When we think of membership, we usually think of adding members to our own club. But, just think how great it would be to add the possibility of an entire new nation to the membership of the Rotary family! When Vietnam was taken over by the communists in the late 1970’s, Rotary was asked to leave the country. Since then, many have tried to reestablish Rotary there and many humanitaritan projects have benefited the people of Vietnam.

Now we have the real possibility of reestablishing Rotary in Hanoi. PDG Danny Low has secured an agreement with the National Library of Vietnam to jointly sponsor a Literacy project. The National Library has agreed to provide a room in the Library, the high-speed internet connection, desks, staff and maintenance. Rotary will provide 10 computers, a ten concurrent workstation license to CALS and training of their staff. The cost of this endeavor is $17,750.

We need your help! No contribution is too small and if we all join in this effort, we’ll have the Literacy project going before then end of this Rotary year. If only ½ of the clubs in District contributed $525 we would reach our goal. This is a wonderful opportunity to grow Rotary’s membership worldwide and it would make a great International Service project! For more information, contact John Bernardin, District 5160 Literacy Chair at: jebernardin@comcast.net.