Rotary Community Heroes of Hope
Introducing "Rotary Community Heroes of Hope" - a podcast dedicated to showcasing the profound impact of Rotary in District 5330 and beyond. Join us as we explore the remarkable stories of rotary heroes and initiatives that are transforming communities and creating hope around the world.
Rotary Community Heroes of Hope
Beyond the Club: The Power of the Rotary Institute
The true power of Rotary extends far beyond our local clubs and districts — it's found in the connections we forge with each other across wider regions and the collaborative energy that creates. In this illuminating episode, we're joined by Zone Director Wynne Spiller and Rotary Institute Chair Bob Deering to explore one of Rotary's most valuable yet sometimes overlooked opportunities: the Rotary Institute.
For many Rotarians, The Institute remains a mystery. Wynne breaks down how Rotary's 34 global zones function and why this annual gathering has evolved from a leadership update session to a transformative experience open to all Rotarians. As Bob elegantly puts it, "If you aren't able to get to International Conventions, this is the closest thing you're ever going to see to Rotary at that level."
The 2024 Institute, happening October 23-25 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, promises an extraordinary lineup. You'll hear about the zone's first Endowed Peace Fellow sharing her journey, hands-on AI workshops with expert Isar Midas, specialized leadership training through a Toastmasters partnership, and an innovative "Rotary Shark Tank" where districts can pitch their international projects to secure additional funding. Beyond the formal programming, the event weaves in cultural experiences unique to New Mexico, themed entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to form meaningful connections.
What makes Rotary Institute truly special is how it balances Rotary's serious mission with genuine joy and celebration. It's designed not just for district governors but for any Rotarian seeking to expand their horizons, recharge their passion for service, and bring valuable insights back to their clubs. With registration already at 50% capacity, this is your invitation to experience Rotary in a broader, more inspiring context.
Ready to elevate your Rotary journey? Visit zoneInstitute.org today to secure your spot in Albuquerque and discover how connecting beyond your club can transform both your Rotary experience and your impact on the world.
Hello and welcome to the Community. Heroes of Hope, a podcast where we shine a light on the remarkable individuals and projects in Rotary District 5330 that bring hope and change to our local and global communities. I am Judy Zelfikar, your co-host and the current District Governor of Rotary District 5330.
Speaker 2:And I'm Niren McLean, the Rotary District Governor-Elect, and I'm Niren McLean, the Rotary District Governor-Elect. Together, we're diving deep into the heart of the community service, showcasing the impact of dedication and collaboration in addressing some of the most pressing challenges our communities face.
Speaker 1:Each episode, we'll tell stories of incredible people making a difference, innovating solutions and inspiring others to take action.
Speaker 2:We'll also be giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the projects that are transforming their lives, and we'll discuss how you, too, can get involved, contribute and be part of the positive change. Whether you're a seasoned Rotarian or just looking to give back, this podcast is for you.
Speaker 1:So join us as we explore the journeys, challenges and successes of people like you who have stepped up to make a difference. Let's celebrate the spirit of community and the power of hope together.
Speaker 2:Don't forget to subscribe to the Community Heroes of Hope on your favorite podcast platform. Stay with us on this journey of inspiration and let's spread the message of hope further than ever.
Speaker 1:Thank you for tuning in. Let's get started. Well, Niren, we have some very special guests with us today. I am very excited about having Zone Director Winspiller and Bob Deering with us today talking about Zone Institute.
Speaker 2:It's very exciting. I went there last year and the year before and my very first zone was in Santa Barbara.
Speaker 1:Wow.
Speaker 2:And I was very, very excited about that. So looking forward to this.
Speaker 1:Yeah, a lot of our listeners may not know what Zone Institute is, and that's what we're going to find out today. So I'm going to start with you, wynne, can you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about you and your role?
Speaker 3:Wynne, can you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about you and your role? So I'm Wynne Spiller, I'm from the Rotary Club of Grass Valley, california, in District 5190. And I am the incoming Rotary International Director, following Dan Hemelsbach, which I'm very honored to do. Spot, which I'm very honored to do. So, as I think folks probably know, we have 34 zones in the world and they're paired and each pair has one elected director. So I will be with a. There'll be a group of 17 of us that on the Rotary International Board and, in addition to providing governance and all the usual things, we provide support for all of the clubs in the Rotary world. So while I work most directly with our zones here on the West Coast, when sitting on the board you really represent all of Rotary as a whole. And I will be the convener of the Institute and thrilled to have Bob Deering here who is the chair of the Institute.
