As District Governor, I am writing to ask for your help in reaching out to the members of your club.
Following the Lake Erie toxic algae/water crisis last summer, which rendered the water in Toledo’s regional water system "undrinkable” for nearly three days, Toledo Rotary was urged by Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Toledo, to make a difference bringing forward the issue of safe drinking water in Lake Erie. This same condition threatens the waters of Green Bay, WI, Saginaw Bay, MI and other waters in the Great Lakes which touch US and Canadian shores.
Contamination and invasive species are threatening the water quality of the Great Lakes putting local businesses and public health at risk. With the exception of the polar ice caps, the Great Lakes system is the largest source of freshwater in the world. This issue of toxic algal blooms is repeated in many other places around the world often impacting drinking water sources. Globally, the United Nations estimates that 783 million people worldwide still do not have access to improved drinking water.
With the support, participation and assistance of Rotary International and Rotary Clubs surrounding the Great Lakes watershed in the U.S. and Canada, the Rotary Club of Toledo and our District 6600 is taking up the challenge to create a model call to action. A dynamic 2-day conference, the Rotary Lake Erie Watershed Crisis Conference is scheduled for October 23 & 24, 2015; www.rotarylakeerieconference.org
Imagine this Conference as a mirror image of the very first meeting Rotarians held about eradicating polio from the face of the earth. Imagine the sense of accomplishment now for those people who attended and planned the first discussions knowing that today we are "this close”. If we can successfully tackle this clean water issue, imagine the sense of accomplishment in the years that lie ahead, as Rotary brings business leaders and experts together today to provide clean water solutions for tomorrow.
Clean water and especially drinking water has long been a priority for Rotary International resulting in this conference being supported at the highest levels within Rotary International. Rotary International General Secretary, John Hewko will serve as a keynote speaker along with other distinguished, invited guests. Attendees of this conference will not only be informed, but will leave with specific actions and new opportunities to take back to their home clubs and actively participate in making change happen in Lake Erie as a result of the Conference.
§ Purpose of Conference: To inform attendees of the issue of Lake Erie and the Great Lakes toxic algae and establish a course of action
§ The Unique Rotary approach: Rotarians work together throughout the world regardless of socio- economic, political or religious barriers. Our question will be "What obstacles are threatening our drinking water, and what can we, as Rotarians, do to help?”
§ Invitees: Will include government officials from throughout the US and Canada, academicians and researchers who will help attendees understand the problem and potential solutions. We’ll hear from the agricultural community, those offering products and services which address protecting our drinking water, the environmental community and Rotarians from all around Lake Erie and other locations where drinking water has been impacted.
As a fellow Rotarian, I’m asking you to help spread the word by taking the following steps:
§ Please forward this email and the attached ‘Save-the-Date’ to all club members, encouraging them to to attend this vital conference.
§ Please "Save the Date” – starting at noon Friday, October 23rd through the closing dinner on Saturday, October 24th and plan on joining your fellow Rotarians and invited guests.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Yours in Rotary Service,
District Governor Gary Newton
District 6600
President Andy Stuart
Rotary Club of Toledo
PP/ Co-chairman Eric Fankhauser
Rotary Lake Erie Water Crisis Conference 2015
Co-chairman Patricia A. Gory
Rotary Lake Erie Water Crisis Conference 2015
