A special report prepared for Rotary International by the Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies estimated the value of Rotary member volunteer hours at $850 million a year.
10 years into the Rotary-USAID water and sanitation partnership, here’s what worked, what didn’t — and why
By Diana Schoberg Photography by Andrew Esiebo
An old piece of railroad track is laid across a pit toilet. The walls are crumbling. The stench is overwhelming. It’s the only toilet for a school in rural Ghana, and most children refuse to use it. They do their business outside instead — or quit school altogether.
This is an all-too-common experience: Half of Ghana’s population lives in rural areas, and only 10 percent of those people have access to basic sanitation. Two-thirds can obtain safe drinking water — after a 30-minute round trip.
Since 2009, Rotary has been working to fix those deficiencies through a partnership with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The partnership combines the business skills and local community leadership of Rotarian volunteers with the technical expertise of USAID. Rotary is contributing $9 million to the $18 million partnership; outside of eradicating polio, it is Rotary’s largest partnership effort. “We wondered how these two organizations could come together and exploit the synergy between them,” says Rotarian Ron Denham, a member of the Rotary-USAID steering committee.
Ghana was one of three pilot countries when the program kicked off. Projects were implemented in two phases: Phase 1 concluded in 2013, and Phase 2 will end in 2020. “As a result of this partnership, we’ve been able to reach out to some very deprived communities,” says Emmanuel Odotei, WASH management specialist for USAID/Ghana. “If USAID had tried to do this alone, or if Rotary had done it alone, we would never have achieved as much as we have today.”
Throughout, the focus of the program has been on accomplishing three goals: improving sanitation and hygiene in schools and health facilities; increasing community access to safe drinking water; and advocating for ample government financing of WASH — that is, water, sanitation, and hygiene.
We wondered how these two organizations could come together and exploit the synergy between them.
The installations and the number of people who benefited from the program were significant. But that’s only part of the story. The partnership also trained school health educators and community-based hygiene promoters to lead behavioral change campaigns that would deter open defecation (see page 38). It helped establish local committees to manage the water and sanitation systems after Rotary and USAID departed. And it empowered community leaders by showing them how to go to their district assemblies and demand that funds be allocated — and used — for water and sanitation services. “Rotarians are very well-connected,” says Alberto Wilde, the director in Ghana for Global Communities, a development agency contracted by USAID to implement the program in Ghana. “It’s easier for us to make changes in policy if we have the right people who can open doors with decision-makers.”
The scale of the program demanded the close involvement of more than 100 Rotarians. Roughly 30 of Ghana’s 50 Rotary clubs participated, and each of those clubs assigned members to remain engaged throughout its involvement. Each club supervises the implementation of multiple projects, some of which might be a six-hour drive away along dirt roads that are impassable in the rainy season. “Rotarians are making big sacrifices for the projects,” says Ako Odotei, a member of the Rotary Club of Tema and the Phase 2 chair of the host committee of local Rotarians directing the partnership alongside USAID. “These projects are their babies.”
Last summer, representatives of the partnership toured some of the communities where it had implemented projects. As is the case globally in the water and sanitation sector, some of the projects were successful and some were failures. Most were somewhere in between. Some of the lessons learned are described on the following pages — lessons that can help ensure success in future programs.
LESSONS LEARNED
Lessons 1 & 2
Don’t forget the broader community and financial planning is crucial.
Improvements affect more than just the target school or village. Also, an income stream, through fees or levies, is essential to provide money for repairs. It is important to teach the local committee to establish an accounting system and put money in the bank.
Lessons 3 & 4
Get government support early and invest in changing hygiene habits.
Cooperation from local government officials is essential for sustainability. Also, the partnership is about more than facilities. Teaching hand washing skills can have as great an effect as higher-priced interventions.
Lessons 5 & 6
Make sure government stays involved and choose the technology that suits the local context.
Once government is involved, it is important to keep it involved so local committees are not left to manage complex facilities on their own. Also, the right technology is important. But if the community cannot advocate for its ongoing needs, unsanitary conditions can render the improvements useless.
Lessons 7 & 8
Be prepared to work incrementally and keep communities accountable.
Some solutions have to be implemented in stages. In one Ghana community, a manual borehole led to a water storage tank and later solar panels. Also, local committees need ongoing consultation so they can learn to hold themselves accountable and make action plans to address any shortcomings.
