Rotary International seeking ambassadors for trip to Netherlands

Four non-Rotarian men and women to be chosen  

Rotary International has announced that it will send four ambassadors of good will to visit The Netherlands next spring, all-expenses paid, according to San Jose businessman and Rotarian Roy Russell.  

Russell noted that Rotary will select a Group Study Exchange team of local non-Rotarian professional, business and community men and women, ages 25 to 40.  

Derrick Chapman, San Jose Fire Department and San Jose East Rotary club, has been chosen to lead the team that will tour The Netherlands for four weeks, from April 4 to May 2, 2004. Those interested may contact Russell for more information at www.rotary5170.org/gse-04/ or call (831) 728-5000 x2204 or at rrussell3@pacific-water.com.  

Additionally, applicants need to be U.S. citizens, be currently employed and live or work in Rotary District 5170 (Santa Clara, Alameda, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties). Candidates may not be related directly or through marriage to a member of Rotary. Completed applications must be received by Russell on or before Nov. 12.  

Selection interviews will be held in San Jose in mid-November to form The Netherlands team. Those selected will participate in language and cultural training and will remain with the team throughout the exchange abroad.  

Team members are required to represent the U.S. and Rotary appropriately and be on their best behavior, respecting their hosts, natives and local customs. They will be asked to keep a log and to submit a report of their trip. When visiting Rotary clubs in The Netherlands, they will make presentations and will make themselves available to attend Rotary club meetings and events upon return here. While in The Netherlands, team members will live with Rotarian families and be able to interact with leaders in similar career fields.  

Rotary moves several hundred GSE teams from one part of the world to another annually to promote international understanding, friendship and peace and has since 1965. Rotary is an organization of more than 1.2 million business and professional men and women, united worldwide in more than 160 countries, over 530 districts and representing more than 30,000 clubs. Rotarians provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and strive to build goodwill and friendly relationships throughout the world. There are more than 4,000 Rotarians belonging to 58 Rotary clubs in District 5170.