March 20, 2025 • 30 mins
The true power of Rotary extends far beyond our local clubs and districts — it's found in the connections we forge with each other across wider regions and the collaborative energy that creates. In this illuminating episode, we're joined by Zone Director Wynne Spiller and Rotary Institute Chair Bob Deering to explore one of Rotary's most valuable yet sometimes overlooked opportunities: the Rotary Institute.
For many Rotarians, The Institute remains a mystery. Wynne breaks down how Rotary's 34 global zones function and why this annual gathering has evolved from a leadership update session to a transformative experience open to all Rotarians. As Bob elegantly puts it, "If you aren't able to get to International Conventions, this is the closest thing you're ever going to see to Rotary at that level."
The 2024 Institute, happening October 23-25 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, promises an extraordinary lineup. You'll hear about the zone's first Endowed Peace Fellow sharing her journey, hands-on AI workshops with expert Isar Midas, specialized leadership training through a Toastmasters partnership, and an innovative "Rotary Shark Tank" where districts can pitch their international projects to secure additional funding. Beyond the formal programming, the event weaves in cultural experiences unique to New Mexico, themed entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to form meaningful connections.
What makes Rotary Institute truly special is how it balances Rotary's serious mission with genuine joy and celebration. It's designed not just for district governors but for any Rotarian seeking to expand their horizons, recharge their passion for service, and bring valuable insights back to their clubs. With registration already at 50% capacity, this is your invitation to experience Rotary in a broader, more inspiring context.
Ready to elevate your Rotary journey? Visit zoneInstitute.org today to secure your spot in Albuquerque and discover how connecting beyond your club can transform both your Rotary experience and your impact on the world.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello and welcome to the Community.
Heroes of Hope, a podcast wherewe shine a light on the
remarkable individuals andprojects in Rotary District 5330
that bring hope and change toour local and global communities
.
I am Judy Zelfikar, yourco-host and the current District
Governor of Rotary District5330.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
And I'm Niren McLean, the Rotary District
Governor-Elect, and I'm NirenMcLean, the Rotary District
Governor-Elect.
Together, we're diving deepinto the heart of the community
service, showcasing the impactof dedication and collaboration
in addressing some of the mostpressing challenges our
communities face.
Speaker 1 (00:35):
Each episode, we'll tell stories of incredible
people making a difference,innovating solutions and
inspiring others to take action.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
We'll also be giving you a behind-the-scenes look at
the projects that aretransforming their lives, and
we'll discuss how you, too, canget involved, contribute and be
part of the positive change.
Whether you're a seasonedRotarian or just looking to give
back, this podcast is for you.
Speaker 1 (01:00):
So join us as we explore the journeys, challenges
and successes of people likeyou who have stepped up to make
a difference.
Let's celebrate the spirit ofcommunity and the power of hope
together.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
Don't forget to subscribe to the Community
Heroes of Hope on your favoritepodcast platform.
Stay with us on this journey ofinspiration and let's spread
the message of hope further thanever.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
Thank you for tuning in.
Let's get started.
Well, Niren, we have some veryspecial guests with us today.
I am very excited about havingZone Director Winspiller and Bob
Deering with us today talkingabout Zone Institute.
Speaker 2 (01:41):
It's very exciting.
I went there last year and theyear before and my very first
zone was in Santa Barbara.
Speaker 1 (01:48):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
And I was very, very excited about that.
So looking forward to this.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
Yeah, a lot of our listeners may not know what Zone
Institute is, and that's whatwe're going to find out today.
So I'm going to start with you,wynne, can you introduce
yourself and tell us a littlebit about you and your role?
Speaker 3 (02:06):
Wynne, can you introduce yourself and tell us a
little bit about you and yourrole?
So I'm Wynne Spiller, I'm fromthe Rotary Club of Grass Valley,
california, in District 5190.
And I am the incoming RotaryInternational Director,
following Dan Hemelsbach, whichI'm very honored to do.
Spot, which I'm very honored todo.
(02:30):
So, as I think folks probablyknow, we have 34 zones in the
world and they're paired andeach pair has one elected
director.
So I will be with a.
There'll be a group of 17 of usthat on the Rotary
International Board and, inaddition to providing governance
and all the usual things, weprovide support for all of the
(02:53):
clubs in the Rotary world.
So while I work most directlywith our zones here on the West
Coast, when sitting on the boardyou really represent all of
Rotary as a whole.
And I will be the convener ofthe Institute and thrilled to
have Bob Deering here who is thechair of the Institute.
Speaker 1 (03:15):
Awesome Bob, can you introduce yourself?
Speaker 4 (03:18):
Thank you, Judy.
Yeah, my name is Bob Deeringand Wynne kind of introduced me
as I am the chair of theInstitute.
I've been working with Wynnefor about the last year.
I think we're just about oneyear from the time that she
asked if I would do this.
I'm a past district governorfrom District 5180 in the
(03:39):
Sacramento area and I am amember of the Rotary Club of
American River.
Oh, wow, I used to live upthere.
Is that Rotary Club of AmericanRiver?
Speaker 1 (03:45):
Oh wow, I used to live up there.
Is that by Sacramento?
The American River?
Speaker 4 (03:50):
Yes, it's quite an interesting thing is that I've
always been in the Rotary Clubof East Sacramento and last year
there was a Rotary Club, theRotary Club of Carmichael, that
was having a hard time surviving.
We went to them and asked wouldyou like to merge the two clubs
?
Because we were thinking ofhaving a Rotary Club that did
(04:16):
not have a geographical locationby city, because, even though
ours says East Sacramento, wehad no members that were in
what's considered the EastSacramento area.
So basically, our two clubsmerged and we changed our name
to the Rotary Club of AmericanRitter.
Speaker 1 (04:36):
That's awesome and it's interesting.
I think our members are reallyfamiliar with Rotary Clubs.
