The District Conference was a

Huge Success ... and Great Fun!

If you attended this year's District Conference, we thank you for visiting us in Jackson and for participating in a memorable event.  If you were not able to attend, we missed you and you missed a very special event.  Make plans now for next year, by bookmarking your calendar for Murfreesboro, May 4-5, 2007.

A very special thank you goes out to our 2005-2006 District Conference Committee, to our speakers, special Rotary guests, YE students, GSE teams, 4-Way Speech Contestants and family members.  

Also, a special thank you goes to this year's RI Presidential Representative, P. Martin Peters, and his wife Mary Alice.  They were a joy and a wonderful addition to our Conference.

Review and enjoy scores of photos in the Conference Photo Album, by clicking here.

As Presented by

DG Glen Vanderford

District 6760 Annual Conference

May 6, 2006

"This is a historical time for Rotary, a time we celebrate 100 years of Success.  It's exciting as Rotarians, for we have the opportunity to launch into the 2nd Century of Service.  Beth and I have been blessed to represent D6760 and travel into the various communities of West/Middle Tennessee to observe the great works of our local clubs.  To see what each club does in their own individual way to serve their local community as well as reaching out into the Rotary World.  This year's district Conference theme "Run for Rotary" hopefully has inspired us to do just that.  We have tried to feature many of the successful programs across our district in order to inform and encourage other clubs to be involved in such projects. We appreciate the opportunity to showcase Jackson and the area clubs through the video vignettes of their projects.  We can also take pride in the accomplishments of WCS programs rendered in: Honduras - Franklin, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Lawrenceburg Jamaica - Lexington, Jackson Guatemala - Hendersonville Mexico - Clarksville Sunrise, Cool Springs -just to name a few.
 
As we reflect back to 8 months ago, the tragic events of Hurricane Katrina that devastated the Gulf Coast, let us remember the quick response that many  of our clubs went to the aid of those in need. Either through financial support or sending supplies and volunteers. A total of $11,176.00 was donated by clubs to our District Wide Katrina Fund.  On a more local note.The District Community Service Committee introduced a special project - "The Disaster Relief Trailer".  In order to come to the aid of a stricken community/club by utilizing our rotary network of the district that is already established, our community service area of the district will provide an equipped trailer for immediate response to an area hit by disaster such as a tornado or ice storm.  We will provide the necessary avenue for volunteers to assist our local clubs in need. With the assistance of the TN EMA our volunteers will have the opportunity to receive training and certification in areas such as CPR, etc... I encourage all Rotarians to give to the project.  A simple gift of $3.00 (less than the price of a cup of coffee at Starbucks) it will help our mission grow.  The trailer will also be utilized as a moveable billboard through the various communities in our district promoting Rotary Awareness and enhancing our Public image. Readiness is of Importance and you are the key.
 
When we lend a hand, we gain a heart.  Past President Jonathan Majiyagbe challenged us to work in the areas of Health Concerns, Education and Literacy.  Hence then we have done just that for our district has rallied behind Gov. Phil Bredesen, supporting the Dolly Parton Imagination Library across the district in many of our local communities. It's inspiring to see President Donnie Simmons and the Erin Rotary Club help raise over $110,000 to make the program possible for preschoolers in Houston County.  I salute others as well and encourage all Rotary Clubs and Rotarians to get involved with the Imagination Library.  As witnessed by Michael Alexander of Memphis and Dr. Fred Zuker of Lambuth University, we can realize the importance of a good education.  It is so important to give children Reasons to Succeed rather than Reasons to fail.  That positive reinforcement will give students that incentive to excel.  I have hope that a child or that young mother will realize the importance of a good education.
 
As for Health Concerns. Boyd Fulton and Tom Meridith have done a yeoman's job in promoting the "Share Your Life" program not only within our state but throughout the Rotary World.  As all will agree that through the actions one may take by supporting such programs will be the ultimate gift of "Service Above Self" to those in need.  Dr. Rufus Clifford and I encourage every club to support your area community health organizations through the simple task of applying for a "Blane Immunization Grant".  We can help a wide range of ages from children in need of Pediatric Immunizations to College students for meningitis vaccine to the Elderly for the necessary flu shots.  Let us not leave $130,000 on the table!!  I appeal to each club to make that application by the December 31, 2006 deadline.
 
RI President Carl Wilheim Stenhammer has encouraged us to strengthen emphasis on Public Image.  So, with the help of media (radio, TV, Newspaper, electronic mail) let us utilize that to its full potential.  The district has provided many PSA's available through all
forms of communicating our successes.  We have established arrangements for Rotary Billboards to be placed in local communities at a nominal cost.  Ideas have been shared on how to utilize area cable TV advertising to our advantage. But what I am most proud of is the expansion of Better Communications by way of "The Rotary Blast" and the District website.  Special thanks goes to Kevin Barron editor and Mike Thompson, webmaster. They have provided weekly emails to a vast amount of our district membership as well as updates on the web with programs such as:  The Speakers Bureau (with over 100 names which is a vital resource to our clubs), Ten (10) club assembly quizzes, the Rules and Procedure manual for quick, easy and cost effective reference.  The local clubs can now register their officers on the district website for better organization and communications.
 
