Nutt and Martin receive Rotary International Multiple Paul Harris Fellows Awards

Roger Nutt is a benevolent and generous human being. Dr. Marilyn Martin is a kind and eleemosynary human being. Why would Rotary International say that? Clearly, their actions bear witness to their hearts. 

At the Rotary Club of Marlin meeting on July 27, 2022, District 5870 Governor Shannon Coleman on behalf of Rotary International and the Rotary Club of Marlin thanked Roger Nutt and Dr. Marilyn Martin (in absentia). 

The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. Roger Nutt and Dr. Marilyn Martin, each, is a Multiple Paul Harris Fellow. 

Their individual multiple generous contributions of thousands of dollars to the Rotary International Paul Harris Foundation make a difference in the lives of men, women, and children around the world. There was a profound expression of gratitude for his commitment as Roger Nutt was conferred a new Multiple Paul Harris Fellows pin; Dr. Marilyn Martin’s new Multiple Paul Harris Fellows pin was redirected to her with equally deep appreciation.

Why is this important? The Rotary Foundation transforms gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. Roger Nutt explains, “Together, we can make lives better in our community and around the world.”

Many other notable figures have been named Paul Harris Fellows, including U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Russian President Boris Yeltsin, U.S. astronaut James Lovell, UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar, and polio vaccine developer Jonas Salk. The number of Paul Harris Fellows reached the 1 million mark in 2006 and continues to move upwards.

Every Rotarian supports The Rotary Foundation. It is essential to secure and grow Rotary programs throughout the world. Rotary’s programs are developing the next generation of leaders, providing funding to make the world a better place, and making peace a priority. 

Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of its peace centers. Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centers program develops the capacity of peace and development professionals to become effective catalysts for peace. The fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, internship and field-study expenses. 

For those who have what it takes to become a dynamic leader and change him/herself and the world, there is Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). It is Rotary’s program of intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where a high school student develops skills as a leader while having fun and making connections. RYLA Camp is a week-long camp and includes presentations, activities, and workshops covering a variety of topics. The benefits to attending a RYLA Camp are to connect with leaders in one’s community and around the world to: 1) Build communication and problem-solving skills; 2) Discover strategies for becoming a dynamic leader in one’s school or community; 3) Learn from community leaders, inspirational speakers, and peer mentors; 3) Unlock one’s potential to turn motivation into action; 4) Have fun and form lasting friendships. RYLA participants are nominated by Rotary Club of Marlin. Contact Rotary Club of Marlin or the Marlin High School Counsellor to find out more about RYLA Camp and how to apply.

Rotary invests more than $7 million a year in our future leaders and philanthropists by funding scholarships for undergraduate and graduate study. Every year, Rotary Club of Marlin offers scholarships to high school graduates for undergraduate study. Rotary Club scholarships are given by individual clubs and are open to anyone except Rotary members and their families. Contact Marlin High School Counsellor for application information and eligibility requirements.

A Rotary Community Corps (RCC) is a group of non-Rotarians who share our commitment to changing the world through service projects. RCC members plan and carry out projects in their communities and support local Rotary club projects. Sponsored by a Rotary club, an RCC leverages Rotary’s network, brand, and mentorship by partnering with clubs to plan and implement service projects. RCCs increase Rotary’s impact and expand its reach by bringing the knowledge and talents of local people to strengthen their community through sustainable projects. There are more than 11,000 corps in 105 countries and 257 districts. RCCs are active everywhere Rotary is present: in urban and rural areas, and in both developed and developing countries. 

Rotary Youth Exchange builds peace one young person at a time. Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens. Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens. Exchanges for students ages 15-19 are sponsored by Rotary clubs in more than 100 countries.

New Generations Service Exchange is a short-term, customizable program for university students and young professionals up to age 30. Participants can design exchanges that combine their professional goals with a humanitarian project.

For 100 years, The Rotary Foundation has been turning project ideas into reality. Rotary Clubs receive grants, funding to support humanitarian projects, scholarships, and international exchanges. Rotary members contribute their skills, expertise, and resources to help solve some of the world’s toughest problems. From providing clean water to promoting peace worldwide, Rotary Foundation grants bring service project ideas to life.

In Marlin, Rotary Club looks like this: President Letitia Estep, Past President and Secretary Justin Hay, Scholarships Chair and Program Editor Jimi Lynn, Rotary Foundation Chair Roger Nutt, Membership Chair Rockney Terry, RYLA Chair Jan Smith, Public Image Chair Tasia Rekieta, and Special Projects Chair David Rosas. Members are Joe Berezoski, Susan Byrd, J.D., Cynthia Derry, Falls County Judge Jay Elliott, Richard Harris, Dr. Darryl Henson, Tom Lewis, Maggie Majors, Hermetta Paul, Wesley Rolan, Kurt Rutz, and Samuel Wright, J.D. 

These men and women are strong and, as Rotarians, work with integrity and contribute their expertise to the problems and needs of society. The commitment to service encourages every Rotarian to find ways to improve the quality of life for people in the community.

Service beyond the immediate community exemplifies the global reach in promoting peace and understanding. Rotarians in Marlin support this service avenue by being a part of the sponsorship in projects such as The Navajo Water Project to install running home water systems in approximately 63 homes of native Navajos residing in rural areas of the Dilkon Chapter Arizona. Rotary has shifted attention to adjacent Navajo lands of the Dilkon Chapter in Arizona where needs are greatest by funding two additional Global Grants. Note: At 27,000 square miles, the Navajo Nation is the largest Native American reservation in the United States, larger than the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island combined.

Youth Service recognizes the importance of empowering youth and young professionals through leadership development programs such as Interact, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, and Rotary Youth Exchange. 

Contact any Rotarian and ask questions about Rotary. Rotary asks, “What do you want to do?” Rotary Club President Estep asserts, “Help us create the next generation of peacemakers.”

 

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