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
EPISODE 34 - Rotary International President-Elect, Stephanie Urchick on Fostering Peace and Diversity
Stephanie Urchick, Rotary International President-Elect, steps into our podcast studio, exuding the wisdom and strategy that she's poised to bring to one of the world's most impactful service organizations. She doesn't just sit at the helm; she actively steers the Rotary community towards greater diversity, inclusion, and global peace. Throughout our conversation, Stephanie's dedication shines, especially as she recounts the profound impact of Rotary in the Dominican Republic—reminding us all that service truly begins at the grassroots level.
Rotary's mission for peace resonates throughout the globe, and Stephanie's insight into how initiatives like the Youth Exchange program and Peace Pole installations are cultivating a new generation of peacemakers is nothing short of invigorating. She underscores the necessity of creating irresistible clubs that beckon new members to join and stay, fostering an environment where every Rotarian's story is a thread in the vibrant tapestry of our shared mission. It's not just about growing numbers; it's about nurturing a connected community that thrives on continuity and commitment to service.
As we look to the future, Stephanie paints a picture of a Rotary that is both expanding its global footprint and deepening its community roots. From supporting clubs with the tools they need to succeed to enhancing our governance, every step is a stride towards a more engaged and effective Rotary. Stephanie's upcoming travels to Rotary Peace Centers and her focus on the Hearts of Europe are testament to her resolve to grow membership and magnify our impact. And within every project, from local initiatives to global grants, the narrative of personal transformation carries the promise of Rotary's enduring legacy.
Welcome to the Rotary Community Heroes of Hope. I'm your host, judy Zulfikar, and I'm thrilled to be joined by my amazing co-host, jamie Zinn, district Governor of Rotary District 5330. Together, we will take you on a journey to discover the incredible impact Rotarians have on our community and around the world. Get ready to be inspired by our Rotary Heroes of Hope. We are honored today. We have a very, very honored guest today on our podcast. We've had the great opportunity to meet our Rotary International President-Elect at several events. Jamie and I, what are your thoughts?
Speaker 2:Jamie. Well, I had the privilege of being with Stephanie out here at our Southwest Pets and we'll talk about a wonderful event. So exciting, Stephanie. Everyone loved having you out here, hearing what you had to say, and we're excited about you letting our entire audience hear all those exciting things you have planned things you have planned.
Speaker 3:Well, you know, I had a wonderful time. The pets programs are so exciting because that's where really the magic of Rotary happens at the club level. So it was great to be able to talk to presidents, and I'm excited to be able to talk to everybody who's listening.
Speaker 1:And that's the fun part about this particular podcast is we have an audience here in District 5330, riverside and San Bernardino counties that may have never heard about a Rotary International President. So, stephanie, can you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about what are the roles and responsibilities of a Rotary International President?
Speaker 3:Why, of course? Of course you heard I'm Stephanie Urchik and I currently serve Rotary as President-elect. On July 1st I will step into the presidency of our organization. As president and president-elect, you know the primary responsibility we have is to motivate and inspire Rotarians. So that means a lot of travel, a lot of mixing and mingling and visiting Rotary entities around the world clubs, districts, zones to see what's happening in Rotary, the magic of Rotary around the world and that's really the best part of the job. That's 95% of the job. There's 5% I can do without, but I think that's in any career.
Speaker 1:That goes with the territory right.
Speaker 2:Most definitely. I mean, one of the things that a lot of our listeners, I think, are very anxious to learn from you is you are considered the second female president. Do you feel that we need to make that distinction any longer?
Speaker 3:You know, actually I don't. I, you know I am. I'm not in Rotary because I'm female. I'm in Rotary because I see our organization as a way to give back and to serve. However, having said that, I also recognize how important it is for people to see people who look like them, people who look like them, and from that perspective, I'm happy that other women are seeing a female in this role, because I want women to step up to leadership. Having said that, I'm one of the few Rotary International presidents who is single, and so I think there are a lot of single people who are looking male and female and saying, wow, if she can do it as a single person, I'm wondering if I can do it. So I think it's important for us to recognize that people look at us and say you know, here's somebody who looks like me and if they can do it, I think I can do it too.
Speaker 1:It really broadens our horizons on what is a Rotarian, who is a Rotarian, and how do we incorporate other people from all walks of life into the service that we do in our communities.