By the numbers
Rotary-USAID in Ghana
(projected through 2020)
174 latrine blocks (primarily in schools)
166 community hand pumps
6 mechanized boreholes
3 reticulated water systems
Benefiting more than 160,000 people
URGENT - ON-GOING - Children need YOUR help - even if you are not a Rotarian
Children's Coats, Hats, Boots, Scarves, Mittens / Gloves Needed for Mitchell School - Drop off at Mitchell School during open hours
Amigos Rotarian Melissa Rickey's school is collecting cold weather wear to help their kids get to school each day. Their walk zone is one mile, so many of the kids sadly opt to stay home when it gets cold because they don't have appropriate clothing to keep them warm for their walk.
If you have any hats, scarves, gloves, coats, or other winter wear that would fit kids ages 3 to 15 (adult sizes are great!) laying around that aren't being used, they'll get distributed to families here at Mitchell School.
Feel free to drop them off at the school: Mitchell School, 1728 S 23rd St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Thank you so much for helping our kids be in school each day! Their success benefits our whole community!
Amigos Rotarians in Ethiopia for Service Work with Rotarians from West Allis and Menomonee Falls
Amigos Rotarians Frey Faris and Dorothy Krupa were recently in Frey's home country of Ethiopia for a service mission that included a Rotarian from the West Allis Club and another from the Menomonee Falls Club. We will report more information as they come off of their jet lag and share with the club.
Rotary International News
Rotary Foundation receives highest rating from Charity Navigator for 12th consecutive year
For the 12th consecutive year, The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating — four stars — from Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of charities in the U.S.
The Foundation earned the recognition for demonstrating both strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency. Only one percent of the organizations Charity Navigator evaluates have received 12 consecutive 4-star evaluations.
"Attaining a 4-star rating verifies that The Rotary Foundation exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in your area of work", says Michael Thatcher, president and chief executive officer of Charity Navigator. "This exceptional designation sets the Foundation apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness."
The rating reflects Charity Navigator's assessment of how the Foundation uses donations, sustains its programs and services, and practices good governance and openness.
New TRF Grant - Programs of scale grants coming soon
Programs of scale grants are a new type of grant from The Rotary Foundation. The Foundation will award one grant to a club or district each year in a competitive, two-step process that includes a proposal and application. The process begins in January, and the Foundation Trustees will award the first grant at their October/November 2020 meeting.
These grants support activities that last three to five years, benefit a large geographic area or a large number of people, and are aligned with one or more of Rotary’s areas of focus. The grant award is $2 million. No additional Rotarian funding is required. However it is anticipated that Rotarians will leverage additional resources from partnering organizations. These grants don’t require an international Rotary partner, but the activities must be implemented by working with a partner organization. They will fund only activities that have been used successfully in the past. New or untested activities aren’t eligible. Send questions to grants@rotary.org.
Articles in January / February issue of Milwaukee Ethnic News list over 20 ethnic events and involve these groups:
German, Jewish, African American, Welsh, Filipino, Armenian, Mexican, French, Caribbean, Filipino, African, English, Indian, Southeast Asian, Croatian, Italian, Irish, Chinese, Ukrainian, American Indian, Latino, Kashubian, Quaker, International, and more
Amigos Rotarians Attended Various Rotary Conferences, Conventions, and Trainings
Amigos Rotarians Frey Faris and Dorothy Krupa participated in a service trip with Rotarians from West Allis Rotary and Menomonee Falls Rotary in October.
Representing Amigos Rotary, Marta Carrion and Angela Rester attended the District 6270 Rotary Foundation Celebration in West Bend, WI
District Membership Seminar at MATC Mequon was attended by Amigos Rotarians President Edwin Nyakoe Nyasani, President-Elect Daniele Calasanzio, and Past-President Angela Rester
Amigos Rotarians Erik Carranza, Marta Carrion, Daniele Calasanzio, Angela Rester, and Edwin Nyakoe Nyasani attended the District Training held at MATC Oak Creek
President Angie attended the Rotary District 6270 Changing of the Guard ending District Governor Kola Alayande's year and welcoming in District Governor Steen Sanderhoff.
President-Elect Edwin Nyakoe Nyasani was sponsored by the Amigos Rotary Club to attend the DualConn District Conference held in May in Wisconsin. He got lots of great ideas for the club and our membership that will unfold in his year beginning July 1. Photo of the Nigerian delegation at the DualConn is below.
