EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

For the Rotary year 2009 – 2010 our District has determined that 1/3^rd of all funds raised for Fast for Hope will be used in the recovery phase for Haiti.  The recipient organization has not yet been selected.  That determination will be made by the District’s Board of Directors once events have stabilized sufficiently in Haiti so that a meaningful decision can be made.  The recipient organization will need to demonstrate to the satisfaction of our Board of Directors that it adheres to the same vision we have for Nicaragua, which is sustainable economic development that is community driven.

It is our belief that while “project” based funding is critical to address immediate needs in developing parts of the world, a new model needs to be created in order to more effectively address the problem of systemic poverty in the world.  This new model is based on a belief that the local community knows best what they need and that the community must take ownership of any solution in order for it to be successful.  Finally instead of doing a “project” in multiple communities, this is intended to be a multifaceted effort simultaneously addressing the myriad of needs that are interconnected and which cause the residents of the particular community to live in extreme poverty.

February is Fast for Hope month in our district.  Below are links to download this year’s power point presentation and accompanying script for presentation to your club.  If you prefer to have a member of the Fast for Hope committee make a presentation to your club, contact Dave Newman, the committee’s chair for availability.  EMAIL DAVE

As part of this initiative, our District will be sending two cultural exchanges to Nicaragua this year.  May 6^th thru 16^th (application deadline March 6^th) and October 16^th thru 24^th (application deadline August 16^th).  This is open to all Rotarians in District 5960.  Rotarians who have participated in previous trips have described the experience as life changing.  Click on the link below for more information about either of these exchanges, including who is welcome to participate and costs.  If you are interested in applying, again please contact Dave Newman, the committee’s chair for an application.   EMAILDAVE 

On April 13^th at 6:00 PM at Family Means in Stillwater, Elena Hendrick, the coordinator of Escuela AKF, the NGO with whom we are working in Nicaragua will conduct a district-wide training session.  For those of you who have heard Elena in the past, you know that she is a dynamic speaker, an innovative educator and is passionate about the people of Nicaragua.  Mark the date on your calendar and watch this page for updates and registration information.

Watch for updates as our plans and committees develop. If you are interested in learning more about this effort, more information will follow soon.

David P. Newman
The Bancor Group, Inc.
1521 - 94th Lane NE
Minneapolis, MN 55449
direct: 763-792-8975
fax: 763-792-8976
mobile: 612-599-7270
EMAIL DAVE

CLICK HERE for the 2009-10 Fast For Hope presentation powerpoint
CLICK HERE for the 2009-10 Script for presentation
CLICK HERE for Information for Delegations 8 & 9 in 2010
CLICK HERE for Schedule of Presentations to Clubs (coming soon)