International Service

International Service, Director Mel Parish (2012-13 John Strebler)

Rotary International encourages all Rotarians and clubs to be involved, not only in their own community, but in the world community through projects and efforts to advance international understanding, goodwill and peace through discussion and personal action. 

Ambassadorial Scholar/Group Study Exchange, Chair vacant   

• The ambassadorial scholar/group study exchange committee promotes and supports these Rotary programs managed at the district level.  The Ambassadorial Scholar program is the largest privately funded scholarship program in the world, and provides academic year scholarships for study abroad by undergraduate and graduate students as well as for qualified professionals pursuing vocational studies. 
• The Group Study Exchange program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for businesspeople and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are in the early stages of their careers. The program provides travel grants for teams to exchange visits in paired areas of different countries. For four to six weeks, team members experience the host country's culture and institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas.  Read more about District 5520's upcoming GSE exchange with Southern Africa.  

International Scholarship/Student Guest, Chair Bobbie Derlin

• Members: Blaine Goss, Curt Coleman, Charles Townley
• The international scholarship/student guest committee invites international student guests to attend weekly Rotary meetings, meet club members, and inform the club about their backgrounds and interests. 

Paul Harris/Rotary Foundation, Co-chairs Jim Bullock and Bill Harty

• Members: Dinus Briggs, Paul Comeau, Eddie Groth, Denton Holmes, Alex Keatts, Arlyn Kriegel, John McDowell, Jim Scott, Les Smith, Charles Tharp
• The objective of the Rotary Foundation is to further world understanding among all people through its various programs.  The Paul Harris/Rotary Foundation committee promotes participation in the fundraising efforts of the Rotary Foundation, including the Every Rotarian Every Year project supporting the annual programs fund, and other special efforts, most notably the Polio Plus program.  The committee also conducts semi-annual programs to recognize new Paul Harris Fellows named through contributions to the annual programs fund by the club and its members; an article by Past Rotary International President Clifford L. Dochterman gives insight into the meaning of a Paul Harris Fellowship. 

World Community Service, Chair Harry Hansen

• Members:  Keith Houser, David Lemen, Howard Ness, Dave O'Brien, John Pickett, Jake Redfearn, Craig Tharp
• The world community service committee leads our participation in international projects funded through our club and through the district and international matching grant programs of the Rotary Foundation.  The committee fosters projects among international clubs to provide skills, materials, and needed equipment that could not be obtained from local sources; projects assist to raise the international standard of living and increase international understanding.  Read about the RF Areas of Focus for projects and grants. 

(updated May 9, 2012)