The Vision Committee, A Special Report

President-Elect/Vision Committee Chairman Gary Padak presented a special report on the Vision Committee to the club.  The presentation was a helpful reminder for established members and informational for our newer club members.  Gary outlined the club's financial organization which consist of two enteties; the Rotary Club of Jamestown NY and the Rotary Club of Jamestown Community Service Fund (RCJCSF) under which the Vision Committee falls.  Formed in 2008 as a result of strategic planning the Vision Committee evaluates and recommends projects for funding.  Funding for projects is now raised prior to project awards.  All projects must adhere to the Rotary Areas of Focus and project awards are distributed at 60% local and 40% international.  The Rotary Areas of Focus are 1) Peace and conflict Prevention/Resolutiion, 2) Disease Prevention and Treatment, 3) Water and Sanitation, 4) Maternal and Child Health, 5) Basic Education and Literacy and 6) Economic and Community Development.  Previously funded local projects include a three year commitment to the WCA Hospital Emergency Room, the National Comedy Center Gateway Park, the Jamestown Boys and Girls Club, Prendergast Library, Adopt a Shoreline, student exchange, Children of the Book Reading Camp and the Jamestown High School Band.  International funding has gone to water wells in Haiti and Niger, shelter boxes, Nepal Women's Cooperative and the Mongol Burei Academy. The Vision Committee is open to all club members.

 

Gary also shared the Vision Committee Goals for 2015 and 2016.  The Committee will review proposals for international and community projects and develop appropriate decisions for approval by the Board of Directors and communicate all funding decisions to Club members, other Rotarians and community members.  They will also review the process of proposing projects to the committee and recommend any changes.  They will continue to identify and develop significant community-based projects for potential receipt of Rotary funding.  Projects that have already received approval for the upcoming year are Camp Onyasa, funding for surgical supplies for maternal health in Uganda through Save The Mothers, and funding for student transportation for the Mongol Burei Eyecare Project.  The Vision Committee is working to maximize their funding potential by applying for Rotary District and Global Grants.  Gary started and ended the meeting with a request for input from club members as to what substantial, local projects our Rotary Club should invest in.  The Vision Committee serves as an excellent steward of the RCJCSF funds.  Thanks to all who participate on the committee.