They are somewhat more familiaralso with Rotary Districts, and
then, of course, Rotary clubs.
They are somewhat more familiaralso with Rotary districts and
then, of course, RotaryInternational.
But sometimes I think ZoneInstitute isn't something that
everybody knows about.
So, Wynne, can you explain toour audience what is Zone
(04:59):
Institute and who should attend?
Speaker 3 (05:02):
Well Zone Institute, often called Rotary Institutes,
now is an in-person gathering ofactually anyone who is
interested in coming.
They began some years ago as anopportunity to update and bring
current information to largelygovernors and past governors,
(05:28):
but in this day of instantcommunication and updates
everywhere, now institutes areopen to all who want to attend
and they really have a specialplace in our world of events.
It's an opportunity for us toconnect in special ways only our
(06:09):
leadership teams from aroundour 30 districts, but also,
again, people, like-mindedpeople who share the vision that
we do of helping create abetter world.
We invest in people through ourvarious projects and
partnerships.
We value connection and I alwayshave remembered something that
past RI director, john Blount,shared, which is events,
(06:32):
especially like institutes, thatcover a broad part of our piece
of the Rotary world.
They provide an experience thatis beyond our virtual,
technical ones that we do somuch of now, but it's an
experience that can encouragenew perspectives.
(06:57):
It can inspire innovation,enhance leadership skills,
provide zone-wide collaborationand networking.
So it's really an opportunityto invest in your own leadership
as well as investing in yourclub and district and the future
(07:19):
of Rotary.
Best of all, it's about friendscoming together.
I think that probably is one ofthe number one benefits of
attending Rotary Institutereconnecting with friends, as
well as making new ones,recharge, reignite our own
(07:45):
passion for making this world abetter place and helping create
that world that we all desire tosee Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
I can tell you that the Zone Institute for me was a
and is a wonderful learningexperience.
I remember attending one in SanDiego and learned so much there
about foundation but inparticular about the bequest and
benefactor structure.
(08:16):
And one of the ladies who wasin attendance got up and spoke
on her about her own experiencegoing through the loss of her
husband and how Rotary, throughthe foundation, was able to set
up a variety of trusts and astructure, a tax-beneficial
structure, for her.
And I came back and said, myGod, why did it take me this
(08:37):
long to learn this stuff?
So the knowledge acquisition tome is wonderful, as you said.
The knowledge acquisition to meis wonderful, as you said, when
, along with the ability to meetnew friends and collaborate and
plan.
But for those people who havenot gone to an international
convention, I think the ZoneInstitute is definitely a close
second.
Speaker 1 (08:57):
A good option.
So, Bob, where is this upcomingZone Institute and how would we
find out more information aboutit?
Speaker 4 (09:06):
Well, the Zone Institute is going to be in
Albuquerque, new Mexico, thisyear.
It's a place where there's alot of excitement in that town
and I don't believe many of ushave ever been to Albuquerque.
When talking to people who arecoming, they said gosh, I've
never been there.
That's the place I'd like to goand see, see what it's all
(09:27):
about.
So we are, we are inAlbuquerque and yeah, I'm sorry.
The second part of thatquestion.
Speaker 1 (09:37):
What website would you give for people to find out
more information about the ZoneInstitute?
Speaker 4 (09:43):
It's at zoneinstituteorg.
Speaker 1 (09:46):
That's pretty easy.
That keeps it going.
I'm looking forward to going toAlbuquerque.
I actually grew up rightoutside of Albuquerque, in
Bernalillo, new Mexico.
I was adopted in Las Cruces,new Mexico, so it's like going
home, it's going home and I'mlooking forward to it, and we
have some amazing speakers thatare going to be joining us.
(10:07):
Which one of you would like totalk about some of the speakers
that we can expect to hear fromat this year's Zone Institute?
Speaker 3 (10:15):
Well, we might both want to Well we might both want
to.
(10:41):
There you go, that works, remaintrue to who we are as Rotarians
, and yet evolving, remainingrelevant, even revolutionizing,
as we thrive in this verychanging, complex world.
So we have some visionaryleaders in fields of things like
transformative change,artificial intelligence, peace
building, leadership itself, andso maybe I will just speak to
(11:04):
one and Bob, you can jump in.
So one of the things that we'revery excited about is that we
have Isabel Gutierrez, who isour first Zone 2627 Endowed
Peace Fellow.
So in our two paired zones wehave been working to build our
(11:25):
own endowed fund for peace, andtwo years ago we reached the
level to be able to endow onefellow every four years.
And Izzy is our very first onefrom Imperial California.
She will be graduating from theChristian University in Japan
(11:45):
in June and she will join us.
She's not sure whether she'sjoining us from Japan or the US
or some other part of the world,but she is going to be with us
and just really excited to hearabout her experiences, her
journey and spend time with her,in addition, of course, to her
(12:06):
presentation.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
So I'm very excited about that.
That's amazing, very special tohave a Peace Fellow joining us.
Who else do we have on thelineup, bob?
Speaker 4 (12:15):
Something that I'm really excited about is we have
a gentleman.
His name is Isar Midas.
He is an expert in AI.
I love that.
And Wednesday, empowering ourlegacy.
I'm sorry, embracing our legacy, empowering our future.
(12:38):
This is as we go into thefuture and what can AI do for us
and help us in rotaring?
I know I was in a meeting justlast night and I used AI to take
notes in that meeting and it'sjust phenomenal.
Speaker 1 (12:57):
I use it almost every single day.
Speaker 4 (12:59):
That's just a very, very simple thing, and this
gentleman puts out a newsletterevery week.
I've been following hisnewsletter over the last two or
three months and the changes arejust phenomenal, day in and day
out.
Speaker 1 (13:17):
Yeah, they're rapid change, and if we, as Rotarians,
truly want to be revolutionaryand stay and be relevant, we
need to be aware of these toolsand these technologies that help
us do that.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
And become more efficient.
