Author: Indy Rotary

  • Nick Reich participates in the 2009 GSE trip to Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique

    When I was first selected to participate in the 2009 GSE trip to Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique, I tried to learn as much as I could about the countries I would be visiting. I quickly realized that I knew a lot less about Africa than I realized. As the trip grew closer, I tried to take all of my preconceived notions about what the trip would be like out of my head. I wanted to go into the experience free of prejudgments and just learn and experience everything I could while I was there. This turned out to be a wonderful way to approach the experience, because nothing could have prepared me for what it was actually like and what I would actually feel.

    Many people have asked me since I’ve returned what I learned when I was there. Initially, this question was difficult to put into words. But after much reflection, the answer became clearer. I learned respect. I learned appreciation and patience. I learned cooperation and sacrifice. I learned the true meaning of service above self.

    But most importantly I think, I learned that we are all alike and connected. The differences in us and the individuals I came in contact with are not that great. We all have the same wants and needs, hopes and dream, fears and desires for the futures of our children.

    During one evening in Mozambique, we were schedule for dinner and a presentation at 7:00 pm. We started the program at 9:30 pm. This was my first experience with “Africa time,” a concept difficult for us time sensitive Americans to understand. Sometimes, a “quick” stop at a store or restaurant was not such, especially if our host ran into a colleague or friend that they haven’t seen in a while, even if we were late. A Rotarian informed that it is considered rude to see someone you know and not stop for a conversation, even if you are late for an appointment. What an interesting concept; in Africa, people are more important than time. Maybe we should all work a little more on “Africa time.”

    The greatest part of this exchange is the people. Each team member had a unique experience due to the host family that they were with in each city. Not only did we stay with native African families, I also stayed with Europeans, Indians, and Iranians. Each host provided a look into a culture different than my own and sometimes, shared their experience living in a place where their culture differed from the dominant culture. I suddenly find myself paying more attention in the world. I have been following Malawian politics and Zambian soccer. I have been closely watching the elections of Iran and India. All of these things now greatly impact people that I have come to care about and call friends. So thank you to Rotary International and the Rotary Club of Indianapolis for making my world a smaller place.

    Nick Reich, BSW 
Director of Student & Family Services 
Indianapolis Metropolitan High School

  • As Rotary Club thrives, people reap benefits

    The economy is in its deepest recession in 75 years. Unemployment is approaching 10 percent. Groups that rely on endowments and charitable donations have seen their coffers dry up, and apparently no one can survive without a government bailout.

    However, someone forgot to tell all of this to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis. According to the monthly “dashboard report” that President Denny Sponsel provides to the membership, Indy Rotary is running a budget surplus, membership has increased substantially, dozens of service projects are in the works, and the club has a two-year winning streak against the Kiwanians in their annual softball grudge match.

    On Tuesday, the club officially completes its $1 million pledge to Riley Hospital for Children, on time and with money to spare. This was not the result of one large donor or any government intervention. Rather, this money was raised through membership raffles and good old-fashioned fundraising.

    The club also will donate well over $50,000 to the Rotary International “End Polio Now” campaign. For decades, Rotary International has led the worldwide effort to eradicate polio. With that goal within reach, each local club was asked to contribute $2,000 for the final push. The donation from the Rotary Club of Indianapolis represents the largest club donation in the world.

    In an era when many service clubs are struggling, the Rotary Club of Indianapolis sees its best days ahead. The club started the year with 400 members and is close to its goal of 450. The average age of members is declining, and everyone is represented, from young professionals to retired executives. The membership reflects the diversity of our community, with a healthy mix of business and not-for-profit members and a solid “who’s who” of community leaders on the roster.

    The true success of Indy Rotary, however, is not who they are, but what they do. Besides raising money, the club runs a clean-water and AIDS prevention program in Africa and education and health initiatives in Jamaica, and locally supports literacy, crime prevention and neighborhood beautification, just to name a few worthy causes. To borrow a phrase from Oldsmobile, this is not your father’s service club.

    This success is not by accident. Sponsel, owner of RJE Business Interiors, is one part taskmaster and two parts cheerleader, with a heavy dose of eternal optimist. For him, the glass is never half empty or half full, but always has room for more.

    As the club approaches its 100th anniversary, it doesn’t look a day older than 29. The economy may be in a recession, but the Rotary Club of Indianapolis refuses to participate. For this club, it’s all about building good will and better friendships.

  • Group Study Exchange

    The Rotary Foundation’s Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for business people and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are in the early stages of their careers. The program provides travel grants for teams to exchange visits in paired areas of different countries. For four to six weeks, team members experience the host country’s culture and institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas.

    In a typical four-week tour, applicants participate in five full days of vocational visits, 15 to 20 club presentations, 10 to 15 formal visits and social events, two to three days at the district conference, three to four hours per day of cultural and site tours, and three to four hours per day of free time with host families.

    For each team member, the Foundation provides the most economical round-trip airline ticket between the home and host countries. Rotarians in the host area provide for meals, lodging, and group travel within their district. Download this PDF for more information.

  • Indianapolis Rotary Club meets $1,000,000 pledge

    The Rotary Club of Indianapolis has completed its pledge to donate $1 million over five years to Riley Hospital for Children. On Tuesday, the Rotarians presented a check for $95,000, the last piece of the pie, to Riley President and CEO Dan Fink. The funds will create a family lounge, with amenities such as computer hookups and kitchen facilities, in Riley’s new addition.

  • Softball 3-Peat 09

    Your Rotary softball team has done it again, winning 10 – 4 in the annual grudge match against Kiwanis at Victory Field on Saturday night!

    While it was a hot and humid evening the team came to play, but not without a big time challenge from Kiwanis. The first two innings were even with the score 1-1 after inning two. But Steve Lewey came through again this year to motivate our team with a very rare in-the-park, nearly over the fence, home run in the third inning. After that, the team really got energized playing both defense and offense exceptionally. By the sixth and final inning, and with Kiwanis loading the bases, the third out was a simple ground ball and a final out to second.

    Special thanks to all who participated this year! We ended up with an awesome cheering section and sold over 100 tickets to the game! The fellowship was wonderful and the speech from President Denny before the game was inspiring. Of historic note, because the 2009 softball game and this year’s game fell between July and the end of June, President Denny may be the first ever to have won two softball games in the same year as President. Way to go. President Julian – we will do it again for you next year!

    A second special thank you to John Vulanich, team coach and all the players who came out this year to play. As always, it was a wonderful event and we can’t wait for the game in 2010.