Conference Program


8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.                                 
Registration & Networking
 
9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.                                 
“The Heartbeat of Rotary”
 
We’re not dreamers in Rotary, but doers,” RI President-Elect Barry Rassin said in his address to the 2018 International Assembly. And that’s our motto for the day as well. Drum Circles have long been a part of creating and strengthening community connections. In our opening session, we’ll use this innovative, interactive exercise to focus and energize us all as we come together to renew our commitment to service.
 
Dustin Mott, NKC Band Director
Dustin Mott is a teacher, musician, conductor, and researcher in the Kansas City Metro area.  He received his undergraduate degree in music education from Missouri Western State University and has most recently completed his master's degree in music education from the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance. When not in schools, he can be found playing for community theater and area high school musicals as well as the blues rock group Heavy Gramms. 
 
9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.                               
“The Science of Charisma”
 
Charisma isn’t talent. It’s a skill. And this dynamic Rotarian will show you practical, proven ways to build yours. By understanding the science behind charisma, you can help the whole district (or your club …or your business… or your school or community group, etc.) build contagious enthusiasm for everything you have to offer. Learn how to unlock the Five Factors of Competitive Edge (hint: it helps to know what five things every person considers when making a decision) and how to understand (and avoid) the biggest barriers to rapport.
 
Thaddeus Rex
A PBS veteran, national keynoter, and brand positioning expert, Thaddeus Rex is founder of The Science of Charisma. An active Rotarian (Rotary Club of Carmel IN in District 6560), entrepreneur, brand strategist, speaker, three-time father, and lucky husband, Thaddeus loves finding time to give back. He’s currently also the District 6560 Membership Chair and has served in a number of other Rotary positions…meaning he understands how to apply the science in this environment!
 
 
10:00 a.m. – 10: 30 a.m.
“Meeting the 21st Century Threats to Peace: Reflections from a Global Grant Scholar”
 
The pursuit of international peace and security faces unprecedented new challenges from emerging technologies.  New risks, such as cyber warfare, are escalating at the same time as old problems like weapons of mass destruction are evolving. Wyatt reflects on how his experience as a Rotary scholar helped shape his current efforts to develop and implement policy solutions to manage risks inherent in a range of threats to national and international security.
 
Wyatt Hoffman, District 6040 Global Scholar
Wyatt Hoffman is a Senior Research Analyst with the Cyber Policy Initiative at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, DC. His research focuses primarily on cyber conflict, emerging technologies, and the intersection of nuclear weapons and cybersecurity.  Wyatt received his Masters in War Studies from King's College London, where he was a Global Grant Scholar in peace and conflict prevention and resolution.  A native of Kansas City, he received his Bachelor's degree in political science from Truman State University.
Meeting the 21st Century Threats to Peace: Reflections from a Global Grant Scholar
 
 
10:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m
Break
 
10:45 a.m. – 11:00
“Be the Inspiration”
 
We work to create lasting change — change for the good, change that will endure long
after our involvement has ended. Change across the globe, and in our communities —
reaching out to those we will never meet, and those closest to our hearts.
And change in ourselves — perhaps most important of all.”
Behind that calm demeanor and Caribbean shirt, RI President Barry Rassin is compellingly committed to the vision of what Service Above Self can accomplish. Special Representative, Charles Rogers, shares a personal message to District 6040 from the President.
 
Charles A. “Charlie” Rogers, PDG
Rotary Club of Celebration, Florida
A Rotarian since 1978, this is Charlie’s eighth opportunity to serve as a President’s Representative. Over the past 50 years he has also held numerous other Club, District, Foundation and RI positions and received numerous recognitions and awards (including RI Service Above Self and 40 years of perfect attendance). After retiring from a 34-year career in banking he currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County. Charlie and his wife Mary, who is also a Rotarian and works for Walt Disney World, have two married children.
 
 
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
“More than Shoes: How Buckner Is Working to Transform Communities.”
 
