RFPD Events at the 2010 RI Convention – Montreal, Canada
RFPD Events at the 2010 RI Convention
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
The Rotarian Action Group for Population Growth & Sustainable Development (RFPD) had successful meetings at the Rotary International (RI) Convention in Montreal. Please find photos, presentations and a follow-up report below:
Annual General Meeting
Over sixty people attended the Annual General Meeting, which was held to inform members, potential members and supporters of RFPD. Ed Barry, Consultant for The Population Institute delivered a thoughtful and motivating speech on "The Sustainability Planner." Buck Lindsay presented Mr. Barry with a Paul Harris Fellow. Ed was surprised and excited by this award and accepted with great appreciation. RFPD Board Members presented various topics that related to RFPD and RI.
Frank Wargo, RFPD Area Coordinator and Sam and Norah Owori, Incoming RI Director
Sam Owori, Incoming RI Director
Ed Barry, receiving the Paul Harris Fellow and Buck Lindsay, RFPD General Secretary
Robert Zinser (middle), RFPD CEO, and several Rotaractors that support RFPD
RFPD booth at 2010 RI conference
PDG Lindsay presented the minutes from the 2009 Annual General Meeting, which are available upon request, along with a report on the most recent Council on Legislation decision concerning the Population Standing Committee Proposal.
RFPD's Chairman, Harald Marschner, presented his report for 2009-2010, which included many accomplishments for RFPD. He also commented on the upcoming year for RFPD, which includes increasing membership, projects and advocacy for Population Concerns. He extended his thanks to our members, RFPD Country Chairs, Zone Coordinators and Area Coordinators for their work and dedication to RFPD. PDG Marschner announced the resignation of Dr. William Cadwallader as Area Coordinator for North America & Eastern Russia. He thanked Bill and acknowledged his important work with RFPD and his commitment to future project work in Latin America. Frank Wargo was appointed as the new Area Coordinator and stated how honored and excited his is to take on this position.
Incoming RI Director, Sam Owori attended RFPD's Annual General meeting and gave a 10 minute presentation on Maternal & Child Health. Director Sam gave a compelling speech that included his support for RFPD. He stated that Maternal & Child Health is very important. He is fearful for the future and for mother's health. He indicated that if we do not take responsibility now, future generations will suffer. He stands behind RFPD and thanked the board for their work.
RFPD's Nafis Sadik Award for Courage was given to Jeffrey Sachs, Director of The Earth Institute, Columbia University. Although Prof. Sachs could not attend, he graciously accepted the award and indicated that he has the utmost respect for Rotary and its Action Group RFPD. He supports RFPD's mission fully.
Rekha Shetty led an open forum which generated many ideas and support for RFPD. Several Country Chairs commented on their work and challenges within their country. PDG Shetty also discussed her work and the accomplishments of the Saheli Centers in India.
Robert Zinser reported on the Rotarian Action Group (RAG) meeting that was held in San Diego in January of 2010. Suggestions were given by the RAG representatives. The RI Board will vote on many topics concerning RAGs at the board meeting in November. PDG Zinser also discussed The Rotary Foundation's Future Vision Plan and how RFPD is working to connect pilot districts.
House of Friendship Exhibit Booth
RFPD hosted an exhibit booth in the House of Friendship along side the project booth "Maternal & Child Health." This is one of RFPD's largest projects, running 15 years with over $5 million in total project funding. Members and potential members, RFPD leaders and new Rotarians had the opportunity to network and discuss important topics as they pertained to Population, Maternal and Child Health and Sustainability.
Breakout Sessions
RFPD conducted its 8th and 9th RI breakout session triggering lively discussions. Both sessions were full to capacity with 350 and 150 attendants. The first session "Successful Funding of World Community Service Projects with Funding from Other Sources" concentrated on getting funding from other sources, showed examples of successfully co-funded Rotary projects initiated by RFPD and how to find funding opportunities and obtain funds. RFPD's partner, Population Media Center's President Bill Ryerson, shared his expertise in getting funds. There is a range of funding opportunities available (e.g. from the European Union), which are not used efficiently. The second breakout session "How to Make a World Community Service Project Sustainable" dealt with the necessity to make Rotary projects sustainable and showed how to achieve sustainability based on population projects. Choosing an 'Area of Focus' of the Future Vision Plan, finding innovative solutions for existing problems and incorporating local communities and governments throughout project implementation are most important cornerstones for making projects sustainable. Many attendants demanded a stronger focus on sustainability in Rotary projects. It was emphasized, that projects tackling family planning pave the way to sustainability.
Cocktail Reception
RFPD held a cocktail reception for over 40 people. This was a two-hour event that followed our successful breakout session on Monday, June 21st. The event allowed for continued discussions on the breakout session, strategies for sustainability and further advocating for population issues. This exciting event will be back next year!
Download Materials
How to Make a World Community Service Project Sustainable
( PPT - 1.08 MB) (PDF - 559KB)
Successful Funding of World Community Service Projects with Funding from Other Sources
( PPT - 796 KB) (PDF - 250 KB)
Conference photographs
(PPT - 2.37 MB) (PDF - 2.12 MB)
Page Updated: July 9, 2010