DISTRICT GOVERNOR
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Jim and Carol Studebaker
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 Jim Studebaker Rotary Club of North Balwyn
A very active Rotarian for 17 years, Jim has fully immersed himself in the humanitarian philosophies and mission of Rotary International. A member of North Balwyn since 1991, Jim became its President in 2004-2005 and served as Chairman of virtually every service committee for the club. Added to this, he was a member of the District Public Relations Committee before joining the District RYLA committee, where he gave eight years’ dedicated service. Appointed Assistant District Governor of the Batman Cluster for 2006-2007, he was also named a Paul Harris Fellow in 2006.
Jim’s passion for youth was clearly evident even before he joined the RYLA committee, having been an active member of the Scouting Movement. RYLA however, truly touched Jim. Seeing young people who lack in confidence being brought together and through their RYLA experience dramatically change and blossom gave Jim a strong desire to make a greater contribution to this program. He has been instrumental in the appointment of youth to actually run this vital program in D9800, further developing their skills and self-confidence.
Jim’s career has been in the banking and finance industry and professional practice management in accounting and legal practices, both in Australia and the United States. Although born in America, Jim is an Australian by choice and is more Australian than Crocodile Dundee! And, like many Australians, he has a true handicap in his enjoyment of golf. Probably better described as “Starship Enterprise,” Jim’s adventures on the golf course certainly see him go where no human has gone before! He and wife Carol also share a love of cooking. They have two adult children who are now living overseas.
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Click here for Contact details for Jim.
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District Governor's Weekly Message
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November is The Rotary Foundation Month
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Week beginning 10 November 2008
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Our Foundation’s Future Vision Plan
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It’s certainly been a very busy time leading into Christmas, and I have thoroughly enjoyed all the club visits. Without exception, I have received a warm and welcoming reception and have witnessed a keen interest in Rotary all over our wonderful District.
Carol and I are now travelling to the Rotary Institute in Christchurch, New Zealand. We will be away for most of next week. The agenda for the Rotary Institute Program is certainly exciting, with a number of great speakers and topics to be discussed. I am certainly looking forward to making a contribution, as well as learning about the achievements of other Districts. However, as the oldest and largest District, we too have a lot of successes to share with the participants at this Program.
This month, as it is Foundation month I thought it appropriate to showcase the Foundation’s new initiative – Future Vision Plan. The Rotary Foundation Trustees and the Rotary International Board have now approved the Plan’s Grant structure and strategic cooperative relationships models and a preliminary distributive funds model, all of which form the core of the Foundation’s Future Vision Plan.
Reflecting on input from grassroots Rotarians worldwide, senior leaders and outside consultants, the new models simplify Foundation programs and focus Rotarian Service efforts where they will have the greatest sustainable impact. With a goal of full implementation by the Rotary year 2012/13 the plan provides program options designed to achieve both global and local goals and increase the sense of ownership at the Club level by transferring greater decision making to the Districts.
The new grant model offers two types of grants. Rotary Foundation District Grants and Rotary Foundation Global Grants.
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District Grants will provide Clubs with the opportunity of using up to 50% of District Dedicated Funds (DDF), previously only 20% on both local and international immediate humanitarian projects. Global Grants offers support from the Foundation and cooperative relationships to make projects more sustainable and effective. The areas of focus of Global Grants will be disease prevention treatment, water and sanitation, peace and conflict prevention and resolution, maternal and child health care and basis education and literacy and economic development.
The Future Vision Plan will be implemented in stages and the Trustees during early 2009 will select approximately 60 geographically dispersed Districts to participate in a pilot program.
“Rotarians have demanded a simpler, more accessible Foundation that makes better use of our resources” said Past Rotary International President & Future Vision Committee Chair, Luis V Gay.
Our New models for the Rotary Foundation all meet the established criteria of a “five way test”. That is they are simple, cost effective, require significant Rotarian involvement, have sustainable outcomes; and are consistent with the Foundation’s mission.
The Foundation is in the process of gradually transforming our Foundation as we prepare to celebrate its first century in 2017. If you have any ideas, suggestions or would like further information on the Foundation’s Future Visions Plan, please contact our District’s Rotary Foundation Director, Chris Don on 0413 434 503 or email him by clicking here
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I hope to bring back a lot of interesting ideas from the Rotary Institute and I look forward to letting you know about our travels in the coming weeks.
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- District Governor, Jim Studebaker
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