Former Governor Bing Pratt

Let's get on the TRACK for a great trip

It is a great priviledge for me to serve as the Central Indiana District Governor in 2006-2007, Thank you for this opportunity.

It has been said that the journey is more important and enjoyable than reaching the destination.Let us geton the right, TRACK for our journey of Rotary srevice in 2006-2007. I can't say let's get started, because all of you have already been preparing for the official start of YOUR Rotary year on july 1. Each club sets its own agenda and goals. The District was established by RI to help the individual clubs in their endeavors. But in addition, we are part of ROTARY INTERNATIONAL. As such we are expected to support the programs of the Rotary International President, William "Bill" Boyd from New Zealand. He has selected " Lead the way " as his theme. He expects Rotarians to LTW in all that we do vocationally, socially and in Rotary service. He is stressing continuity rather than start new initiatives. In that regard, he has chosen as his emphases water management, Literacy,Health and Hunger and the Family of Rotary. the district will encourage each club to develop programs in these areas. And we will favour them when we review and accept Grant applications.

Major District Goals for 2006-2007

Each of the committee chairs has and will continue to work hard to exceed last year's significant accomplishments. Many of the committees will be featured in this and later newsletters. All of the chairs are listed in the district directory.

1. Continue the Mexico Initiative by sending more Fire trucks and Emergency service vehicles,having a repeat GSE exchange with the Mexico City District and developing more sister city partnerships with their clubs.

2. For the first time we will have a second GSE team which is going to Bangladesh!!

3. Expand the Gift of Life program with more pediatric heart surgery and develop additional support for the childern and their family after surgery. We are also working on the possibility of sending a surgical team over seas.

4. Increase the number of clubs applying for and receiving Matching Grants. Another first this year is our smaller District Simplified Grants. we will award $20,000 in up to $2000 amounts with a 1 to 1 match in early July.

5. we will supprt an dadd to youth projects through our Rotary Youth Exchange program and increase both the number of Interact clubs in local high schools or communities and Rotoract clubs in colleges and universities.

6. Continue to increase the district membership!!! Yes, we have reverse a trend of the past several years and have a net gain for 2005-06 for the District.

7. Continue to award Ambassaorial and short term Teacher Scholarships.