Welcome to the New Rotary Year! First, I would like to congratulate Rotary International President Jennifer E. Jones, a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, for becoming the first female president of the 117-year-old organization.
It is little known, but the first efforts to allow women to join Rotary date back to the 1950s. Women have always had an influence on Rotary, right from the contribution of Jean Thompson, Founder Paul Harris's wife, who was often stated as being "the power behind the Rotary throne". The organization has come a long way since the 1989 Council on Legislation vote to admit women into Rotary clubs worldwide. By June 1990, the tally of female Rotarians had increased to over 20,000. By July 2020, the number of women in Rotary worldwide surpassed 277,000 (about 23% ). Women are movers and shakers and very well-represented in leadership positions within the Chiang Mai International Rotary Club; in District 3360 and beyond.
CMIRC believes in diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strive to provide a fulfilling experience to every member, so we regularly shuffle key positions around. Please, welcome our Committee Chairpersons and Directors for RY 2022-2023:
June was full of great news for the Chiang Mai International Rotary Club!
Our Children's Water Safety & Drowning Prevention Program has finally resumed after a one-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. The first groups of students are from the Wat Ku Kham and Wat Khet Karam School.
The District 3360 Conference & Awards Ceremony 2022 took place on 11-12 June at the Empress Hotel in Chiang Mai. Charter President Roger Lindley, President Nominee/Treasurer Nancy Lindley, and Rotarian Gary Herman represented the Chiang Mai International Rotary Club. CP Roger received the "Major Donor" title for his contributions of over 10,000 USD to Rotary International. Congratulations!
Rotary District 3450 The One International Humanitarian Awards organizers informed our club that they would like to schedule a final interview for 2020 Finalists, postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on July 14, 2022. They will interview our nominee Avis Rideout of Nikki’s Place Agape Home on ZOOM. The prestigious The One Awards seek to find and honor unsung heroes who are doing good for and within the community.
Officers of the proposed CMIRC Foundation met with representatives from the Provincial Governor's Office and the Chiang Mai Tessaban Offices of Welfare and Culture for a final application review and office inspection before the final legal certification of our foundation application.
Outgoing CMIRC President Dylan, aka Hubby, and I participated in the incoming Presidents' joint Installation Ceremony at the Duangtawan Hotel in Chiang Mai on June 25, 2022. The Rotary Club of Chiang Mai North organized the event for the 15 Chiang Mai area clubs.
In closing, let me emphasize the importance of vaccinations. It may sound random, but as I am writing, my family is fighting COVID-19. My immediate circle has become an experimental Petri dish for this invasive virus. I have got to experience first-hand that it does count whether you are vaccinated, boosted, or unvaccinated. It does make a difference if you are fit and healthy, belong to the at-risk group, or are a child. COVID-19 is still a threat. Do not downplay it. Stay safe!