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‘ENVIRONMENT OPENS EXCITING NEW OPPORTUNITIES’

Article by RI Director-Elect Jessie Harman
Ex citement is building with the addition of Environment as Rotary’s seventh area of focus. Much of

the excitement relates to the opportunity for increased environmental activities and outcomes.
However, equally exciting is the opportunity for Environment to attract new supporters and members
into Rotary.

From 1 July 2021, Rotarians will be able to apply for grants from The Rotary Foundation to deliver projects with
environmental outcomes. It is not the first time The Foundation will fund environment-related projects; indeed the
Trustees have allocated more than $18m in Foundation Global Grant funding to environment related projects over
the past five years. Yet giving Environment separate recognition is likely to result in more environmental projects
and better environmental outcomes, thanks to Rotary.
There may be other wins as well. The new focus on Environment may mean more partners and members for Rotary.
Environment is a cause dear to the hearts and minds of many people. Not only will recognising Environment enable
us to leverage our impact, it also provides an invaluable opportunity to connect with new supporters, re-engage with
existing members and promote Rotary in our communities.

I encourage all clubs to consider how they can leverage
the new focus on Environment to also deliver
membership and public image benefits for Rotary. To
coincide with the launch, clubs could:
- Organise and promote an environment related
project in the town and invite community
members to participate
- Host an in-person or online forum on an
environment-related topic
- Hold a competition or awards event to
recognise community members who have
achieved positive environmental outcomes in
the area
- Partner with a local, regional and/or national
environmental organisation to deliver and/or
promote an environmental project Photo credit: Rotary International
- Organise an advertorial in the local paper to promote existing Rotary projects in the area of Environment
- Feature your club’s environment related projects on your digital and social media platforms, along with a call
to action for supporters and prospective members to join you
- Develop a plan to increase and promote your club’s involvement in environment related activities and projects
Recognition of Environment as the seventh area of focus reminds us that The Rotary Foundation, Public Image and
Membership are inextricably linked to Growing Rotary. To grow our membership we must focus on making a
difference where it matters most and ensure that our community continues to recognise us as relevant and responsive.

The Environment Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG) in Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands will
launch the new area of focus with a virtual event on Friday 4 June 2021 at 6.00 pm. Featuring interviews, project
videos and speed networking from around our region, the event is free. You can secure a ticket by visiting: ESRAG
ANZPI - ESRAG ANZPI - Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group - ANZPI Region

‘COURSE UPDATES’

From Rotary Training Talk, May 2021 issue
Three new or updated courses are available in the Learning Center:
§ Conducting Training Online Offering training online can help facilitators overcome physical distance,
accommodate busy schedules, and create a more inclusive and more accessible learning environment. This course
includes two demonstrations of how to facilitate a learning session in a virtual environment.
§ Getting Started With the Learning Center This updated course offers information and tips for new users of
the Learning Center. It also has a new video about key features of the Learning Center.
§ Get Ready: District Membership Committee Learn the essentials of how to grow Rotary through strategic
planning and promotion. (languages available soon)

Rotary on the Move June 2021 Page 3