ROTARY DISTRICT 5300
THE MILLENNIUM TIMES
NET EDITION
(web address: http://www.district5300.org)

Highlighting the World of Rotary, District Acitvities,
Club Events and the People that Make it Happen!

DISTRICT ROTARIANS VISIT MAINLAND CHINA

CHINA 1999 - ONE ROTARIAN'S POINT OF VIEW
By Heidi Larkin-Reed, District Club Service Chair, (Apple Valley)

An overwhelming task lays before me.   The goal of putting down on paper the experience of traveling to China for Rotary and for District 5300.  Thanks to our District Governor, Dr. Garbis Der Yeghian, several of us made this historic trip.  I appreciated the opportunity to take my husband and daughter on this trip of which we made up a group of 41 Rotarians and family members.

China remains a mystery to many westerners who base their conclusions about the country on what they read in the newspaper.  I have had the opportunity to study some of the philosophy of ancient China for about three years and was very curious about this amazing country.

I will grant you that China, like other countries in the world, has it's faults.  It also has overwhelming assets with the faults being the flip side of it's assets. For example, China has a huge population.   All the cities we visited - Shanghai, Xian, Beijing - are overpopulated, causing problems in housing shortages, lack of good medical care, pollution, food concerns and poverty.  China is trying to solve these problems by limiting the number of children a couple can have.  There are heavy taxes for having more than one or two children.   In addition, their government is trying to control the flow of people from the farms to the cities.  It restricts peoples' movements by not allowing citizens to move to any area or city they please.  Left up to the free market, all the farmers would move to the cities, causing more pollution, traffic jams, stress on housing, etc.

We in the West view these controls as being Totalitarian. We don't understand the methods used by the government and feel the free market would be the best way to handle these problems.  However, we must remember that China has never, in its thousands of years of history had any sort of free market.  In fact, neither did we in the west (refering to our western culture) until the signing of the Magna Charta in 1215.

China has many problems because of its population.  It's people, however, are one of its greatest assets.  As we would travel from city to city, the Chinese people would watch us with great intetrest.  We would get waves, smiles and, as with one little girl, a kiss blown to us as her smiling parents looked on.  I expected that we would not be well received because of the recent bombing of the Chinese embassy (in Kosovo).  I was wrong!  Apparently, there was only one time that someone let us know they were not happy with us through a hand gesture that most of us are familiar with.  However, for all I know, that could have been directed at the bus driver for cutting the driver off in traffic.

My experience was that everyone was friendly, or they just minded their own business.  When we visited the Great Wall, my daughter Shannon and I were politely stopped several times to have our picture taken with people who apparently found our Westerness and blond hair fascinating.  I got in the act too and stopped a couple with a darling little girl to have her picture taken with Shannon.  They smiled and agreed, also taking a few shots of the girls themselves.

I thought that we would be restricted in some manner and be under the watchful eye of the government.  We did have a National Guide named Eddy (at least that was the western name he took), who looked after us throughout the trip.  I still have not decided if Eddy was to keep an eye on us to keep us happy or to keep the government happy.  However, I did not feel we were restricted in movement.  On our free evenings, which were few, we were told we could take taxis to dinner or shopping.  Our language restrictions stopped us from delving deeper into the cities experiences, than any other restrictions.  A fortunate few of our group could speak the language, including Steve Sham (Alhambra) and Walter Tang (Alhambra).  I enjoyed the times when we had Steven and Walter with us as we could joke with the waitresses and ask them questions.  We discovered that most everyone has a T.V. but few have computers.

I also noticed that the Chinese people are, in general, very hard working.   Our last night in Beijing, we had dinner in the hotel restaurant.  A nice young man waited on us until we left the restaurant around 10 pm.  This same young man was our waiter for breakfast at 5 am the next day!  Apparantly, he and the other hotel workers live in a dormitory provided by the hotel.

According to my understanding of things, the government tells you where you can work and what city you will live in.  If you don't like it, you will have the sorry task of trying to find housing on your own, which is very expensive; a job - which you can't get because you will not have the correct papers, etc.   Your life is very much controlled by the government.  Yet the poeple seem to be happy!  They smile, they laugh, they waive and they work hard.

One of the highlights for me was the opportunity to visit two hospitals and two universities.   They were the Shanghai Yangpu District Hospital for Prevention and Treatment of Tumors and the Obsterics and Gynocology Hospital of the Shanghai Medical University; along with the Fudan University and the East China Normal University.  The purpose of these visits, at least from our view, was to encourage the reintroduction of Rotary to mainland China.