Speaker 1:Awesome Bob, can you introduce yourself?
Speaker 4:Thank you, Judy. Yeah, my name is Bob Deering and Wynne kind of introduced me as I am the chair of the Institute. I've been working with Wynne for about the last year. I think we're just about one year from the time that she asked if I would do this. I'm a past district governor from District 5180 in the Sacramento area and I am a member of the Rotary Club of American River. Oh, wow, I used to live up there. Is that Rotary Club of American River?
Speaker 1:Oh wow, I used to live up there. Is that by Sacramento? The American River?
Speaker 4:Yes, it's quite an interesting thing is that I've always been in the Rotary Club of East Sacramento and last year there was a Rotary Club, the Rotary Club of Carmichael, that was having a hard time surviving. We went to them and asked would you like to merge the two clubs? Because we were thinking of having a Rotary Club that did not have a geographical location by city, because, even though ours says East Sacramento, we had no members that were in what's considered the East Sacramento area. So basically, our two clubs merged and we changed our name to the Rotary Club of American Ritter.
Speaker 1:That's awesome and it's interesting. I think our members are really familiar with Rotary Clubs. They are somewhat more familiar also with Rotary Districts, and then, of course, Rotary clubs. They are somewhat more familiar also with Rotary districts and then, of course, Rotary International. But sometimes I think Zone Institute isn't something that everybody knows about. So, Wynne, can you explain to our audience what is Zone Institute and who should attend?
Speaker 3:Well Zone Institute, often called Rotary Institutes, now is an in-person gathering of actually anyone who is interested in coming. They began some years ago as an opportunity to update and bring current information to largely governors and past governors, but in this day of instant communication and updates everywhere, now institutes are open to all who want to attend and they really have a special place in our world of events. It's an opportunity for us to connect in special ways only our leadership teams from around our 30 districts, but also, again, people, like-minded people who share the vision that we do of helping create a better world. We invest in people through our various projects and partnerships.
Speaker 3:We value connection and I always have remembered something that past RI director, john Blount, shared, which is events, especially like institutes, that cover a broad part of our piece of the Rotary world. They provide an experience that is beyond our virtual, technical ones that we do so much of now, but it's an experience that can encourage new perspectives. It can inspire innovation, enhance leadership skills, provide zone-wide collaboration and networking. So it's really an opportunity to invest in your own leadership as well as investing in your club and district and the future of Rotary. Best of all, it's about friends coming together. I think that probably is one of the number one benefits of attending Rotary Institute reconnecting with friends, as well as making new ones, recharge, reignite our own passion for making this world a better place and helping create that world that we all desire to see Absolutely.
Speaker 2:I can tell you that the Zone Institute for me was a and is a wonderful learning experience. I remember attending one in San Diego and learned so much there about foundation but in particular about the bequest and benefactor structure. And one of the ladies who was in attendance got up and spoke on her about her own experience going through the loss of her husband and how Rotary, through the foundation, was able to set up a variety of trusts and a structure, a tax-beneficial structure, for her. And I came back and said, my God, why did it take me this long to learn this stuff? So the knowledge acquisition to me is wonderful, as you said. The knowledge acquisition to me is wonderful, as you said, when, along with the ability to meet new friends and collaborate and plan. But for those people who have not gone to an international convention, I think the Zone Institute is definitely a close second.
Speaker 1:A good option. So, Bob, where is this upcoming Zone Institute and how would we find out more information about it?
Speaker 4:Well, the Zone Institute is going to be in Albuquerque, new Mexico, this year. It's a place where there's a lot of excitement in that town and I don't believe many of us have ever been to Albuquerque. When talking to people who are coming, they said gosh, I've never been there. That's the place I'd like to go and see, see what it's all about. So we are, we are in Albuquerque and yeah, I'm sorry. The second part of that question.
Speaker 1:What website would you give for people to find out more information about the Zone Institute?
Speaker 4:It's at zoneinstituteorg.
