Every year on March 8, the world observes International Women's Day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women around the world. We celebrate how far women have come in society, politics and economics while raising awareness of women's rights, including gender equality.
We recognize the progress but acknowledge that there is still much work to do. Every day, women face discrimination, violence, abuse and inequality in many aspects of their lives.
As the President of the Chiang Mai International Rotary Club, I have a unique opportunity to champion the importance of women in Rotary. It is especially significant now when more and more women take on leadership roles within the organization, from local clubs to the highest levels of Rotary International.
Women bring valuable perspectives, skills, and experiences to Rotary. They are well-suited to Rotary's mission, as they often commit to community involvement and social justice. Women also bring a unique perspective to Rotary projects, as they may have a different understanding of the needs and challenges facing women and girls in their communities.
I feel honored to lead our club this year. Thank you for your continued support!
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And now about club business:
At last, our application for the Rotary Global Grant GG2233068 "Water and Sanitation in Northern Thailand" was approved by The Rotary Foundation! We are ecstatic! Charter President Roger Lindley, Past President John Schorr, and Rotarian Patrick Desloge participated in the Rotary Grant Training Seminar in Bangkok a the Miracle Grand Convention Hotel on February 20. Our enthusiastic Rotarians had the chance to meet Rotary Regional Grant Officer Jennifer Berg, who has reviewed our project proposal previously. A couple of days later, voila, the Global Grant was approved!
In February, we continued to live up to our “Will it be fun?” motto.
The Chiang Mai International Rotary Club held its Service Appreciation Dinner on February 23, 2023, at 6:00 pm at the Gymkhana Club.
Around 60 people were in attendance. We celebrated our 9th and Rotary's 118th birthday. We honoured our sponsors, project partners, and volunteers who provided exceptional service to CMIRC and the community.
It was a fun night!
Remember when Past President John Schorr, Honorary Member Phijitra Schorr, Youth Programs Director Raphael Djemal, Membership Chair Myrna Muyana, Rotarian Patrick Desloge and I met a group of visiting Rotarians from District 5230 at DusitD2? The enthusiastic group headed up to a remote village in the Omkoi area, where ITDF is currently working on providing safe water and toilets. President Samantha Rummage-Mathias of Visalia County Center Rotary sent me tons of photos of their trip, which she called life-changing. We look forward to welcoming them back soon. Because you know what they say: You can take the girl out of Thailand, but you cannot take Thailand out of the girl!
On February 15, the Chiang Mai International Rotary Club delivered 638.76 kg (1,408 lbs) of children's clothing donations to School for Life in Doi Saket.
On February 21, we inducted Yaovapa Ratanasopa into the Chiang Mai International Rotary Club. Khun Yao is CMIRC Rotarian David Fagerlie’s spouse and has participated in our School Vision Screening Project. Khun Yao will be a great addition to our club thanks to her financial qualifications. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with vast experience with US-based NGOs. Yao expressed an interest in taking on the CMIRC Treasurer role later this Rotary Year.
On February 27, CP Roger, PP John, Rotarian Patrick and new member Yao represented CMIRC at Bakanaz Cuisine in Mae Hia hosted by the Rotary Club of Chiang Mai Lanna to welcome Rotary Grant Officer Jennifer Berg and in recognition of Lanna clubs’ Global Grant projects.
Remember the viral YouTube video “Evolution of Dance”? CMIRC members did their own take on the twist. Here is the hilarious result. Some of us take fun seriously!
We doubled up on the fun by rehearsing a line dance to Achy Breaky Heart as a team-building exercise taught by Membership Chair Myrna Muyana. Check out the professional recording by Past President Dylan. I am proud of you, Hubby!
On Monday, March 13, 2023, the Warm Heart Worldwide Foundation is organizing an Oscar Party at the Shangri-La Hotel Ballroom in support of our Children's Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Program. You can read more details about the fundraiser here.
In closing, here is a reminder: The 2023 District 3360 Conference takes place on 18-19 March at the Top Land Hotel in Phitsanulok. All Rotarians are welcome. Current and next Rotary Year’s leadership are strongly encouraged to attend. You can read more about the District Conference here.
Would you like to learn more about our projects or get involved? Come and see us! Contact secretary@cmirotary.org for an invitation.