The Universities had a familiar feel, with modern, western style buildings.  The hospitals were a different story!  When we took a tour of the facilities, I had the impression of a WWII hospital.  Patients were put in dormitories, with several beds in small quarters.  One florescent light lit the room.  The nurses and doctors coats were dingy white and not ironed.  Dust, dirt and standing water was in in the stairwell.  They did not have equipment that we routinely expect in hospitals, such as monitors.  The patients received a lot of attention from a caring staff and family members, but the technology was sorely missing.  As we went through the wards, we talked to a few patients.  One lady had stomach cancer surgery.  She had been in the hospital for a month.  I was surprised by the length of time she was in the hospital, as we get our patients in and out as fast as possible.  However, the people seemed to be content and happy.

To be fair, one of the hospitals has a modern section.  Both hospitals were requesting funds from us to modernize their facilities.   However, here is the problem!  Without Rotary in the country, we could not be assured the funds or supplies would reach their destination.  Without Rotarians in the country to receive the assistance, we are only basing our trust on strangers.  Our need to want to help is great, but our need to trust is just as great.

I look forward to continued efforts for Rotary and am thankful that I got a chance to make this historic trip.

GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE
By Dr. Garbis Der Yeghian, District Governor

The first month of my tenure as District Governor has been a truly humbling, although an immensely gratifying experience.  The high temperatures of summertime were surpassed by the warmth of reception accorded to me throughout the greatest District in the Rotary World--District 5300.

Angela and I wish to express our deep gratitude to each and every Rotary club that we visited in the month of July.  From Alhambra in Southern California to Moapa Valley in Southern Nevada, we witnessed Rotary's soaring spirit manifested by our clubs' sense of excitement, pride and commitment to serve.

The highlights of our visits included the induction of new Rotarians, recognizing new Paul Harris Fellows, Foundation benefactors, major donors, meritorious Rotarians, and making hundreds of lifetime friends.

What impacted me the most was the profound honor of meeting the veteran Rotarians of our District who had committed their lives to Rotary before I was born.  By shaking the hands of my senior colleagues I was deeply moved and privileged.  We were especially gratified in the enthusiastic feedback that our inaugural issue of our monthly newsletter--The Millennium Times--is receiving from Rotarians and their families throughout the District.  We owe a debt of gratitude to Lani Exton (Glendora) our multi-talented editor for his exemplary commitment to "Service Above Self."

Rotarians are the lifeblood of our organization.  As such, membership growth is of paramount importance to sustain Rotary's global reach during the next millennium.  Thus, during my club visits, it was gratifying to recognize the selfless dedication of a score of Rotarians who have sponsored new members.

Our millennial goal is to increase our District's membership by 10%.  If we roll up our sleeves and get involved we can exceed our goal.   We need to remind ourselves that membership development is not for August only, but an ongoing endeavor for all seasons.  What we need in our District today is a "Quantity of Quality."  One of our primary responsibilities is to bring new members into Rotary.  But we cannot tolerate mediocrity.  We need excellence if Rotarians are to be leaders in their communities.  Remember - to induct a new member is a must for a committed Rotarian, but also the greatest possible responsibility.  Jenni Del Castillo (South El Monte) our Membership Development Chair and Cliff Earp (Apple Valley) our Club Extension Chair would be delighted to hear from each club, and to provide support for your endeavors.

I was deeply gratified to learn about the great strides made by all of our clubs.  Clearly their progress is due to the high calibre leadership and organizational skills of our club Presidents, Officers, Board members and Copmmittee Chairs, as well as the energy and support of Rotary's grassroots.

After witnessing the excitement and motivation we encountered during our club visits, I am confident that all clubs in our District will merit to receive the Presidential Citation and the District Governor's Awards during the Millennium District Conference.

With "Service Above Self" as our guide, let us continue to employ our hands and hearts together to ensure a most memorable, safisfying and productive millennium year.

CLUB MEMBERSHIP GROWTH
By Jim Speer R.I. Membership Chair 1982-84 (Covina)

The number one priority in our Rotary clubs is to make sure our clubs maintain a positive membership growth each year.  Every club, regardless of size, will lose about 10% of its membership for a number of reasons.  Therefore, to avoid a constant loss in membership, it is imperative to plan, and act, to avoid losing our membership base which is the key to vitality, future leadership and sound financial support for club operations.