Speaker 1:That's pretty easy. That keeps it going. I'm looking forward to going to Albuquerque. I actually grew up right outside of Albuquerque, in Bernalillo, new Mexico. I was adopted in Las Cruces, new Mexico, so it's like going home, it's going home and I'm looking forward to it, and we have some amazing speakers that are going to be joining us. Which one of you would like to talk about some of the speakers that we can expect to hear from at this year's Zone Institute?
Speaker 3:Well, we might both want to Well we might both want to.
Speaker 3:There you go, that works, remain true to who we are as Rotarians, and yet evolving, remaining relevant, even revolutionizing, as we thrive in this very changing, complex world.
Speaker 3:So we have some visionary leaders in fields of things like transformative change, artificial intelligence, peace building, leadership itself, and so maybe I will just speak to one and Bob, you can jump in. So one of the things that we're very excited about is that we have Isabel Gutierrez, who is our first Zone 2627 Endowed Peace Fellow. So in our two paired zones we have been working to build our own endowed fund for peace, and two years ago we reached the level to be able to endow one fellow every four years. And Izzy is our very first one from Imperial California. She will be graduating from the Christian University in Japan in June and she will join us. She's not sure whether she's joining us from Japan or the US or some other part of the world, but she is going to be with us and just really excited to hear about her experiences, her journey and spend time with her, in addition, of course, to her presentation.
Speaker 1:So I'm very excited about that. That's amazing, very special to have a Peace Fellow joining us. Who else do we have on the lineup, bob?
Speaker 4:Something that I'm really excited about is we have a gentleman. His name is Isar Midas. He is an expert in AI. I love that. And Wednesday, empowering our legacy. I'm sorry, embracing our legacy, empowering our future. This is as we go into the future and what can AI do for us and help us in rotaring? I know I was in a meeting just last night and I used AI to take notes in that meeting and it's just phenomenal.
Speaker 1:I use it almost every single day.
Speaker 4:That's just a very, very simple thing, and this gentleman puts out a newsletter every week. I've been following his newsletter over the last two or three months and the changes are just phenomenal, day in and day out.
Speaker 1:Yeah, they're rapid change, and if we, as Rotarians, truly want to be revolutionary and stay and be relevant, we need to be aware of these tools and these technologies that help us do that.
Speaker 2:And become more efficient.
Speaker 1:Exactly More efficient. We all need some efficiency, that's for sure. We all need some efficiency that's for sure.
Speaker 3:So Isar is not only going to speak to the group, but he is also going to hold a workshop. Oh that's fabulous. He wants to get in and do some things with his guidance, so he'll be doing that as well, which we're very pleased about.
Speaker 1:I think that's one of the things that I'm most excited about with Zone Institute, and what I experienced in the last few that I've been to is it's not just a bunch of people talking at you, it's a very facilitated workshop integration so that you really feel like you walk away from the experience with actionable tools and information that you can take back to your club or your district and put them to work.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 3:One of the other things that is maybe a little different is that we have partnered with Toastmasters for the Institute and Ed Week, and one of the past international directors of Toastmasters lives in Albuquerque. Oh her name is TK and she will be with us doing some things with education for our incoming governors, as well as one or two sessions work that are workshops. So it will be a chance for her to share some skills, for example, in extemporaneous speaking or interviews. We should have had her on to give us some coaching here.
Speaker 3:It's been an opportunity to actually practice some of those things together in a workshop format, and we think that that is going to be a lot of fun. We certainly have heard that more topics related to our own personal leadership development is something that appeals to every part of our audience, whether you are an incoming leader, a Rotary Club member interested in building skills, or you are a more senior member who has been in Rotary for a long time, so we're excited to add that to the mix.
Speaker 2:It's actually a very, extremely valuable addition. When I was talking with some Rotarians a couple of weeks ago and looking how, what could we offer the people in our district and really with district specific at that time, particularly the young career minded person or middle level what could we offer them to attract them to Rotary, and a lot of the conversation rotated around career development, mentorship, leadership, um, and those kinds of things. So that if we're able to tie, if, if it's a good career move to associate with Rotary in addition to, in addition to helping the community and saving the world, then to me it's a win-win and so that we arrived at the same thing. So I'm very, very excited to hear you have those elements offered there, because then that brings the opportunity for the regular Rotarian to say what's in it for me. Well, this is what's in it for you.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and let's talk about that. So who should come to Zone Institute? We know that the district governor elects and the district governor nominees are going to be there, because that's where they get their training. But who else should come to the Zone Institute when?
