motivation speech was a go forth and hold the AGTS for his team and not deprive them of the great conclusion to the training session that had the participants energized opportunity of receiving their training as well as the fellowship that went and activated to give their best towards the Clubs they have been towards initiating the bonding of his team. Using his influence and designated to serve. connections he did the unthinkable and a memorable event organized within a period of just two days and put together a comprehensive and The fellowship that followed was done with aplomb and style of Rotary that interesting training at the Habarana Lodge in mid-March. had the District Team rocking to good music, sumptuous food and high spirits. Altogether, it could be said that this year's AGTS had the correct The journey to the AGTS had the entire team in one bus that had blend of intensive training, intensive bonding and intensive fellowship. A everyone bonding and connecting with each other singing popular songs Clap to DG Ajith and his team for putting together this interesting and and some tasty “ on the bus meals” . Upon reaching the venue the team valuable event! also enjoyed an unforgettable safari at the Minneriya National park.

3 District 32220 Rotary Opens Opportunities Governor's Quest Rotary District 3220 holds the first ever Rotary Virtual District Assembly

In view of the annual changeover of Rotary leadership each year, close we are to achieving a Polio free world. special effort is required to provide Club Leaders with appropriate instructions for the tasks they are required to embark. The annual The participating Clubs attended workshops on initiating service District Assembly is therefore the major leadership training event in projects in the six focus areas of Rotary, increasing Membership, each Rotary District across the world. building the Public Image of Rotary and had informative discussions on all phases of Rotary administration and Youth Service. This year with the Covid 19 Pandemic leading to lockdowns all over the country meant that large gatherings were taboo and physical meetings Incoming Presidents and Secretaries as well as other Rotarians was not at all on the cards. However, the ever robust Rotarians of selected for leadership positions were sent through the paces with District 3220 overcame the challenges of this situation by breaking motivational and inspirational sessions that offered them necessary barriers and going on to conduct the first ever Rotary District Virtual knowledge and strategies to manage their Clubs, Members, key Assembly with a record number of over 900 participants attending and Committees and Projects. Some of the most experienced District featuring a host of eminent speakers who kept the audience engaged Leaders of 3220 conducted these informative sessions giving all on various topics of interest. . participants valuable new ideas to make their Club more effective, interesting and relevance. From RIDN A.S. Venkatesh who gave a synopsis of how he intended to use his two-year in office as Director to make a difference, to RID Kamal The highlight of the event was the collaring of the new Rotary Sanghvi outlining the important role Rotary had to play in ensuring Governor of our District for the year 2020/2021. Outgoing Governor every child had access to education and every human being had food, S.Karunakaran handed over the reins to DG Ajith Weerasinghe who water and basic health facilities. Both the speakers emphasized the role delivered an encouraging speech that informed Clubs on how he of “Service above Self” that needs to be emulated by all Rotarians. intends to keep up with the theme of the year “Rotary opens opportunities”. Giving an insight into the key projects planned and The event also had the privilege of hosting RI President 2020/21 Holger the citation criteria, DG Ajith urged the Brave Titans in the Clubs to Knaack as a key note speaker who addressed participants on the theme join him in the quest of taking Rotary to a new and higher level of of “Rotary Opens Opportunities” and highlighted how the Theme service and in strengthening & extending the membership. could be used for doing good in the world over the coming Rotary year. The Q & A session that followed was a very interactive one with Ending on a high note, the event demonstrated how doing things members from various Clubs posing questions on different areas of differently was not only exciting but also derived value for all those service and receiving valuable insights from RI President Holger. who participated and paved the way for the next generation of leaders to take the helm with trust and confidence . Our own PRIP K R Ravindran updated the audience on Rotary's credible journey on the eradication of Polio from the world and informed how Well done to the District Team for your innovative efforts!