Speaker 1 (13:32):
Exactly More efficient.
We all need some efficiency,that's for sure.
We all need some efficiencythat's for sure.
Speaker 3 (13:38):
So Isar is not only going to speak to the group, but
he is also going to hold aworkshop.
Oh that's fabulous.
He wants to get in and do somethings with his guidance, so
he'll be doing that as well,which we're very pleased about.
Speaker 1 (13:55):
I think that's one of the things that I'm most
excited about with ZoneInstitute, and what I
experienced in the last few thatI've been to is it's not just a
bunch of people talking at you,it's a very facilitated
workshop integration so that youreally feel like you walk away
from the experience withactionable tools and information
(14:18):
that you can take back to yourclub or your district and put
them to work.
Speaker 2 (14:22):
Absolutely.
Speaker 3 (14:25):
One of the other things that is maybe a little
different is that we havepartnered with Toastmasters for
the Institute and Ed Week, andone of the past international
directors of Toastmasters livesin Albuquerque.
Oh her name is TK and she willbe with us doing some things
(14:47):
with education for our incominggovernors, as well as one or two
sessions work that areworkshops.
So it will be a chance for herto share some skills, for
example, in extemporaneousspeaking or interviews.
We should have had her on togive us some coaching here.
(15:09):
It's been an opportunity toactually practice some of those
things together in a workshopformat, and we think that that
is going to be a lot of fun.
We certainly have heard thatmore topics related to our own
personal leadership developmentis something that appeals to
(15:34):
every part of our audience,whether you are an incoming
leader, a Rotary Club memberinterested in building skills,
or you are a more senior memberwho has been in Rotary for a
long time, so we're excited toadd that to the mix.
Speaker 2 (15:53):
It's actually a very, extremely valuable addition.
When I was talking with someRotarians a couple of weeks ago
and looking how, what could weoffer the people in our district
and really with districtspecific at that time,
particularly the young careerminded person or middle level
(16:19):
what could we offer them toattract them to Rotary, and a
lot of the conversation rotatedaround career development,
mentorship, leadership, um, andthose kinds of things.
So that if we're able to tie,if, if it's a good career move
to associate with Rotary inaddition to, in addition to
(16:40):
helping the community and savingthe world, then to me it's a
win-win and so that we arrivedat the same thing.
So I'm very, very excited tohear you have those elements
offered there, because then thatbrings the opportunity for the
regular Rotarian to say what'sin it for me.
Well, this is what's in it foryou.
Speaker 1 (16:59):
Yeah, and let's talk about that.
So who should come to ZoneInstitute?
We know that the districtgovernor elects and the district
governor nominees are going tobe there, because that's where
they get their training.
But who else should come to theZone Institute when?
Speaker 3 (17:47):
Well, I would say anyone who, any Rotarian who is
interested again in investing inthemselves, experiencing Rotary
on a little bit broader scalethan you have say at your
district conference, somethinglike that, because it does
involve a broader part of ourworld of Rotary, and I think
that broadening your horizonsand leaving with not only new
knowledge but again thisrecharging of our own desire to
be part of creating this visionfor a better world.
I truly believe that and so Ithink anybody who has those
interests and is interested injust meeting a whole bunch of
really great Rotarians from our14 Western states and part of
(18:10):
Canada should definitely attend.
Speaker 1 (18:13):
And Rotaractors.
Is there some space forRotaractors?
Speaker 3 (18:16):
Yes, Rotaractors as well.
We're just starting to puttogether the program for
Rotaractors and so, yes, we'reexpecting them.
We already know that theDistrict 5520, that's our host
district, will be bringingRotaractors and Interactors as
well as.
Rotarians to our world polio dayevent, which is um
(18:41):
community-wide, so it is open toeverybody that is in the
albuquerque greater albuquerquearea and it's going to take
place right across from thehotel, on this fabulous plaza
that has a huge video wall.
Oh, beautiful, yes, and inaddition to programming and some
quite how should I say, bobunique and spectacular
(19:03):
entertainment, polio Day andkids and making a difference in
their lives.
So we're going to do thattogether, as well as listen to
(19:28):
some great programming.
Speaker 1 (19:30):
That's awesome.
So we, you know, often when wecome to these zone institutes
and Rotary InternationalConvention and such, we get the
opportunity to experience thevenue as well or the city.
So what are the exciting thingsand maybe, bob, you can speak
on to this what are the otheractivities that are in store for
(19:51):
those that or have theopportunity for them to do when
they come to Albuquerque?
Speaker 4 (19:57):
There's a number of things.
I think the one thing that manyof us have heard of is the
Balloon Festival is one bigaction from the Albuquerque area
.
It is two weeks before ourinstitute, so, no, we're not
competing with the BalloonFestival and whatever, but
(20:20):
balloons are a big thing.
There is a wonderful balloonmuseum.
The city of Santa Fe is a veryshort train ride and many people
have taken that train ride upto Santa Fe $20 per person.
Speaker 1 (20:38):
Oh wow, that's a good price, excellent price.
Speaker 3 (20:43):
I think, bob, it's only nine oh wow.
Last I looked nine each way, sothat's 20.
Speaker 4 (20:51):
I'm glad you looked, because 20 was what I was told.
Anyway, if people would like tocome before or after the
Institute and make Santa Fe apart of it, I think we can
probably talk with Hotel Clyde,which is a hotel we're going to
be at.
They have a couple of sisterhotels in the Santa Fe area, oh,
(21:12):
wonderful.
And we'd be happy to try to getour help.
Our people get reasonable roomrates up in Santa Fe so they can
take in that city.
Speaker 1 (21:23):
That's awesome.
That's awesome, and so we havewhere it is.
When is Zone Institute?
I don't think we covered that.
So what are the dates of ZoneInstitute?
Speaker 4 (21:34):
Zone Institute starts on October 23rd.
It's a Thursday and goesthrough that next Saturday,
October 25th.
