Jan Bílek, DGE 2025/26, opened the District Training Assembly (DŠS) and the President-Elect Training Seminar (PETS) on Friday afternoon, 21st March, at the traditional venue in the Flora Hotel in Olomouc.
This training event is primarily aimed at future club officials as preparation for their roles. The seminar serves as a starting point for club presidents, who will familiarize themselves in detail with their responsibilities through lectures and workshops. The term of office begins on 1st July 2025 and ends on 30th June 2026.
Over both days, the programme consisted of workshops and presentations where experienced colleagues shared not only essential information but also their personal experiences.
From the Friday programme, I would like to highlight the administrative responsibilities of club officials. There are indeed many tasks that need to be managed; we will regularly inform you of the necessary changes in the following month. A complete list of duties and deadlines, along with further information from the training, can be found on the website: Rotary 2240 (P08 Ladislav Gáll, DS).
In addition to administrative matters, we learned a great deal about the ROTARY FOUNDATION and YOUTH EXCHANGE.
The Saturday programme began ceremoniously with the anthems of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and RI. Following the opening, there was a speech by District Governor Josef Melecký and a message from RI President Mário César Matins de Camargo.
Participants were acquainted with the district's strategy for the upcoming period, including the introduction of the Assistant Governor (ADG) team for the 2025/26 year. DGE Jan Bílek was presented alongside DGN Ivanka Lengová. Also mentioned was the appointed governor (DGNN) for the 2027/28 year – Theodor Petřík from RC Prague Old Town.
The discussion of the financial statements for the previous period (2023/24) and the introduction of the budget for the upcoming year (2025/26) proceeded with only a few remarks; however, it passed through the necessary approval process. It is important to note that in the new year, apart from a slight increase in membership fees, no significant budgetary changes are expected.
In addition to financial matters, the Saturday programme was filled with information about the activities of Rotaract, RYLA, Fellowships, Rotary Good News, and the NEWSLETTER. A recurring topic of discussion was the long-standing issue of how to rejuvenate the Rotary base. It was mentioned several times that our district is among the more conservative ones, and there is a need for greater openness at the interclub and international levels.
All participants of the two-day training assembly and seminar had the opportunity to gather new ideas and inspiration, as well as to acquire necessary information. Therefore, I believe that the new Rotary year 2025-26 will be beneficial for everyone and will proceed without significant hurdles.