Speaker 3:Absolutely. I think diversity is what makes our organization so strong, because we do have, you know, different people, different ages, races. You know backgrounds, perspectives, and that's really what creates the beauty. I always say if you have the heart and the hands for service and you believe in the core values and display the core values of an organization, there's a place for you in Rotary. It doesn't matter who or what you look like.
Speaker 2:Absolutely, and I think that applies, you know, to the clubs as well. Everybody has a time to serve, that right time to serve, and I know you've said that before, that everyone has that right time. So tell us, why do you think this is the right time for you to serve Rotary in this role?
Speaker 3:You know, one of the opportunities that I've had in Rotary is to chair the Rotary strategic planning process, which began almost seven years ago, and it was Rotary finally saying you know what? We need to look at our future. We need to determine are we going to have a future and how are we going to get there. And so from that process came our beautiful action plan, because we are people of action and I had an opportunity to watch the action plan take off at the corporate level and then at the zone and the district level, but where we haven't had a chance to see it work its magic yet is at the club level. So that's why I think now is the right time. I've looked at where we are as an organization and we are perfectly positioned to turn our organization around and move it into the direction of a bright and positive future. So that's why I say this is the right time for my particular set of leadership skills.
Speaker 1:You also mentioned the magic of Rotary earlier. Can you tell us about your theme, why you came up with that theme and how it affects the Rotarians around the world?
Speaker 3:Yes, you know, judy, I found myself on a trip many years ago, a Rotary trip, and we were in the Dominican Republic and I had gone with my district. We were installing bio-sand water filters to provide clean water for families. So I was in a Haitian home in the Dominican Republic and there were two women, a grandmother and a mother and three little boys. So we were in the home and we were putting the filter together and then, as part of what we did, obviously, we put dirty water in the filter and watched it come out clean. And then we put dirty water in again and watched it come out clean. And I'll never forget when we stopped that process, one of the little boys ran up and he pulled on my sleeve and he said lady, lady, show me that magic again.
Speaker 3:That water filter wasn't magic. We worked hard to get them and transport them and put them together, but what was magic was the effect that that was going to have on that family's life. They now had access to clean water, that little boy could go back to school, he could become educated and then grow up to do whatever amazing things were in store for him. That's where the magic is, and I tell that story frequently, because every Rotarian has something like that that's happened in their Rotary journey. There's something they've seen or something they've been a part of that really was creating magic. So I think it fits for everybody.
Speaker 2:So creating the magic this year for our clubs. Can you share what some of your initiatives are for this year and what you're excited about to be bringing out to our clubs? Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 3:Well, I'll talk about our initiatives and tell you why I'm excited about them. The first one that's really at the top of my list is our number one internal priority and that's membership growth. We need to grow as an organization if we're going to have a future. I love Rotary, I absolutely love it, but I keep watching the numbers, and especially in North America, and they're trending down and down and down. So we really need to use tools like our action plan to help our clubs recognize that there are ways to create a simply irresistible club and attract more people and retain more people and start new clubs, attract more people and retain more people and start new clubs. So membership development membership growth is really at the top of my list of what's important. I also have a strong interest in helping to heal a divided world by using positive peace and the tools that we have in Rotary and we have many. You know we have a four-way test, which is a brilliant set of four sentences that, if used correctly, people can put their thoughts and their words and their actions through that filter and really create a very positive, positive experience.
Speaker 3:We have peace centers around the world that are educating people in peace and conflict resolution. We have more than 1,800 graduates now who are out there and they take what they've learned and they create these fantastic plans of how to put that into action to create peace in their communities. We have a new peace center opening in Istanbul and that really is going to be a big celebration In February of 2025, it's the only presidential peace conference and celebration that's going to occur in 2425. I want the world to see this is what we do as Rotarians. We promote peace. So all peace graduates, peace fellows 1800 of them will be invited to come. Directors will be invited, trustees will be invited, major donors will be invited. Anybody who has an interest in peace is invited to attend that three-day ceremony and we will inaugurate the center and celebrate the first class going through. And our local Rotaractors are going to create a public-facing event so people who aren't in Rotary can also come and join us. Maybe a peace walk. I think that's what they're planning. So you know we're really expected to be a big deal. Cnn Europe has been notified. We really want the world to see that this is what we do.
