Laura VERDEGAAL Rotaract Club of Aalsmeer-Mijdrecht-Uithoorn

E.R.I.C. PRESIDENT2013-2014

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Dear Rotaractors, the new Rotaract and Rotary year started already two months ago, and the E.R.I.C. kickoff will be the first weekend of October during the Rotaract European Meeting in Riga.But that doesn’t mean that there was nothing to do in those first months. With a board Skype meeting, we as a board formulated our goals for the upcoming Rotarian year. And the first things were already established.

All board members and country representatives could order business cards. There already have been two event newsletters sent out. The budget has been made, and we received two applications for the REM au-tumn 2014. The email addresses and website were updated, and plans were made for this year’s BESP and TCA awards.

The first European Meeting, has as main subject ‘getting to know each other’. Country Representatives will introduce themselves, and tell about Rotaract in their countries, opportunities and challenges.

As you can see an exciting year is ahead of us. And for this year we need you!

Let us know what your ideas are, which projects you’re involved in and where we can help you.

Engage Rotaract, change lives!Yours in Rotaract,

Laura

Polo 6 €

Sweatshirt 10 €

contactmarketing@rotaracteurope.org

WEAR ERIC!

CONTENTS fall 2013

EDITOR IN CHIEFVeronica BradaschiaRAC Venicev.bradaschia@gmail.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF ASSISTANTRana Kesken RAC Izmirranakesken@hotmail.com

HEAD OF DESIgNA. Lucky Dalena RAC Conegliano - V. Venetoluckydalena@msn.com

E.R.I.C. EDITORSLaura VerdegaalRAC Aalsmeer Mijdrecht Uithoornlauraverdegaal@hotmail.com

Joana PiresRAC Entrocamentojoanapire017@gmail.com

Emelie Aho FältskogRAC Brussels Coudenberg Int.emelie.aho@hotmail.com

AND...

Matko Oguic, Mirna Bacic, Auréline Mari, Thijs Mientjes,Johanna Bischoff, Mats Eliassen Kvilhaug

who worked at this magazine

ShelterBox Challengepage 6-7

Rotary and Rotaract in Portugalpage 8

Rem Challengeinterview to Emils Latkovskis and Janis Kundzinspage 9

Social Office at E.R.I.C. page 10

RotaractMUN 2013 page 12

Croatia Trip 2013page 14

The Library Project - Cypruspage 15

Mentorship - Denmarkpage 16

Rotaract in Norwaypage 17

A twin Club experimentpage 18

The green Week Projectpage 19

Rotaract in gemanypage 20

Rotaract in Switzerlandpage 21

Upcoming eventspage 22

# Save the datepage 23-24-25

SHEL

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CHAL

LEN

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2013

The third edition of the ShelterBox Challenge in Amsterdam, was an enormous success, thanks to all those who participat-ed, in teams or as volunteers. More than 10 different nationalities from across Europe, and beyond (e.g. Norway, Ukraine, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Germany and Poland) were represented in 18 teams consisting of four enthusiastic and motivated members. Each of these teams completed, or nearly completed, a course through the picturesque Amsterdam, showing all the highlights of this city, while time was ticking away and over 14 challenges had to be executed. Teams mostly consisted of members from Rotary, Rotaract, Interact, Rotex and Scouting.

For this special occasion newly appointed CEO if ShelterBox International Alison Wallace visited the Netherlands, giving the start sign to kick off the event.

On day 1 teams had to, among other things; record their own promotional video on the spot, get as many people through a ShelterBox tent or jump rope with a complete stranger, all to create awareness. When 18 teams race their way through Amsterdam carrying a big green box, you can be sure they are creating some serious awareness, especially on one of the sunniest days of the year with many tourists visiting the capital of the Netherlands.

Day 2 of the Challenge started with an intimate Q&A with Anne Seuren, a ShelterBox Response Team (SRT) member, who had just been deployed to Lebanon, and with Becky Maynard, SRT’er and Head of International Fundraising & Communica-tions. They created an open atmosphere for all participants to get to know more about ShelterBox, the work they do in the field and the challenges they face.

Afterwards the teams were prepping for the last activities of the day, five more challenges on the Royal Navy Base.These challenges were completely focused on surviving and organized by the specialists of Pathfynder. Among other things teams created their own fire, applied First Aid and purified their own Amsterdam Canal water.

The enthusiasm of the teams was contagious, once the challenge was on, they turned into winners, being creative under time pressure with enormous focus.

We hope to see all teams and volunteers again, and welcome lots of new participants as well!

On behalf of the organisation,

Thijs MientjesRotaract Amsterdam Nachtwacht International

www.shelterboxchallenge.nlwww.shelterbox.org

WEBSITES

The spirit was of sharing experiences, proj-ects, opinions and suggestions. Between joint projects among different countries and workshops of various topics, rotaractors around the world let to know a little of their country and culture and how Rotaract makes a difference in their community.