Eminent Speakers

RI President 2020-21 RI Director RI Director Nominee PRIP & TRF Holger Knaack Kamal Sanghvi A.S. Venkatesh Trustee Chair 2020-21 Ravi Ravindran

4 District 32220 Rotary Opens Opportunities Governor's Quest CELEBRATING AND DRIVING MEMBERSHIP AMIDST CHALLENGING TIMES Membership Seminar

PDG. Dr. Bharat Pandya RI Director Eminent Speakers: PDG. Gurgee Singh RI Coordinator Rtn. Ajay Goal RI Region AL Membership Officer

For Rotarians around the world, the engine RC delivering the welcome address invigorating speech on how to get the best out that powers the vehicle of Rotary is its and Seminar Moderator PDG Thariq Thulba, of members in a voluntary organisation, gave membership as with each new addition to its District Advisor Elect – Membership sharing much food for thought and was well received member network comes a flow of new ideas, the opening remarks. by all participants. and fresh initiatives that fuel and reinvigorate clubs, ensuring that its goals continue to Keynote Speech by RI Director Dr. Bharat remain innovative, relevant and timely. Pandya who spoke on the topic 'Membership opens Opportunities. A presentation by Zone The seminar was initiated and driven by the Rotary Coordinator PDG Gurjeet Singh Rotary District Governor Elect for and Sekhon, and District Chairman Elect – Maldives Ajith Weerasinghe whose Membership PP G.S. Sylvester who spoke on commendable efforts to seamlessly transform 'Achieving Membership Goals 2020/21' and the previously planned physical seminar into a then by Ajay Goyal – Regional Membership virtual session on 30th May 2020. The virtual Officer, RI South Asia Office, New Delhi who membership seminar kicked off with President discussed the support rendered by Rotary Alex Cooray, Chairman of the Organising Club, International. Toast Master Niranjan De Silva 's

“Give today to help Grant doing good in the RRFC ment ” TRF TrusteeGulam A. Vahanvaty age orrow John Daniel Man world tom Gulam A.Vahanvaty the seminar with key Participants logged out of inar that comprised of Gulam anaging Sem renowned speakers d ways of m en enabling The ways that include otary Foundation has be s t e e , D G J o h n takea The R h a n m a t h y , T R F T r u rojects, Stewardship to improve health, V a successful Grant P across the world Foundation Coordinator, rms of Rotarians Daniel,Regional Rotary , understanding the Te help alleviation of poverty. The Rotary management support education and John, Senior Coordinator, ct planning and carry Roy Ooem lification for Grants, proje grant funds to finance and G V. Vijayakumaran, Qua Rotary clubs access Foundation Team and PD projects. Each Rotary year , budget creation. out these humanitarian District Rotary Foundation Chairman. train Rotary club Grant Seminar is held to ensuring that his the Ajith went a step further by how to manage a Rotary also addressed the DG a leaders to understand DG Ajith Weerasinghe joined him in person at you on main district team , learn stewardship expectations the topic of “ My Year with me town of Foundation grant gathering on d venue in this own ho on the importance selecte qualify to receive grant funds. where he stressed participating district team and Foundation”, the Negambo, where the foundation and called upon norms also th of giving to the social distancing on the 7 in their regions whilst maintaining the virtual grant seminar held to choose worthy projects event by making the This year clubs gave added colour to the develop effective and he betterment of those be June 2020. teach how to that would assist in t a “ live” event that could grants to audience experience and the applications process and apply for the necessary homes. sustainable projects communities from the comfort of their own the grants . . viewed and criteria required to obtain carry out these worthy endeavors.

5 District 32220 Rotary Opens Opportunities Governor's Quest Citations Criteria Rotary year 2020-21

DISTRICT CITATION 2020/2021 7) Actively take part in the construction of the District ROTARY OPENS OPPORTUNITIES Rotary Centre 8) Actively take part in one of the ongoing projects which Rotary Clubs are called upon to display that they are truly was carried out from previous years : opens opportunities during the year 2020/2021. Clubs will

be recognized with the District Citationth if they achieve the following mandatory goals by 16 May, 2021. a) Heart Surgery Mandatory Goals b) Road Safety Programme c) Dengue Awareness Programme 1) Clubs should target Each member to bring a new d) Tree Planting Project member But on the average Clubs with the following 9) Highlight the importance of the family of Rotary by st membership as at 1 July, 2020 to achieve the appointing a committee in your club and implement at percentages given below: least 3 meeting / activities / events involving Rotarians families, Rotaractors, Interactors, Widows, and Clubs Membership % Achievement Widowers of former Rotarians and others 1 – 20 50% 21 – 30 40% 10) Participate in a Youth service by : 31 – 40 30% 41- 60 20% a) Starting a new Interact / Rotaract Club or >60 15 b) Participating Youth Exchange , RYLA, Programme by sponsoring or hosting participants 2) Achieve the contribution / Rotary Foundation Goal or as discussed and agreed between the respective c) Organize or be associated with a career Club President and the District Governor guidance, Youth Learning Programme