You may know a lot about Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls, but have you heard about other cutting edge work the organization does. The mission of Buckner International is “to transform the lives of vulnerable children” which includes finding new ways to alleviate poverty and change communities. Rachel Wallis will share insights into some of the organization’s cutting-edge programs in both the developing world and the U.S., and discuss current findings on best practices.
 
 
Rachel Wallis, Buckner International
Rachel Wallis is the Director of Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls. She and her team work with groups and individuals around the country to collect shoes and raise awareness about pressing issues of child welfare and empowerment. Prior to her time at Buckner, Rachel’s previous experience includes work s the Protocol Director for the City of Dallas under the auspices of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth as well as with the State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program with Meridian International Center in Washington, DC.
 
 
11:30 a.m. – 12:00
Rotary Jeopardy
 
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m
Lunch
 
1:00 p.m. – 1:30
 “A Visit with a Comanche Warrior”
 
Official warrior of the Comanche Nation. Highly decorated Marine. Drummer who played with the likes of Conway Twitty, Chuck Berry, and B.J. Thomas. Martial artist. Former boxer. 2,033 freefall parachute jumps. 32nd Degree Mason, a Shriner and District Governor Nominee, District 6110 in Oklahoma. Jay Craig is very proud of his Native American heritage … and he relishes the opportunity to share this uniquely varied and authentic perspective. You’ll find this “pep talk on our beloved organization” humorous, insightful and informative, 
 
Dr. Jay Craig, District Governor Nominee, District 6110
Jay Craig, was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but grew up, in North Little Rock, Arkansas. He was very active in sports, as well as music. After a distinguished, 20-year career as a U.S. Marine, he attended Parker University College of Chiropractic, and became a Doctor of Chiropractic in 1993. He practiced in Tulsa was voted Tulsa’s “Best Chiropractic Physician.” Jay is no less committed as a Rotarian and has held a number of Club, District and Foundation positions and distinctions.
 
 
1:30 p.m. – 1:45
Awards
IPDG Allen Garner
 
1:45 p.m. – 2:00
Break
 
2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
 “A Rotary Pyramid in Zambia”
 
 
How does a Nebraska native come to help develop and implement life-saving protocols for pediatric care in underdeveloped areas? Dr. Charles Erickson shares the story of his involvement with the Sons of Thunder Mission Farm, School and Orphanage near Livingstone, a town not far from Victoria Falls. Working with Neighborhood Health Workers and other non-government organizations, he has helped develop and implement life-saving protocols for pediatric care in underdeveloped areas.
 
 
Charles G. Erickson, M.D., FAAP
In 2003, after 37 years in general and behavioral pediatrics, Charles Erickson “retired” and was offered a six-week assignment through a Yale Scholarship in International Health. He traveled Livingstone Zambia, to work at the Livingstone General Hospital. In the 15 years since, with the help and support of fellow Rotarians, he has returned 10 times. His work with the Peoples Health Center has been recognized by numerous organizations including Rotary, Nebraska Wesleyan University and the American Academy of Pediatrics. He and his wife Mary Ann have three children and five grandchildren.
 
 
 
2:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
The State of Rotary
 
The responsibility we’ve been given is to build on the work of those who have gone
before us — and build a solid foundation for the work yet to come.” Again, the words of RI President-Elect Barry Rassin in his address to the 2018 International Assembly. Special Representative Rogers provides a brief update on the status of current major initiatives, including the eradication of polio, membership recruiting and retention, the Rotary Foundation and the importance of sustainability in all of our efforts.
 
 
2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Stories of Success
Thaddeus Rex
 
With your ideas and energy, you have the ability to lead us all to greatness, to bring our dreams to life. We need your vision to be shared. In this follow-up to his earlier presentation, Thaddeus Rex will show you how you can leverage the latest research in motivation and opinion formation to increase your ability to share the stories you’ve heard today!
 
 
2018 Foundation Dinner
5:00 p.m. Cocktails and Silent Auction followed by dinner and program
 
NOTE: Attire is Caribbean casual  in honor of President Barry. ( i.e.,  your basic Caribbean resort attire – island shirts and khaki pants or, for ladies, an Island  dress)
 
For additional details