So October 23rd to October 25thare the dates of the Institute.
Speaker 1 (21:48):
So October 23rd to the 25th in Albuquerque, New
Mexico, and they can go and gettickets on zoneinstituteorg.
What are we missing?
What else do you want to talkabout?
Speaker 3 (22:02):
So maybe a couple of other things that will be
available in Albuquerque,building on what Bob said.
One of them is so Albuquerquedoes have a pretty vibrant
culture, and so a tour of OldTown, so a guided tour of Old
(22:22):
Town, will be available.
We also will arrange bustransport for those who want to
go out to the Balloon Museum,which is very definitely worth
seeing for sure, and a couple ofother little things that are in
the works.
Golf on Sunday at the prettylegendary, gorgeous Sandia Golf
(22:46):
Course which is about 15 minutesor so from the hotel, and so
we'll be arranging sometransportation for folks who
want to play golf as well, andthere's just a wealth of museums
that are within the Albuquerquearea, that are within close
(23:06):
reach.
So I think there are going tobe a number of things to do.
There is a lot of musicthroughout, and that's something
we haven't talked about,because music is an important
part of the Institute.
So you're going to hear andexperience music and
entertainment pretty muchthroughout, drawing on some of
(23:29):
our local folks as well asothers, so it's, I think, going
to have a very fun and upliftingfeel.
There's something especiallynice about including music and
entertainment, so that's anotherpiece that we will have, along
with themed dinner events forthose people who enjoy dressing
(23:53):
up, so there will be anopportunity to put on your
fiesta wear for the welcomedinner and things like that Just
adds a little bit of fun.
Speaker 1 (24:04):
Yeah, fun and flair.
Fun and flair.
Speaker 3 (24:08):
That's exciting I think it will be.
Speaker 2 (24:14):
I understand, if I'm not mistaken, that it's already
off to a fantastic start and, isit correct?
50% already have already signedup and et cetera.
So we can use the opportunityreally to promote very
aggressively to our clubs and toour district to hey, there's an
opportunity, but it is goingfast because people do recognize
(24:36):
the benefit of Albuquerque andthe zone as well, yeah, don't
wait till the last minute people.
Speaker 1 (24:40):
Get registered as soon as possible.
Speaker 2 (24:42):
Don't be the typical Rotarian Right.
Speaker 1 (24:44):
Exactly, exactly Better now than later and I
think we're already past ourearly bird registration.
But you know, it's one of thosethings where you want to
register early because if youwant the best spots in some of
the tours or the golf tournament, you want to get in there and
make sure that you have thatopportunity.
So you may not be able to talkabout this yet, so we're going
(25:05):
to do a little tease.
So tell me if it's not ready tohave this conversation.
But I heard something aboutShark Tank.
Speaker 3 (25:13):
Oh, yes, bob can talk about that.
Speaker 4 (25:18):
Yes, we happen to be at a zone institute over on the
East Coast this this year on theEast Coast this year and was
talking to the director overthere and they did something a
takeoff on the very hit TV showShark Tank.
But Shark Tank is going to be aplace where certain districts
(25:46):
have the ability to show some oftheir international projects
and have the opportunity to getmaybe additional district
designated funds or additionalcash from people who hear about
what they're doing.
Speaker 2 (25:57):
That's beautiful, very creative, very creative.
Speaker 4 (26:00):
Our sharks are going to be our Rotary International
President-elect.
I think your director-elect,who will be director at that
time, who's also on this, willbe one of our sharks.
We have a couple trustees whoare coming, and so we will try
(26:22):
to make it as fun as the TV showis.
Speaker 3 (26:27):
Except we're going to be nice sharks.
Speaker 1 (26:31):
And districts will have the opportunity to kind of
just talk about their programand feature it in the Shark Tank
.
Oh, that's awesome.
I love it.
Speaker 4 (26:39):
What's going to happen is that we are going to
be putting this out to all ofour district governors and say
here is what we're doing, hereare the rules, and if you have a
project you would like tohighlight, do a write up on that
project and we will pick threeof those projects to highlight.
(27:03):
Plus, those projects will havea place in the House of
Friendship so people can come upafter the Shark Tank
presentation and talk more aboutit.
Speaker 1 (27:13):
Awesome.
Well, I already have a few inmind from our district that I'm
sure would like to present.
So any final thoughts.
Wynne, you had one more thingyou wanted to chat about.
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (27:24):
Bob mentioned our Rotary International
president-elect joining us,sang-koo Yoon from Korea, and we
are thrilled to have him withus and he will be speaking at
the Saturday night gala as partof our celebration of our
soon-to-be directors thefollowing year directors the
(27:50):
following year.
So our district governor'select will be honored on
Saturday night and give them agreat send off as they get ready
to take the reins the followingyear.
So he will be with us actuallyall week.
Awesome, and we'll have time toreally get to know him and
excited, very excited to havehim with us.
Speaker 2 (28:06):
You know, I think that this really is just a
wonderfully unique and localopportunity for our Rotarians to
really experience and rememberthe breadth and the scope and
the power of Rotary, and that'sso exciting.
So I'm really looking forwardto this.
Speaker 1 (28:25):
Really brings the worldwide view to what we do in
Rotary.
If you can't make it to aRotary International Convention,
or even if you can, this isanother opportunity to see the
power of Rotary and it's anotheropportunity to connect with
Rotarians from around the worldso that we can continue to do
good things around the worldAbsolutely, uniting for good, do
(28:46):
good things around the world.
Speaker 2 (28:47):
Absolutely.
Speaker 4 (28:47):
Uniting for good.
I'd like to emphasize somethingthat Wynne said, that many
people think this is just forour governor lines, our past
district governors, leadershiplike that.
This is for any Rotarian whowould like to see Rotary at a
different level and I think ifyou aren't able to get to
(29:08):
international conventions, thisis the closest thing you're ever
going to see to Rotary at thatlevel.