Amigos Rotarians Angela Rester and Dorothy Krupa attended the Rotary International Convention in Hamburg, Germany where they met up with former Amigo Rotarians Cecilia Rebuffo and Gustavo de Arriba. Amigos attendees for the Convention are not sponsored or underwritten. More will be shared on the experience and learnings at a future meeting. This was Angie's 8th convention and Dorothy's first. The first picture is meeting up with District 6270 Governor Kola Alayande and Past RI Director Mike McCullough. The second photo is of the current RI President Barry Rassin - Bahamas and RI President-Elect Holger Knaack - Germany presenting their flags and yes, that is Cecilia and Dorothy in the front row. The next photo is preparing for a group photo of all who attended from District 6270 and the last photo is Angie, Gustavo, Michel (Cecilia's husband and the founder of the Milwaukee Rotary Club Rotaract Club)
President-Nominee Daniele Calasanzio, President-Elect Edwin Nyakoe Nyasani, and Board Director Public Relations/Social Media Marta Carrion participated in the District Grant Seminar to support our club submission for a local project. We hope to learn in the next month if we qualified for that grant related to food, nutrition, and growing food.
Amigos Rotarians Frey Faris and Daniele Calasanzio attended the June 22 Outdoor Festival Celebrating Our Refugee Communities. The last photo is Kai, Frey, Daniele, and Dawn (who was a guest at last week's Rotary meeting).
Rotary Curious??
What Does it Take in Time?
One in-person meeting per month
What's Expected of Me?
To represent your vocation and help us know about you and that vocation.
Be a person of high ethical standards.
Give some of your time to Service in the Greater Milwaukee community and / or internationally.
Share Rotary and the opportunity to make a difference in the world with your Rotary Family in ways you could not individually.
Have Fun and WANT to see your Rotary club members because you miss them when you don't.
Did you know that Rotary does not require weekly attendance even though we generally meet weekly?
Did you know that our project and volunteer service counts as attendance?
Did you know that you can do a Rotary make-up by attending another club meeting OR by going on-line and read several "programs" and then apply for a make-up? Use these links to get started.
Future meetings are expanded on in the mini-calendar and events page at RotaryAmigos.org
Programs & Upcoming Community Events Amigos Rotarians Are Encouraged to Attend
2/04 - At Antigua Latin Inspired Kitchen - 6207 W. National Ave., West Allis -
6-7 p.m. Speaker: Mr. Primitivo Torres, Immigration Lawyer -
Better understand the current immigration 'climate' in the United States and we, as Rotarians, can get involved with local initiatives that might benefit immigrant communities in the Milwaukee area.
This was received from Mr. Torres to help us know more about him leading into his presentation.
"My family and I moved to Milwaukee in the fall of 1979 from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. I attended Riverside University H.S in Milwaukee and then UW-Whitewater majoring in Business administration. I worked as a manager for US Bank before joining community organizing and the immigrant rights movement. I’m a statewide organizer for Voces de la Frontera currently working on passing driver license legislation for all in our state of Wisconsin and other statewide campaigns. Before I left for Texas in 2016, I was the operation Director for Voces. For the past 3 years, I’ve been stationed in San Antonio, Texas working for RAICES at the border. We represent between 60-100 asylum seeking families per day and help them with their credible fear interview, represent them in front of an immigration judge, with the goal of freeing them from the detention centers. Currently the plan is to go back to Texas and continue working at the detention centers when our state campaigns are over. "
2/11 - At Victory Garden Initiative - 6-7 p.m. - Club Assembly - District Grant Project/Discuss District grant work plan and other important club matters at Victory Garden
249 E. Concordia Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53212
2/18 - At MAC on Water - 6-7:30 pm - Board Meeting
02/25 - Club Social- "Getting to Know You" - Social and FUN ways to get to know each other and meet our new members Venue: TBD
Prior meetings
1/28 - General Assembly at MAC on Water
1/17 - Cathedral Center Volunteer at Club Community Outreach Project, Feeding homeless single women and women with their families at the Cathedral Ctr Shelter.
This is an on-going service project for our Amigos Rotary Club.
1/14 -Fessahaye Mebrahtu, Director of Black Catholic & Ethnic Ministries, Archdiocese Of Milwaukee
Conversation was enlightening and interesting looking at history and impressions.
