1. Greetings
We have many absences due to members still abroad on Holidays and few content, as the Board is mainly focused on organizing the general assembly of next month.
As a reminder, back in December our club took part in a gift donation for children at the Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, and we organized a mini-golf and drinks evening right before the Holidays.
2. Reminder: Plastic Reduction Competition
Our Treasurer Claire Föllings is organizing the Plastic Reduction Competition over the next 6 months. We strongly encourage all prospects and members to participe, be mindful of the deadline to register (tomorrow, January 5th). Please find all related information on the dedicated webpage.
3. Rotary's opportunities and the Cycling to Serve Fellowship
As a century old organisation, Rotary is full of opportunities to take part in project, network and have fun. Rotaractors have access to all those opportunities, and we strongly encourage them to seek them outside of their club structure too (see video below).
For example, when travelling to another city, why not use the Facebook group Rotaract Couch to meet fellow Rotaractors, get local tips and why not be hosted free of charge?
There are many international event organized by Rotaractors. The europeans ones are listed on Rotaract Europe's website ERIC and social media.
Finally, Rotary has a system of theme focused friendship called Fellowships. Members can freely join one or multiple fellowship, usually online, in order to discuss their interest, hobbies, sports, etc. Fellowship usually organize in person event as well.
Rotary Genève and Rotary Genève International have obtained the mandate to organizing the annual cycling Championship of the Cycling to Serve Fellowship in Geneva, in 2025. Members interested can:
- Join the next organisation meeting on Thursday 12th, 6PM at Hotel Intercontinental. Possibility to attend the following Rotary Genève International meeting and lunch. Let your board know at rotaractgeneveinternational@gmail.com.
- Save the date: July 1st for the 2023 italian edition in Monza. Once registration open, your Board will let you know via email.
- Learn more about the Cycling to Serve Fellowship on cyclingtoserve.org. The Fellowship also has its own newsletter.
4. Rotary-Rotaract Mentorship
The President is currently discussing, together with Rotary Genève International, our sponsoring club, the creation of a dual membership fee. Currently, Rotaractors are eligible to become member of a Rotary club at the same time, but owe full fees to both club (300 CHF + 1000 CHF).
Rotary Genève International's president Mineko Mohri, together with liaison Marie-José Astrée-Demoulin and Coll McDougall-Hunter will soon come to our club to discuss a reasonable lower fee, that could allow members to enjoy benefit from both clubs while financing both of them without breaking the bank.
5. Next social event: Musée Tatiana Zoubov
Geneva is full of museum, but very few know the Musée Tatiana Zoubov. Countess Zoubov was a collector of 18th’s century furnitures and objects, and has lived in this well preserved Hôtel particulier (town house) of Rue des Granges… One of Geneva’s most discreet yet luxurious street in the heart of the old town.
For our next social event, on Wednesday 18th of January, prospects and members are invited to participate in a cultural visit. The entry price (CHF 10) will be covered by the club. Meeting at 6.00pm in front of Rue des Granges 2, 1204 Genève.
6. General assembly & Elections
Our Rotaract club will hold its general assembly and election in less than a month, on February 1st, 2023. Only full members can vote, but prospects can attend.
The general assembly is a mandatory, once-a-year meeting for any association. It allows members to change the bylaws and have an overview of the club’s status. Voting can be done by raised hands. The Board will submit bylaws modification in order to simplify the prospect to members journey (condition and duration). If you would like to submit a modification, make sure to review the existing bylaws here, and get in touch with the board before Tuesday 24th of January at rotaractgeneveinternational@gmail.com.
The election allows the club to renew the Board positions for the following year :
July 1st 2023 to June 30th 2024. The existing Board positions are President, Vice-president, Treasurer, Secretary, Director of Admissions, Director of Communications (CICO). From the Board of 2022-2023, the following members will re-apply to their current positions :
Claire Föllings, Treasurer
Boris Fernandez, Director of Communications (CICO).
We strongly encourage both prospects and members to consider applying to a Board position.
The requirements (flexible):
- 2 physical club meetings a month
- 2 virtual or physical board meetings a month
- Hold the position for the duration of the year (~10 months)
- Upon election, follow the dedicate online course on Rotary.org (~1h)
- Attend the once-a-year District Uni-Day
- President only : attend the once-a-year President-Elect District meeting
Please note:
- Prospects can apply for Board positions. They will take their function once fully member. In the meantime, the previous Board member acts as interim.
- Our club is international (english-speaking) and composed of students and young professionals who, for most, recently arrived in Geneva and are not sure of the duration of their stay. However, having to leave your Board position before or during your year is not a disaster! Be aware of that risk, inform your fellow board members, and plan accordingly: who could take your position, what information/document/training do they need, etc. Do not refrain to apply to a Board position just because you are not certain to stay in Geneva for the whole year.
The advantages of being a Board member:
- Play an active role in Rotaract and Rotary’s future
- Get real-life experience as a leader
- Conduct the projects you want
- Be recognized within Rotary’s world
- Train for a future bigger position (district, national, etc).
- Build long-lasting friendships and enjoy great moments
Are you interested?
Write us an email at rotaractgeneveinternational@gmail.com with
2-3 sentences about why members should vote for your application.