Speaker 1 (29:13):
Absolutely, Absolutely Well.
Thank you both for joining ustoday.
Again, the dates are.
Speaker 4 (29:21):
October 23rd through 25th 2025.
Speaker 1 (29:25):
In Albuquerque, New Mexico, go to zoneinstituteorg
and register today.
Thank you both for joining us.
Speaker 2 (29:33):
Thank you, bob, thank you for having us.
Speaker 1 (29:35):
Thank you very much and we'll see you in Albuquerque
.
Speaker 2 (29:38):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (29:39):
Via Route 66.
Via Route 66, yes.
So that wraps up this episodeof Heroes of Hope.
We are so happy that we have anaudience out there listening.
We want you to subscribe, shareand tell your friends about the
Rotary Community Heroes of Hope, because that's how we get the
word out about the impact we'rehaving in this world.
Hello and welcome to the Community.
Heroes of Hope, a podcast wherewe shine a light on the
remarkable individuals andprojects in Rotary District 5330
that bring hope and change toour local and global communities
.
I am Judy Zelfikar, yourco-host and the current District
Governor of Rotary District5330.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
And I'm Niren McLean, the Rotary District
Governor-Elect, and I'm NirenMcLean, the Rotary District
Governor-Elect.
Together, we're diving deepinto the heart of the community
service, showcasing the impactof dedication and collaboration
in addressing some of the mostpressing challenges our
communities face.
Speaker 1 (00:35):
Each episode, we'll tell stories of incredible
people making a difference,innovating solutions and
inspiring others to take action.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
We'll also be giving you a behind-the-scenes look at
the projects that aretransforming their lives, and
we'll discuss how you, too, canget involved, contribute and be
part of the positive change.
Whether you're a seasonedRotarian or just looking to give
back, this podcast is for you.
Speaker 1 (01:00):
So join us as we explore the journeys, challenges
and successes of people likeyou who have stepped up to make
a difference.
Let's celebrate the spirit ofcommunity and the power of hope
together.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
Don't forget to subscribe to the Community
Heroes of Hope on your favoritepodcast platform.
Stay with us on this journey ofinspiration and let's spread
the message of hope further thanever.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
Thank you for tuning in.
Let's get started.
Well, Niren, we have some veryspecial guests with us today.
I am very excited about havingZone Director Winspiller and Bob
Deering with us today talkingabout Zone Institute.
Speaker 2 (01:41):
It's very exciting.
I went there last year and theyear before and my very first
zone was in Santa Barbara.
Speaker 1 (01:48):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
And I was very, very excited about that.
So looking forward to this.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
Yeah, a lot of our listeners may not know what Zone
Institute is, and that's whatwe're going to find out today.
So I'm going to start with you,wynne, can you introduce
yourself and tell us a littlebit about you and your role?
Speaker 3 (02:06):
Wynne, can you introduce yourself and tell us a
little bit about you and yourrole?
So I'm Wynne Spiller, I'm fromthe Rotary Club of Grass Valley,
california, in District 5190.
And I am the incoming RotaryInternational Director,
following Dan Hemelsbach, whichI'm very honored to do.
Spot, which I'm very honored todo.
(02:30):
So, as I think folks probablyknow, we have 34 zones in the
world and they're paired andeach pair has one elected
director.
So I will be with a.
There'll be a group of 17 of usthat on the Rotary
International Board and, inaddition to providing governance
and all the usual things, weprovide support for all of the
(02:53):
clubs in the Rotary world.
So while I work most directlywith our zones here on the West
Coast, when sitting on the boardyou really represent all of
Rotary as a whole.
And I will be the convener ofthe Institute and thrilled to
have Bob Deering here who is thechair of the Institute.
Speaker 1 (03:15):
Awesome Bob, can you introduce yourself?
Speaker 4 (03:18):
Thank you, Judy.
Yeah, my name is Bob Deeringand Wynne kind of introduced me
as I am the chair of theInstitute.
I've been working with Wynnefor about the last year.
I think we're just about oneyear from the time that she
asked if I would do this.
I'm a past district governorfrom District 5180 in the
(03:39):
Sacramento area and I am amember of the Rotary Club of
American River.
Oh, wow, I used to live upthere.
Is that Rotary Club of AmericanRiver?
Speaker 1 (03:45):
Oh wow, I used to live up there.
Is that by Sacramento?
The American River?
Speaker 4 (03:50):
Yes, it's quite an interesting thing is that I've
always been in the Rotary Clubof East Sacramento and last year
there was a Rotary Club, theRotary Club of Carmichael, that
was having a hard time surviving.
We went to them and asked wouldyou like to merge the two clubs
?
Because we were thinking ofhaving a Rotary Club that did
(04:16):
not have a geographical locationby city, because, even though
ours says East Sacramento, wehad no members that were in
what's considered the EastSacramento area.
So basically, our two clubsmerged and we changed our name
to the Rotary Club of AmericanRitter.
Speaker 1 (04:36):
That's awesome and it's interesting.
I think our members are reallyfamiliar with Rotary Clubs.
They are somewhat more familiaralso with Rotary Districts, and
then, of course, Rotary clubs.
They are somewhat more familiaralso with Rotary districts and
then, of course, RotaryInternational.
But sometimes I think ZoneInstitute isn't something that
everybody knows about.
So, Wynne, can you explain toour audience what is Zone
(04:59):
Institute and who should attend?
Speaker 3 (05:02):
Well Zone Institute, often called Rotary Institutes,
now is an in-person gathering ofactually anyone who is
interested in coming.
They began some years ago as anopportunity to update and bring
current information to largelygovernors and past governors,
(05:28):
but in this day of instantcommunication and updates
everywhere, now institutes areopen to all who want to attend
and they really have a specialplace in our world of events.
It's an opportunity for us toconnect in special ways only our
(06:09):
leadership teams from aroundour 30 districts, but also,
again, people, like-mindedpeople who share the vision that
we do of helping create abetter world.
