Locals Chosen to Take Part In Rotary's Group Study Exchange Program

IRONWOOD, MI - Wednesday, December 30, 2009 - GO-IN FORWARD is going to India. Two young professionals in the area have been chosen by the local Rotary District 6220 to participate in Rotary International’s Group Study Exchange Program. Marcy Kusz and Lily Palmer, both of Ironwood, and both active members of the GO-IN FORWARD organization represent two members of a five member team that will be heading to India for the month of January. Ms. Kusz is employed as a Guidance Counselor by the Ironwood Area School District and Ms. Palmer is employed by Coleman Engineering Company.

Group Study Exchange is a Rotary Foundation program. Every year each Rotary district is given the opportunity to develop an exchange with another Rotary district somewhere in the world. Each district selects a Rotarian team leader and a small number of non-Rotarian team members for a four-to-six week study tour of the exchange district. Team members are hosted by Rotary clubs and their families during the tour, and the Rotary Foundation supports all travel expenses between the districts. Team members receive a thorough orientation on the language and culture of their host district, and the team prepares presentations for host Rotary clubs and other groups in the host country. After returning from the host district, team members share their experiences with sponsoring Rotary clubs and within their communities and workplaces.

The objectives of the GSE program are to provide a unique educational set of objectives for young business and professional persons, designed to advance international understanding and goodwill through an extensive and rigorous program of international travel and participatory activities. This is accomplished through four main program aspects. Vocational site visits provide organized opportunities for team members to observe their vocation as practiced in other countries. The study, discussion and reciprocal exchange of ideas that results provides perspective that often impacts team members’ long term career and ultimately benefits all communities involved. Cultural experiences allow participants to study another country, its people, and its institutions through an organized and meaningful host program that promote an appreciation of cultural diversity worldwide. Fellowship opportunities encourage team members and hosts to meet, communicate, and live with one other in a spirit of fellowship and goodwill, to consider each other’s problems, aspirations, and community concerns, and to develop lasting friendships and understanding. The Rotarian team leader offers a Rotarian specific, practical, and meaningful opportunities for International Service.

Rotary District 6220 has chosen a team of four non-Rotarians and one Rotary leader to send to District 3160 in Southern India to the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh between January 2 and February 3, 2010. The GSE team will be led by Rotarian Lucinda Enderby from the Houghton Rotary Club. Other team members include Marcy Kusz and Lily Palmer of Ironwood, Lisa Casey of Green Bay, Wisconsin and Susan Vater-Olsen of New London, Wisconsin.