Speaker 3:Well, I would say anyone who, any Rotarian who is interested again in investing in themselves, experiencing Rotary on a little bit broader scale than you have say at your district conference, something like that, because it does involve a broader part of our world of Rotary, and I think that broadening your horizons and leaving with not only new knowledge but again this recharging of our own desire to be part of creating this vision for a better world. I truly believe that and so I think anybody who has those interests and is interested in just meeting a whole bunch of really great Rotarians from our 14 Western states and part of Canada should definitely attend.
Speaker 1:And Rotaractors. Is there some space for Rotaractors?
Speaker 3:Yes, Rotaractors as well. We're just starting to put together the program for Rotaractors and so, yes, we're expecting them. We already know that the District 5520, that's our host district, will be bringing Rotaractors and Interactors as well as.
Speaker 3:Rotarians to our world polio day event, which is um community-wide, so it is open to everybody that is in the albuquerque greater albuquerque area and it's going to take place right across from the hotel, on this fabulous plaza that has a huge video wall. Oh, beautiful, yes, and in addition to programming and some quite how should I say, bob unique and spectacular entertainment, polio Day and kids and making a difference in their lives. So we're going to do that together, as well as listen to some great programming.
Speaker 1:That's awesome. So we, you know, often when we come to these zone institutes and Rotary International Convention and such, we get the opportunity to experience the venue as well or the city. So what are the exciting things and maybe, bob, you can speak on to this what are the other activities that are in store for those that or have the opportunity for them to do when they come to Albuquerque?
Speaker 4:There's a number of things. I think the one thing that many of us have heard of is the Balloon Festival is one big action from the Albuquerque area. It is two weeks before our institute, so, no, we're not competing with the Balloon Festival and whatever, but balloons are a big thing. There is a wonderful balloon museum. The city of Santa Fe is a very short train ride and many people have taken that train ride up to Santa Fe $20 per person.
Speaker 1:Oh wow, that's a good price, excellent price.
Speaker 3:I think, bob, it's only nine oh wow. Last I looked nine each way, so that's 20.
Speaker 4:I'm glad you looked, because 20 was what I was told. Anyway, if people would like to come before or after the Institute and make Santa Fe a part of it, I think we can probably talk with Hotel Clyde, which is a hotel we're going to be at. They have a couple of sister hotels in the Santa Fe area, oh, wonderful. And we'd be happy to try to get our help. Our people get reasonable room rates up in Santa Fe so they can take in that city.
Speaker 1:That's awesome. That's awesome, and so we have where it is. When is Zone Institute? I don't think we covered that. So what are the dates of Zone Institute?
Speaker 4:Zone Institute starts on October 23rd. It's a Thursday and goes through that next Saturday, October 25th. So October 23rd to October 25th are the dates of the Institute.
Speaker 1:So October 23rd to the 25th in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and they can go and get tickets on zoneinstituteorg. What are we missing? What else do you want to talk about?
Speaker 3:So maybe a couple of other things that will be available in Albuquerque, building on what Bob said. One of them is so Albuquerque does have a pretty vibrant culture, and so a tour of Old Town, so a guided tour of Old Town, will be available. We also will arrange bus transport for those who want to go out to the Balloon Museum, which is very definitely worth seeing for sure, and a couple of other little things that are in the works.
Speaker 3:Golf on Sunday at the pretty legendary, gorgeous Sandia Golf Course which is about 15 minutes or so from the hotel, and so we'll be arranging some transportation for folks who want to play golf as well, and there's just a wealth of museums that are within the Albuquerque area, that are within close reach. So I think there are going to be a number of things to do. There is a lot of music throughout, and that's something we haven't talked about, because music is an important part of the Institute. So you're going to hear and experience music and entertainment pretty much throughout, drawing on some of our local folks as well as others, so it's, I think, going to have a very fun and uplifting feel. There's something especially nice about including music and entertainment, so that's another piece that we will have, along with themed dinner events for those people who enjoy dressing up, so there will be an opportunity to put on your fiesta wear for the welcome dinner and things like that Just adds a little bit of fun.