We invest in people through ourvarious projects and
partnerships.
We value connection and I alwayshave remembered something that
past RI director, john Blount,shared, which is events,
(06:32):
especially like institutes, thatcover a broad part of our piece
of the Rotary world.
They provide an experience thatis beyond our virtual,
technical ones that we do somuch of now, but it's an
experience that can encouragenew perspectives.
(06:57):
It can inspire innovation,enhance leadership skills,
provide zone-wide collaborationand networking.
So it's really an opportunityto invest in your own leadership
as well as investing in yourclub and district and the future
(07:19):
of Rotary.
Best of all, it's about friendscoming together.
I think that probably is one ofthe number one benefits of
attending Rotary Institutereconnecting with friends, as
well as making new ones,recharge, reignite our own
(07:45):
passion for making this world abetter place and helping create
that world that we all desire tosee Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
I can tell you that the Zone Institute for me was a
and is a wonderful learningexperience.
I remember attending one in SanDiego and learned so much there
about foundation but inparticular about the bequest and
benefactor structure.
(08:16):
And one of the ladies who wasin attendance got up and spoke
on her about her own experiencegoing through the loss of her
husband and how Rotary, throughthe foundation, was able to set
up a variety of trusts and astructure, a tax-beneficial
structure, for her.
And I came back and said, myGod, why did it take me this
(08:37):
long to learn this stuff?
So the knowledge acquisition tome is wonderful, as you said.
The knowledge acquisition to meis wonderful, as you said, when
, along with the ability to meetnew friends and collaborate and
plan.
But for those people who havenot gone to an international
convention, I think the ZoneInstitute is definitely a close
second.
Speaker 1 (08:57):
A good option.
So, Bob, where is this upcomingZone Institute and how would we
find out more information aboutit?
Speaker 4 (09:06):
Well, the Zone Institute is going to be in
Albuquerque, new Mexico, thisyear.
It's a place where there's alot of excitement in that town
and I don't believe many of ushave ever been to Albuquerque.
When talking to people who arecoming, they said gosh, I've
never been there.
That's the place I'd like to goand see, see what it's all
(09:27):
about.
So we are, we are inAlbuquerque and yeah, I'm sorry.
The second part of thatquestion.
Speaker 1 (09:37):
What website would you give for people to find out
more information about the ZoneInstitute?
Speaker 4 (09:43):
It's at zoneinstituteorg.
Speaker 1 (09:46):
That's pretty easy.
That keeps it going.
I'm looking forward to going toAlbuquerque.
I actually grew up rightoutside of Albuquerque, in
Bernalillo, new Mexico.
I was adopted in Las Cruces,new Mexico, so it's like going
home, it's going home and I'mlooking forward to it, and we
have some amazing speakers thatare going to be joining us.
(10:07):
Which one of you would like totalk about some of the speakers
that we can expect to hear fromat this year's Zone Institute?
Speaker 3 (10:15):
Well, we might both want to Well we might both want
to.
(10:41):
There you go, that works, remaintrue to who we are as Rotarians
, and yet evolving, remainingrelevant, even revolutionizing,
as we thrive in this verychanging, complex world.
So we have some visionaryleaders in fields of things like
transformative change,artificial intelligence, peace
building, leadership itself, andso maybe I will just speak to
(11:04):
one and Bob, you can jump in.
So one of the things that we'revery excited about is that we
have Isabel Gutierrez, who isour first Zone 2627 Endowed
Peace Fellow.
So in our two paired zones wehave been working to build our
(11:25):
own endowed fund for peace, andtwo years ago we reached the
level to be able to endow onefellow every four years.
And Izzy is our very first onefrom Imperial California.
She will be graduating from theChristian University in Japan
(11:45):
in June and she will join us.
She's not sure whether she'sjoining us from Japan or the US
or some other part of the world,but she is going to be with us
and just really excited to hearabout her experiences, her
journey and spend time with her,in addition, of course, to her
(12:06):
presentation.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
So I'm very excited about that.
That's amazing, very special tohave a Peace Fellow joining us.
Who else do we have on thelineup, bob?
Speaker 4 (12:15):
Something that I'm really excited about is we have
a gentleman.
His name is Isar Midas.
He is an expert in AI.
I love that.
And Wednesday, empowering ourlegacy.
I'm sorry, embracing our legacy, empowering our future.
(12:38):
This is as we go into thefuture and what can AI do for us
and help us in rotaring?
I know I was in a meeting justlast night and I used AI to take
notes in that meeting and it'sjust phenomenal.
Speaker 1 (12:57):
I use it almost every single day.
Speaker 4 (12:59):
That's just a very, very simple thing, and this
gentleman puts out a newsletterevery week.
I've been following hisnewsletter over the last two or
three months and the changes arejust phenomenal, day in and day
out.
Speaker 1 (13:17):
Yeah, they're rapid change, and if we, as Rotarians,
truly want to be revolutionaryand stay and be relevant, we
need to be aware of these toolsand these technologies that help
us do that.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
And become more efficient.
Speaker 1 (13:32):
Exactly More efficient.
We all need some efficiency,that's for sure.
We all need some efficiencythat's for sure.
Speaker 3 (13:38):
So Isar is not only going to speak to the group, but
he is also going to hold aworkshop.
Oh that's fabulous.
He wants to get in and do somethings with his guidance, so
he'll be doing that as well,which we're very pleased about.
Speaker 1 (13:55):
I think that's one of the things that I'm most
excited about with ZoneInstitute, and what I
experienced in the last few thatI've been to is it's not just a
bunch of people talking at you,it's a very facilitated
workshop integration so that youreally feel like you walk away
from the experience withactionable tools and information
(14:18):
that you can take back to yourclub or your district and put
them to work.
Speaker 2 (14:22):
Absolutely.
