Rotarians,

Attached is a copy of the Friendship Exchange Manual, Friendship Exchange Application, and background information on District 7030 (Southern Caribbean).

District 7670 is planning a four week Team Friendship Exchange with District 7030 in the Southern Caribbean.  The outbound travel is planned for February 2012 and the inbound team is planned for April 2012 with the inbound team participating in our District Conference at Concord, North Carolina 20-22 April 2012.

The team applications are due to the District Office by Friday, October 14th, 2011. The applicant interviews will take place in mid November.  We plan to field a team of three or four couples of Rotarians from our district.

Accordingly, please make this information available to your club Rotarians and advise them that this travel will be at their own expense, however, they will be hosted with Rotarian families in District 7030 and they will get a chance to see this area like no tourist could.  They will be able to share the beauty of the islands and the great food, fun, and a chance to meet new best friends!

The travel itinerary has not been firmed yet, but the outbound team will start in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad in early February 2012 and then go from there depending on arrangements made by the Friendship Exchange committee of District 7030.

Documents

Friendshp Exchange Application (PDF)

Friendship Exchange Handbook (PDF)

District 7030 Overview (PDF)

7030 District Newsletter – August 2011 (PDF)

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What is a Rotary Friendship Exchange? The Rotary Friendship Exchange program gives Rotarians and their families the opportunity to host and visit Rotarians around the world. The primary goal of a Friendship Exchange is to build greater international understanding and goodwill.

Why are we going to District 3050 in Rajasthan, India?

Our District Rotarians have a deep connection to District 3050 as a result of a Rotary Foundation Volunteer Service Grant that took place in 2007 when the roots of friendship were first planted. Subsequently we have participated in several Foundation Matching Grants including the widely supported project spearheaded by little John Ari to bring clean water and sanitation to the Jaipur Heritage Girls School. We will be visiting the school on this trip. Also, District 3050 has sponsored a Matching Grant project with the Emma Resource here in District 7670.

When will this trip take place?

The trip will take place around the end of January, beginning of February 2011. The exact dates are not yet set. The length of the stay will be 10 days to 2 weeks. The visiting team from District 3050 will travel in late April, early May 2011.

Why are we going at this time?

One of the goals for this trip is to participate in a National Immunization Day (NID) when polio vaccine will be administered to the children. This trip will provide our District Rotarians with a historic opportunity to be a part of Rotary’s worldwide effort to rid the world of polio. As soon as the exact dates are set by the government, we will plan the exact departure and return dates.

How is this trip paid for?

Rotary Friendship Exchanges are funded entirely by program participants. Guests are responsible for their own travel expenses and personal spending money. However, each team will be hosted by Rotarians and be overnight guests in their homes. There may be expenditures for transportation, passport and visa costs, vaccines or other recommended shots, meals outside the host’s home, admission to tourist sites, gifts for hosts, and any possible overnight stays in a hotel that may be required by the itinerary.

Who can apply?

Any District 7670 Rotarian (and immediate family member – optional) that is interested in becoming part of this team and willing to make the commitment to both visit and host Rotarians in District 3050 can apply. Once the team is selected there will be orientation and training to plan for a successful trip. Applications are submitted to respective Rotary Club for endorsement.

The team is limited to 5 couples.

2010-11 RFE Application (PDF)

The RFE Team met on Saturday for their final orientation and are ready for their trip.  They depart on Wednesday January 13th and return February 2nd.  Their official RFE visit will be hosted by District 3060 in Surat, India.  However, District 3050, in Jaipur is hosting a heritage tour of India as well as a visit to the Jaipur Heritage Girls Schools, the site for the TRF Matching Grant funded by several clubs in the District this year.

Follow the team on there trip by visiting Amanda Shuford’s Blog at http://www.themisadventuresofamanda.blogspot.com/ Amanda, her Mother (Cathleen) and father (PDG Hamp Shuford) will participate in the trip as well.

2010 Friendship Exchange, India

Participants:

Wade Hampton Shuford III  (RC of Catawba Valley)
Kathleen Elizabeth Shuford
Amanda Lindsay Shuford (Teenager)
Clyde Dean Lutz (RC of Lincolnton SR)
Ginger Voyles Lutz
Rankin Allen Whittington (RC of Lenoir)
Sandra Whittington
Billi Joyce Black (RC of Franklin Daybreak)
STEVEN RAY STUDEBAKER (RC of Hendersonville Four Seasons)
ELIZABETH MARY TAIT
Jamie Anna Van Harlingen
Ann Van Harlingen (RC of Franklin)

Your itinerary will be as follows :

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