Rotary Youth Exchange - Haley Holmes

Last year I made one of the hardest decisions of my life by moving 1000 miles away from Florida to Philadelphia. Through my involvement with Rotary in Florida, I knew that joining Rotaract of Philadelphia would help my transition as I moved back this year.

Coincidentally, the first event that I attended with Rotaract brought me face to face with a group of people who knew exactly how it felt to be so far from home (although I must admit, they probably traveled slightly farther than I did). On Sunday, September 25^th I had the pleasure of meeting students who had come to America through Rotary’s Youth Exchange program all the way from Brazil, Italy, and Venezuela, just to name a few of the countries represented there.

The day started with us meeting at Reading Terminal, and walking to Independence Mall. Along the way I talked with a few of the exchange students, as well as some of their host brothers and sisters. Even though we had just met, we all got along extremely well. We talked about colleges and our respective countries and I encouraged the two students from Brazil to help me with my Portuguese. Once we got to Independence Mall we got a tour of all of the important rooms, and took a ton of pictures.

When we were done there we took the short walk to see the Liberty Bell, where some of the students began exchanging pins that had their names and countries on them (which are now hanging proudly on my bulletin board).

After more pictures, we began the walk to South Street. During this walk I discovered that one of the students who was visiting from Italy is now attending high school with one of my best friend’s brothers (it really IS a small world!) and started making plans to meet back up with a group of them.

During our free time on South Street we broke off into smaller groups, roaming in and out of the stores while telling each other stories, either about our own countries or about the things they had seen while visiting here.

All too soon the day had ended and it was time for me to head back to University City. But the day was something I won’t soon forget. I am so happy that I was able to be a part of their time here in America and I look forward to other events that will bring us together again.

Meeting October 17th - Club Assembly

We have another GBM tonight at 8pm at the Chili's at 3801 Chestnut Street. Hope to see you there! 

Also, Rotaract Philadelphia is happy to announce the official launch of our members mentorship program. In order to enter it and be paired with a successful Rotarian that most fits your profile and interests, we ask you to fill in the Google Doc below and provide us with your details and professional aspirations. After this process is completed, you will receive a personalized email providing you with contacts of your Rotarian mentor, and details of setting up your first meeting.

Please sign up on the Google Doc:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Am898S7DbgbAdEd6eC1VVzZkVUxzRHpNSEVmb21BVGc#gid=0  If you have any questions in relation to the above, please email our Professional Development Director Yulia at rotaractphilly@gmail.com.

See you all tonight!

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Rotaract Club of Philadelphia
RotaractPhilly@gmail.com
www.RotaractPhilly.org

Google Groups: Rotaract Philadelphia

St. Patrick's Day Social Service Abroad Two-Part Talk

The Rotaract Club of Philadelphia is marking the end of our St. Patrick's Day fundraiser by hosting a two-part talk on the Rotaract Ambassadorial Scholarship and about social service in foreign countries on Thursday (3/17) from 5:45 to 7:15 at the Hub CityView, Sol Room.
Address: 30 South 17th Street, #1410, Philadelphia, PA

The Ambassadorial Scholarship, the Rotary's Foundation's best-known program, is one of the world's largest privately funded international scholarship programs. Comparable to the Rhodes and Marshall Scholarship, the Ambassadorial Scholarship awarded approximately US$16.2 million to send recipients from about 70 countries to study in more than 80 nations. Learn about this hidden jewel as you get insider insight on the application process and the experience from Former Ambassadorial Scholar, Katie Creme Henry.

Afterwards, stick around to hear about the incredible work social service organizations are doing around you and how you can participate. Anna Rohwer, US Program Manager at Stromme Foundation, an organization working to eradicate poverty worldwide, will come in to talk about her organization and the work that they have been doing in Asia, South America, and Africa. Don't miss this rare opportunity.

Go "like" our Facebook Page!

Want to stay connected to Rotaract Philly on Facebook? You can now go "like" us on our Facebook page at the following URL: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rotaract-Club-of-Philadelphia/179026218804414.

Up to now, Rotaract Philly has been using a Facebook profile to keep you all informed about news and upcoming events. In order to maximize our exposure, however, we felt that a page would fit us best. If you are already connected to us through our profile, please be sure to "like" our new page, as we will be terminating the profile within the next two weeks.

Thank you for all your support! Through this transition, we look forward to keeping you involved as we continue in our mission of international service.

Sincerely,

Rotaract Club of Philadelphia

Rotaract Installation

The Rotaract Club of Philadelphia recently held its installation ceremony this past Monday in recognition of the expansion of the club's membership throughout the year. The ceremony included the pinning of new members, featured in the pictures below. Additionally, the club was honored by the presence of Rotary Club of Philadelphia president Joe Batory, his wife Joan Batory, governor of Rotary District 7450, and Jane Williams. All of three of these invaluable individuals in the local Rotary district were gracious enough to congratulate and inspire Rotaract members with speeches emphasizing the value of a commitment to service.

Without exaggeration, a warm mood of community filled the night and has left us all feeling genuinely excited about this new chapter in Rotaract's history.

Rotaract Speed Networking 2010

Photos from the December 2nd Speed Networking Event:

Rotary Youth Exchange Tour of Philadelphia

On Sunday, November 21st, the Rotaract Club of Philadelphia hosted the Rotary Youth Exchange Students of Philadelphia for a historic tour of the City of Brotherly Love.

From Love Park the Rotary group headed to Old City to tour Independence Hall and see the iconic symbol of American Independence, the liberty bell. The international group then walked two blocks away to visit the interactive Constitution Center.

The Rotaract members served as unofficial ambassadors of the city providing insight as they passed through Washington Square and Society Hill. The day wrapped up on South Street with an afternoon of shopping. Before heading back to the suburbs everyone tried a staple in Philadelphia cuisine, a cheesesteak.

A special thanks to Rob Newman, Rotary Youth Exchange Chair for supporting the Rotaract Club of Philadelphia’s effort to have a day of international exchange and fellowship.