Rotary InternationalDistrict 5180 WELCOME Orientation Program for Host

Rotary International-District 5180 WELCOME Orientation Program for Host Families – Counselors and District Leadership

Rotary District 5180 – Youth Exchange • • • AGENDA What is Rotary and its purpose? Who are Rotary Exchange Students? Expectations – Family, Student, Club. Arrival and settling in. Student transition throughout the year. Insurance, Finances, Travel, School. Rotary Involvement & Support System Activities & Calendar End of Year Other Topics Youth Protection Policy

This Program will be offered On. Line • For on-line students, please prepare by printing a set of these slides, 4 or 6 per page. • As you read this program, jot down at least three questions and e-mail them to halshipley@cs. com as confirmation that you have received the required training. • Read Youth Exchange Handbook, 746 EN • Review RYE documents on RYE Home Page at www. rotary 5180. net

What is Rotary International • World’s oldest and most international service organization. – 1. 2 million Rotarians in almost 200 countries. – 33, 000+ Rotary Clubs in 531 Districts. – Formed February 23, 1905 • Rotary’s Motto: “Service Above Self” • Rotarians adhere to the: “The Four Way Test”: – Of the things I think, say or do: – Is it the Truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build good will and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? • The Rotary Foundation. – Polio Eradication – 99% there – Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Nigeria – Millions of dollars to community grants, partnerships – water, health, education, vocational, etc. • Ambassadorial Scholarships, Group Study Exchanges

Rotary Districts • 16 Districts in California • District 5180: – 7 Counties – Oroville to Walnut Grove – Walnut Grove to El Dorado Hills – 40 Rotary Clubs – 2, 000 Rotarians – 16 Clubs hosting inbound students

What is a Rotary Club • A Rotary Club is made up of 20 to 500 business owners, management, professionals, community volunteers and retired persons from these vocations. • Each Club chooses its local, educational and international service projects to support financially and as volunteers. • Clubs meet weekly to enjoy meals and fellowship.

Purpose of Youth Exchange • To promote Rotary’s goal of World Peace and Understanding – One person, one exchange at a time. • Our hope is that 30 years from now, when these students are making corporate decisions and setting world policy, they will remember the friendships they made world-wide and realize that all people are concerned about the same things, a safe, comfortable environment in which to raise and educate their families.

RYE Program Overview • Rotary International • Rotary District 5180 – District Governor – Youth Exchange Officer • Other Rotary Districts in other countries • Local Rotary Club – – – Club President and Board of Directors Rotary Counselor Youth Exchange Officer Host Families Youth Exchange Students

RYE in Rotary District 5180 • Member of Wessex – A non-profit, multi-district organization of 17 districts. Includes Northern California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and Alaska. It is the largest geographical multidistrict in the world. • Arranges exchange partners with other districts. • Helps to arrange – flights, insurance, visas, orientations, training and background checks. • Lee Oelke, Chairman of Wessex and YEO for District 5180.

RYE World-Wide • Reciprocal Exchanges: My U. S. kid for your International kid. • 8, 000 – 9, 000 exchanges annually. • Open to all students – Rotarian children included. • Operated entirely by Volunteers – as a part of community and international service. • Complies with certification requirements of Rotary International and U. S. Department of State.

Who are Exchange Students? • • • Outstanding young people, good grades. Ages 15 – 18 ½ at start of program. Grades 10 – 12, not here for a diploma. Carefully selected and prepared. Many speak English fairly well. Anxious and excited to: – Learn our language and culture. – Represent their countries. – Become a part of the family and Rotary Club.

Responsibility of Rotary Club • Initially: – Provide Counselor – Monthly Report/buddy – Provide Youth Exchange Officer – Qualify Host Families. – Meet student at airport, open bank account for emergency fund, provide I. D. card, register student in school. • On going: – – Be an advocate for the student Support Host Families and Schools Invite student and host families to meetings Get Rotarians involved

Expectations of Counselor • Deliver monthly allowance from club – Range from $75. 00 to $145. 00/monthly – Aug – May. • Register student at school – assist with shots, check-up, forms, etc. • Get fellow Rotarians involved – festivals, fishing, family events, etc. • Assist student and family with resolving problems before they get big – School, Health, Mediator. • Maintain monthly contact with student and host family – Monthly reports required by Department of State and Rotary International • Read and understand District 5180 Program Rules. (handout)

