THE ORACLE

Monthly Bulletin of the Rotaract Club of Kuala Lumpur

TOGETHER, WE GROW

ISSUE 1

JULY 2011

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

RACKL 2011/2012

I am really pleased to be here to launch the

Rotaract Club of Kuala Lumpur (RACKL) Newsletter; The Oracle. Pleased not just because of the opportunity but also because it will serve as a steady media of information on our club activities for those far and wide who appreciate what we do! The Oracle will serve as an additional voice not only for RACKL but also for District 3300. It has been developed for two main reasons: To provide continuous information on the activities of RACKL specifically To provide information on Rotaract to as many people as possible. I congratulate the Public Relations committee that worked on this, headed by Rotaractor Larry, and various others who have helped to set this in motion and I believe the team will continue to make similarly significant contributions to the branding of RACKL and Rotaract as a whole. I now declare The Oracle launched Gus Takow Club President 2011/2012

THE ORACLE
RACKLs PERSPECTIVES FOR 2011/2012
1st of July marked the start of yet an- out to the young children by providing ute is going to be our signature project
other term in the journey of the oldest them with free tuition classes. Rotaract Club in Malaysia. Coming a for IS. In the past, we had the great We have always been known to privilege of hosting talks on Norway,

long way since then, each term has given organize great Professional Develop- Germany and Russia. Members and the opportunity for us the Rotaractors of ment talks, following that, this term too guests were able to get first hand inforRACKL to laud the purpose of this Inter- we have lined up interesting PD talks mation about the respective countries national Organization, which is to ad- such as the Grooming skills, photography from representatives of the Embassies. dress the communitys physical and social skills, fencing and public speaking trainThe Club Service Avenue, has needs while simultaneously promoting ings are going to be held too. Studies been one that gives both members and international understanding and peace have shown that most young people lack guests a chance to get better acvia a framework of friendship as well as confidence when in comes to speaking in quainted. We have RACKLs Halloween service. public. By providing such training we Bash annually. Guests and members Led by President Gus, we have hope to do our part in helping then gain dress to the occasion and get together already begun the new term with a dif- confidence. ference. Unlike our previous Installations, that day. Taking into account that the RACKL had signed a twin club members of RACKL come from different

the profit obtained for this years instal- agreement with The Rotaract Club of HR countries, that are rich and unique in their lation is going to be donated to the Chil- College Mumbai last term. As part of the own ways, we will be organizing a day dren Wish Society Malaysia. Besides International Service Avenue, we will be for Pot Luck, where members prepare that, as part of community service activi- visiting our twin club this term. Being in a food from their country. ties, we will be joining in the distribution culturally rich country, there will be Together we are looking forof free food to the needy at the Pertiwi events and activities that allow our inter- ward to a great term ahead! A term, Soup Kitchen. Also, being a group of national Rotaractors to learn more about that all of us would be proud to be part young professionals, we intend to reach Malaysia. Discover the World in 60 min- of.

ROTARACT COUNCIL TACKLES AGE LIMIT AND DUES

About 350 Rotaractors voted tors to vote on suggestions Directors for its September establish their careers, easing the
about which direction the meeting. program should go. The council narrowly apThe Rotaractors approved 7 proved a recommendation to of 15 resolutions proposed increase the programs upby clubs worldwide. The per age limit from 30 to 35. resolutions will be reviewed The clubs that submitted the The first Rotaract Council, mod- by the 2011-12 Rotaract proposal argued that ineled after Rotarys Council on and Interact Committee, then creasing the limit would alLegislation, allowed Rotarac- forwarded to the RI Board of low Rotaractors more time to on proposed recommendations for the RI Board on 20 May, including increasing the age limit for membership, collecting RI dues, and changing the programs name and emblem.
Page 2

transition to becoming a Rotarian. Opponents felt it would only prolong the transition. This council is such a great catalyst for Rotaract to move forward in the right direction, said Andrea Tirone, a member of the Rotaract and Interact Committee. (www.rotary.org)

ISSUE 1
RACKL AT 2011/2012 INSTALLATIONS RAC Bangsar
July 2nd, barely a few
hours into the new Rotary year, the Rotaract Club of Bangsar invited Rotarians, Rotaractors, and guests to its 24th Installation Night at the Bukit Jalil Golf and Country Club under an interesting theme: East Meets West. Guest of Honour, District Governor Elect, Mansoor Saat used the occasion to congratulate incoming president Araventh Pachaippan and his board wished them success in leading the club to greater heights. The event was adorned with numerous performances from both east and west and a lucky draw during which several prizes were won (unfortunately none by RACKL). RACKL was represented at the event by President Gus, Vice President Nancy, and Rtrs. Larry and Jack.