The Membership Development Committee must meet prior to the beginning of the Rotary year to discuss plans for a positive growth in club membership. Further, these plans and goals need to be dramatically conveyed to the membership in July and consistently throughout the entire year.  Various innovative ways of communicating need to be utilized to maintain membership attention.

Most importantly, tghe Membership Development Committee needs to meet consistently once a month, for about an hour (perhaps before or after a regular club meeting), to keep abreast of the membership status.  This includes establishing a realistic net gain goal of perhaps 3-5%.  Review lists of avaliable open classifications in the city, and make assignments as to who in the club is a logical person to contact the prospect.  Available lists of businesses and professions can be obtained from the Chamber of Commerce, City Licenses, and the local telephone book.  The Committee will also need to determine whom we have lost from membership, and why, and also recognize those members who have provided a prospect proposal.  The club secretary is a key to providing this information each month.

A club worth joining features excellent programs, is friendly, features exciting projects, and is well recognized in the city.  SOME ADDED SUGGESTIONS:

• Goal Example: A club of 50 members will lose 5 members! To net gain 3 members - need to induct 8 prospects!

• Promotion: Mail a positive letter & proposal card to each member.  Publish graph showing clubs 5 year membership pattern.  Write shot, stimulating articles in club bulletin.  Publish available classifications as a reminder.  Give recognition to those who propose a new member.  Sit new members at head table.  Introductions by classification.

• A seasoned Rotarian as committee chairman with newer members as committee members who have different contacts.

• Never simply announce, "please propose new members!"

CLUBS EITHER GROW OR DIE...NO SUCH THING AS SUSPENDED ANIMATION
MEMBERSHIP: GROW OR DIE
From Bryan Dziedziak, President Elect (Las Vegas Southwest)

August is Rotary Membership Month.  One of the most difficult issues facing the Las Vegas Southwest Rotary Club, and apparently many other clubs in the world, is a net decline in membership.  Living and healthy organisms must be continuously nourished to grow.  When growth stops, decline and death follows.  Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that we act now to reverse this trend.

The key to membership growth is two-pronged: First, we must retain our existing members.   Second, we must recruit and develop men and women who are willing and able to serve their local communities and the world at large.

Member Retention

Members leave Rotary for many reasons.  Some, such as death, are unavoidable.  However, in my experience, many members have left Rotary simply because they never had or lost the joy of fellowship with their fellow Rotarians.  Most clubs have a few, very active members.  The challenge, it seems, is to involve each and every member in club activities, events, and functions throughout the year.  An important part of the retention process is to make sure new members are properly introduced to Rotary.  The Las Vegas Southwest Club has a very good orientation program for new memberws called "Greenspokes" meetings.  We plan to make those meetings even better this year and encourage attendance from all members. 

New Member Recruitment

Our club's goal is to increase membership by about 14% this year; which means we need about ten new members.  That translates into only one new member for every seven of our existing members.  In a city that has a net immigration of about 8,000 persons per month, identifying and attracting ten outstanding men and women would seem to be a rather easy goal.  Nonetheless, our expeience was that we lost twelve members and gained only three last year!

Every member knows at least one other individual who would make a great Rotarian.  The membership committee should actively solicit recommendations from members on a regular and continuous basis.  Based upon those recommendations, selected members will be assigned to actively "recruit" those most likely to be contributing members to the club.  We believe that Rotary has unique rewards and benefits to business and other community leaders.  The challenge, then, is to make sure the mnessage is delivered.

READING BY 9 PROGRAM
From Don Robinson (Rotary Club of Los Angeles)

The issue of literacy has come to the forefront in Southern California,  it is about time!  Eighty percent of the third grade stdudnts in Southern California are not reading at grade level.  California students were second to last in the nation in reading test scores last year.  Evidence shows that children who don't read by the third grade:   often fail to catch up, are more likely to drop out, go on drugs, go to prison, and are substantially more likely not to get a job.   Our society cannot continue to ignore this pervasive problem!   

The Los Angeles Times, the nations' largest newspaper in daily circulation, has commenced the most far-reaching program ever under taken to attack the literacy issue.  This program is called Reading By 9.  Its mission is to have 95% of all children able to read in English in the third grade.  The Times has reached out to form partnerships from many sectors of the community.  The Governor's Office, Bank of America, KMEX-TV, and the Screen Actors Guild are partners with specific roles to help achieve the mission.

The Rotary Club of Los Angeles has taken the leadership role in making Rotary International a key partner in

Reading By 9. Our role is books.  The national average number of books per student in the classrooms is 17.  In California, the same average is 5!  Rotary will provide 2 million more books to our kids by conducting Rotary Book Drives throughout Southern California over the next two years.

