August 09, 2018
Joan Phaup, Rotary District 7790 International Youth Exchange Chair
August 08, 2018
Buckets on the table are for the backpack program.
Joan Phaup, Rotary District 7790 International Youth Exchange Chair
Joan has a life-long interest in international youth exchange and is currently working to grow Rotary’s involvement in the RI Short Term Exchange Program, also known as STEP. The short term exchange usually lasts a summer where the long term (not running at this time) is 10 months.
The program has life changing impact on both students and families; it promotes the ideals of peace as well as providing an opportunity for young people to explore international travel. The short term program started in 1927 while the later long term program began in 1958. There are currently 28 countries the students can choose from. This year, there are 3 students this year exchanging with Spain, Japan and Belgium. ESSEX (Eastern States Student Exchange) oversees the program that stretches from the Carolinas to Quebec, matching students and assisting volunteer committees. Many of the students have shared that the program has changed how they see the world, experienced new cultures, gained confidence and increased international travel as well as performed more service work.
You do not need to have a teenager to volunteer for this program! There are opportunities to serve on local committees, inform families of process and counsel students upon arrival. This involvement is no cost to the clubs. The plan is to build this program district wide and expand opportunities for teens. They are always welcoming new volunteers!
Committee reports
Barbara: 60 Backpacks are in! Cash donations are welcome; there is a great need for more packs (Hospitality House is looking for 91)
Mary presents 2 new members: Larry and Cindy Chrisman sponsored Roberta and Gary Walker.
Foundation: Etienne presented EREY to Kim Milton and Marty Martens
Community service: Looking for volunteers, August 18th, 8-12 Habitat for Humanity sign up, location will be communicated next week.
Fellowship: Roberta reported that there will be a progressive dinner this year, September 22, beginning with appetizers at the Dresser home, signup sheets will be out next week, (looking for hosts, co-hosts and food items to share). Anticipate 8-10 people in each group!
Tiki Time: August 17, 5:00 pm, at the home of Roberta and Gary Walker.
Bruce: Chowder Challenge signup is ready, Sept 1. Need volunteers for set up (August 31), day of and tear down. The event is seeking additional sponsors as well!
Home and Boat Show: Leamon and Bob, Begins Friday! Wear your Rotary bling! West Bay Rotary has participated in the show since 2004! This is a great opportunity to get our faces out into the local community. Arrive early (at least 15 minutes), go to the will call booth first and remember to take pictures (send to Deb Fink)!
Administration: Ken Thanks the setup/take down volunteers! They do a wonderful job! If you have comments regarding foods, please let Ken know!
Next week’s speaker: Mike Moore, Tanzania Projects