Governor's Update

It has been a difficult year, but we still have much for which we are grateful.

Stay safe, and enjoy the Thanksgiving Holiday this week!

Nominating Committee Selects Conor Gee as District Governor Nominee Designate

Conor Gee, a member of the Rotary Club of Chicago, has been nominated to serve as District Governor of Rotary International District 6450 for the 2023-24 Rotary Year.

Conor is an active member of Rotary/One, having completed his year as President for the 2017-2018 Rotary year. He was the youngest President in the history of the Club. Conor currently serves as District 6450 Secretary and as an Assistant Governor.

Conor manages the Product Portfolio team for Product Solutions at Health Care Service Corporation (which operates Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in five states including Illinois). He has been recognized by SociaLife Chicago as a Next Generation Philanthropist for Chicago.

His extra-curricular involvement includes being on the Associate Board for Navy Pier as well as having created Associate/Young Professional groups for Misericordia, the Chicago Parks Foundations and the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. Prior volunteer involvement includes the Common Threads Associate Board, Chicago Coalition for the Homeless Associate Board, Chicago International Film Festival Associate Board, host committee member for Macy's Glamorama, and mentor for Old St. Patrick's Church youth ministry programs. He has been highlighted in the book "Manager 3.0: A Millennial's Guide to Rewriting the Rules of Management" discussing his experiences as a Millennial manager.

Conor received a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Communications from Spring Hill College, a MBA from Dominican University, a Certificate in Nonprofit Governance from North Park University, and has completed the Business Society and Impact Program at Loyola University. He resides in Elmhurst with his wife, Becky and their two children.

Conor's nomination will become official if there is no challenge presented by any club which had proposed a candidate to the nominating committee. Any challenge must be presented no later than December 6. 2020.

Giving Thanks!

A few of the things for which I give thanks in our District this year:

Our Club Presidents working so hard to keep their members engaged and to keep serving their communities in spite of the challenges of COVID-19.

Our District officers and Board members, who have enthusiastically supported the initiatives we have rolled out this year, including the Early Childhood Education Grants, The Rotary Network, and our Membership Grants.

The team at Chicago Association Management, who have managed our daily operations and supported our leadership team with a great can-do attitude.

Our Assistant Governors and the AG coordinators, and our District Committee chairs and committee members, who have supported our Clubs and programs.

All of the Rotarians in the District who have persevered through COVID to keep active in Rotary and to do remarkable things in the world.

The wonderful support of my wife, Mary, and our family who continue to encourage me through the many hours spent on Rotary matters this year.

The possibility that vaccines and more effective treatments will restore normalcy in the coming year.

Many people decide to become a member of Rotary because they see are seeking truly meaningful ways to give back to their community. Rotary provides many such opportunities, in particular, through five avenues of service: club service, vocational service, community service, international service and youth service.

Here are a few ways you can serve on the District level:

Join one of our newly-formed committees - Environmental Awareness or Disaster Response Assistance.

For the Environmental committee, contact Chair Nonnie Lyketsos, email: nonlyketsos@gmail.com

Nonnie is already planning two great projects to help our environment in the Spring, and she would love your help.

For the Disaster Response Assistance committee, contact Chris Olson, email:cjo1316@gmail.com

We regularly receive please for assistance from around the world. Chris and his committee will facilitate communication about disasters, coordinate District response, and work with Clubs who want to help when a need arises.

Step up to offer to lead or serve on a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee for our District. We have approved moving forward with a District DEI committee, and will need Rotarians who want to help form the future of Rotary in our District to help define the purpose, goals and activities of the committee. Contact District Governor Chuck Corrigan if you are interested in helping out.

Or join our Youth Services team to help coordinate Interact activities and club formation throughout the District. Contact DGN Ade Onayemi for more information. Email: arcabo@live.com

Woodridge Rotary Looking for Partners

About five years ago, the Woodridge Rotary Club became involved with the Tanzania Development Support (TDS) group to further education in the Mara region of Tanzania. Lee Robertson, who passed away in 2018, was a driving force. Thanks to his efforts and the other Club members, there is now have a Library and Community Resource Center that is becoming increasingly popular.

Last month, the Club was asked to consider starting an early childhood education program in the Resource Center. Families with connections to the high school education program and the computer lab have come to the facility with younger children. The local partners in Tanzania believe that an early childhood program would be very successful. The TDS Board is working on the details.

To move forward, the Woodridge Rotary Club needs to raise $6,000 for equipment, furniture, instructional materials, and part time staff.

Please contact John Perry if you and your Club would like to partner with Woodridge on this great project.

John Perry - E-mail: JFPerry1970@gmail.com

Chicago Children's Advocacy Center

The Chicago Children's Advocacy Center acts as essentially official first responders for child abuse in Chicago, working directly with the police and other organizations.

They also offer free virtual training on many related topics. Check out their website for details. Chicago Children's Advocacy Center

One upcoming webinars that seems particularly relevant is on December 11: "Keeping Children Safe from Sexual Abuse in the era of COVID-19," designed for professionals, parents and caregivers.

Thanks to Erik Cempel, President of ROTARY/One, for the tip.

Vibrant Club Workshop

Do you want to increase the impact your club has in your community?

Are you looking for ways to get community members involved with your club?

Do you want to improve the club experience?

Want suggestions on how your club can review its processes and activities?

If so, register now for our Vibrant Club Workshop, which will be held via Zoom on Saturday, December 5.

See link for details:

Vibrant Club Workshop Registration

Deadlines Approaching!

Many of our Clubs engaged in our Early Childhood Education grant and our Club Membership grant programs this year, and are well on their way towards implementing the programs funded by the grants.

Each grant requires a final report to let us know what you did with the funds and how the project turned out.

THESE REPORTS ARE DUE BY DECEMBER 31st!

Get started now, and avoid the stress of last minute submissions or the nagging reminders that will surely come.

Chuck Corrigan

District Governor 2020-21

email: cjc1@dbcw.com

mobile: (630) 853-9461

To schedule a Zoom meeting with DG Chuck, go to:

Schedule a Zoom with DG Chuck

Rotary International District 6450, Inc.