Expectations of Club YEO • Serve as club representative to the host families, interview in home. • Report changes of address to District YEO. • Assist in paperwork – family and volunteer applications, travel authorizations outside of District. • Hold important papers: – Return Airline Tickets – Passport, Visa, DS 2019 form

Expectations of Host Families • Provide a Home away from Home – more than just room and board for a stranger. • Treat the student like your own child: – Love, support, encouragement, understanding, discipline. – Be willing to say “No” when appropriate. • Help with challenges: – – Language School Culture Shock Homesickness • Provide an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on and a hand to depend on. • Read and understand District 5180 Program Rules. (handout)

Expectations of Students • Represent your country and Rotary (Ambassadors) • Adapt to the host family. • Learn our language and culture • Perform well/adequate progress in school • Communicate • Participate in Rotary, school, community and exchange student activities. • Return home within 2 weeks of the end of school, or 1 week after a USA tour.

Expectations of Students Rules & Guidance • 4 D’s: – – No Drinking No Driving No Dating No Drugs • Additional 4 D’s: – No Disfigurement (no tattoos, piercing) – No Downloading onto family computer – No Dumb Stuff: • No smoking unless on application & with host family approval – Do participate in family, community, school and Rotary affairs. • No jobs, except for host family and helping Rotary. • No travel outside district without approval of Host Family, Rotary Counselor and District YEO. • Read and understand District 5180 Program Rules. (handout)

Arriving and Settling in Club and Family • Club and Family together welcomes your student. – Meet at airport, posters, balloons. – The more the merrier. – No party that first night • Host Family First Night Questions (If it isn’t too late. ) – Provide I. D. Card, if student hasn’t already received it. • Introduce student to family and friends: – Have a welcome party a couple of days later, if possible. – Invite other teenagers • Encourage involvement immediately in family: – Do not let them retreat to their room. – Drive or bike ride around neighborhood, school, etc.

Being the 1 st Host Family • Excitement – everything is new • Culture shock – major adaptations • Language struggles: speak slowly, OK to correct – they want to learn. • School arrangements, classes too easy or hard, confusion, changing classes. • Set the standards for the year.

Sample Family Rules • Parents discuss before the student’s arrival – what are we going to expect? – – – – Be on time – we must know where you are Curfew – getting rides, transportation Do school homework – before or after meal No telephone after certain hour Help with chores – dishes, cleaning, yard, etc. Cell phone Who they can be in a car with Dating – groups, distances, off-limits.

Use of Family Computer/telephone • • Explain how all electronics work – you may want to write instructions on a note card and place with each device. Set rules for use: – – • Time limits Computer site restrictions Leave computer in family room – not in bedroom. Limit e-mails – can create problems in adapting to culture. Limit calls to home country – family & friends – 1 st month – arrival call only. • Helps overcome homesickness • Explain rate charges • Options for student calling home after 1 st month: – Telephone card – Coordinate time via email for parents to call here – Download free www. skype. com software for on-line video calls • Even if they have their own electronics, it is still ok for you to make usage rules – use only in dining room, not after 9: 00 PM, etc.

Making Friends • A major challenge to many students • Help in finding clubs they want to join • Discuss family abilities for transportation – Rotary Interact – if at school, required to join – Sports – play, manage, work out with – may require additional paperwork, insurance. – Theater – great for practicing language – Band, orchestra, choir – Debate, world affairs, environment, service • Active participation is the best cure for homesickness.

Problem Solving • Some problems will occur • Student/Host family – should ask for help in this order: – – Host Family (if student) Club Counselor, Club YEO, Club President District YEO – Lee Oelke – 916 201 -0097 District Youth Protection Officer – Hal Shipley at 1 -877 -RYE-5180. If the call is for sexual abuse or harassment – this should be the 1 st call. • Make the above call before contacting the student’s home country. • Do not let small problems become big problems.