As the host, Rotaract in Portugal organized a series of events in order to provide the par-ticipants moments of companionship that could foment a better communication be-tween everyone. These counted with an av-erage of 200 participants that have shared their satisfaction about their trip to Portugal and showed that everyone liked the way they were welcomed in our country.

Kind regards,Joana PiresROLIS committee

IT WAS HELD LAST MONTH IN LISBON, BETWEEN THE 21ST AND 26TH, THE ROTARACT PRECONVENTION AND ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION

ROTARY AND ROTARACT

IN PORTUGAL RIC 2013

The organization of a R.E.M. is very challenging but brings great prestige to the club and to the district. What has taken you on this journey?

Latvia is one of the last countries to join ERIC. Few months before REM in Amsterdam Filip Mrkvica contacted Emils Latkovskis and in-troduced us to ERIC. Latvia was represented in Amsterdam and Belgrade by one participant - explorer Janis Kundzins. He brought back inspiring stories and ever since Latvia has been represented in various European Rotaract events. During these events people have always been very positive about Latvian and keen to explore it. More and more often we heard people suggesting that we should organize REM in Riga until finally during a party at the hotel in Wroclaw it was announced officially - we will organize the best ever REM for all of you in Riga! As Russians say “man said, man did” (muzhik skazal, muzhik sdelal) Riga was chosen to host autumn REM 2013 during the REM Kyiv. Organizing European level Rotaract meeting that gathers more than 400 participants requires great commitment and is indeed chal-lenging. However at the same time it is an honor and we are proud that people have given their votes for us. They believe in us! All the good words that we receive every day gives us energy to work and motivation to organize the event in a way that people will fall in love with our country for sure!

Can you briefly tell us about what you are willing to show us in Riga? (in historical city tour & city life manner or etc.)

Riga is a place, where cultural heritage, modern and active living, business and wellness are all present and interact effortlessly. In 2014 Riga will become the European Capital of Culture with almost 200 events for Rigans and its visitors. Latvia’s political, economic and culture centre is in Riga, founded in 1201, where more than one third of Latvia’s population (650 thousand) lives and works. Riga is the culture capital of Baltics with the Latvian National Opera, theatres, concerts halls, galleries and alternative culture hubs. Riga is an architectural pearl displaying medieval, gothic and Art Nouveau architecture side by side. Its historical centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. We are true patriots of our city and there is a reason for that. You will fall in love with Latvia as soon as you will experience it by yourselves!

One quick tip for next rem planner?

Do not underestimate the effort that you will have to put in to organize such an event. Also do in depth research on how much will it cost for you and what will you be able to offer your guests. Even before we won in Kyiv, we knew the exact budget – it was developed very meticulously, we had booked the hotel and made sure all the venues for other events were available at the desired dates. Most importantly, before we applied, we defined for ourselves the aim and significance of this event.

Three words to describe the R.E.M. of Riga.

Fall in love! It is that simple. Just - fall in love!

REM CHALLENGEinterview to Janis KundzinsEmils Latkovskis

Riga, Latvia

Emils Latkovskis Riga International Rotaract ClubPresident

Janis KundzinsCharter President

Riga International Rotaract Club

Dear Rotaract Fellows,

We have finally entered a new and exciting Rotaract year. As the Social Officer and together with my fantastic colleague and Social Assistant Joana Pires - we would like to welcome you all to a year full of possibilities!

The Social team has an important role within E.R.I.C.: our aim is to foster international contacts among Rotaractors, to encour-age Rotaractors to collaborate in international and twinning projects as well as to inspire Rotaractors to participate in the many trips the European Rotaract Clubs offer. For instance, did you know that our Rotaract Clubs in Europe organizes a lot of trips every year? Our Clubs are doing an amazing job in provid-ing opportunities for Rotaractors and the Social team is here to support you in doing so.

In terms of practicalities and what we actually do - we assist all European Clubs with providing overall information and estab-lishing contacts for local as well as international projects, trav-els, awards and best practice sharing. The objectives for this year is to develop the BESP and TCA Awards in the most proficient and desirable way, from a Club perspective of course. Similar-ly, coordinating and providing Clubs with resources to improve European Rotaract community projects and the project library. With the intention to encourage Rotaractors to participate in Rotaract trips, the Social team will be providing an updated trips calendar. The idea is furthermore to create a platform for Rot-aractors offering home hospitality. Wouldn’t a Rotaract Couch-surfing platform be fantastic?

In order to reach the goals of E.R.I.C., we would need your help too. All our European Clubs could easily upload completed proj-ects, ideas and call for twinning projects in our project library. The Clubs should also grasp the opportunity to apply for the BESP and TCA. The awards do not only give you some minutes of fame on the stage when you receive the wonderful applauses from all the EUCO participants, it will also offer you a great prize in funding for your Club. As quoted from one roman philoso-pher, “There is no delight in owning anything unshared”.