Speaker 3 (14:25):
One of the other things that is maybe a little
different is that we havepartnered with Toastmasters for
the Institute and Ed Week, andone of the past international
directors of Toastmasters livesin Albuquerque.
Oh her name is TK and she willbe with us doing some things
(14:47):
with education for our incominggovernors, as well as one or two
sessions work that areworkshops.
So it will be a chance for herto share some skills, for
example, in extemporaneousspeaking or interviews.
We should have had her on togive us some coaching here.
(15:09):
It's been an opportunity toactually practice some of those
things together in a workshopformat, and we think that that
is going to be a lot of fun.
We certainly have heard thatmore topics related to our own
personal leadership developmentis something that appeals to
(15:34):
every part of our audience,whether you are an incoming
leader, a Rotary Club memberinterested in building skills,
or you are a more senior memberwho has been in Rotary for a
long time, so we're excited toadd that to the mix.
Speaker 2 (15:53):
It's actually a very, extremely valuable addition.
When I was talking with someRotarians a couple of weeks ago
and looking how, what could weoffer the people in our district
and really with districtspecific at that time,
particularly the young careerminded person or middle level
(16:19):
what could we offer them toattract them to Rotary, and a
lot of the conversation rotatedaround career development,
mentorship, leadership, um, andthose kinds of things.
So that if we're able to tie,if, if it's a good career move
to associate with Rotary inaddition to, in addition to
(16:40):
helping the community and savingthe world, then to me it's a
win-win and so that we arrivedat the same thing.
So I'm very, very excited tohear you have those elements
offered there, because then thatbrings the opportunity for the
regular Rotarian to say what'sin it for me.
Well, this is what's in it foryou.
Speaker 1 (16:59):
Yeah, and let's talk about that.
So who should come to ZoneInstitute?
We know that the districtgovernor elects and the district
governor nominees are going tobe there, because that's where
they get their training.
But who else should come to theZone Institute when?
Speaker 3 (17:47):
Well, I would say anyone who, any Rotarian who is
interested again in investing inthemselves, experiencing Rotary
on a little bit broader scalethan you have say at your
district conference, somethinglike that, because it does
involve a broader part of ourworld of Rotary, and I think
that broadening your horizonsand leaving with not only new
knowledge but again thisrecharging of our own desire to
be part of creating this visionfor a better world.
I truly believe that and so Ithink anybody who has those
interests and is interested injust meeting a whole bunch of
really great Rotarians from our14 Western states and part of
(18:10):
Canada should definitely attend.
Speaker 1 (18:13):
And Rotaractors.
Is there some space forRotaractors?
Speaker 3 (18:16):
Yes, Rotaractors as well.
We're just starting to puttogether the program for
Rotaractors and so, yes, we'reexpecting them.
We already know that theDistrict 5520, that's our host
district, will be bringingRotaractors and Interactors as
well as.
Rotarians to our world polio dayevent, which is um
(18:41):
community-wide, so it is open toeverybody that is in the
albuquerque greater albuquerquearea and it's going to take
place right across from thehotel, on this fabulous plaza
that has a huge video wall.
Oh, beautiful, yes, and inaddition to programming and some
quite how should I say, bobunique and spectacular
(19:03):
entertainment, polio Day andkids and making a difference in
their lives.
So we're going to do thattogether, as well as listen to
(19:28):
some great programming.
Speaker 1 (19:30):
That's awesome.
So we, you know, often when wecome to these zone institutes
and Rotary InternationalConvention and such, we get the
opportunity to experience thevenue as well or the city.
So what are the exciting thingsand maybe, bob, you can speak
on to this what are the otheractivities that are in store for
(19:51):
those that or have theopportunity for them to do when
they come to Albuquerque?
Speaker 4 (19:57):
There's a number of things.
I think the one thing that manyof us have heard of is the
Balloon Festival is one bigaction from the Albuquerque area
.
It is two weeks before ourinstitute, so, no, we're not
competing with the BalloonFestival and whatever, but
(20:20):
balloons are a big thing.
There is a wonderful balloonmuseum.
The city of Santa Fe is a veryshort train ride and many people
have taken that train ride upto Santa Fe $20 per person.
Speaker 1 (20:38):
Oh wow, that's a good price, excellent price.
Speaker 3 (20:43):
I think, bob, it's only nine oh wow.
Last I looked nine each way, sothat's 20.
Speaker 4 (20:51):
I'm glad you looked, because 20 was what I was told.
Anyway, if people would like tocome before or after the
Institute and make Santa Fe apart of it, I think we can
probably talk with Hotel Clyde,which is a hotel we're going to
be at.
They have a couple of sisterhotels in the Santa Fe area, oh,
(21:12):
wonderful.
And we'd be happy to try to getour help.
Our people get reasonable roomrates up in Santa Fe so they can
take in that city.
Speaker 1 (21:23):
That's awesome.
That's awesome, and so we havewhere it is.
When is Zone Institute?
I don't think we covered that.
So what are the dates of ZoneInstitute?
Speaker 4 (21:34):
Zone Institute starts on October 23rd.
It's a Thursday and goesthrough that next Saturday,
October 25th.
So October 23rd to October 25thare the dates of the Institute.
Speaker 1 (21:48):
So October 23rd to the 25th in Albuquerque, New
Mexico, and they can go and gettickets on zoneinstituteorg.
What are we missing?
What else do you want to talkabout?
Speaker 3 (22:02):
So maybe a couple of other things that will be
available in Albuquerque,building on what Bob said.
One of them is so Albuquerquedoes have a pretty vibrant
culture, and so a tour of OldTown, so a guided tour of Old
(22:22):
Town, will be available.
We also will arrange bustransport for those who want to
go out to the Balloon Museum,which is very definitely worth
seeing for sure, and a couple ofother little things that are in
the works.
Golf on Sunday at the prettylegendary, gorgeous Sandia Golf
(22:46):
Course which is about 15 minutesor so from the hotel, and so
we'll be arranging sometransportation for folks who
want to play golf as well, andthere's just a wealth of museums
that are within the Albuquerquearea, that are within close
(23:06):
reach.
