Clubs Get Behind International Projects

On Tuesday, I attended the board meeting of RNZWCS Ltd as representative of all of the DGs in the NZ/Pacific Districts. The Board consists of a representative from each of the NZ/Pacific Rotary Districts. The company prefers to be known simply as Rotary New Zealand, although the WCS stands for World Community Service which involves Rotary Clubs from two or more countries uniting to serve one of their communities.
As your non-government organization (NGO), Rotary New Zealand applies on behalf of Clubs to the NZ Aid Programme (NZAP) for funding for international activities under the Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) and the Humanitarian Response Fund (more details at http://www.nzaid.govt.nz/what-we-do/nz-ngo-contestable-funds.html ) Rotary New Zealand also lobbies government on matters of interest to Rotary’s international activities.
The Board’s discussion included:

• Changes in the NZ government’s approach to overseas aid, with the focus on sustainable economic development. Rotary New Zealand needs to be accredited to access funding.
• Government expects funding through the SDF to be allocated 75% to the Pacific in 3 years.
• Rotary’s role in disaster response (RIP Ray Klinginsmith joined us for this discussion – see my earlier blog).
• Polio – RIP Ray is convinced polio will be eradicated in the next few years.

PP Sandra Bartlam and PDG Morris Robertson attended as advisory members. Sandra has developed a birth kit for ERKs and Morris is investigating a health project in Timor L’Este for a possible Global Grant.

As your District 9940 representative and a Director of RNZWCS Ltd, PP Martin Garcia reported that:

• Clubs in the District are actively involved in many international projects, particularly water, health and literacy projects;
• 9940 WCS Committee members are developing a Strategic Plan and are looking for Clusters/Clubs to develop a project for a Global Grant under The Rotary Foundation’s Future Vision Plan.
• Funding is being sought from NZAP for RUCHI and Niusawa School Student Welfare Project (Plimmerton).
• Dave Wilson is doing a great job promoting ERKs and 9940 is consequently ahead of any other District in our donations to ERKs so far this year. Warren Irving is doing his usual good work publicizing ShelterBoxes, including a TV appearance.

Remember, if you’re thinking international projects, think of contacting your District 9940 WCS Committee representative, listed on pages 84-85 of the District Directory. They meet regularly, provide advice about projects and funding, and report to me on international activity. You should be on their radar, even if you just have an initial idea for an international project. Congratulations to Clubs in 9940 for the noticeable increase in consideration of international projects.

Howard