The Rotary motto of Service Above Self, is truly put in action by all European Rotaract Clubs. A large number of European Clubs have received the recognition of being awarded the best out-standing social project with ‘The Best European Service Project’, BESP. I would like to give you some examples of different proj-ects, voted to top 3 projects during the last years by our dear Country Representatives.

THE WORLD IS A BOOK AND THOSE WHO

DO NOT TRAVEL READ ONLY ONE PAgE

INTERNATIONAL ROTARACT FRIENDSHIP

The winner of last year, “Ten Years of gambasse” by Rotaract Club Barcelona, aimed at developing the rural area of gambasse during ten years by establishing a medical center and a nutrition center, provision of a kindergarten, installation of solar panels as well as training of trainers. Another well-known project is the “Rotaract Hearts to South Africa” by Rotaract Brussels Couden-berg International, initiated to help out and upgrade a deaf and mute children’s school and an orphan house in South Africa. Rotaract Nyckeln Luleå have created a unique project in terms of a charity run to raise money for organizations, named “Run-ning for Change”. The project was introduced by a Swedish Club and soon several Rotaract Clubs in Sweden organized the same charity run in different districts. The overall aim to highlight out-standing projects and to apply for the BESP is also to allow your fellow Clubs in Rotaract Europe to share, create and participate in similar projects.

There are many occasions during a year where Rotaractors meet new and old Rotaract friends, for instance during EUCO, REM, Nordact, and RYLA. The friendship between Rotaractors very often results in a joint project – the start of a twinning process of two Rotaract Clubs from different Rotary districts forming a partnership which develops international understanding. Rotary and E.R.I.C. certainly recognizes these partnerships and similar to BESP, you are able to be awarded the best Twinning Club Award, TCA. The European Rotaract Clubs are very good in different types of exchanges and twinning activities. The last year’s winner of the TCA was Rotaract Bremen together with Rotaract Istanbul galatasaray, who among many shared activities created the successful cook book called “Cooking for Peace”. The idea of a twinning project goes further than within Europe. Another example of a twinning project is Rotaract Bodrum together with Rotaract Jawalakhel in Nepal, creating “Blood Donor Program” in their cities. A third example is a project by Rotaract Vene-zia-Mestre and Rotaract Osijek, demining an important part of a nature parc in Osijek. As stated, the goal of a twinning is to em-phasize the value of Rotaract service and friendship, to establish a long-term relationship with other Clubs and to enhance un-derstanding for another’s differences. On the E.R.I.C. webpage, you will find handbooks and useful documents with tips on how to be part of the Twin Club family.

At last, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all our European Clubs applying for the BESP and TCA the previous year and both I and Joana are curious and look forward being touched by the large amount of fantastic projects and twinning activities you have achieved or will achieve for this year. The call for applications will start within some months, but first you have the time to enjoy your achievements to the fullest – and perhaps I see some of you at the EUCO stage on the French Riviera?

Emelie Aho Fältskog,Social Officer at E.R.I.C.

Emelie Aho FältskogRAC Brussels Coudenberg Int.E.R.I.C. Social Officer

Joana PiresRAC EntrocamentoE.R.I.C. Social Officer Assisant

Rotaract MUN 2013 - Rotaract Global Model United NationsWhat is Model United Nations?

Model United Nations conferences or short MUNs are academic conferences where participants (who during the event are called county representatives and/or delegates) – students, youth workers and/or leaders and young professionals from across the world, assume the role of representing a country and debate in formal sessions current political, social and economic issues. MUNs represent an opportunity to learn how to influence decision-making at international level.

What is Baia Mare TEAM 2013 Rotaract Global Model United Nations?

Our vision is to create a system that goes beyond a simple MUN conference, we want for RotaractMUN to become a pillar in international youth decision-making. The conference is designed in such a way that each subsequent edition will take place in a different country and will be organized by a local Rotarct Club. It will literally jump from one place to another, each year, and discuss the most important international topics, having as agents: youth. Following the historical structure of the United Nations mechanism and its procedures, Baia Mare TEAM 2013 Rotaract global

Model United Nations aims to bring young people’s solutions to global problems on the UN desk promoting excellence in education, professionalism in organization and integrity in performance.