Developing leaders for now and beyond is of most importance to our organizations' success.  With strong support from the College of Governors, the district Leadership Academy has helped train future leaders at the club and district level.  I salute PDG Linda Rudolph who serves as our dean.  District 6760 has launched into that 2nd Century of Service by providing the local clubs to better educate their upcoming presidents of the excellent programs of Rotary International by joining ranks with the Districts of Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama in establishing "Mid South PETS".  We held our 2nd successful PETS this spring in Nashville where over 300 Presidents/AG's attended to hear the likes of General Secretariat Ed Futa of RI and other inspirational speakers.  This is a
great time to share ideas and gain excellent Rotary information.  PDG James Vandiver has served as arrangements chair for this multi-district training.  I invite interested Rotarinas (Club Presidents/President Elects) to accompany district leaders to an entertaining and education experience in October to Evanston for the "RI World Headquarters Tour".  While in Chicago area Rotarians will have the opportunity for sightseeing over the weekend and meeting the quality staff at RI on Monday along with a tour and seminar, October 28-30.  

District 6760 has a strong commitment to our youth.  We have touched the lives of 27 students this year through Youth Exchange programs.  The district will continue to help the local clubs by providing training and making arrangements for exchanges and travel.  Much thanks to Tommy Martin, YEO, Bill Alexander and all the members of our district committee. So, when you view the Avenue of Flags as provided to us from the Youth Exchange program, you can see each country that represents where either 200 TN YE have visited, 60 ambassadorial scholars have studied or 19 GSE teams have traveled.  Take pride that in a small way a part of Tennessee and our district was represented well.
 
In order to contribute to the development of future Rotarians District 6760 will provide a leadership camp at Austin Peay State Univ. in Clarksville.  The RYLA camp will be held July 9-11, 2006 and may change the course of a young person's life.  They may walk away with renewed self-esteem, new friends and confidence to return as leaders at their local high school and community.  These students will get introduced to Rotary as well as Interact and Youth Exchange programs. RYLA will culminate with a banquet for the students, their parents, the staff and sponsoring Rotarians on Tues. July 11, 2006  I encourage each club to sponsor students to our RYLA conference at a cost of $300/student, preferably a 10-11th grader.  This is a great recruiting tool for YE, Interact, Rotaract and future Rotarians.
 
As always membership plays a very important role in the success of our organization.  The district has conducted several membership development opportunities.  The committee partnered with TRF for our annual seminar in Oct. and carried the message about membership to local pocket meetings throughout the district as cluster meetings.  As of the January semi-annual report, District 6760 has 3654 members up 4 from same time last year.  This is at least positive even with the loss of the Waverly Rotary Club.  On the near horizon we hope to Charter a new Club in Pickwick, TN by year end.  All will be invited to share in the celebration of this new club.   
As we enjoyed the progress of the UTM Rotaract club we are confident to see the formation of a new Rotaract club soon at Vol State in Gallatin, TN.  We must find more creative ways to attract new members especially ages 25-40.  So areas within our district will be conducting membership development recruiting activities such as business after hours this spring - such as in local Rotary Park setting promoting area clubs and their contributions to their community.
 
TRF is the life blood of our organization.  As of March 31, 2006, 52
clubs have contributed $192,483.05 to TRF towards our goal of $262,760.  We have 27 clubs that have made goals of Every Rotarian Every Year to contribute $100/capita.  Thanks goes to the Rutherford County Rotary Clubs for hosting the District Rotary Foundation Recognition banquet in Murfreesboro in January of this year where much was to be celebrated.  We recognized over 50 PHF and 4 major donors. Michael Smith of TRF staff presented Rotarian Bob McLean of Murfreesboro a plaque of appreciation for his contribution to Polio Plus Partners with a generous donation of $208,000.00 which was utilized for a National Immunization Day in Africa which help promote immunization to over 4 million people.  The district Rotary Foundation Committee and College of Governors have more recently directed $22,000 of DDF to go towards Polio Plus.  Heartfelt thanks have come to us from Director Mark Maloney and RI Past President Frank Devlyn.  With only 2 months remaining in this Rotary Year I encourage all clubs to submit their donations to TRF.  As all would agree TRF programs are very complimentary of Rotary's Mission to help build world understanding Good Will and Peace.  We have sent ambassadorial scholars to study in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, St. Andrews University, St. Andrews Scotland and Univ. Capetown, Capetown South Africa.  And received 2 scholars from Japan studying at Vanderbilt University.  This Rotary Year our district exchanged with D9470 of Western Australia to share the best of cultural experience, for the young professionals as well as our Rotarians.  Several local communities within our district benefited from financial assistance given by way of District Simplified Grants DSG of $24,750.  A special recognition has been awarded to the Brentwood Rotary Club completing a quest to be a 100% Paul Harris Fellow Club.  I sincerely congratulate their members for contributing over $60,000 to make all 136 members PHF's.  Brentwood believes in great works of TRF and commits their focus to its success.
 
It gives me great pleasure to serve you as District Governor and if there is anything that Beth and I can do please let me know for we look forward to the opportunity to serve.
 
This is an exciting time for Rotary.  A time we celebrate 100 years of Success.  And together we launch into a Second century of Service."

Kevin Barron

Jackson Rotary Club