Fessahaye was born and raised in Eritrea and has resided in the USA since 1983. Currently working as the Director of Black Catholic and Ethnic Ministries (resource person for African/African American, Asian and Native American Catholics) in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, WI. He has previously served as a Chaplain for Wisconsin Department of Corrections – Kettle Moraine Correctional Institution. Career positions include: Executive Director of Pan-African Community Association, (PACA); a grassroots umbrella organization that brings the African ethnic/national communities together in the Milwaukee, WI; Youth Ministry and Faith Formation All Saints Catholic Church, Milwaukee, WI; Lay Pastoral Associate, Kidande-Mehret Ge’ez Rite Catholic Parish, Washington, DC.
Tuesday, December 10 - at MAC on Water - Tanzanian Eyeglass Program - Brett Bennett - Skygen International Foundation
The Skygen International Foundation (headquartered in Menomonee Falls, WI) had a truly inspiring story to tell. They are a non-profit charity providing vision testing and (over 21,000 pairs of) free eyeglasses to the poor and underserved people of Tanzania, Africa, since 2018. Imagine changing someone’s life and future for only $5. It is possible.
Since July 2018, SKYGEN International Foundation has been working in some of the poorest areas of Tanzania, Africa, doing just that. They have provided vision testing to almost 100,000 people and given FREE, built onsite to their prescription, eyeglasses immediately to those in need. Each pair of glasses costs $5. They are a foundation where over 90% of the money received goes directly to the work being done. Administrative costs are minimal. Contribution dollars go towards glasses, cloth pouches, ID cards and the team of 12 Tanzanians who run the clinics 5 days a week, every week. Yes, they've also created jobs for Tanzanians. SKYGEN International Foundation is an approved 501(c)(3) organization with a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.
Saturday, December 7 - Multi-Ethnic Amigos Rotary Club Holiday Gathering
What an amazing evening! When you are a club with members from 9 different countries and a couple members who identify very strongly to the country their parents immigrated from, you have an incredible potluck beyond any offerings at a restaurant. This will clearly be an annual gathering of this wonderful club. Members of Amigos are from Puerto Rico, Mexico, Uruguay, Italy, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, China, and the United States. One member's parents are immigrants from Panama and Germany and they were also able to enjoy this feast.
Tuesday, December 3 - 6-7 p.m. at Antigua - CEO Health Connections Inc - Ericka Sinclair
"Health Connections, Inc. is dedicated to the practice of primary care, behavioral health and health-related social services care coordination. Although their goal is to provide services for all of the Greater Milwaukee area, there is a special focus on vulnerable populations that traditionally experience barriers to accessing health care. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed in 2010 and has granted increased access to health insurance and thereby comprehensive health care to all. As a result, there is a rise in the demand for health services that Health Connections, Inc. plans to make a concerted effort to meet."
Tuesday, November 19 - Strategic Plan for Amigos Club - District Direction presented by Past District Governor and Strategic Plan Committee Chair Jeff Reed
PDG and District Strategic Plan Committee Chair Jeff Reed gave an excellent presentation to the Rotary Amigos. He helped break down the overall plan to support District 6270 clubs and ensured that questions were answered so that our club can utilize the supports that exist for our own club plan.
Saturday, November 23 - Thanksgiving Baskets Service Project with Rotary Club of Mitchell Field
For decades Rotarians, their family and friends have gathered on the Saturday before Thanksgiving to assemble and distribute Thanksgiving food baskets. Families and seniors in need are identified by social service agencies in South Milwaukee, Cudahy, St. Francis, Oak Creek and Franklin. With financial assistance from Meijers, Rotary Club Mitchell Field purchases enough food for each family to enjoy a complete Thanksgiving feast. Baskets are assembled at The Salvation Army and distributed by The Rotary Club of Mitchell Field, The Amigos de Milwaukee Rotary Club, and MATC’s CJSO (Criminal Justice Student Organization).
Tuesday, November 12 - at MAC on Water - Planning Grant Implementation with Victory Gardens and Cathedral Center Garden Project
Amigos discussed plans for grant implementation.
Tuesday, November 5 - District Governor Steen Sanderhoff at Antigua
On behalf of 2018-19 Amigos President Angela, 2019-20 President Edwin accepted the Presidential Citation with Honors from 2019-20 District Governor Steen Sanderhoff. Steen presented an informational program regarding the vision for the clubs in District 6270 for 2019-20, followed by a board meeting.
Tuesday, October 22 - Club Assembly - Planning at Antigua
Developing goals for this year.
Tuesday, October 29 - at Alem Ethiopian Village - 307 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee
Diversity is one of the core values of the Amigos de Milwaukee. This was a great way to get in touch with a different culture, different uses, different foods and different tastes. Thank you Rotarian Daniele for organizing this great event.
