Rotary senior leaders discuss Foundation's Future Vision Plan

At 10:29AM on 11 August 2008, granvill lamb wrote: pulling all together to increase the great foundation it is.

At 2:25PM on 5 August 2008, Zeke Lay wrote: After watching the video and reading all the comments to date I can see and understand both the educated caution and simple unbounded enthusiasm for these changes. As a past president and Paul Harris fellow I am willing to take these changes on faith. I trust that if 'programs instead of projects' do not work in as some have noted, or if we lose our 'Rotary credability' mentioned in the video and become just another NGO with political leanings, our leadership will make the necessary adjustments. The proof will be in our work and our results. I praise all those that display the right efforts to succeed.

At 1:28PM on 28 July 2008, Sherrie Shollmier wrote: Great program for new members.

At 12:36PM on 18 July 2008, Roger Bandeen wrote: As a new member, this video helped frame Rotary's vision of where we are headed.

At 11:42AM on 15 July 2008, RODDY PEARCE wrote: This gave me some basic information on how the foundation is working today.

At 8:50AM on 8 July 2008, Rtn. Dr Sandeep Raj wrote: Future Vision Plan will not only empower the Roatary Clubs to resolve the day to day community needs but also empower every Rotarian to stand up to the needs. 3 Cheers for the program. Hip Hip Hurrah!!!!!

At 11:55AM on 30 June 2008, Edward Dick wrote: The inspirational message of Paul Harris' 1933 speech in Boston is clearly very active in 2008.

At 3:34PM on 27 June 2008, Catherine Vernon wrote: Great insight. Networking with social groups and other non-profit organizations is a sure-fire way to help the Rotary Foundation to continue its successes into the future.

At 4:50PM on 24 June 2008, Randy Shorb wrote: Past accomplishments and vision for the future give us something to be proud of, yet aim higher as well!

At 3:40PM on 24 June 2008, Samuel Dorsey wrote: I am a new Rotarian and this video provided me with some history about we deal in projects now and with the coming of the Future Vision Plan, we will move to programs that will be overseen by the Districts. An inclusive and bold move!!

At 11:25AM on 19 June 2008, howard brindley wrote: The future work for rotary must be done.This is a must if rotary is to make the strides we want.

At 9:25AM on 19 June 2008, Dave De Smidt wrote: Great program, very informative.

At 8:15AM on 19 June 2008, Dr.(Mrs.) SUHAS P. NAMBIAR wrote: If I won't comment on this magnificent program of Rotary that shows my inability, cowardice and stupidity after being an ambassadorial scholar for peace by RI. Finally, rotary brought out its real message of how to serve humanity through the splendid humanitarian service rotary renders to society for years. This plan will definitely change the color, taste,flavour and look of rotary and rotarians. Though initially it seems non- pragmatic to some but the truth is that through this program rotary will introduce the real meaning of civil society where one can minimise justice and equality to all in all levels and fields. Jai rotary

At 8:28AM on 19 June 2008, Curtis Shoff wrote: As a longtime Rotarian I am exited by what the leadership of Rotary has invisioned for the future of the Rotary Foundation as well as the focus of Rotary in general!!

At 9:04AM on 18 June 2008, sam galassso wrote: I am thankful for the quality of people and dedication of those managing the Foundation. The Foundation is very important to our small Club, as i allows us to reach out to our brothers of Humanity.

At 3:03PM on 15 June 2008, Dennis Rankin wrote: Good focus on managing the foundation's charity.

At 12:33PM on 15 June 2008, PDG Graham Southern wrote: I think the initiative taken by the Trustees is a major move to dispel the theory that the Rotary Foundation does not give back funds. The Trustees have known for some time that the allocation of funds via Matching Grants has been difficult. To much centralisation in Evanston. All Rotarians should be shouting from the roof tops that this has been achieved by giving the Districts the initiative. It is an excellent move by the Trustees

At 9:43AM on 16 June 2008, Larry McLaughlin wrote: As a Major Donor, Paul Harris Society member, Benefactor (Since 1986) and Bequest Society member, I am deeply disappointed. In my club, the way I've gotten 7 more memebers of the Paul Harris Society, more than 60% of the club to be "sustaining members" , about 50% Paul Harris Fellows, and all but one member to contribute to the RI Foundation is to emphasize how their gifts get magnified when we do Matching Grants by first getting a District match, then a RI match. Now the RI match is going away, to be replaced by monster projects none of my members can relate to in a personal way. For instance: One of my PHS members, who is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow has a son who is a Rotarian (who just won the Service Above Self award) in the Dominican Republic. My club had sone many matching grants in the DR, and several of our members have visited there to participate in the good we're doing. Under the new program, we MIGHT get a District Grant to match our input, but no RI Foundation match. I tell you that's going to seriously impact my giving, and my ability to promote the Foundation to my members.