RAC Kelana Jaya

President Gus and IPP David
attended RAC Kelana Jayas 2nd Installation Banquet in Chulo Restaurant on July 9th under a wicked theme Naughty or Nice. Falling on the the day of the Bersih rally which saw several road blocks in the city, the event still pulled a significant crowd. RAC KJ put in great effort in organizing the ceremony which began with a parody music video of Bruno Mars Lazy Song done by club members. Besides that, they also created an amazing video to introduce the incoming board. Several lucky draw sessions were held during which guests won prizes (unfortunately none for RACKL members). Towards the end of the night, a Dutch auction was organized to raise funds for RAC KJs projects (unfortunately RACKL didnt win that either). At the end of the night, IPP Gun from RAC KJ and Hannah Tan won the prize for best dressed male and female respectively. In all, the event was quite enjoyable and everybody left with a door gift and great memories.

RAC KJ 2011/2012

RAC Klang
The Rotaract Club of Klang
(RAC Klang) organized its Fourth Installation night (The White Night) at the Garden Terrace Ballroom of the Klang Executive Club on July 16th. Dozens of Rotarians, Rotaractors and guests were present to congratulate outgoing President Haripalan for a successful term and wish incoming President Muthiah and his board all the best for the new year. On behalf of the sponsoring club, the Rotary Club of Klang, President Gerard Lazarus reminded all that every little bit we do for society matters and indeed, there is no better gratification than knowing that we have made someone elses day, just a little better Four members of RACKL (Rtrs. Gus, Nancy, Larry, and Jack) attended the event which was graced by interesting performances, lucky draw sessions, a Dutch auction and an appetizing dinner.
Page 3

RAC Klangs Installation

THE ORACLE
RACKL AT 2011/2012 INSTALLATIONS in pictures

Page 4

ISSUE 1
FIRST CLUB MEETING
Members of the Rotaract Club of Kuala
Lumpur convened at Menara MBF on July 10th for the First Club Meeting of Rotary Year 2011/2012. The meeting, holding unusually on a Sunday due to the rally of Saturday, July 9th, was the forum where members decided on a strategic plan for the upcoming year. Chaired by President Gus, in the presence of Rotarian Andy Khoo, President of our Sponsoring Club (Rotary Club KL DiRaja), the meeting centred principally on planning projects for the different avenues and addressing questions of housekeeping. Top amongst these, were plans for our 43rd Installation Banquet at Crystal Crown Hotel, Kepong on August 20th. As such, decoration, souvenir booklets, and other logistics were discussed. Also discussed were other administrative issues such as our ROS submission and financial matters. President Andy from RCKLD put forward several very interesting joint project ideas to carry out over the year between RACKL and RCKLD. As time goes on, we will be updating you further on these. So, watch this space As usual, the meeting was characterized by camaraderie and friendship., and members separated to reconvene on July 30th for the Second Club Meeting of the year.

PREPARATIONS FOR THE 43rd INSTALLATION BANQUET

This is my second experience ing certain the event will be
as Organizing Chairman for an RACKL Installation. This year, under the guidance of President Gus, we are using our combined experience gathered from the previous installations to ensure everything runs smoothly. Our newly inducted members are fully committed in makhitch free. We have been meeting frequently to review our progress and engage members on their tasks. The initial process of finding a good venue, requesting sponsorship, and getting performances have been done. Now its time to invite guests: Rotarians and Rotaractors from D3300 and beyond, but also those from outside the Rotary family. Im confident RACKLs 43rd Installation Banquet will be a successful and memorable one as usual and look forward to seeing you there. IPP David Lee Wai Hoo Organizing Chairman