Baia Mare TEAM 2013 Rotaract global Model United Nations simulates 3 councils: The Security Council, Hu-man Rights Council and the Peacebuilding Commission. Depending on the body in which

each participant decides to work, different topics of international importance will be discussed and debated based on strict rules of procedures which will

be implemented by the Secretariat. Each participant has the possibility to express the views and interests of the country he/she represents. There-

fore, besides accumulating strong knowledge of global issues, partic-ipants will also master: the art of negotiation, public speaking using the official UN language and using the procedural mechanisms set in motion by the UN.Baia Mare TEAM 2013 Rotaract global Model United Nations transcends from a mere simulation to an actual youth deci-

sion-making process. It introduces the concept of Rappor-teur Office whose goal is to ensure that the conference outcomes are presented, edited and transmitted in a clear and concise manner to the world and the regional and international decision-making bodies. Through this novel and innovative approach, Baia Mare TEAM 2013 Rotaract global Model United Nations brings a new vision to the

MUN Network and to the other conferences of this type.Besides the chance to get trained as a young diplomat, Baia Mare TEAM 2013 Rotaract global Model United Nations grants you the opportunity to explore different cultures and test your interpersonal and intercultural dialogue skills. Par-

ticipants may come alone, but will discover an ocean of possi-bilities in establishing friendships with other participants.

RotaractMUN Mission

Our mission with RotaractMUN is to establish a framework that enables youth from all corners of the world to meet and discuss

the latest topics on the international agenda (see RotaractMUN organs). The conference debates’ outcomes will make the subject of

Rotaract global Model United Nations 2013 Report. The report will be edited and drafted by the Rapporteur Office under the guidance of the Sec-retary general. We assume the responsibility to forward the Report (youth

decisions) to the regional and international decision-making bodies. The re-port will also including a final message of young people to the United Nations.

Each year, RotaractMUN offers youth an unique chance to express themselves, their voice will reach the desks of the UN! This is our mission and we welcome you to be active agents in shaping your future and the future of our generation.

Rotaract Global Model United Nations 2013 Baia Maresummary

Day 1 : Maramures County Trip

RotaractMUN organizing team wanted to offer participants the chance to get a grasp of the Romanian scenary, cuisine and wel-coming culture. Thus, prior to the official beginning of the confer-ence, participants had a tour around the county of Maramures.

Day 2 : Opening Ceremony and Diplomatic Welcome Dinner The audience was delighted to hear the advices, the encourage-ments and congratulations from our speakers: the governor of Rotary District 2241- Marian Liviu Mocan, ambassador of the Netherlands to Romania - H.E. Mr. Matthijs van Bonzel, Former Romanian ambassador to Russian Federation - Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu, Mayor of Baia Mare - Catalin Chereches, Founder and Director of PATRIR - Kai Frithjof Brand-Jacobsen, President of Ro-tary Baia Mare 2005 – Cristian Anghel, President of Rotary Baia Mare - Mircea Mecea.

Day 3 : Working in committees, Transformational Leadership Training and Evening at Transylvania Castle, Pool Party

The works of the Security Council, the Human Rights Council and Peacebuilding Committee have commenced today, with the vast majority of the delegates present.

Day 4 : Working in committees

The day started with the delegates concentrating on finishing the resolutions for the first points on their agenda. As the days fol-lowed, the chairpersons say, participants took up their roles more and more seriously and the debates got more and more fiery.

Day 5 : Working in committees and Intercultural Evening at Maramures Village Museum

Day 6 : Working in committees and Closing Ceremony

The Human Rights Council has also adopted a resolution and Mr. Afolabi, the chair person for this council, as well as the others quoted above, said that the delegates have put together all their best ideas into discussing the mechanisms of including the indige-nous population in their national decision making process.The Security Council has managed draft the final resolution on the type of measures to be taken in relation to the Syrian crisis.

Day 7: Trip to Dracula Castle in Transylvania

Day 8: Return to Baia Mare and departures

more atwww.RotaractMUN.org

CROATIA TRIP 2013 by District 1913

District 1913 had a chance to organize the first Rotaract roundtrip in Croatia ever. „Croatia tip 2013“ is a rountrip in Croatia which was held from 23/08/13-01/09/13. During 10 days, 6 Rotaract members from Canada, Spain, germany, Poland and Sri Lanka had a chance to visit some of Croatia's most beautiful plac-es. The trip started in Zagreb, where the participants explored our capital and also took a part in char-ity project of RAC Zagreb Sesvete during which they donated school backpacks to the members of the Home for neglected children Vugrovec. After zagreb, the whole team moved to Varaždin where our guests tried some of the local food and drinks on the famous „Špancir fest“ – local festival held in Varaždin for many years consec-utive. During the day three, we were relaxing in the oldest national park in Southeast Europe and the largest national park in Croatia - The Plitvice lakes.

British "Hello" magazine:"Wherever you look, there's a scene worth capturing on film and framing; Plitvice, the best known of Croatia's national parks, is a paradise of lakes and waterfalls. With its range of habitats and microclimates, it is also a haven for wildlife.