Tuesday, October 1 - The Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative (MFI) - Michael Peeples
Tuesday, Sept. 24 - Amigos Board Meeting
Sat., Sept. 21 - Two Service Projects - River Clean-up and Bay View Bash
Tuesday, August 20 - Member Classification Talk - Melissa Rickey
Tuesday, August 6 - Guatemala Literacy Service Project Q&A - Erik Moesser, ElmBrook Rotary Club
at Antigua Latin Inspired Kitchen - West Allis
Service project that ElmBrook Rotary has been doing in Antigua, Guatemala. Can go down as part of a group or create their own group. Learned more about past success and partnership by clicking on this link to their newsletter.
Amigos Rotarians attended in person and via a Bridge Line had full attendance of the Board of Directors at the Milwaukee Athletic Club on Water.
Tuesday, July 23 - Amigos - Complete a community meeting or service thru August 6th for it to count as your July 23 Rotary make-up
Options include any community service activity or event. Take a photo of yourself at the event / meeting / conference and submit it to Secretary Patti Lynch for credit.
Tuesday, July 16 - New Member Intro - Erik Carranza
Erik has a wonderful story of misguided youth, hanging with the wrong crowd, seeking acceptance, living the consequences, and rising above that. Erik found his passion in exercise and competition and joy in helping others find it as a personal trainer. "Attendance" in-person and via conference line.
Tuesday, July 9 - 6-7 p.m. - CELEBRATED and Welcomed President 2019-20 Edwin Nyakoe Nyasani
Tuesday, July 2 - Meeting was via CHIME Internet Meeting
Great meeting and then 2018-2019 President Angela Rester turned over the club's Presidency to 2019-2020 President Edwin Nyakoe Nyasani. The meeting was completed completely by internet and offered continued opportunities for the club in the future.
Tuesday, June 25 - No Official Rotary Meeting -
Gustavo was in town so we did a meet-up in Germantown at the Barley Pop Pub in their Biergarten.
It was sad seeing him leave as he no longer has the family here in WI and everyone will now be in Denmark following a vacation in the US out West.
Tuesday, June 18 - 6 - 7 p.m. - Polio: Why We Need to Eradicate It Completely - Peter Bosch
Peter Bosch, Principal Engineer and Founder of Highpoint Software is also a Rotarian. He has been engaged in the efforts to eradicate polio and has developed a visual mapping to demonstrate why we can't stop short of complete eradication of the polio virus. This was an engaging and enlightening presentation and conversation for Rotarians and guests in attendance.
Tuesday, June 11 - Beevangalist - Charlie Koenen
We enjoyed an amazing awareness building of the importance of bees and all that we will lose should we lose the bees. They are an incredible species that has survived through time but may not be able to survive mankind. Click here to learn more at this recent interview with Mike Strehlow.
FRIDAY, May 17 - Cathedral Center -
On Thursday our fellow Rotarian Frey Frias notified us that she needed help with meal serving at Cathedral Center the following night. Being Rotarians and People of Action, Daniele Calasanzio offered to come and bring homemade Tiramisu. Bonnie Lee and her son, James offered to be there. Rosa Sugo and Phil Golden, fresh off a plane from Chile, said they'd be there with muffins. Lastly, Angela Rester would come after a trip to Chicago on Friday. It was a wonderful collaboration or Rotarians and though Rosa was not feeling great, she still drove in with brownies. The residents also learned a little Italian to go with their pizza and tiramisu!
THURSDAY, May 16 - Political Open Mic: K12 Education -
NEWaukee and Bridge the City - K12 education in Milwaukee - Amigos attended - report at May 28 meeting
Tuesday, May 14 - Not Without My Father: One Woman's 444-Mile Walk of the Natchez Trace - Author Andra Watkins
Our meeting was fun, interesting, and enlightening. New Rotarians were inducted, including one who we had missed in previous official induction ceremonies . Erik Carranza and Melissa Rickey were formally inducted, as well as, Bonnie Lee.
We celebrated Amigo Rotarian Daniele Calasanzio naturalization that occurred in Atlanta on May 10, 2019.
Our presenter was Rotarian Andra Watkins, featured in the January 2017’s Rotarian Magazine and is a New York Times best selling author. She is one of the only living persons to walk the 444-mile Natchez Trace as the pioneers did.
