Presentation by Rotaractors Thansen Paandi (India), James Lovatt (UK), and Alana Wilson (Australia) from a workshop at the 2012 Rotaract Preconvention Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand.

1. Rotaract PreConvention 2012
Topic A: Connecting with
Rotaract’s Global Network
Thansen Paandi
Rotaract Club of Bhagyanagar, India
Past District Rotaract Representative D3150
President South Asia MDIO 2011-12
James Lovatt
Leamington & Warwick Rotaract Club, United Kingdom
District Rotaract Representative D1060 2011-12
Chair Elect Rotaract in Great Britain & Ireland MDIO 2012-13
Alana Wilson
Gunargarang Rotaract Club, Sydney, Australia
Inaugural President Rotary Australia MDIO 2010-11
Past District Rotaract Representative D9690

2. Rotaract
The more friends you have
the easier it is for you to
understand other people
and other cultures etc.

3. Rotaract PreConvention 2012
♦ Twin Club:
To emphasize the international aspect of
Rotaract service and friendship
♦ Joint Service Projects :
To establish a long-term relationship with another
club that will lead to ongoing projects
♦ Home Hosting:
To enhance understanding of another culture
and foster goodwill

4. Rotaract PreConvention 2012
Careful planning
&
clear communication
Are essential to establish
a strong rotaract relationship.

5. Skype & Social Media
• Joint club meetings for sharing best practice - video conferencing
• MDIOs use skype for communication over large distances
• Facebook group reaches over 60,000
• 8 Twitter discussions so far
• Range of topics
• World Rotaract Week
• Recruitment & Promotion
• Professional Development
• Rotary involvement
• Timezones
• http://storify.com/rotaract/
•Advantages/disadvantages?

6. Rotaract MDIOs
What are they and why do we have them?
Rotaract in Great Britain & Ireland (RGBI) is a Multi-District Information Organisation (MDIO),
formed in 1993 and covers Great Britain, Ireland, the Channel Islands & Isle of Man,
encompassing districts 1010 to 1290.
It’s main aim is to gather & share information around all 29-member districts.
Funds used for MDIO activity must be obtained on a voluntary basis
only
Meet up to discuss how to best serve their districts a few times a year
An important thing to remember is that MDIO’s have no legislative
power, except for decisions regarding the MDIO itself where each
District Rotaract Representative then has 1 vote.

7. Regional Conferences
• APRRC - Asia Pacific Rotaract Regional Conference
• INTEROTA - started in 1981
• ROTASIA
• REM - Rotaract Europe Meeting - twice yearly; plus EUCO
•Rotaract PreConvention
• District specific events

8. Interota
• Worldwide event held every 3 years
• Egypt 2011, Seoul 2008, Germany 2005......
• Workshops & discussion forums
• Speakers on topics of interest, including RI representative
• Network with fellow Rotaractors
• Service Project
• Bidding for next event
• Socialise & see what the local area has to offer!

9. Connecting to the Rotary
Network
Alana Wilson
Gunargarang Rotaract Club, Sydney, Australia
Inaugural President Rotary Australia MDIO 2010-11
Past District Rotaract Representative D9690

10. New Generations Exchange
• Provide the opportunity
to learn about a different
culture while fostering
goodwill and
understanding
• Are open to students and
young professionals ages
18-25

11. New Generations Exchange
• Usually last from a few weeks to three
months
• May be arranged for individuals or a
group
• Can involve home stays, tours or camps
• Can also include a vocational element

12. Rotary Foundation Programs
• Peace Fellowships
– Fellows earn a master’s degree in:
• international relations
• sustainable development
• peace studies
• conflict resolution
– Or a professional development
certificate in peace and conflict
studies

13. Rotary Foundation Programs
• Vocational Training Teams
– Teams consist of Rotarians and Non-Rotarians in
careers linked to the goal of the grant
– Teams provide or receive training in one area of
focus
– Training can occur in a variety of places
– Teams may be hosted in a variety of ways

14. Rotary Foundation Programs
• Programs ending in 2013
– Group Study Exchange
• cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for
young business and professional men and women
between the ages of 25 and 40
– Ambassadorial Scholarships
• promote international understanding and goodwill
through study in another country

15. Rotary Fellowships
Groups of Rotarians, Rotarian spouses and
Rotaractors who unite to:
• Share a common interest in worthwhile
recreational activities (sports, hobbies, etc.)
• Further their vocational development through
acquaintance with others of the same profession
• Make new friends around the world
• Explore new opportunities for service
• Have fun and enhance their experience in Rotary

16. Rotary Fellowships
• Chess • Internet • Singles
• Computer Users • Lawyers • Skiing
• Convention Goers • Literacy Providers • Social Networks
• Cycling • Magicians • Tennis
• Doctors • Motorcycling • Travel Agents
• Editors and • Photographers • Travel and Hosting
Publishers • Police and Law • Wellness and
• Environment Enforcement Fitness
• Flying • Rotary Global • Yachting
• Golf History
• Home Exchange • Scouting

17. Rotarian Action Groups
Groups of Rotarians, Rotarian spouses and
Rotaractors who unite to:
• Engage in meaningful service in partnership
with like-minded people globally
• Collaborate with clubs and districts on service
projects in their area of specialty
• Assist clubs and districts in obtaining funding
or other assistance for their service projects

18. Rotarian Action Groups
• AIDS • Malaria
• Blindness Prevention • Microcredit
• Blood Donation • Multiple Sclerosis
• Dental Volunteers • Polio Survivors and
• Diabetes Associates
• Food Plant Solutions • Population Growth &
• Health Fairs Sustainable Development
• Hunger and Malnutrition • Water and Sanitation
• Literacy

19. Rotaract PreConvention 2012
Thank you,
Discussion…