Planning the installation Page 5

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Rotaract is an international organization of service clubs for men and women aged
18-30 that fosters leadership and responsible citizenship, encourages high ethical standards in business and promotes international understanding and peace. Rotaract is a program of Rotary International. Rotaract Clubs work under the guidance of their local Rotary Club, and take their name from a combination of the words Rotary and Action. Chartered on 29 September 1969, the Rotaract Club of Kuala Lumpur goes down in history as the second oldest Rotaract Club in Malaysia, and the oldest active club. We are under our parent club, the Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur Diraja and come under District 3300-Malaysia.

13 August: Third Club Meeting. Our bi-monthly rendez-vous to review club actions and plan ahead. This is always followed by very interesting fellowship activities.

20th August: 43rd Installation Banquet. Our key event in the first part of the term, this is where the outgoing and incoming boards are acknowledged. The particularity of this years event is that all proceeds will be going to the Childrens Wish Society Malaysia, an organization which caters to the last wishes of terminally ill children.

Meeting Time: 2nd and 4th Saturday, 3.30pm Venue: The Shangri La Hotel Website: rotaractkl.wordpress.com Facebook: Rotaract Club of Kuala Lumpur

LOOKING AHEAD: AUGUST MEMBERSHIP MONTH

The success of Rotary depends on the commitment and hard work of its club members, and the same applies to Interact and Rotaract. August is Membership and Extension Month a good time to remind ourselves that successful programs hold on to their participants and stay connected to alumni while seeking new and creative ways to grow. Here are some questions Rotaractors should ask themselves when reviewing their clubs membership activities: How do you recruit new club members or program participants? Has your club developed a membership strategy or membership goals for this year? How can your club keep members engaged and motivated all year long? Do you reach your goals for meeting attendance? How do you select your club activities, service projects, or fundraisers? How could you get feedback from members on the types of meetings, activities, and projects they enjoy and plan your schedule according to their interests? Many membership recruitment and retention resources are available for Rotaract clubs on the RI website, with tips you can tailor to your club.

ROTARACT AROUND THE WORLD

Paducah, Kentucky, USA: A video recently
produced by members of Rotaract Club of Paducah has received a $1,000 Volunteer Ventures award from the MetLife Foundation. The money will go to support Child Watch Childrens Advocacy Center, which provides child abuse protection and prevention services to the eight counties in the region. The video features organization spokespeople and local leaders such as the mayor and the police chief. ans are people our parents' age. "Mr Lovison and club secretary, Tracey Kinny, joined Rotary's youth branch, Rotaract, as teenagers and he said it helped him connect with the community while at boarding school. Mumbai, Maharastra, India: The Rotaract Club of Hinduja organized a clean up campaign to fight the filth on the streets of Mumbai.

27 August: Fourth Club Meeting and PD Talk. Our Fourth Club Meeting will be coupled with one of the avenues RACKL excels in: Professional Development. As usual, we enlist fascinating speakers for inspiring talks.

2 September: Soup Kitchen. Our second Community Service project of the year (after our donation to CWS), we will be joining hands with the Pertiwi Soup Kitchen to serve dinner to the hungry. More details on these and other events will be made available. It will be our pleasure to have you join us

Despite the fact that there were dustbins in the area, Sutherland Shire, Ausmost of the garbage was tralia: Stephen Lovison, lying on the road. We spoke 31, this month became the to vendors running pan and youngest Rotary Club beedi shops and asked president in Australia them to ensure that their when he took the reigns of customers use these dustComo Jannali Rotary bins and don't litter. said Club. Prathmesh Navalkar. Armed with huge bags, they Younger members bring collected as much waste as fresh ideas to a worldwide we could. organisation that has the capacity to make projects We realised that cleanlihappen," Mr Lovison said. ness is an individual effort. "If we are to grow membership we need to appeal to a younger audience, which goes back to shaking the image that RotariIf everyone dumps waste in the right place, soon there won't be any need for cleanup campaigns he concluded. (www.rotaract.org)