At 1:09PM on 13 June 2008, Susan Berry wrote: This video is an excellent tool in communicating, to the Rotary family, the future of the Foundation. I hope our Foundation Leaders will continue to provide video discussions on a regular basis. This is an exciting time and by being informed and working together we CAN make a differance.

At 10:25AM on 13 June 2008, Harry wrote: I like the strategic plan. I like hearing that it will help improve customer service and I especially like the block grants to the Districts.

At 2:15PM on 12 June 2008, Jim Miller wrote: All accomplishments that have ever been began with a clearly articulated vision for the future. This is great stuff.

At 1:53PM on 12 June 2008, Dawn wrote: Rotary is an incredible organization that continues to grow and strives to achieve the very best for it's membership and the world. I am very proud to be a fellow Rotarian.

At 11:51AM on 12 June 2008, interactor judit wrote: i m proud on our leaders 4 there service above seif concerning this great vision the carried on and two wish them happy rotry mouth.may the spirit of pual harris help us do his work.congrat.

At 11:25AM on 12 June 2008, Glenn Spradling wrote: I have been out of our clubs leadership for two years and found your video and excellent way to get current on the foundation.

At 8:46AM on 12 June 2008, Louise W. Davis wrote: The audio interview allowed me to feel a part of the discussion of the Future Vision Plan as it took place. It's great to know that our leaders are being proactive in dealing with current and future world issues/needs, and that I may be an active part of finding solutions.

At 8:33AM on 11 June 2008, Iris wrote: As with any organization, there should be a vision and plan for the future. It was interesting to see what is being planned for Rotary .

At 3:51PM on 10 June 2008, Tricia Haggerty wrote: I like the idea of streamlining activities and combining resources for the greater good.

At 2:03PM on 10 June 2008, Jon wrote: It is good to hear about the Future Vision Plan and where we are going from here.

At 9:19AM on 10 June 2008, Clif Suehr wrote: The goals of streamling, modernizing, and changing from projects to programs are laudible and where we need to be heading as an organization.

At 9:20AM on 10 June 2008, Bill wrote: interesting to hear the Foundation Future Vision Plan. matching funds was a good program. hope the new ones will be equaly as good.

At 3:07PM on 9 June 2008, Duane Sterling wrote: My fellow Rotarians, I offer my understanding as a member of the Future Vision Committee. The Future Vision Plan will continue funding activities currently supported by Matching Grants. Rotary clubs and districts will still have the option of using grant funds through block grants similar to the current District Simplified Grants for either local or international projects and activities that they identify and administer themselves. In addition, clubs and districts will be able to apply to the Foundation for grants to fund larger, more focused, more strategic projects and activities that they have identified themselves but directly relate to the Foundation's new areas of focus. These projects and activities are eligible for the Foundation's match. The Foundation is not eliminating the matching grant concept. Finally, the Foundation will also offer large grants for projects packaged with strategic partner organizations that relate to the areas of focus, which will require no funding on the part of clubs and districts but rather require the involvement of Rotarians. The initial pilot phase of this new grant making model will demonstrate the effectiveness and the attractiveness of this strategic approach to supporting larger projects with sustainable outcomes while still allowing avenues for Rotarians to pursue smaller projects identified locally. Duane Sterling

At 12:25PM on 9 June 2008, Yogananda.S.R wrote: The future vision plan becomes clearer because of this video.A good job.Please keep it up.It gives us an opportunity to hear the top leadership .

At 10:25AM on 9 June 2008, Arthur F. Roche Jr wrote: Great job at future planning

At 9:27AM on 9 June 2008, Ed Pearl wrote: It is good to hear about the Future Vision Plan and where we are going from here.

At 8:35AM on 9 June 2008, Scott Allen wrote: Their should be nothing wrong with PROJECTS within programs. If the trustees eliminate the foundation match on Project Grants then this could be the death of Our Rotary Foundation! The details of this plan will be the true test on if the vision matches our members needs. We may be forced to vote with our money.

At 10:08AM on 9 June 2008, Gerald Stamper wrote: The more education our members get concering how our foundation participates in programs the more active our members will be in participating and taking ownership. Good info!

At 12:00PM on 5 June 2008, phelps anderson wrote: the great work of Rotary is never done.Future Vision Plans sets the course for a promising and active future.

At 10:05AM on 5 June 2008, Don Frohm wrote: This discussion should be seen by all Rotarians. As it enforces the value of the RI Foundation and the positive impact it has and will continue to have locally as well as internationally. A great film to show district and club membership chairs.

