Accepting Applications: Rotary Group Study Exchange 2010-2011!

Given my interest in civic engagement and public health issues, I have a great deal of respect for the Rotary Club's history as well as their continuing community-based volunteer work. They're one of the oldest civic organizations in the country and helped to lead the wildly (and almost completely) successful international polio eradication effort. I particularly enjoy opportunities to speak to Rotary Clubs because Rotary members are active citizens, thoughtful and intelligent, and a lot of fun! Want to see for yourself? For an unforgettable opportunity to learn about and interact with Rotarians the world over, apply for the upcoming 2010-2011 Rotary Group Study Exchange for professionals aged between 25 and 40!

Rotary Clubs within District 5950 are seeking four outstanding professionals to visit France from March 6 – April 3, 2011 as part of the Group Study Exchange program of The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. For four weeks, team members experience the way of life, customs, and vocational practices of another country, while sharing information about their home country.

The purpose of the Group Study Exchange program is to promote international understanding and goodwill through personal connections. While abroad, team members stay with local Rotarians and have the opportunity to meet their professional counterparts. They also give presentations to Rotary clubs and other groups about their home country. GSE is also an excellent opportunity for employers to expose leaders within the organization to a range of public and private sector activities in France.

The Rotary International Foundation pays for round-trip airfare, and Rotary club members in the host country provide meals, lodging, and group travel in their district. Team members pay for their own personal and incidental expenses. Professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are interested in applying should be employed full-time in a business or profession for at least two years. Applicants must live or be employed in Rotary District 5950 – district boundaries can be found on the website. Proficiency in French is desirable but not required.

Applications are available online or contact Barbara Devlin by email: bdevlinMN@aol.com or by phone: 612-861-9600. Applications are due to any of the 60 Rotary Clubs within District 5950 by August 13, 2010.

Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. There are 1.2 million Rotarians in 33,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and territories living by the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self.”