Day 5 was reserved for Istria, the biggest peninsula of Croatia. Pula, Rovinj and the smallest town in the world – Hum were visited. Day 6 was full of partying – our guests had a chance to visit one of the most famous Croatian beaches well known for partyes – „Zrce“, where they went to an after beach party in club „Papaya“ which is on the list of top 20 clubs in the whole world. 6th day started by visiting the oldest cheese factory on the island of Pag – “Paška sirana”, where were our guests introduced with the process of cheese production, and they also tried the most famous cheese in Croatia – “Pag cheese” among the other cheeses which we were offered by the man-agement of the factory. After the “Pag cheese factory” we went to Zadar and its forum romanum - the largest excavated forum on the eastern shores of the Adriatic. Day 7 was reserved for Split and the magnificent palace of Emperor DiocletianIn the end came the pearl of the Adriatic Sea – Dubrovnik, or as some people may say – “The King’s landing” – because of the famous TV series “The game of thrones”, because Du-brovnik is the location which represents the King’s landing. We spent two beautiful days in Dubrovnik where we visited Dubrovnik’s city walls and the city center and the small island just across the Dubrovnik – “Lokrum” – a special reserve of forest vegetation under the protection of UNESCO. “Croatia trip 2013” was a trip of 2683 km with lots of fun, amazing views, historical sights, modern parties and a trip with were many new friendships were established. In the end, we just want to say one big thank you to all Rotaract clubs in Croatia for making this possible.

Matko Oguic and Mirna BacicOrganizing committee

The Library Project Rotaract Club Larnaca Kition-Cyprus

The Library Project was organized under the “Love Larnaca Project” which was Rotaract Club Larnaca Kition’s initiative to give a chance to the citizens of Larnaca to have their say and get involved with changing their city.Rotaract Club Larnaca Kition sponsored the renovation of the study area of the Larnaca Municipal Li-brary by re-designing the space. The past President of the club, Louisa Georgiou, was able to find an interior designer willing to work on the project free of charge and a proposal was put together with the budget in mind. With this, the club was able to furnish the space with 6 high quality tables, 20 chairs, a computer desk, 6 beanbag couches and more. Several fundraising events were organized in order to collect the necessary funds needed for the project. In April a wine event was organized; in June the members took part in the town’s main event by selling refreshments, in August a Spanish guitar night was organized and in November a Jazz & Cocktails night was organized. In total an amount of €2,000 was collected and the club decided that it was about time to give back to our city.The library staff was very pleased with the make-over and received lots of positive feedback from the public using the space.

How can we expand the link between Rotaract and Rotary and at the same time promote personal com-petences and Rotarys’ service above self - culture? By for instance pairing experienced Rotarians with ambitious Rotaractors in a mentorship project.

Roughly 20 Rotaractors have been teamed up with an experienced Rotarian over the past year in District 1470’s Mentorship project – an untraditional, but very ”Rotarian”, project where we use the experienc-es of mentors to boost the abilities of young mentees.

A key element in establishing a successful mentor/mentee relation is to ensure proper matching and expectation settings, so Rotaract – drawing on experiences from mentorship projects in other organ-isations – has developed a frame work of matching guidelines, mentor/mentee tips and other tools, including a kick-off meeting and evaluation meeting.

Each mentor and mentee has filled out an application form highlighting his or hers competencies, background and expectations. Using these forms, a steering committee of experienced Rotarians and Rotaractors have then matched the project participants in pairs. Some of the mentees have the same professional background as their mentors, but has not been a requirement.

With time, district 1470 hopes to expand the mentorship idea and let the Rotaractors themselves serve as mentors for young people, students, former exchange students etc.

Two other districts in Denmark are now implementing mentorship in their clubs, and the project gained international attention during Preconvention 2013 in Lisbon as well.

PAIRINg EXPERIENCED ROTARIANS WITH AMBITIOUS ROTARACTORS

DenmarkD1470

Mentorship: Crossing the gap between Rotaract and Rotary

Young Friends: A Project for Peace and reconsiliation

This Project is an exciting project were Rotary and rotaracters cooperate which has been organized now for the fifth year.

The project underpins the crucial conflict resolution, reconciliation and peace process between young people from different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds in the Western Balkan countries of Serbia, Croatia, Kosovo, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro and Macedonia

The goals for this project is that the western Balkans will broaden their interpersonal skills and cross cultural tolerance and reciprocal respect. They will benefit professionally from credit giving studies. They will be provided with an international peer-network through the West Balkans and Norwegian Rotarians, Rotaract members and fellow students at the Nansen Center for Peace and Dialogue, Lillehammer, and the International Summer School, University in Oslo.

Nordact 2013: The Nobel peace price.

Nordact will be this years biggest Rotaract event in Norway. On the 11th of october, the Nobel committee will announce the winner of the peace prize 2013 in Oslo. On the same day Nordact will take place in the same city. The theme will evolve around this subject.

There will be a lot of famous speakers such as Mr. Bondevik is the founder and president of the Oslo Center for Peace and Hu-man Rights. Mr. Mood is a Norwegian major general, previously Inspector general of the Army and chief of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO). He was the head of the United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS) until 20. July 2012. Mr. Øivind Stenersen who is author of numerous books on the subject the Nobel peace price.