At 9:33AM on 5 June 2008, Darren Winger wrote: Great communication tool to share with members of your local clubs and district leadership teams. The video clarifies foundation message and will be of great value to spread the word and vision of the foundation.

At 8:24AM on 5 June 2008, Cyril S. Gurevitch wrote: The Rotary Foundation has a grand plan for international cooperation and a proud history of advancingthe interests of Rotarians and non rotarians alike throughout the world. This vision will allow us to continue for years into the future. Good luck Rotary!

At 8:27AM on 5 June 2008, Joel D. McMahon III wrote: As a leader of an organization that is dependent on voluntary contributions for its existence, I applaud our leaders' approach. Direction and specificity are the 2 key factors to a donor's comfort in supporting an endeavour financially.

At 8:34AM on 9 June 2008, Wayne Mineo wrote: When I was President of my club a few years ago it was my preception that grant approval process was a puzzle within an enigma. it was not possible to complete an international project within your year because of the process. I have seen improvment recently. It is about time

At 2:17PM on 9 June 2008, PDG Michael Hayes wrote: I am still most disappointed in the action of the Trustees with regard to the future Vision Plan. Two comments on what Trustee Scott said. First, any way you look at it, the increase in Matching Grant applications can only be viewed as a huge success. To now abandon the circumstances which encouraged this increase simply doesn't make sense. Second, given the huge variety of interests that Rotarians have regarding "good works" it would seem that going from projects (initiated at the club level) to programs (initiated at the TRF level) doesn't make sense either. If handling a large number of Matching Grant applications is a serious problem then I suggest TRF find a way to address the problem without canceling the program. Let me also add that many Rotarians who have become significantly familiar with the new grant structure have indicated they will reduce their giving to TRF. Hardly a desirable outcome.

At 10:15AM on 3 June 2008, Ligeia Stivanin wrote: As a brasilian rotarian from 4610 Distric I like so much to hear about the Future Vision Plan of TRF. It is a great and fantastic creation!!! I wish the Future Vision Plan a great success.Congratulation!!!

At 8:46AM on 3 June 2008, Sheila Champagne wrote: The Future Vision Plan is exciting and will allow us to cross needless boundaries that we previously could not do, nor make inroads of progress for the betterment of people throughout the world.

At 8:48AM on 3 June 2008, Ashok R Mirchandani wrote: The best I have seen to understand the Future vision plan! It will help us explain it to the clubs. Congrats!

At 9:51AM on 3 June 2008, Dave Cooper wrote: The video and the comments in the forum are a great method of communication. I viewed and listened to the video three times just to make certain I wasn't missing something. I think the term "band aid" approach would give a misimpression if one didn't keep in mind that RI districts are going to have more say over how money is spent and individual clubs are still free to promote projects of interest. Having been a Rotarian for over thirty years, a club president twice and the sponsor of a club (and a multiple Paul Harris fellow), I trust fellow Rotarians to be good stewards and know that if, after making any turn in our path that proves to be less than fruitful, they will regroup and rethink. I'm not at all certain that will be necessary and applaud the willingness of a venerable institution to take calculated risks to remain relevant.

At 1:59PM on 2 June 2008, David Ring wrote: I am pleased and excited that the Rotary Foundation plans to do even more in the future to help create a better world. However, I am concerned by the distinction drawn between "projects" and "programs," or, as partially discussed in the video, between "band aids" and help which is of major signficance. Who is going to decide which proposals are merely "band aids" and which are "significant"? Do we not run the risk in making such a distinction of denying access to Foundation support by smaller clubs and/or "one shot" needs, such as disaster relief? Will we therefore need to set up a new level of "grant screening" bureaucracy to decide these issues?

At 9:19AM on 2 June 2008, Cristy Bersola wrote: It is commendable for Rotary Foundation to redefine its vision to maintain its relevance and responsiveness to specific issues of the global environment.

At 9:21AM on 2 June 2008, Jon Carr wrote: I am excited about this vision discussed I imbrace these changes and look forward to the future.

At 9:24AM on 2 June 2008, patel vikeshkumar wrote: i am happy for rotary activitys by all rotarians

At 11:31AM on 30 May 2008, Frank Coggins wrote: The RIF Future Vision Plan reminds all Rotarians that their contrubutions at the club and District level are and can effect significant change on a global effort, enhancing relationships across boundaries that could not be accomplished alone or by just one club. Rotarians can be proud of the Foundation and the direction that it is going.