3) Full representation of the Board at the Rotary 11) Promote Rotary in the community through a well- District Training Assembly to be held in May 2020, organized Public relation programme. The PI effort duly certiied by the District Secretary could be associated with a community / Service Project of the Club 4) Minimum Registrations at the District Conference to be held in the month of March 2021 should be 12) Carry out a project / programme towards ethnic and as follows : communal harmony District Conference Registration 13) Conduct a programme / fellowship activity that brings smiling faces / happiness to children aflicted with life Clubs Membership % Achievement threatening illnesses (cardiac treatment, cancer, etc) 1 – 30 40% 31 – 40 30% 14) Clubs are encouraged to have its own website and link it >41 25% to the District website 5) Register at least 3 Rotarians or as required for 15) Have at least 30% of members add their skills and each of the District Seminars interests in their proile on My Rotary 6) Implement projects in at least 3 of the following 16) Establish or maintain a twin club relationship areas to beneit the community : 17) To participate in the Districts, Stop the spread Project a) Water and/or sanitation and Achieve the Mutually Agreed Goals b) Basic education and literacy c) Maternal and Child Care 18) Partner with the Little Minds Strong Values (LMSV) d) Community and economic development project by encouraging 2-5 neighboring schools to e) Disease prevention and treatment participate. (They will have the opportunity to winning Rs. 500,000 worth of prizes)

6 District 32220 Rotary Opens Opportunities Governor's Quest Assistant Governors Club Grouping 2020-21 Group AG Name Contact Number Email Designated Clubs Mid City 1 IPP S. Saravanan Soundararajan 0774701770 [email protected] Colombo Regency RC Colombo Colombo Uptown Mount Lavinia Colombo Downtown 2 PP Jude Fernando 0777587176 jude[email protected] Colombo Metropolitan RC Negombo Colombo South Pan Colombo Colombo Central 3 PP S Rajmohan 0777396655 [email protected] Colombo Centennial RC Colombo East Colombo Biyagama 4 PP Asoka Pieris 0773222223 [email protected] Pamunugama RC Colombo North Colombo Circle Colombo Infinity Sri Jayawardenapura 5 PP Damith Udasena 0773407761 [email protected] RC Kurunegala Gampaha Wariyapola Capital City 6 PP Lalith Bulathsinghala 0777587107 [email protected] Colombo City RC Negombo Colombo Heritage E Club of Greater Colombo Colombo Midtown 7 PP Dinesh Kumar 0776492058 [email protected] Colombo West RC Colombo Centennial Colombo Reconnections Male 8 PP Charmaine Ratnagopal 0712594866 [email protected] Colombo East RC Pan Colombo Colombo Colombo North Negombo 9 PP Kirthie Ranaweera 0773829684 [email protected] Nikarweratiya RC Pamunugama Panduwasnuwara Jaela - Kandana Badulla 10 IPP K. Wigneshwaran 0777395371 [email protected] Nallur RC Kandy Jaffna Chunnakkam Pussellawa Kandy Heritage 11 IPP Sepalika Panagoda 0773121627 [email protected] Kandy Metropolitan RC Colombo South Galle 12 PP Sugath Rajapakse 0775305895 [email protected] RC Kelaniya Panadura Ratnapura Gem City Trincomalee 13 IPP V Parthipan 0718292207 [email protected] Kalmunai RC Batticola Batticoloa Heritage Batticoloa 14 PP Prashanthan Bernard 0772222559 [email protected] Killinochchi Town RC Jaffna Mannar Chunnakkam Heritage Athugalpura 15 PP Prabhath Fernando 0773525773 [email protected] Kurunegala RC Anuradhapura Kuliyapitiya Ibbagamuwa Ampara 16 PP Nimal Rathnayake 0718311002 [email protected] Dickoya RC Badulla Nuwara Eliya Polgahawela 17 IPP R Sridharan 0777359199 [email protected] Kegalle RC Matale Katugastota Anuradhapura Kandy 18 PP Mohan Rajendram 0722981408 [email protected] Kandy Hill Capital RC Katugastota Matale Matale Central

7 District 32220 Rotary Opens Opportunities Governor's Quest

District Team.

DISTRICT GOVERNOR S T N E V E

8