Being the 2 nd or Last Host Family • Second, Third, Fourth Host Family: – Transition Issues – New family practices, rules, different. – Language and culture begin to click • Last Host Family: – Comfortable with language and culture – Big events: prom, graduation, departure – Preparing for separation, depression? – Tearful goodbyes

Family Sibling Relationships • The Good: – Other teens – set the example, introduce to friends and activities. – Younger kids – student can be a protector and a listener, great to help with language. • The not-so-good: – Jealousy – the new kid gets the attention – Withdraw – ignore the exchange student

Medical Insurance & Care • Use Rotarian club member doctors if possible (especially for non-ER problems) • In the event of illness/accident: – Stabilize first – Host Mom/family should have a copy of the Insurance card and the Emergency medical release provided by the natural parents. – Call the Rotary Contact (Counselor or YEO) – Call District YEO only if necessary – If no one else is available call the Youth Protection Officer at 1877 RYE-5180 • Notifying student’s family: – Let the District YEO do the contacting once the details are known.

Medical Insurance & Care • All Inbounds Insured (they must keep cards on them at all times) • CISI/Bolduc – Plan B – – Medical per Accident/Illness - $500 K Repatriation - $10 K Medical Evacuation - $50 K Deductible - $100 one time, Pay from the natural parents/students credit/debit card or from the ER fund ($350. held by the YEO. ) • Web Site: www. cisi-bolduc. com

Student Finances • Emergency Fund – Student brings at arrival $350. 00 for emergencies, medical, glasses, etc. – Not for prom, clothing, etc. Held by Club YEO. • Rotary Club - $125. 00 monthly stipend. • Student: – Should have home Credit/Debit Card – Telephone – long distance bills, reimburse family. • Cell Phone – Required – (inexpensive) to be purchased by student, top-off plan, for emergencies only and for host parent/club/district contact at all times – always charged and on student. Make sure they understand cost of calls, texts, etc.

Host Family Finances • Day to day routine expenses: – Room and board, as your own child. – “I’m going to Wal-Mart, need anything? ” – Basics – toothpaste, soap, food for sack lunches, their favorite treat or ice cream. (They may be too shy to ask. ) • Family Activities: – Movies, out to eat, family weekend trips • Family Vacations: – Discuss expenses, establish any cost to student – OK, to transfer to a temp. host family if costs are excessive. (Temporary family must have background check) • Extra expenses – student pays: – Clothing, school uniforms, presents for friends, extracurricular activities and trips, postage, phone calls, going out with friends.

Student Travel • Students are not allowed to alone or make their own travel plans with teens/friends. – My friends are driving to Disney on Saturday, may I go? –No-! – My friend from Austria is visiting Reno, may I go spend the weekend with her? –No-! • Host Family alone OKs same day travel within the district – Student wants to go to High School Football game in another town (within the district) Host family approves or not. – Student wants to go to High School Football game in another town outside of district, let the Club YEO know. • Let the Club YEO know of any overnight travel within the district with the Host Family or school and e-mail information to District YEO at loelke@ncbb. net

Student Travel • All overnight travel of a student requires notification to the Club YEO and an e-mail to the District YEO. • Any non-host family overnight trip requires a volunteer application and background check of all adults and the approval of the Host Family, Club YEO and District YEO. • Any out-of-state travel requires the written approval of the natural parents, approval of the Host Family, the Club YEO and the District YEO. • Unauthorized travel will result in the student being returned home.

High Schools • Education Program – requires student visa, not tourist. – Class participation is essential, must pass – Grades/classes may not count at home, so some students may try harder than others. • Club Counselor to set/assist with schedule – School may require ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) – School may require tutoring for student to keep up. – School may allow “all-elective” classes or career oriented classes. • No Drivers Education • Encourage Participation: – Sports (not in varsity if student has graduated or is over 18) – Music, Drama, Interact, etc. • Help with homework – college students, volunteer hours • Reciprocal tutoring – I teach you, you teach me. • Bike transportation, school bus may be new experience

Support System • All names and contact information to be provided to all team members for each student. • Club Level: – Counselor – YEO – President • Local Level: – Law enforcement, emergency and social services • District Level: – – District Governor District YEO Youth Protection Officer District Counselor/child Psychologist