Tuesday, May 7 - Catching Up - LOCATION - CORE El Centro
Members had an opportunity to catch up on where we are, where we have been, and what we have learned from "being out in the community" and hearing about issues and initiatives in the community. Newest Future Rotarian, Ronald Rickey, was also in attendance.
Thursday, May 2 - Rotary Amigos Table Sponsor and Attendance at CORE El Centro - CORE Momentum - 17th Anniversary -
Rotary Amigos sponsored a table at this wonderful event.
Saturday, May 4 - 8:30-11:30 am - SERVICE DAY at Hunger Task Force Farm
Rotarians came together and made a big dent in the spreading of wood chips on trails to help the farmers and volunteers grow food. This was a Rotary Partner Service Project with Rotary Clubs of Mitchell Field, New Berlin, West Allis, and Whitnall Park.
Saturday, April 27 - 9 am - Noon (Noon - 2 pm After Party) - SERVICE DAY - Annual Milwaukee Riverkeepers Clean-Up Day - Amigos Rotarians did this event last year
Amigos is a partner with Milwaukee Riverkeepers and sponsors a segment of the Milwaukee River in Lincoln Park area. Despite the cooler than usual weather, Rotarians Dorothy Krupa (volunteer chair / organizer on behalf of our club), Marta Carrion, Edwin Nyakoe Nyasani, Daniele Calasanzio, Angela Rester, and newest member Erik Carranza cleaned up on Saturday. Dorothy noted that despite the amount of trash, there was about 1/3rd as much as the same time last year. Noted was the large amount of plastic and styrofoam, along with candy and cigar packaging, as well as, needles and things we won't mention.
Afterwards several of us went to the FREE celebration with Rock the Green in Estabrook Park . We got to hear great music and visit numerous ecology-minded services and nonprofits serving our greater Milwaukee region.
Tuesday, April 25 - Rotary Means Business Fellowship Launch and Fellowship Networking Social
Rotary District 6270 held its first Fellowship event at the beautiful West Bend Sunrise and Noon Rotary Club supported, Lac Lawrann Conservancy. Rotarians from all over the District (Southeast WI) attended including Amigos Rotarians Daniele Calasanzio, Marta Carrion, Paul Berger, and President Angela Rester. Angie is also the Rotary District 6270 Chair for the District Fellowship Committee. District Governor Kola Alayande chartered the new Rotary Means Business Fellowship and welcomed everyone to the first event. More to come in the future!
Amigos Rotarians were to choose between one of the following two OFF-SITE programs as part of our "getting out into the community" initiative from our On The Table and Strategic Planning initiatives.
Marta Carrion and Angela Rester attended the GMF (Greater Milwaukee Foundation) On The Table event to prepare for 2019 event on October 10. Dorothy Krupa, Edwin Nyakoe-Nyasani, Melissa Rickey, and Daniele Calasanzio attended the community conversation in Whitefish Bay with Reggie Jackson coming to better understand why Milwaukee is so segregated.
Tuesday, April 9 - How did Metro Milwaukee come to be the most segregated county in the U.S.? - Reggie Jackson
Reggie Jackson is an award-winning journalist, a graduate of Concordia University and Head Griot (docent) of America's Black Holocaust Museum.
Tuesday, March 26 - International Projects - Meeting held at MAC on Water
Robust presentation and dialogue about international projects, local projects, and how Amigos Rotary is and can be engaged, including potential funding primarily through a District Grant and club support
Tuesday, April 2 - Grants and International Projects - Club indicators regarding actions desired related to grants and scholarships
Robust conversation regarding potential use of District Grant and application process.
Tuesday, March 19 - Rotary Amigos Community Connection - Off-site Meeting at African-American Monthly Roundtable
Amigos Rotarians joined other community members to understand the mission and programs of the African-American Monthly Roundtable. This was the inaugural evening meeting for the organization. All were appreciative for the openness of the group and to learn about the new city budget and process and much more.
Tuesday, March 5 - Core El Centro - Board Meeting of the Whole - All Rotarians -
Reviewed updates, Community Engagement Initiative from last Strategic Thinking Session, Forward Action for Health Summit, Changing of the Guard, Meeting on March 19 with African American Roundtable, May 5 Anniversary Celebration for Core El Centro and we had the opportunity to support Girl Scouts.
Tuesday, February 19 - Victory Garden Initiative - Montana Morris
Victory Garden Initiative builds communities that grow their own food, creating a socially just, ecologically sustainable, nutritious food system for all.
