The meeting was opened by MPres Trudy with 25 members present and one guest of Colin’s, Norm Dodgson, who is a long term resident of Wellington and a prospective member. A further five joined by Zoom, including our featured guest presenters, Beth Selby and Trevor Hagerman speaking about the Rotary Youth Exchange Program and how it is and might play out in our District and Club.

Beth was introduced first, by Mike, who gave her her full title, Dr Elizabeth Selby,  who has been a Rotarian since 2004, initially in Belleville and subsequently Cobourg and has served in both Club and District positions at the President and Governor levels as well as fulfilling many other leading roles. This, following on from a thirty year career in Education from classroom to principal to Board Superintendant, attaining several post-graduate degrees along the way.

Trevor was then introduced as having co-presidented his Sterling Club, with his wife Shelley, for a two-year term and as having had a strong connection to the Youth Exchange Program for several years. He took over to give an explanation of this world-wide program which showed him the power and scope of what Rotary is achieving in this area. He pointed out that both Inbound and Outbound students need promotion, selection and support. The Outbound young people are ambassadors for Canada and Incoming individuals need to become very familiar with the Club in whichever area they are billeted and is hosting them. This scheme is for 16 to 18 year olds, generally in Grade 11, with above average academic and personal skills who stay in the host country for ten to eleven months and are billeted with a different family approximately every three months. It is not possible for the participants to gain Ontario education credits while they are on exchange, typically from mid-August to June. Cultural differences can also cause some challenges for both Incoming and Outgoing participants and may require some types of support for the individual. All those Rotarians and their families who come into direct contact with the participants, either as host families or engaging in shared activities and excursions, must have passed a criminal record check prior to the exchange. Beth and Trevor emphasized the extent of the host Club’s involvement in and responsibility for the success of the experience for all. Currently (post Covid), there are six countries with which young Canadians could exchange and six district Rotary Clubs which want to participate. There is already a promising candidate in the County and our Club is invited to become involved. [Unfortunately, technical problems with Zoom kept interrupting the presentations and this link is provided to the Power Point for those who wish to know more about this scheme. 

 

In answering questions, Beth & Trevor emphasized that the inability to gain credits for this year was not a major drawback and that over 50% of high school students take GAP type opportunities nowadays. Pres Elect Ken observed that a young person might be more engaged in a host family with children than a retiree household and Linda inquired what financial support was available for this exchange which was answered by Beth. Internet connectivity issues prevented the speakers from being formally thanked for their presentation.

In Club business, Bill only needed a cashier slot on the 24th (11-1) to complete Nov. Please sign-up for Dec. Tim has been front and centre in ‘restoring’ the road around the Bottle Depot. Christine up-dated the Club on the Christmas Party on Dec 7th, with a majority voting for beef rather than turkey. The event will open with a cocktail hour from 5.30 to 6.30.  All attendees must have proof of vaccination and wear masks. On the composition of the new Board, PP Howard reported that Secretary Lyn had agreed to become President Elect, following Ken, so as to become Club President in the 2023-24 Rotary year. A member to take over from Lyn as Club Secretary in the up-coming Rotary year (2022-23) is earnestly sought.

In concluding the meeting, MPres Trudy informed the Club about the Picton Club’s “Wall of Wine” fundraiser with raffle tickets at $20 which can be purchased through that Club’s Website.

Past Pres Dave Robinet won the 50/50 draw which stood at over $1,100. Congratulations Dave!
The meeting closed at 8.13 with the four way test.