The Rotary Book Drives will be conducted in the following manner:  Each Club will establish contact with an elementary school of their choice.  They will determine the kind of books that are needed in the K-3 grades of the school.  Then they will raise money for the purpose of purchasing the books.  The Rotary Club of Los Angeles will then find matching funds to add to the amount raised by the individual Clubs for the book purchases.  The Los Angeles Times will arrange for discounts from book vendors, and the Times will publicize the individual Book Drives so as to invite public donations.  The Times will also publicize the success of the Book Drives.

We have begun to introduce this Book Drive Plan to clubs in five Rotary Districts in Southern California.  I am pleased to report the strong early reception that the Plan has received.  We now have at least 28 Clubs willing to move forward, and many more could be recruited.  The most immediate need is to identify matching funds for the Book Drives.  In order to remain aligned with the advertising campaign initiated by the Times, we should conduct Book Drives this fall.  The problem is that most foundations from whicbh we might expect to receive grants for the matching funds have lengthy application processes to obtain the grants.  We need a more immediately available source of matching funds for the fall program.  We are also seeking to capitalize on the literacy theme of the Rotary International Rose Parade Float, this year captioned "Readers are Winners."

INNOVATION FOR THE MILLENNIUM
By David Sanchez, Vocational Service: Conflict Resolution Chair,  (Green Valley)

The world of business faces two critical challenges in the 21st century.  The first challenge is growth.  After a period of "downsizing" and reengineering, Corporate America must resolve the conflict of being lean and mean and the need for growth.  The second challenge is to make the successful transition from the industrial age to the information age.  The underlying value within organizations will be shifting from tangible assets to intanigible knowledge and information.  The dilema for organizations is to determine the organizational structure for the future.

The solution may be that it is essential that organizations become perpetually innovative, as individuals and teams.  Change must be mastered and innovation must be considered a priority.  In the knowledge era innovation must become synonymous with growth.  Innovation is not a fad.  The only way to innovate is to unleash the cumulative intelligence, ability and willingness of the workforce to be creative.  The problem may be that there is over fifty years of worn-out management practices and habits to overcome in the process.  The terms innovation and creativity are often used interchangeably.  There is an important distinction.  Innovation is the practical application of creative ideas.  Creative ideas are essential to innovation.  But these ideas must be applied in order to have innovation in the workplace.  Under the right circumstances every person in every organization has more creativity to bring to their work than the current situation allows.

The most important thing to understand about innovation is that it is a mindset.   It is not a specific process or set of rules to follow.  It is a way of thinking.  It is an attitude that risk and failure must be tolerated if innovation is to occur.  It is a belief that change, rather than being something to resist or tolerate, should be actively sought out, because growth and opportunity are impossible without it.

There is no end point for innovation.  No finish line.  But, for businesses and organizations to survive during this next millennium, these things must be considered.

PARTNERS PROGRAM READY FOR NEW YEAR
From Jerry and Marci Smith (Covina)

It is a pleasure to announce the new incarnation of the Rotary Partner Support Group.  Formerly known as "RotaryAnns," the spouses of Rotarians comprised a membership that was as active and dedicated as the Rotarians themselves.   They netrworked outside of their own clubs and helped to create a close fellowship within the districts that is now a rarity.   Standard roles began to change; women entered the corporate work-force and became business and professional leaders in their communities.  They became Rotarians.  Over a period of time, the "RotaryAnns" vanished and eventually so did the fellowship that many of you remember.  Now with the welcome addition of Male Rotary Partners we hope to "jump-start" the networking once again.  This will take an effort on all our parts to make it work.  We hope that each of the District 5300 Club Presidents and their partners will participate and consider enacting it at their club level as well.

As part of our on going effort to promote the Partners Program, we are planning several socials throughout the next year.  Past District Governors, Club Presidents and their partners are invited to attend a casual Dinner Social on Saturday, October 2, 1999.  For details contact Marci or Jerry Smith at 626.339.7300 or 909.629.0278.  A similar Social will be held in Las Vegas at the NorthBeach Cafe on Saturday, October 22, 1999.  For details on this event please contact Sharon or Frank Kautzmann at 702.256.6549.