Montana shared the following, "Urban agriculture benefits our communities through environmental, physical, mental, economic, and social means. VGI is first and foremost an educational organization that teaches people how to grow their own food, especially in the city. We also make growing food more accessible to people by installing gardens for them, providing garden mentors, and creating gardener communities. VGI does work throughout Milwaukee County and even Wisconsin, but we focus the majority of the money we raise on low-income neighborhoods and food deserts.
Tuesday, February 5 - Marta Carrion - New Member Intro and Classification Talk
Rotarian Marta Carrion gave a very insightful and entertaining sharing about herself and her journey to her current role as Director of Latina Initiatives - Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast.
Tuesday, October 9 -ROTARY AMIGOS "ON THE TABLE" - GMF COMMUNITY WIDE CONVERSATIONS HELD ON THE 9TH
We had an excellent conversation with the primary actionable item being the intention of understanding our diverse community by meeting IN the community. In other words, return to the traditions of the original Rotary club that ROTATED the location of their meetings. We will intentionally find events or groups of people IN the community to meet with where they are to better understand them and their successes and challenges. Exciting things are on the horizon!
Tuesday, September 18 -District Governor Kola Alayande
District Governor Kola is a 2nd generation Rotarian and is a former Interactor, Rotaractor, AND Rotarian and may well be the only one in our District. He spoke to the club about growing the membership and staying true to Rotary without being so rigid that we don't grow or fulfill mission. As a change agent he hopes to inspire our clubs and individual Rotarians to stretch and do things differently so we remain vital and meaningful. The board then met with Kola and reviewed what makes us an awesome club and how he and the district can better serve our club.
Pictured from left to right - Past District Governor, Amigos Founder and current President Angela Rester
Daniele Calasanzio, Amigos International Director
Kola Alayande, District Governor 2018-2019
Edwin Nyakoe Nyasani - Amigos Secretary and President Nominee for 2020-2021
Thursday, September 13 - 6 - 7:30 pm - Rotary New(er) Member Orientation
This orientation was a collaborative effort of the Rotary Clubs of Amigos Milwaukee After Hours, Mitchell Field, New Berlin, West Allis, and Whitnall Park.
Three Amigos Rotarians participated in this orientation that was very well received.
Tues, September 11 - 6 - 7 pm - Farewell to Gustavo de Arriba
Sadly we said farewell to Gustavo de Arriba. He only recently learned that he has been hired at a new company based in Denmark .We know we will see him again but will miss his leadership, his joy, and warm welcomes at our wonderful little club.
Tuesday, August 28 - 6 - 8 pm -Service Night - Cathedral Center Dinner Service
Our club's 4th time serving dinner to the women and families residing at Cathedral Center. We had a lot of fun and one of our Rotary members volunteered with his family and a friend.
Tuesday, August 21 - 6 - 7 pm -Board Meeting of the Whole
Great board meeting with updates on our service projects, new activities, our new Instagram presence and soon to launch LinkedIn. Updates included learning of the District grant for a project in Uruguay . The board approved signing a Memorandum of Understanding in further steps toward the application of a Rotary Global Grant for the microloan program in Haiti with We Build. We also learned that our club will be involved in Youth Exchange for the first time as President-Elect Gustavo de Arriba and his family will share a German Exchange student with the Mequon-Thiensville Sunrise Rotary Club. Our first multi-club New Member Orientation will partner with Mitchell Field, Whitnall Park, West Allis, and New Berlin Rotary Clubs to be held from 6-8 pm on Thursday, Sept. 13 in West Allis. We have also been advised that we can look at starting a Rotaract Club that would meet WITH Amigos Club. More to come.
Thursday, August 14 -Rotary Milwaukee River Clean-Up Service Project
Amigo Rotarians adopted a segment of the Milwaukee River and under the supervision and organization of Rotarian Dorothy Krupa, we have gotten the job done. This was our third time out this year.
Thursday, August 9 -Rotary District One Summit -
Amigo Rotarians Daniele Calasanzio, Frey Faris, Edwin Nyakoe Nyasani, and Angela Rester. The session included Rotarians from other clubs and District leadership. Our friend, Rob Bassett did a great job facilitating one of the groups.
Tuesday, August 7 -Club Assembly
Tuesday, July 24 -Social at Milwaukee Athletic Club (MAC) Rooftop - need not be Rotarian to attend if you're Rotary curious. Appetizers will be provided. Cash bar.
