Submitted by Jananee Savuntharanathan, District AssistantIt has been an absolute pleasure and honor to serve as District 7080’s first District Assistant. As my term comes to an end, I would like to thank each and every Rotarian/Rotaractor/Interactor and friends of Rotary that I have been able to connect with. Many have been my mentors, many have inspired me, and many helped me make the decision to join a Rotary club.
The District Assistant role started off as an intern position during the 2016-2017 Rotary year. As a university student and Rotaractor at the University of Toronto-Mississauga, I thought this was a great opportunity to learn more about Rotary. The internship position was four months where I got to learn a lot about our organization’s structure and worked with various District committees. The position turned into a part-time role in 2018 for a three-year term. I decided to apply for it as I wanted to further learn about Rotary and felt I had a lot to offer to the role.
Over the course of the last three years, I have worked alongside many presidents, assistant governors, committee chairs and directors. I have worked alongside four District Governors and have met so many Rotarians.
I have been involved in many different projects/tasks such as:
- Streamlining District administrative processes,
- District’s social media, branding and communication strategy,
- Assisting with the District Newsletter
- Assisting with the creation of an International Service Projects website
- Connecting Rotaractors into our Clubrunner system
- Creation of resources to help club presidents
- Creation of resources for Rotaractors
- Assistance for the District Governor, club presidents, directors, committee chairs, assistant governors or Rotarians in anything they may need help with
I have challenged myself in many ways, most recently, when I was creating an educational video about The Rotary Foundation. I had very minimal graphic design or video editing experience, however when there is a vision and a purpose that I connect with, I always challenge myself to learn and try something new.
This role has definitely helped me become a stronger Rotaractor and Rotarian. It ultimately led me to become involved in the creation of our first passport club in the District. The role also prepared me with the knowledge and experience to be the President of Rotary Passport Club South this year.
Our 2020-2021 Rotary theme is, Rotary Opens Opportunities. Thank you District 7080 for the opportunity to serve as your District Assistant.
Yours in Rotary,
Jananee Savuntharanathan
District Assistant, 2018-2021
President, Rotary Passport Club South
Past President, Rotaract Club of Mississauga
Past President, Rotaract Club at University of Toronto Mississauga
Interact Alumni, Gordon Graydon Memorial Secondary School