So I think there are going tobe a number of things to do.
There is a lot of musicthroughout, and that's something
we haven't talked about,because music is an important
part of the Institute.
So you're going to hear andexperience music and
entertainment pretty muchthroughout, drawing on some of
(23:29):
our local folks as well asothers, so it's, I think, going
to have a very fun and upliftingfeel.
There's something especiallynice about including music and
entertainment, so that's anotherpiece that we will have, along
with themed dinner events forthose people who enjoy dressing
(23:53):
up, so there will be anopportunity to put on your
fiesta wear for the welcomedinner and things like that Just
adds a little bit of fun.
Speaker 1 (24:04):
Yeah, fun and flair.
Fun and flair.
Speaker 3 (24:08):
That's exciting I think it will be.
Speaker 2 (24:14):
I understand, if I'm not mistaken, that it's already
off to a fantastic start and, isit correct?
50% already have already signedup and et cetera.
So we can use the opportunityreally to promote very
aggressively to our clubs and toour district to hey, there's an
opportunity, but it is goingfast because people do recognize
(24:36):
the benefit of Albuquerque andthe zone as well, yeah, don't
wait till the last minute people.
Speaker 1 (24:40):
Get registered as soon as possible.
Speaker 2 (24:42):
Don't be the typical Rotarian Right.
Speaker 1 (24:44):
Exactly, exactly Better now than later and I
think we're already past ourearly bird registration.
But you know, it's one of thosethings where you want to
register early because if youwant the best spots in some of
the tours or the golf tournament, you want to get in there and
make sure that you have thatopportunity.
So you may not be able to talkabout this yet, so we're going
(25:05):
to do a little tease.
So tell me if it's not ready tohave this conversation.
But I heard something aboutShark Tank.
Speaker 3 (25:13):
Oh, yes, bob can talk about that.
Speaker 4 (25:18):
Yes, we happen to be at a zone institute over on the
East Coast this this year on theEast Coast this year and was
talking to the director overthere and they did something a
takeoff on the very hit TV showShark Tank.
But Shark Tank is going to be aplace where certain districts
(25:46):
have the ability to show some oftheir international projects
and have the opportunity to getmaybe additional district
designated funds or additionalcash from people who hear about
what they're doing.
Speaker 2 (25:57):
That's beautiful, very creative, very creative.
Speaker 4 (26:00):
Our sharks are going to be our Rotary International
President-elect.
I think your director-elect,who will be director at that
time, who's also on this, willbe one of our sharks.
We have a couple trustees whoare coming, and so we will try
(26:22):
to make it as fun as the TV showis.
Speaker 3 (26:27):
Except we're going to be nice sharks.
Speaker 1 (26:31):
And districts will have the opportunity to kind of
just talk about their programand feature it in the Shark Tank
.
Oh, that's awesome.
I love it.
Speaker 4 (26:39):
What's going to happen is that we are going to
be putting this out to all ofour district governors and say
here is what we're doing, hereare the rules, and if you have a
project you would like tohighlight, do a write up on that
project and we will pick threeof those projects to highlight.
(27:03):
Plus, those projects will havea place in the House of
Friendship so people can come upafter the Shark Tank
presentation and talk more aboutit.
Speaker 1 (27:13):
Awesome.
Well, I already have a few inmind from our district that I'm
sure would like to present.
So any final thoughts.
Wynne, you had one more thingyou wanted to chat about.
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (27:24):
Bob mentioned our Rotary International
president-elect joining us,sang-koo Yoon from Korea, and we
are thrilled to have him withus and he will be speaking at
the Saturday night gala as partof our celebration of our
soon-to-be directors thefollowing year directors the
(27:50):
following year.
So our district governor'select will be honored on
Saturday night and give them agreat send off as they get ready
to take the reins the followingyear.
So he will be with us actuallyall week.
Awesome, and we'll have time toreally get to know him and
excited, very excited to havehim with us.
Speaker 2 (28:06):
You know, I think that this really is just a
wonderfully unique and localopportunity for our Rotarians to
really experience and rememberthe breadth and the scope and
the power of Rotary, and that'sso exciting.
So I'm really looking forwardto this.
Speaker 1 (28:25):
Really brings the worldwide view to what we do in
Rotary.
If you can't make it to aRotary International Convention,
or even if you can, this isanother opportunity to see the
power of Rotary and it's anotheropportunity to connect with
Rotarians from around the worldso that we can continue to do
good things around the worldAbsolutely, uniting for good, do
(28:46):
good things around the world.
Speaker 2 (28:47):
Absolutely.
Speaker 4 (28:47):
Uniting for good.
I'd like to emphasize somethingthat Wynne said, that many
people think this is just forour governor lines, our past
district governors, leadershiplike that.
This is for any Rotarian whowould like to see Rotary at a
different level and I think ifyou aren't able to get to
(29:08):
international conventions, thisis the closest thing you're ever
going to see to Rotary at thatlevel.
Speaker 1 (29:13):
Absolutely, Absolutely Well.
Thank you both for joining ustoday.
Again, the dates are.
Speaker 4 (29:21):
October 23rd through 25th 2025.
Speaker 1 (29:25):
In Albuquerque, New Mexico, go to zoneinstituteorg
and register today.
Thank you both for joining us.
Speaker 2 (29:33):
Thank you, bob, thank you for having us.
Speaker 1 (29:35):
Thank you very much and we'll see you in Albuquerque
.
Speaker 2 (29:38):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (29:39):
Via Route 66.
Via Route 66, yes.
So that wraps up this episodeof Heroes of Hope.
We are so happy that we have anaudience out there listening.
We want you to subscribe, shareand tell your friends about the
Rotary Community Heroes of Hope, because that's how we get the
word out about the impact we'rehaving in this world.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.