Posted by Bob Hermann, President-elect on Jan. 23, 2024
As the leader this year of the Grants Review Committee, I am excited to announce that the 2024 Grants Cycle will open on Thursday, February 1, 2024. This earlier opening will allow our Club's Committees more time to seek grants from Club members in good standing.
This year the final date for any/all grant submissions will be on Friday, March 22, 2024 to allow ample time for the following reviews: the actual Committees (March/April), the Grants Review Committee (April/May), the Rotary Club Board (April/May), and finally, the Foundation Board for budgetary approval (June).
The Rotary Club of San Francisco recently hosted another event in a string of successful Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion activities. On January 21, we celebrated Turkish culture through the film My Grandfather's People by Çağan Irmak. The movie, exploring themes of family and migration, was followed by a vibrant discussion.
The film’s premise focused on what happened when suddenly everybody living in Greece who originally came from Turkey was dislocated and forced to return to Turkey, even if they had lived in Greece for 400 years. Likewise, Greeks who had lived in Turkey for hundreds of years were forced to leave for Greece. There were many complex issues of religion, family, land ownership, ethnicity, all of which were supposedly settled by the compulsory exchange of Greek and Turkish populations. What was certainly true is that this ethnic cleansing brought heartbreak to many families.
Applications are open both for student campers and new facilitators to be a part of the RYLA youth leadership camp. RYLA will be held from July 29 to August 2 at Redwood Glen Camp & Conference Center in Scotts Valley.
RYLA is free and open to all current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors living or studying in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin counties. Students who are outside of our District, but who are relatives of our Club members may also participate in District 5150's RYLA. Student applications are open until April 15.
Facilitators work in pairs to guide a small group of campers through their RYLA experience. Facilitators undergo training and are part of a team of 40 volunteer staff. Facilitators must be on hand at the camp from Sunday, July 28 through Friday, August 2. You're welcome to encourage any friends, family, and colleagues to be a facilitator as well. Facilitator applications are due by March 1st.
Please visit www.ryla.camp to learn more. Watch the RYLA videos and access the student and facilitator applications. Contact Todd St Vrain, Vice President of Youth Services, with any questions.
KGO 810 radio talk show host and political commentator John Rothmann, one of our most popular speakers, will discuss his thoughts about current political events. John always welcomes our questions.
Join your fellow Rotarians, guests, and prospective members on Super Bowl Sunday for fun and fellowship as we watch the game together and enjoy great food. This is a family-friendly event. Winners of the Club Super Bowl Squares will be celebrated at the end of each quarter.
Come and learn more about the history and status of making San Francisco a safer place to walk and bike from members of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. As it is nearly Valentine’s Day, the presentation will include some ideas for a romantic walk or ride – and maybe you’ll fall deeper in love with San Francisco along the way.
Embark on a journey of joy and prosperity as we welcome the Year of the Dragon. Get ready for an evening filled with cultural wonders, vibrant festivities, and indulge in a ten-course feast of auspicious dishes, symbolizing good fortune and abundance. All Rotarians, their families, and their friends are invited and welcome.
Join us on a one-hour tour of the Dandelion Chocolate Factory where our guide will delve into the history and process of making chocolate, all while providing us with tastings along the way. Afterwards, we'll have some time to catch up and mingle in their café over pastries and beverages. This event is open to all Rotarians and their families and guests. Attendance is capped at 20 people, so register early!
Join us at this service opportunity to stuff diaper bags and organize diapers and wipes for giveaway to clients of the Homeless Prenatal Program. Event is limited to 12 people.
Join us at one or both of the Baby Showers at the Homeless Prenatal Program where we will give expectant mothers diaper bags filled with supplies. The party for Spanish speakers starts at 10 AM; the party for English speakers starts at 1 PM. Registration is limited to two Rotarians at each shower.
Come and enjoy nature, fresh air, and fellowship as we do some gardening to improve and enhance Rotary Meadow - a garden of native plants our Club planted at the summit of Mount Sutro in 2004. Participation is limited to a maximum of 20 people. Advanced registration is required.
Come and learn more about the history and status of making San Francisco a safer place to walk and bike from members of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. As it is nearly Valentine’s Day, the presentation will include some ideas for a romantic walk or ride – and maybe you’ll fall deeper in love with San Francisco along the way.