Speaker 3:We also have this lovely project called the Peace Pole installation, where clubs around the world can either make or buy a Peace Pole there are tons of vendors or you can use students at a local school and the Peace Pole says on it May peace prevail on earth in the languages that represent the community. And then it's placed in a very visible location in the community in a park, on a school campus. But the better part is clubs are then able to say to other groups use that location for anything that you're doing that promotes harmony or unity. So that's a very positive thing. And of course, you know we have programs like Youth Exchange. Think about that. We're promoting peace. One student at a time, they really become global citizens because they represent their community and they're going to meet with their host families, with school personnel, with other Rotarians in that community. They're going to learn a new language. So, one student at a time, we're developing peace. So we really have a lot of tools that we could use.
Speaker 3:And you know, I just want to stress to people how important it is in our Rotary clubs to think about ways that we can do that.
Speaker 3:And finally, I think continuity is critical for organization. You know we have a model that really, if you think about it, promotes discontinuity, because it's one year and then you're out, you know you're a president of a club and then somebody else takes over, and then you're a president of a club and then somebody else takes over, and then you're a governor for a year and then somebody else takes over, and that's good, in a way, because we're always bringing in fresh new ideas, but it doesn't do much for continuity. So what we have to do is stress to our leadership how important it is to work with those who come before you and those who come after you to make sure that you are moving your club or your district in the same direction. Now, everybody will have different ideas, but we want to make sure that all those ideas move the organization in the right direction. We don't want to be, you know, going front and back and front and back.
Speaker 1:Yeah, changing directions every year.
Speaker 3:Absolutely, absolutely so. And the final thought for me it's not really a priority, but it's something I mention all the time. We talk to ourselves too much, you know, when we go to Rotary events, everybody there knows what Rotary is. So we really have to get better at telling our story externally and talking. You know, one of my favorite um stories is I feel sorry for people who sit next to me on a plane because that's all they hear about rotary, this rotary that I, my friends, are getting that feeling now, these days too exactly, exactly.
Speaker 3:but you know what? That's not bad, because the public if they're not in rotary, I'm sorry to say, despite all the advertising and marketing and things that we do, people who aren't in Rotary still think that we are, romeo, me, I don't belong in that organization. So we as Rotarians have to do our best to share the message of why Rotary is so important for us and what we do in Rotary, so that they understand a little bit better.
Speaker 1:I know in our district, and it was really brought forward by a recent statistic, that people under 30 in the United States specifically, are not happy and less happy than they have ever been, and I think one of the things that is proven time and time again that can bring happiness and joy into anyone's life is the giving back, and that's what we do as Rotarians. So really spreading that word is a big element of what we all need to be doing to keep us from being the best kept secret right. Absolutely yes, correct.
Speaker 2:So, with all the things that are going on in this world today, how do you plan to address the global challenges that are out there and tell us how that will continue to promote Rotary's values and initiatives?
Speaker 3:Well, you know, one of the things that is important to remember is that we have seven areas of focus, and I tell people all the time you don't have to look far, you don't have to look wide to find something that you can make better. So, as Rotary Clubs take a look at their communities and take a look at the world, they will identify, you know, what are the things that we can work on, that we can make better, and that will be different from club to club to club. There are clubs that are, you know, extremely interested in water and sanitation, and there are some clubs, because of things going on in their community, want to do more to protect the environment, and so every club will find focus based on the interest of the members in their club. But there is plenty to do, as you suggest plenty, plenty, plenty to do.
Speaker 1:How do you see Rotary International evolving and adapting in the future, and how can members contribute to this continued success and growth?
Speaker 3:Well, rotary International is an entity that exists for club membership and there are certainly services that happen from Rotary International. Club and district support is very important. But, in a general sense, when we say Rotary, who is Rotary? Well, you know, we are Rotary, it's us. It's those of us who are in clubs, because we're the ones who are boots on the ground, we're the ones who are working with other club members to take a look at how do we create lasting change out, how are we going to do things that really have an impact? And again, I go back to that action plan. You know we want to make sure that when clubs decide to work on projects, that they really are things that communities need. So that's why it's so important to start with assessment. We can't assume that an area needs something just because it looks like it needs something to us. We want to make sure it really is of value to the community.
