DG Rudy Habesch visiting his former Rotary Club in Jordan - Dec 2021. 

February is Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution month, and as I return from Jordan where I spent the Christmas holidays, I am reminded that the world is still in turmoil and that there are still many countries that are suffering because of international conflict or internal strife. As matters unfold in Europe, we are also reminded that Rotary still has a large role to play in this arena.
 
From a Rotary perspective, I found that as much as there are cultural and club differences between our districts, we are also facing the same challenges.  For example, in visiting my old club in Jordan I found that in person meetings have continued there, while here in Canada we are more nervous about gathering in crowds.  That said, recruitment, retention, involving youth, leadership – getting members to step-up to the plate are issues we share.
 
In terms of recruitment here in the District, we have been seeing new members come on-board and interesting ones at that.  I had the pleasure of sitting in on a classification talk by one of our new members in Oakville – a gentleman who had been an admiral in the Indian navy.
 
Fundraising is another challenge as we dig deep to find new ways to raise funds as the “tried and true” may not work just now.  We are learning to get creative.  The cluster approach and working in collaboration with other service clubs is proving to be effective.  Let’s build on that synergy.
 
When we look at what is happening internationally, we see so many disasters and because of these tragic occurrences, we now have a committee at the District – the Disaster Advisory Resource Group – DARG – that was set up in 2020 to assist clubs in providing support globally. Check it out on the District website.  This committee doesn’t manage projects, but provides a list of resources that can be used by individual clubs to respond and provide assistance.   As the DARG mentions in their write up, Rotary won’t be able to address every disaster that sadly occurs around the world, but we have learned to mobilize quickly and have formed partnerships with groups like the Canadian Red Cross and ShelterBox so we can support their efforts where needed and where we can.  One of the positive aspects of these partnerships is that Rotary gets to help and be involved as a non-biased entity, without taking sides.
 
I would also like to take this opportunity to let you know that registration for the 2022  District Conference is now open. We are still planning for an in-person conference on May the 28th at Bingemans Conference Centre in Kitchener. Full details can be found at DisCon 2022 website.  So, lets gather for inspiration, fellowship and fun as we learn about new ways to work together to become an even more effective organization, while having a great time doing so. 
 
As Rotarians, we will always find a way to serve our communities best because Together, we are People of Action!
 
DG Rudy Habesch