NORWAY

BEINg A ROTARACTOR MEANS MANY THINgS, IN-CLUDINg BEINg A PART OF A VERY BIg, LOVINg AND OPEN FAMILY. THE STORY OF OUR gREAT RELATION-SHIP IS EPIC.(Aysegül, galatasary Rotaract Club)

IT IS AMAZINg TO FEEL THAT ALL STARTED YESTER-DAY, INTERESTINgLY IT IS FACT THAT OUR MUTUAL RELATIONS ARE BASED ON MORE THAN 10 MONTHS!(Emre, Rotaract Club Bremen)

The Twin Club Experiment – Our Way to a Twin Club RelationshipGalatasaray Rotaract Club, Istanbul, Turkey and Rotaract Club Bremen, GermanyAysegül Dogan, Emre Adam, Friederike Schlüter, Johanna Bischoff

The first thing that initiated our relationship was the curiosity to get to know each other. We were really eager to meet people from other countries, especially Rotaractors. We wanted to have a serious bond that will last not only on paper, but also on real life. The chance to make cultural exchange, sharing and experiencing another culture excited us very much. Connected by Rotaractor Emre (former member in Turkey, now member in germany), our clubs – the galatasaray Rotaract Club (Istanbul, Turkey) and the Rotaract Club Bremen (Bremen, germany) – decided to become Twin Clubs, to do projects to-gether, to become close friends in Rotaract. Emre: “I was a member of galatasaray Rot-aract Club for 4 years, and as soon as I came to Bremen in 2011 and become a member of Bremen Rotaract Club, I felt like I should create an indestructible and a very long-term mutual bound between these two nice clubs, since the worldwide-known relations between german and Turkish community is appreciated since many years, for sure also within the Rotaract world!”But we didn’t want to do it the “normal” way, but a little bit different: in public! A way which up to now maybe no other Rotaract Club had taken during their twinning pro-cess. The idea of our blog, where everyone could see the whole steps within this nice and promising relation, was born. We wanted to tell about the beginning of becoming Twin Clubs, the problems that occur and how we would face and overcome them. We didn't know by then if it would work out - but we wanted to do our best. gathering our clubs like this, should – in the best case – create an inspiration for other Rotaract clubs.Just started, we already felt this unbiased and welcoming approach towards each other through Rotaract. We had the feeling we already knew each other before even having met. The first weeks were full of writing mails and agreeing on how to begin. About project ideas - thrown in the virtual room by one side, then improved by the other side. We decided on one first thing: in a good tradition we were going to be "contact clubs" before becoming twin clubs. So we exchanged our meeting minutes - after having them translated to English.Additionally, during mail conversation our first big project idea was born: we would col-lect recipes - the favorite ones from members in germany and Turkey - and add them in a cooking book. We called this project “Cooking for Peace - The Way to a Nation’s heart is through its Stomach”. We even expanded the project and made other clubs in Europe participate in it, sending us their recipes.Then we planned “dinner challenges": at the same night, we met in groups at one members home and cooked - a recipe from the other country respectively. During this we held a Skype meeting, talked and had dinner ‘together’.Only half a year after our first digital encounter, some of the members from galatasaray Rotaract Club came to “our good old little Bremen” (Emre), where we also signed the Twin Club Agreement and made our relationship official. Being a Rotaractor means you will be always welcomed when you visit the other Rotaractors – we experienced the same thing! We had so much fun together, and are all looking forward to the returning visit in Istanbul. The collection of the very good, nice, funny, amazing moments from the few days in Bremen are in all our minds.Rotaract is a bridge, carrying service, love and friendship across countries, without any boundaries. During our twin club relationship, it was proven once more, that being a Rotaractor is a great thing :) We will continue to share culture through various projects, to strengthen the bond we have started to build between Turkey and germany. We will carry on proving how great is to be Rotaractors and spreading peace and love with our projects and services together.

http://thetwinclubexperiment.blogspot.de

Hundreds of Rotaractors from Europe, Asia and Latin America took part in the second edition of the “green Week Project” inspired by Rotaract club Sofia-Vito-sha-Izgrev from Bulgaria and Rotaract club Thessaloniki Anatolia from greece. Members of more than 25 clubs from Bulgaria, greece, Romania, India and Argentina em-braced this green initiative planting more than 500 trees in urban and rural areas in their countries. The members of each club chose on their own the place where to carry out the project in a way which contributes best to the green future of the local community.

The “green Week Project” has been gradually gaining momentum and it is turning into an international project which worth mentioning. The project comes in response to the need to achieve sustainable development and to secure good living conditions for the future generations.

Each year the project gains more popularity and attracts public attention far outside the Rotaract and Rotary community. “Such projects should go outside any orga-nization and involve anyone because our future depends on the common efforts we put into the environment in which we live”, says the President of Rotaract club So-fia-Vitosha-Izgrev from Bulgaria, gergana Dikanska. The organizers believe that by taking action and giving ex-ample to others the Rotaractors are capable to foster attention to the environmental issues and to the need for sustainable development.