Speaker 3:So we want clubs to do assessments. We want clubs to look at how do we expand our reach? We've got a good thing going here. We're creating magic around the world, like how do we bring in more people into this magic of Rotary? And that means thinking about maybe starting new clubs, maybe looking at satellites maybe you know doing different things and then we look at participant engagement. What are the things we have to do with our existing clubs to make sure that people want to stay? And you know, that's where that whole phrase simply irresistible comes from. That's what we want. We want the Rotary Club experience to be so awesome, so fulfilling, so fun that people don't want to leave. They want to stay, and people on the outside are going to be so attracted to it that you know we continue to bring in members.
Speaker 3:And finally, you know we want clubs to make sure that their governance is done correctly. You know there are some clubs who have people in the same roles for years and in my first club when I met, I went into the club the first week. In my first club when I met, I went into the club the first week. I met a guy named Byron and he had been the club treasurer for 34 years. Wow, what's wrong with that picture? That was our fault, right? We should have said, byron, how about put a manual together on how this job is done? And we want you to do our flag project next year or our gala or something. So you know we have 1.4 million Rotarians. There's plenty of opportunity to spread leadership and, you know, get other people to help to do things. So I think if we get clubs thinking along those lines, you know, I think clubs will grow and they'll get to this point where they begin to thrive. So I mean, I know that's a long answer to your question, but no, that's perfect.
Speaker 1:I mean, that's the reason that we're here, right and speaking of fun and the 1.4 million Rotarians around the world. We heard earlier that you're in Chicago right now, where Rotary International is based, but where will you be traveling in your year of service as the international?
Speaker 3:president.
Speaker 1:Oh my goodness, where won't you be traveling?
Speaker 3:Yeah, I have a huge interest in visiting as many of our Rotary Peace Centers as possible. Since that is such an interest area, I hope that I can get to all of them. I may not, but at least get to as many as I can. I also have an interest in visiting our Hearts of Europe countries. That is a grant program between the Rotary Foundation and USAID Rotary Foundation and USAID and it's meant to help foster more interest in global grants in countries primarily in Eastern Europe.
Speaker 3:But in addition to the grant activity, I want to be there and want my presence to be there to help generate more interest in Rotary. We want to grow membership in those countries. So those are two big kind of points of interest that I have in terms of travel. And then, beyond that, there are certain places where presidents are expected to go. So you know I'll be visiting a lot of institutes and there will be, you know, I'm sure, centennial dinners, you know. And of course we have our International Assembly and our Rotary Conventions. So when you put all of that together, the calendar really starts to fill up.
Speaker 2:Well, and you're always on the road seeing people being around, all of these people who are helping throughout the world, not just Rotarians, but all kinds of people. So I have a question for you. I was wondering, with all the helping people everywhere in the world, if there is one person somewhere in this world that you could interview. Who would that be and why?
Speaker 3:Yeah, holy smokes, what a great question. One person, oh, one person, um, and why? Uh, you know it might be somebody who has celebrity status, you know, who gets like lots of people, like Bono or somebody like that, who gets so much recognition for a talent that he or she has, but then also has verbally talked about how important Rotary is. So, you know, I'd probably just you know want to talk to somebody like him to pick his brain about why, with all the other things happening in the world, why did he zero in on Rotary as an organization to talk about? So, probably somebody like that.
Speaker 1:That sounds like a good, that's a good choice, a good choice there. So there, you mentioned somewhat about some of the global grants. There's also some larger projects that are going on throughout the world. Can you talk about some of those major projects that have been working, that you, as the Rotary International and many Rotarians around the world have been working on?
Speaker 3:Yes, you're talking about programs of scale. That's a perfect example of how the Rotary Foundation used our action plan to think about how can we increase our impact. You know, when I started in Rotary years and years ago, it was matching grants and those were great and you could do something great with, you know, as little as $1,000. And of course it made us feel good.