SIGNUPS BEGIN FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE MILLENNIUM GALA
From Marci Smith (Covina), Patty Smith (Arcadia)

You are cordially invited to attend the District 5300 New Year's Eve Millennium Gala at the Verdugo Hills Country Club in Glendale.  Doors will open at 8 pm with cocktails/no host bar.  Guests can sip complimentary champagne while mingling and enjoying live chamber music.  A dazzling array of tempting appetizers will be served, but make sure you save room for the seven course meal that follows.  Remember to shine your dancing shoes so you and your partner can trip the light fantastic and welcome in the New Year to the sounds of a Big Band orchestra.  Cost is an unbelievable $99 per person.  Unfortunately we are limited to 250 guests, so reservations will be made on a first-come first-serve basis.  REGISTRATION FORMS WERE INCLUDED IN THE JULY EDITION OF THE MILLENNIUM TIMES- HOME EDITION. Contact Marci Smith 626.339.7300 or patty Webber 626.446.3023 for further information.

MILLENNIUM CELEBRATION CRUISE SAILS IN OCTOBER
From Caroline Reinhard (East Los Angeles)

Join Governor Garbis and Angela for a weekend "Millennium Celebration Cruise" ab oard the beautiful Viking Serenade sailing from San Pedro on Friday, October 219 to November 01, 1999.  Relax with fellow Rotarians as you are pampered and entertained.  Enjoy gourmet dining, fun in the casino and disco and starry nights at sea.  Spend Saturday in Ensenada, golfing, shopping or meeting with the local Rotarians.  Don't forget about the special kids' program and Halloween costume eveent.  Rates start at $329 for inside and $398 for ocean view cabins.  Contact Caroline Reinhard @ 323.263.5165 to sign up.

DISTRICT CONRFERENCE CLUB REGISTRATION SPECIAL ANNOUNCED
From Caroline Reinhard (East Los Angeles)

It is not too early to mark your calendar for this year's District Conference, celebrating "Back to the Future" at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach, May 18-21, 2000.  Your fellow Rotarians are hard at work planning a weekend of fabulous entertainment, interesting polenary sessions, fun sport and family events.   Watch for more details coming soon.

We will highlight Governor Garbis' focus on the family, so plan to bring your to a weekend that will commemorate the best of the best of this momentous Rotary Millennium year.  Clubs that have 100%registration turned in on or before their Governor's Visit can register for only $7 per member.

CLUBS WITH 100% MILLENNIUM CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

DISTRICT 5300 MILLENNIUM ACTIVITIES
DATES TO REMEMBER

GOVERNOR'S CLUB VISITATION SCHEDULE -  AUGUST & SEPTEMBER

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

DISTRICT CALENDAR -  AUGUST & SEPTEMBER
AUGUST  1999 - MEMBERSHIP AND EXTENSION MONTH

August Planning Tips:

Plan for Vocational Service Month in October
Consider opportunities to work with New Generations

SEPTEMBER 1999 - NEW GENERATIONS MONTH

September Planning Tips:

Promote Interact and Rotaract sponsorship
Promote possible World Community Service Projects
Plan for the RI Convention
Review club's membership goal and importance of meeting it
Remind Board of available SHARE Humanitarian Program Allocations

GOVERNOR'S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER TO HAVE 2 EDITIONS
 NET EDITION AND HOME DELIVERED EDITION PLANNED

The Goal of the Governor's newsletter, The Millennium Times, is to keep all 3000 District 5300 Rotarians informed about RI, District, and club activities, projects, events, and people. Plans are in place to introduce a two edition format to accomplish this goal:

1. The Net Edition will follow the layout and format that was used during this past Rotary year.  The Edition will appear on the District's Web Page (http://www.district5300.org)the first week of each month. It will be downloaded, copied and distributed at the club level.  This Edition will be informational in content, void of pictures,   some human interest articles, member Bio's , and advertising.

2. The Home Edition will, in addition to the Net information,  contain pictures, expanded feature articles, member Bio's, and advertising.  It will be printed in a "newspaper format" and will be a minimum of 8 pages.  The Edition will initially be mailed to all 3000 District members.  Subscriptions ($10 annually) and Advertising are being solicited to raise the necessary funding for 12 monthly issues. 

3. The Home Edition should be received the 3rd week in July.  Look it over!  See if it is worthy of your Subscription and/or Advertising support??  SUBSCRIPTION AND ADVERTISING SPONSORSHIP FORMS WILL BE IN THE AUGUST EDITION OF BOTH THE NET AND HOME EDITIONS! 

Editor for both the Net and Home Editions is A. C. Lani Exton (Glendora) he can be reached at (W) 626.792.2186; (H) 626.963.0578; Fax 626.440.9414 or District Office: 626.930.8768.