We are looking forward to the new editions of the proj-ect and we expect them to deserve more and more at-tention in the years to come.

RotARActoRs fRom thREE continEnts

Took Part in “The Green Week Project”2nd Edition

MEMBERS OF MORE THAN 25 CLUBS FROM BULGARIA, GREECE, ROMANIA, INDIA AND ARGENTINA EMBRACED THIS GREEN INITIATIVE PLANTING MORE THAN 500 TREES IN URBAN AND RURAL AREAS IN THEIR COUNTRIES.

After since 1978 there was something like an Rotaract Information Centre in germany in the year 1989 the Rotaract “Deutsch-landausschuss” was founded. Over the years the organization was developing itself and get more and more professional. In 2004 it got its current structure and the name under it is known right now, the “Rotaract Deutschland Komitee” (RDK).The RDK consist of a chairperson, 5 departments - International, Finance and Insurance, Social, Media and Communication, IT in-frastructure , 15 District Rotaract Representatives and certain delegates, like for RFPD, ShelterBox, Interact, pictures, the secretary, data privacy, booster club, and the delegate for Rotaract and Interact of the german Rotary governor Board.

This year the RDK consist of 41 members plus 5 honorable members. There are 5 meetings during the Rotaract year: - The District Elect Training Seminar (D.E.T.S.), normally hold in may, where the old and new RDK meets to get in exchange- 3 RDK sessions, on the second weekend in August, November and January and- The Rotaract National Convention called the Deutschlandkonferenz (DeuKo).

The general tasks of the RDK are:- National exchange of information and experiences,- Coordination of national and international projects,- Reception centre of Rotary International and german Rotary governor board,- Club assistance and networking.

Beyond that, the social department is also responsible for the german national social project, called the “Bundessozialaktion”. For this year, the majority of the german Rotaractors at the last Deutschlandkonferenz, where about 800 german Rotaractors participated, decided to support the project “Plant for the Planet”. With this decision, since the first of July 2013 all Rotaractors in germany give their support to that foundation, founded in 2009 by the 9 year old Felix Finkbeiner, whose parents were founding members of the Rotaract Club of Augsburg in 1985. When he started his project, he set the aim to plant 1.000 billion trees to decrease the emissions of greenhouse gas. Meanwhile there are about 19.000 young ambassadors all over the world, supporting the project and using the slogan “stop talking, start planting”.We support that project in certain ways, trying to orientate at the 3 pillars of Rotaract: “Help, Learn, Enjoy”. We invite the young ambassadors for speeches or organize academies to teach new young ambassadors. We help by organizing fundraising or hands-on-projects like just go out and start planting. And finally we have the possibility to celebrate plant parties or integrate planting in a charter party program.

If you want to learn more about the project you can contact soziales@rotaract.de or have a look at the official homepage http://rotaract-buso1314.deIf you want to know more about the RDK visit the unofficial Rotaractor wiki at http://www.rotaractorwiki.org/wiki/RDK

Rotaract in Germany3.300 Rotaractors

180 Clubs15 Districts

1 MDIO

Hoi from ROTARACT SWITZERLAND!Through cities and countryside, up mountains and on lakeside, Swiss german, French and Italian all around you…

Welcome aboard the trip through Rotaract Switzerland!There are three districts in Switzerland (1980, 1990, 2000), divided into 22 Rotaract Clubs. RAC Zürich is the oldest club in the

country with 36 years of age. 2 clubs are Italian speaking, 4 are French speaking and the others 16 are Swiss german speaking, which is quite representative of the population of our country.

Various languages…One special thing we have in Switzerland is the diversity of languages. Our rule is the following: every Rotaractor speak their own language! This makes the national meetings culturally interesting, but at the same time quite challenging! Imagine switching from French to german constantly… Sometimes, we use English, when we feel like we can catch the attention of more people with that common language! But I think that diversity is one of the strengths of our organization! Engage Rotaract Switzerland and you will learn several languages for free :-)

Swiss Roundtrip 2013During the past year, 11 clubs got involved in the organization of our very first edition of the Swiss Roundtrip: a journey during

which we brought six foreign participants through our magnificent country, for a cultural experience that they (and we) will nev-er forget! Every day, a club (or group of clubs) set up a program in their city, with the goal to make our visitors discover a side of Switzerland and get to know the local Rotaractors. This experience was a blast for the participants, the clubs and the organizing

committee. Keep your ears and eyes open, there might be a 2014 edition! In the meantime, you can check our blog posts for more details from the point of view of the participants, on roundtrip.rotaract.ch.