District Activities & Calendar • • 2009 September 12 – 9: 00 – 4: 00 – – • September 12 – 4: 30 – 8: 00 – – – • Inbound swim /dinner party Cristie Akers & Al Frumkin 5966 Ridge Park, Loomis, CA October 16 -18 – – • 1 st Inbound Orientation – Mandatory 7117 Greenback Lane San Francisco trip for Inbounds Mike and Paula Schoof and crew November 7 – TBA – – UC vs Oregon – Go Bears Cori Badgley • November 14 –TBA • November 21 -22 – – • Second Inbound Orientation – Mandatory 7117 Greenback Lane Lee Oelke and Committee December 12 -13 – 1: 30, dinner and Santa Claus – – • Outbound Interviews 7117 Greenback Lane Howard Sands and Committee December 12: - 9: 00 – 2: 30 – – – • Rotary Foundation Dinner Christmas Party Sacramento Hostel December 13 -14 – – Sacramento Days Rotary Club of Sacramento

District Activities & Calendar • • 2010: January 25 -27 – – • February 25 -28 – – • Rotary International Convention Montreal, Quebec, Canada August 7 – 9: 00 – 12: 00 – – – • Second Outbound Orientation Lee Oelke and Committee 7117 Greenback Lane June 20 -23 – – • Yosemite Trip Ann Hively and crew June 12 – – – • First Outbound Orientation – Mandatory 7117 Greenback Lane May 16 -19 – – • North America Youth Exchange Network Conference O’Hare Airport – Chicago, Ill. March 20 – 9: 00 – 3: 00 – – • Ski Trip with District 5190 Steve Oren and Committee Re-bounder Session Cori Badgley and Committee 7117 Greenback Lane August 7 1: 00 – 3: 00 – – Host Family and Counselor Training 7117 Greenback Lane

Activities & Calendar Host Rotary Club • Club Meetings – as often as practical: – Provide transportation from and to school. – Student to speak to club when comfortable with language. – Goodbye speech in May/June • Club Events – Invite Student and Host Family – Fundraisers, Community Projects, Parties • All Club Members – become “Aunts & Uncles” – Football, baseball, basketball games – Community festivals, fairs – Boating, fishing, family celebrations

The End of the Year • Optional Tours – Paid by student – must be District YEO approved – no non-Rotary • Departure for Home – June/July – Will be hard for student and host family – Reverse culture shock – The more successful the exchange, the harder the leaving and re-entry. • OK for host families to maintain contact – You will probably see them again. • It’s your turn to visit them or to attend their wedding a few years from now.

Student Protection Policy • Our Role: – Maintain the safest possible environment for all participants. – Safeguard welfare and prevent physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse of exchange students. – Provide means to address all concerns and indications of harassment or abuse. – Rotary has a zero-tolerance policy toward abuse and harassment.

Student Protection Code DO! • Treat students with respect – be aware of your tone of voice and manner and their reactions. • It is ok to touch and hug students in a way that is not intrusive/disturbing to them or observers. Ask if ok the first time. Some cultures frown on this. • Control who they hang around with • Communicate with Club Counselor and with the District Youth Protection Officer if there is any allegation or suspicion of abuse.

Student Protection Code DON”T! • Engage in rough physical games including horseplay and tackle football. • Use physical force in any way, especially as a form of punishment. • Touch an exchange student in any way that could be interpreted as intrusive or sexual. • Make sexually suggestive comments, even as a joke or compliment. • Spend excessive time alone with a student, which may lead to misunderstanding.

Student Protection Guidelines • What to do if your exchange student tells you of Harassment and/or Abuse. – Listen attentively & Let him/her know it was right to tell you. – Assure him/her that they are not to blame. – Remain calm and make sure student feels safe. – Encourage student to share with you what happened and who was involved. – Make detailed notes including date and time. – Don’t promise to keep secrets – explain the necessity of informing the District Protection Officer.

Student Protection Guidelines • Keep Communications Open: – Assure the student that you can jointly address his/her concerns/problems. • With all of us working together, we can keep our exchange students safe and make this a meaningful and happy exchange experience for all of us.

Summary • We have assumed the Legal and Moral Responsibility for someone else’s child. • We are here to help you and the student to have a meaningful and safe year to learn and live our American culture. • We cannot help if we do not know.

District 5180 Exchanges • 16 Inbound students from 13 Countries • 15 outbound students to 12 Countries

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