Tuesday, July 31 - 6 - 7 pm -No meeting - 5th Tuesday of Month
Tuesday, July 17 - River Clean-up -
Rotarians from Amigos, West Allis, and New Berlin joined us in our second of three river clean-up sessions as part of our club's Adopt a River commitment.
Tuesday, July 10 - Rotary Year 2018-2019 - First Strategic Thinking Session and Rooftop Social
It was an exciting evening as those gathered offered thoughts on what are strengths, weaknesses, and priorities of attention and actionable steps in our first month (accomplish by August 25). Afterwards some gathered on the MAC rooftop for great food and fellowship.
Tuesday, June 26 - Rotary Year 2018-2019 - Planning to Plan
Discussed what is on the horizon and how we will use July 10 to establish club Key Issues which will later have Action Plans developed.
Tuesday, June 19 - Changing of the Guard Honoring President Rosa Sugo-Golden and Welcoming President Angela Rester and Board for July 1, 2018 thru June 30, 2019
Ethiopian Adventure with special thanks to organizer Frey Faris and the wonderful owners and staff of Alem Ethiopian Village. The music, the dancing, the FOOD all made the Rotary Changing of the Guard extra special. 2018-2019 District Governor Kola Alayande inducted the board and president and shared his vision of Rotary with the nearly 40 attendees. The room was full of color as many wore international garb.
An old piece of railroad track is laid across a pit toilet. The walls are crumbling. The stench is overwhelming. It’s the only toilet for a school in rural Ghana, and most children refuse to use it. They do their business outside instead — or quit school altogether.
Rotary-USAID in Ghana
Amigos Rotarian Melissa Rickey's school is collecting cold weather wear to help their kids get to school each day. Their walk zone is one mile, so many of the kids sadly opt to stay home when it gets cold because they don't have appropriate clothing to keep them warm for their walk.
"My family and I moved to Milwaukee in the fall of 1979 from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. I attended Riverside University H.S in Milwaukee and then UW-Whitewater majoring in Business administration. I worked as a manager for US Bank before joining community organizing and the immigrant rights movement. I’m a statewide organizer for Voces de la Frontera currently working on passing driver license legislation for all in our state of Wisconsin and other statewide campaigns. Before I left for Texas in 2016, I was the operation Director for Voces. For the past 3 years, I’ve been stationed in San Antonio, Texas working for RAICES at the border. We represent between 60-100 asylum seeking families per day and help them with their credible fear interview, represent them in front of an immigration judge, with the goal of freeing them from the detention centers. Currently the plan is to go back to Texas and continue working at the detention centers when our state campaigns are over. "
Conversation was enlightening and interesting looking at history and impressions.
The Skygen International Foundation (headquartered in Menomonee Falls, WI) had a truly inspiring story to tell. They are a non-profit charity providing vision testing and (over 21,000 pairs of) free eyeglasses to the poor and underserved people of Tanzania, Africa, since 2018. Imagine changing someone’s life and future for only $5. It is possible.
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Tuesday, November 19 - Strategic Plan for Amigos Club - District Direction presented by Past District Governor and Strategic Plan Committee Chair Jeff Reed
Tuesday, November 5 - District Governor Steen Sanderhoff at Antigua 
Tuesday, October 29 - at Alem Ethiopian Village - 307 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee
Tuesday, October 1 - The Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative (MFI) - Michael Peeples
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Tuesday, July 16 - New Member Intro - Erik Carranza.jpg)
Tuesday, June 25 - No Official Rotary Meeting -
Tuesday, June 18 - 6 - 7 p.m. - Polio: Why We Need to Eradicate It Completely - Peter Bosch
Rotary District 6270 held its first Fellowship event at the beautiful West Bend Sunrise and Noon Rotary Club supported, Lac Lawrann Conservancy. Rotarians from all over the District (Southeast WI) attended including Amigos Rotarians Daniele Calasanzio, Marta Carrion, Paul Berger, and President Angela Rester. Angie is also the Rotary District 6270 Chair for the District Fellowship Committee. District Governor Kola Alayande chartered the new Rotary Means Business Fellowship and welcomed everyone to the first event. More to come in the future!
Tuesday, October 9 -
Sadly we said farewell to Gustavo de Arriba. He only recently learned that he has been hired at a new company based in Denmark .We know we will see him again but will miss his leadership, his joy, and warm welcomes at our wonderful little club..jpg)
Thursday, August 9 -