Speaker 3:But the reality is, without the sustainability piece built in, many times some of those projects, some of that work we did, didn't last. So then we moved to now what we call global grants and they of course course have sustainability built in so that, as we do global grants, the idea is, once Rotary is gone, will that continue to work? And that's been. That's been a beautiful way to keep the work of Rotary going. But we also found out that there's a way that we can even have more impact and that's when the Rotary Foundation developed its programs of scale. These are $2 million grants that really address and tackle a major, major concern in the world, major concern in the world. The very first program of scale was one that was targeting the elimination of malaria in a country in Africa.
Speaker 1:That's a big target to take down, isn't it?
Speaker 3:It's big, exactly, exactly. And then you know the second one was a project to help eradicate cervical cancer in Egypt. And so you know we keep looking at these big, major, impactful ways that Rotary, along with partners, can move into these areas and really have an impact. That is, you know, fantastic. So I think programs of scale are here to stay. I think you're correct that there are many Rotary clubs who are jumping in to become a part of this, because it really, it really is a way to get massive psychic income.
Speaker 2:I think, as you talk about all these programs of scales, there's been a theme that's sort of run through today in our conversations in that people don't know all the impact that Rotary is making in this world and I know you're going to sort of smile when you hear this question, but we always come back to why is there not more marketing done from Rotary International? Is that something that you could address on? You know what is the opinion of being more marketing focused and doing more advertising and so on and so forth.
Speaker 3:You know, rotary has dozens of channels that are very active. We have our Rotary magazine and all the regional magazines. We have podcasts, we have social media channels. But I go back to a question that I referred to earlier who is Rotary? It's us. It's us.
Speaker 3:Every single Rotary member should be doing something to promote what that Rotary Club is about or what that person is doing, and I don't think that's happening. You know Rotary International, when you think about this building. We're a dues-driven organization and if you've been following the trends of membership for the past 30 years, we've been dropping membership, which means we've been getting less and less dues and we have fixed costs that keep going up and up. So we have a really brilliant staff here that are stretched to the limit. They're doing more and more with less and less. That are stretched to the limit. They're doing more and more with less and less, and we're going to get to a point where they're going to say that's it, I can't do anymore, and they're going to go elsewhere.
Speaker 3:So you know, I think we have remarkable things that are out there. The problem is we need more. We need more and you know, I think the more right now has to come from us. We have to be the storytellers, we have to be the ones of mouth that makes the most sense to people, because when people hear a referral from somebody they trust, then it sticks with them. There's something about it that just is different than something that's in print. So I would just encourage Rotarians who are listening to take that to heart and to think about where are the ways that I can talk more about Rotary.
Speaker 2:Well, and wearing that pin, I think, is the step number one. You know, I always have that pin on and it's amazing. When I go out, people will say what is that pin? There's your opening and it is.
Speaker 1:I think the message is actually getting out into our districts. I know that I'm we're all really proud here in California that we literally yesterday were awarded an award from the community colleges district districts in California for everything that Rotary brings to the students at the community colleges Millions of dollars alone just in Long Beach. And that started out with a few conversations of one Rotarian saying oh, I didn't realize, you were a Rotarian and you're a Rotarian when they started adding up the cumulative effect of Rotary on community colleges in California. It was outstanding and I think that story to your point is what we need to be telling yes, absolutely.
Speaker 3:Yeah, that's fantastic. Thank you for sharing that with me.
Speaker 1:It was a great award. Well, I know we're limited on time here, so any final thoughts you have for our Rotarians and our community here in Southern California?
Speaker 3:Well, just that. I would encourage everyone to continue to promote how special Rotary is and how much we love Rotary and that you know, if people have the heart and hands for a service, that there's a place for them in our organization. We are not the same organization we were 50 years ago. You know, we brought women in in the late 80s. In 2016, we had a council that created all these new models. In 2016, we had a council that created all these new models e-clubs, passport clubs, satellite clubs. So I say, if somebody wants to serve and they're the right kind of person, we can make that happen.
Speaker 1:Absolutely Well. Thank you so much for taking time out of your very busy day to join us. We're excited to serve with you in 24, 25 and appreciate you coming and talking with us.
Speaker 3:Oh, thank you for the invitation. Yes, it's been fun.
Speaker 2:Thank you, yes, thank you, stephanie, and safe travels.
Speaker 1:All right, see you soon. See you soon.
Speaker 3:Bye.
Speaker 1:So that wraps up this episode of Heroes of Hope. We are so happy that we have an audience out there listening. 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.