Last Call: Group Study Exchange
Things are changing in Rotary. Our district is moving
towards a Future Vision in which we are part of 1/5 of districts in the world
whom fall under a new structure. This pilot program is the only thing that has
changed. This week marks the end of a wonderful program in our district and we
are lucky to be a part of the finale---
Two teams from different parts of the world gathered in D5340 to have an experience of a lifetime. A team from Ecuador and the Marie Rahima Dawood Endowed team from East Africa. Paul Gorman determined Carol Prendergast & me to coordinate for the North County Inland (NCI) area. This area is composed of clubs from Escondido, Escondido East, Escondido Sunrise, Rancho Bernardo, Fallbrook, Fallbrook Village, San Diego North, Poway, San Marcos, Vista, Bonsall, Shadowridge Vista, Valley Center, and of course, our very own Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Clubs.
The task was to develop vocational, cultural, and overall international experiences for the team members. Lead by a Rotarian from afar (but close at heart), each team was composed of professionals in certain industries. They would arrive in the US and spend 4-5 days in each area for a total of one month. They would meet and Present to various Clubs, stay at homes of respectable and giving Rotarians offering their lives for the entire week, and job-shadow other professionals in their line of work.
What was different? Well, the district was determined to take this program to the next level. If it were the last year, we would go out with a bang. With the seniority help of Sandi Rimer and Dale Barnes, they took on two, yes, two different groups in the same year. In addition, they would rearrange the program to include specialized vocational visits; meaning the group would not only tour our facilities, but they would meet with professionals in their exact line of work.
Our team from Ecuador was here in March and they were all Teachers/Professors specializing from Preschool to College. Our East Africa team from Uganda and Kenya were medical professionals, specializations ranging from Ophthalmology, to General Practice, to ENT Practice, to HIV/AIDS Practice, to Dentistry. I could not have dreamed up a better experience, not for me, but for all the people who joined together to make their trip to NCI a success.
Aside from dinner at the Mayors house, I personally had the pleasure of taking the EcuadorDowntown SD , courtesy of our club. We had a great dinner, had some drinks, and went dancing at a local club all night long. It was so much fun, that we did it again on their day off. On their last days we said our goodbyes, shared some wine, and went home. My trip was a little shorter than theirs. team out in
Marie and I were fortunate to have a Ugandan friend, Chris, join us in our home. What an experience. The highlights were definitely the dinner events with Elmer & Ruth, Paul and Laurie, and a night in Greece courtesy of Mark Burdette. They met with Rotarians, strangers, and other people who put their lives on hold to share in the experience. We toured Migrant farmer communities, Native American Reservations, Clinics, and a mock-up room of the new $900M+ Palomar hospital.
If I were to describe all the events that took place, you would be reading this for an hour.
A special thanks goes out to our Board for offering so much support for this endeavor (go Naz!). Carol Prendergast is a goddess, and did so much for me. Paul Gorman was our soldier and supporter. Paul Coleman (& Laurie Resnick) not only offered their home to Baker, but Paul offered his office to Heena. Mark Burdette offered all 15 of us a complimentary dinner! Big time fun. Mark (& Janet) Berdan offered their home for a wine tasting event and his office to Chris. Jana Markley set us up with some great vocational experiences.
Other Key Rotarian Players were:
Hosts: Ed (& Glenda) Knight, Troy (& Patty) Daum, Jude & Mel Gallegos, John Boruff, Alan Salvi, Dan Sundquist, Katie Ragazzi, Syd Kirkland.
Rotary Meetings: Laouise Andres, John Woodbury, Kourtney Kennedy, Pauline Getz, Naz Barbee.
Events: Mayor Lori Pfeiler, Rosa Ruiz, Don Darrock, Bill Racicot, Steve Yerxa, Janice Jurth, Connie Burke, Paula White, Larry Sundram, Rob Weinberg, Bob Dougherty.