Speaker 1:Yeah, fun and flair. Fun and flair.
Speaker 3:That's exciting I think it will be.
Speaker 2:I understand, if I'm not mistaken, that it's already off to a fantastic start and, is it correct? 50% already have already signed up and et cetera. So we can use the opportunity really to promote very aggressively to our clubs and to our district to hey, there's an opportunity, but it is going fast because people do recognize the benefit of Albuquerque and the zone as well, yeah, don't wait till the last minute people.
Speaker 1:Get registered as soon as possible.
Speaker 2:Don't be the typical Rotarian Right.
Speaker 1:Exactly, exactly Better now than later and I think we're already past our early bird registration. But you know, it's one of those things where you want to register early because if you want the best spots in some of the tours or the golf tournament, you want to get in there and make sure that you have that opportunity. So you may not be able to talk about this yet, so we're going to do a little tease. So tell me if it's not ready to have this conversation. But I heard something about Shark Tank.
Speaker 3:Oh, yes, bob can talk about that.
Speaker 4:Yes, we happen to be at a zone institute over on the East Coast this this year on the East Coast this year and was talking to the director over there and they did something a takeoff on the very hit TV show Shark Tank. But Shark Tank is going to be a place where certain districts have the ability to show some of their international projects and have the opportunity to get maybe additional district designated funds or additional cash from people who hear about what they're doing.
Speaker 2:That's beautiful, very creative, very creative.
Speaker 4:Our sharks are going to be our Rotary International President-elect. I think your director-elect, who will be director at that time, who's also on this, will be one of our sharks. We have a couple trustees who are coming, and so we will try to make it as fun as the TV show is.
Speaker 3:Except we're going to be nice sharks.
Speaker 1:And districts will have the opportunity to kind of just talk about their program and feature it in the Shark Tank. Oh, that's awesome. I love it.
Speaker 4:What's going to happen is that we are going to be putting this out to all of our district governors and say here is what we're doing, here are the rules, and if you have a project you would like to highlight, do a write up on that project and we will pick three of those projects to highlight. Plus, those projects will have a place in the House of Friendship so people can come up after the Shark Tank presentation and talk more about it.
Speaker 1:Awesome. Well, I already have a few in mind from our district that I'm sure would like to present. So any final thoughts. Wynne, you had one more thing you wanted to chat about. Yeah.
Speaker 3:Bob mentioned our Rotary International president-elect joining us, sang-koo Yoon from Korea, and we are thrilled to have him with us and he will be speaking at the Saturday night gala as part of our celebration of our soon-to-be directors the following year directors the following year. So our district governor's elect will be honored on Saturday night and give them a great send off as they get ready to take the reins the following year. So he will be with us actually all week. Awesome, and we'll have time to really get to know him and excited, very excited to have him with us.
Speaker 2:You know, I think that this really is just a wonderfully unique and local opportunity for our Rotarians to really experience and remember the breadth and the scope and the power of Rotary, and that's so exciting. So I'm really looking forward to this.
Speaker 1:Really brings the worldwide view to what we do in Rotary. If you can't make it to a Rotary International Convention, or even if you can, this is another opportunity to see the power of Rotary and it's another opportunity to connect with Rotarians from around the world so that we can continue to do good things around the world Absolutely, uniting for good, do good things around the world.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 4:Uniting for good. I'd like to emphasize something that Wynne said, that many people think this is just for our governor lines, our past district governors, leadership like that. This is for any Rotarian who would like to see Rotary at a different level and I think if you aren't able to get to international conventions, this is the closest thing you're ever going to see to Rotary at that level.
Speaker 1:Absolutely, Absolutely Well. Thank you both for joining us today. Again, the dates are.
Speaker 4:October 23rd through 25th 2025.
Speaker 1:In Albuquerque, New Mexico, go to zoneinstituteorg and register today. Thank you both for joining us.
Speaker 2:Thank you, bob, thank you for having us.
Speaker 1:Thank you very much and we'll see you in Albuquerque.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:Via Route 66. Via Route 66, yes. So that wraps up this episode of Heroes of Hope. We are so happy that we have an audience out there listening. We want you to subscribe, share and tell your friends about the Rotary Community Heroes of Hope, because that's how we get the word out about the impact we're having in this world.