Happy New Year! It’s good to be back and see everyone!
Our greeter was Shirley Cox.
Barry Bondurant called our meeting to order. We then had a moment of silence to honor Fred Buehrer, (born 1956-died 2023) who was a Rotarian 2014-2023. Diego Pena led our prayer and pledge. “God Bless America” was sung acapella.
There were quite a few visitors, but only one visiting Rotarian: Jason Ray.
Announcements: Jason Wible told us about the desserts in back, Jars by Fabio Viviani. The business opens in 2 weeks near us. See www.jarsbyfabioviviani.com for more information. There is currently a location in Ft. Worth. Grace Whetstone announced that there is a need for more volunteers in the spring for Miracle League. Molly Kulpa announced the ladies' luncheon and fundraiser Sat. Feb. 17 for Alliance for Children. Please sign up! It will be at Texas Live! 10 am-2:30. Get tickets and details by tapping on “featured event” at www.allianceforchildren.org.
We had the induction of a new member: Tasha Reid. She works for Girl Scouts of Texas and Oklahoma, as the major gifts officer.
Don Mebus led us in singing Auld Lang Syne.
Birthdays this week: Jan. 2 Iggy Nunez and Joe Way, Jan. 6 Derek Carter, Jan. 9 Keshia Washington and Jan. 11 Eric Hendricks.
Anniversaries this week:
Georgie Zane 5 years, Emmett Rodriquez 3 years, LeeAnne Chenoweth Lawson, and Diego Pena 2 years.
Vera McKissic introduced our speaker, Steven Trine, who has hosted many youths in the Rotary Youth Exchange program.
The Rotary Youth Exchange Program has been an integral part of Rotary International since 1974. The program is a means of advancing international understanding and goodwill. Each year more than 8,000 students from 82 countries are involved in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program, making it one of the Rotary’s largest, most popular, and most successful programs. It is also one of the largest high school exchange programs in the world.
The program is open to all young men and women ages 15-18 1/2. The student's parents, local Rotary clubs, and the district finance the program. Student selection is based on the submission of a written application followed by personal interviews at the club and district levels with the applicant and the applicant’s parents.
Our Rotary District has had a youth exchange program since 1985. The program is administered through the local Rotary Clubs with assistance from a District Rotary Youth Exchange Committee.
Mr. Trine told us that the student must spend a year abroad. There are two programs; short term being 2 – 4 weeks family to family, and long term, being an entire school year country to country.
The US State Dept. oversees and controls this program.
Steven Trine and his wife have enjoyed hosting many youth, and have kept up the relationships, even traveling abroad to visit their “adopted” sons and daughters. The most recent young man they hosted, enjoyed a trip to New Orleans and a Florida beach with the Trines. While here, he had a memorable night of dancing at Billy Bob’s! He attended high school in Westlake and was on the basketball team.
Why does this program exist? It is an outgrowth of the end of WWII and the ensuing Cold War. It was created to improve international understanding and promote peace.
What do we get out of it?
As a club; exposure to a wider world, connections in other countries, participation in a broader Rotary experience, and stronger ties to our high schools.
As host families; additional family in other countries, exposure to other customs, seeing our world through fresh eyes.
As sponsors; working with clubs in other countries, presenting our youth with outstanding growth opportunities.
What does it cost? (costs vary)
Monthly stipend $200-250
Christmas and birthday gifts
Possible scholarship for end-of-the-year tour
Total: $3-6k
Host families, it's up to you. You are taking on a teenager as a family member.
What does this program need?
Host families are needed. They need not be a Rotarian. Need to be financially able to support the student. Need to provide a bed (if sharing a room, same-sex). Need to include the student in family activities. Need to ensure the student has reliable access to school and youth exchange activities. Need to commit for 3-4 months.
Rotary clubs:
Youth exchange officers are needed, as well as same-sex counselors. There is youth protection training for all members having close contact with the students.
This was a very enjoyable program that I’m sure inspired many to become a host! A book was donated to Webb Elementary School in Mr. Trine’s honor.
The last laugh was delivered by Tom Ware.
The quote for the week: “Be always at War with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better person.” By Benjamin Franklin.
Barry Bondurant led us in the four-way test and we were dismissed.