At 10:56AM on 30 May 2008, PDG Arun Kudale wrote: The Future Vision Plan of TRF is a fantastic creation and a superb brain child of our leaders. It will take the Fondation programs to a greater heights. There will be increased number of service projects, implemented with a simplified procedure and greater transparency. The cooperation from other NGOs will bring a synergy needed for a change. The rotarians at grass root level will be attracted in more number and will improve the visibility of Rotary in the society at large. I wish the Future Vision Plan a great success.

At 8:41AM on 30 May 2008, Jackie Crouch wrote: FVC's plans for our Rotary future gives me an everlasting sense of wonder!

At 8:27AM on 30 May 2008, Rtn. Satish Ruia wrote: Taking Rotary Foundation to its' next century with a planning and vision will surely produce positive and better results than 1st Century.

At 8:27AM on 30 May 2008, Clarence Tan wrote: It is uplifting knowing the Rotary Future Vision Plan will make Rotary more relevant at the ground level and reaffirm RI as a primier world NGO in making the world a better place for all.

At 4:20PM on 29 May 2008, Scott Tudehope wrote: LIke so many members in my club, I am thrilled that RI is making statements about world peace and tentatively doing something about it. I teach at the college level and trust me, their idealism and energy are just what we need to turn this corrupt world around. It's one thing to make the world polio-free. Ask yourself what kind of world that these children will eventually inherit. Isn't it worth everything in our power to give them a safer, happier, better educated environment? This former high school exchange student to Australia, now a three-year member, wants RI to take stands on "peace" issues. Keep going!

At 9:36AM on 27 May 2008, Art Davis DG 6450 07/08 wrote: Thanks to future planning we will be able to work better together with other NGOs. Bandaid projects are good, however they are short lived in most cases where as Major Programs should and will have a lasting effects. Rotary is a force in the world and we will remain so. I look forward to the future!! The future is now.

At 8:28AM on 27 May 2008, Philip Cezeaux wrote: RI involvement in World Peace through the concept of Dispute Resolution is a very, very important contribution to world peace efforts. The video talks about Rotary having Credibility in the world. Rotarians also have important business and political Connections. Our peace efforts will involve utilizing our Credibitlity and Connections more than our money. Let us not forget that and learn to use them most effectively.

At 8:37AM on 27 May 2008, Gerardo De Velasco (RC Cordoba D4190) wrote: As a mexican rotarian, I only haver to agree in Focus Programs, such as "Polio-Plus" a milestone in Rotary programs, iniciated by a mexican RI President Carlos Canseco. Kindest Regards Gerardo De Velasco

At 8:50AM on 27 May 2008, Chittu Narsey wrote: TRF is indeed doing outstanding work and makes us Rotarians feel proud. There is no doubt it has a great future ahead.

At 8:52AM on 27 May 2008, Barbara Maves wrote: I plan to attend the Matching Grant meeting on June 13 prior to our convention in LA. I hope to hear more about these "larger projects". I will be looking for ways the grants will connect with individual Rotarians, giving them ownership of the good deeds taking place. Too many times large is a bigger splash and gives greater recognization to the Rotary organization but the individual club members making donations fail to connect with what their donation actually accomplished. I believe we collect the most donations when individuals can personally connect with the project. And I believe that is why our so called "fragmented" approach has increased the number of clubs involved and the number of grants funded for international service in the last ten years. We have a great foundation and I thank the Future Visions Committee for developing a plan to make us even more effective in service between countries.

At 8:53AM on 27 May 2008, Rotn LARRY NWABUGWU wrote: It is indeed a great pleasure going to Rotns discusing on rotary foundation issues

At 8:53AM on 27 May 2008, Nanci Sloan Cummings wrote: The new vision this clip discusses is exactly what our District (5100) has put together for "Africa Bridge", a project in Tanzania. Thes best part of all is that it has required numerous clubs to join together to make this project happen!!.

At 9:03AM on 27 May 2008, Todd Lindley wrote: I enjoyed hearing the explanation of the theories behind the Future Vision Plan by Committee Chairman, Foundation Chair and Chair Elect. Thank you.

At 9:05AM on 27 May 2008, Praveen Chander Goyal wrote: The formation of the Future Vision Committee ahead of completing 100 years of The Rotary Foundation in 2017 speaks of the real vision of the Foundation. The clipping where senior leaders are discussing the plans has been nicely prepared. My compliments.

At 9:10AM on 27 May 2008, Larry Emrich wrote: I like the vision that we will move from projects to programs like the 3-H grants and the idea that we will collaborate with other NGOs for these programs. This will be huge!

At 9:11AM on 27 May 2008, Sherry Nielsen wrote: Thank you for the clarifying message. I am so proud to be connected to our Foundation and the power it has for good in the World.

At 9:11AM on 27 May 2008, Harry Shaw wrote: I am looking forward to seeing this video.