DISTRICT NEWS / GOVERNOR’S MONTHLY LETTER – February 2025
There are things we can influence and things we cannot. We have chosen to make the world a better place to live in. This is our commitment as Rotarians.
We cannot choose our neighbors, but we can choose how we act. During my visits to district clubs, I have not yet encountered a single club that is not helping Ukraine in some way. In Estonia, Tallinn Vanalinn and the Rotary clubs of Tallinn have done significant work in promoting peace. I do not wish to compare—but believe me, we can be proud of every club and every Rotarian.
I have been asked whether Rotary’s Global Grant funds can be awarded to projects supporting aid efforts in Ukraine. The answer is yes, they can. Rotary helps both people in disaster zones and war refugees. If there is someone in your club who wants to dedicate time to a Global Grant project, our District Rotary Foundation Committee offers support. Assistance is also available from the Rotary Foundation Zone Coordinator (Zone 17), Urmas Kaarlep (Tallinn RK), and the Assistant Coordinators (ARRFC), Anna Tumanova from Russia and Anita Häggblom from Finland. Learn more.
The peace-focused session at the Tartu district conference turned out to be one of the most interesting, with more questions directed at the speakers than at any other seminar session. Peace is an important issue for all of us.
Rotary’s seven peace centers are located around the world and offer customized curricula to train individuals committed to peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded scholarships to dedicated leaders worldwide, including:
- 50 for Master’s Degree programs, and
- 80 for Professional Development Certificate programs.
Since 2002, Rotary’s Peace Centers have trained over 1,800 fellows, who now work in more than 140 countries. The Rotary Peace Fellowship is designed for individuals with professional experience in peace and development work.
Learn more about Rotary Peace Fellowships.
While Rotary’s theme month is global, the other side of this topic is particularly challenging. Our mission is to change the world, our communities, and ourselves for the better. The latter is no less important than changing the world. Our vision is TOGETHER. Democracy gives us rights, and we have the wonderful Four-Way Test.
I want to quote ice hockey coach Jukka Jalonen: “By working together, we achieve better results. Everything you give to others will come back to you at some point.”
I believe in the words of this golden coach.
DG Aune Past
District Governor D1420
2024-2025
SUCCESS OF THE ROWING FOR HERRING CHARITY EVENT AND THANK YOU
I congratulate the organizers of Silakkasoutu! On February 4, the Baltic Sea Action Group received €8,500 in charitable funds to protect the Baltic Sea environment. Silakkasoutu is one of our district’s largest—if not the largest—events in Finland. Over 200 people participated as organizers, rowers, or hikers.
The Governor’s Letter of Appreciation was awarded to:
- Hannele Kauranne (Finlandia-talo RK)
- Essi Isomäki (Finlandia-talo RK)
- Sirkku Karo (Helsinki Baltic Sea RK)
- Birger Stjernberg (Helsinki International RC)
- Erkki Ilus (Herttoniemi RK)
- Juha Kuronen (Pasila RK)
- Johanna Nordfors (Vantaa Myyrmäki RK)
- Teuvo Metsäpelto (Meri-Espoo RK)
Congratulations!
ESTONIA’S NATIONAL DAY
February 24 is Estonia’s National Day. I wish all Estonian Rotarians a happy Independence Day!
Congratulations also to all Rotarians who received honorary awards from the President of Estonia!
District 1420 Welcomes a New District Visioning Expert
District Governor Aune Past has completed the District Visioning training program, approved by Swedish business management consultant Nils-Fredrik Salén (Rotary District 7040 Passport Club). As a certified District Visioning expert, Aune Past can now support district clubs in strategic planning and future visioning. This will benefit the entire district by helping clubs better direct their impact and activities.
Learn more: d7040passport.org
Registration for the Rotary 120 Event is Now Open!
This year, Rotary celebrates its 120th anniversary, and we will mark this milestone with a large joint event on May 24, 2025, at the Tampere Hall. All Rotarians from Finland, Estonia, and Åland, as well as friends of Rotary, are warmly welcome!
Learn more: https://rotary.fi/ajankohtaista/rotary-120/.
D1420 is Looking for New Assistant Governors and Committee Chairs
Greetings from Orlando and the International Assembly 2025!
We have learned a lot, revisited previous topics, and prepared for the upcoming governor year. The energy here has been incredible—it is amazing to experience this together! Thank you!
Now, in my role as DGE, I am looking for the following officers for Rotary Year 2025–2026:
- Assistant Governor – Espoo area
- Chair – Communications Committee
- Chair – Youth Exchange
- Chair – Baltic Sea Forum
All positions start on July 1, 2025, and have a three-year term.
If you are interested, you can ask me or the current committee chairs and assistant governors. These are interesting and important roles, with appropriate training and, most importantly, an opportunity to make an impact and serve the community.
If you are interested, send me a message—let’s talk more!
As RIPE Marion says: “Unite for Good.”
Best regards,
DGE Jere Jantunen
+358 40 5424901
jere.jantunen@gmail.com
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