An international event…An international ski weekend has been organized a few times in Switzerland as well. In February 2013, 20 participants from Austria, France, The Netherlands, United Kingdom and from the 3 districts of Switzerland enjoyed friendship, snow, fondue and parties in the village of Leysin (VD)!

Local projectsBesides taking part in international projects, the 22 Swiss clubs are also very active in their local community, by themselves, with Rotary Clubs and in collaboration with other Rotaract Clubs. If you are interested in knowing more about those projects, the offi-

cial website of Rotaract Switzerland (www.rotaract.ch) will redirect you to the websites of the clubs (under the tab “clubs”).

What’s more?Interested in pictures of national, international and interclub events? We have a Flickr account: www.flickr.com/photos/rotaract-switzerland. And last but not least… Do you want to stay updated with the latest news from Rotaract Switzerland? Don’t hesitate to “like” our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Rotaract.Switzerland.

Thanks to all of you who travelled with us till here! We hope to welcome you another time… in Switzerland!

UPCOMINg EVENTS

ARE YOU PLANNINg AN EVENT? Forward it on our website

www.rotaracteurope.org

NORDACT 2013SCANDINAVIAN CONF.

SOUTHERN RUSSIAN TRIP 2013

CHOCOLATEA ROTARACT FAIRY TALE

RAC THE NETHERLANDS 45 YEARS

20 YEARS RAC BREMEN

RGBI NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2013

ERBOPECH 2013RITMO, COLOR Y SABOR

FRENCH NATIONAL COORDINATION WE

SIBERIAN TRIPDISTRICT 2225

ROTARACT NEW YEAR’S EVE

ZAGREB REM WINTER 2014

MIDYEAR CONF.LEBANON

11 - 13 OCTOBEROSLO

14 - 21 OCTOBERKRASNODAR

17 - 20 OCTOBERPERUgIA

19 OCTOBERAMSTERDAM

25 - 26 OCTOBERBREMEN

01 - 03 NOVEMBERLONDON

07 NOVEMBERLUNAHUANà

15 - 17 NOVEMBERNANTES

27 DEC. - 07 JAN.SIBERIA

29 - 31 DECEMBERROME

16 - 19 JANUARYZAgREB

06 - 09 FEBRUARYLIBAN-NORD, LEBANON

SAVE THE DATEDecember 7th - 8th 2013Red and White Rotaract Week End, Monaco

For this Rotaract year, the Rotaract club Prince Albert 1er Monaco, with the country representatives (CR) from Italy and Andor-ra-France-Monaco, is organizing an inter-district week end with 3 countries : Monaco, France and Italy.

Our club is the only Rotaract club which is part of 2 districts : District 1730 - France and District 2031 | 2032 - Italy. And our sponsor Rotary club has 3 different nationalities: French (Rotary Club of Menton), Monegasque (Rotary club of Monaco) and Italian (Rotary club of San Remo Hanbury).

Join us on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th of December 2013 in Monaco for the Red and White Rotaract Week-End.This Week-End will be all about sharing experiences, taking social actions and inspiring changes between us! The “Red and White” gala will take place in Monaco on Saturday night.

The Rotaract Club Prince Albert 1er Monaco, CR Italy Cecilia garrone, CR Andorra-France-Monaco Brenda Mertens and the DRR’s 1730-2031/2032 are waiting for you !!

Auréline MARIPresident of Rotaract club Prince Albert 1er Monaco

SAVE THE DATEJanuary 16th - 19th 2014Winter REM, Zagreb

DON’T MISS...

Did you know... that for the first time the city of Zagreb will change its name to ZagREM?So, we invite you to be a part of the history in the making!January 2014 16.-19.

www.rem2014zagreb.orghttp://www.facebook.com/Rem2014Zagrebwww.twitter.com\Rem2014Zagreb

ZagREM experience brings you...

Interesting sightseeing4 star Hotels and free wellness program

Beautiful gala dinnerConference and workshops

Pre-REM Trip Ljubljana, Slovenia

...and a whole lot more!

SAVE THE DATEThe European Convention of the European Rotaract Information Centre

will be in 2014 at THE FRENCH RIVIERA-Where E.R.I.C. holds its meetings and conferences to stimulate, inspire, and inform Rotaractors about Rotaract on the European level. It serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas;-Where different workshops are offered to you;-Where you share your experience, exchange ideas and develop your skills;-Where you do charity while having fun;-Where you meet your old friends and make new ones.

Now close your eyes and fly over your dream:- city tours..- touristic programs..- beach games..- gentle sun over your head..- azure sea with its warm water..- soft sand under your feet..- best beaches..- luxury life..- endless French wine and- French macaroons..- parties aaall night long..- and.... the royal gala dinner..

5 crazy unforgettable days under the bright sun and on the hot sand of French Riviera..5 long days and 4 sleepless nights.

Ready for a journey beyond the imagination..? So save the date!April 30th - May 4th 2014 in Nice / France

contactsmarketing@rotaracteurope.org