information

In 1989-90 the 5520 District Governor Sonny Brown and the 4110 District Governor Boni Mora initiated a joint Conference between our district and the Mexican district to our immediate South. The purpose of the conference was to encourage international cooperation through fellowship, and by creating humanitarian grants to benefit the poor and needy.
Over the years this conference has led to many mutually beneficial activities between the two districts.

Through fellowship and festivities, mutual understanding and caring has become the predominant characteristic of exchange between our two districts.
There has been an increasing participation in grants for such projects as homes for orphans and street children, assistance for the deaf, operations for cleft palates, medical facilities and equipment, literacy projects, clean drinking water, safe housing, parks and much more. Each year the number of Rotarians from both districts who have participated has grown; the total dollars invested in human lives increased. This, in itself, is a remarkable accomplishment. But more has occurred.
Through the increased cooperation, the idea for an International Peace Park on the border was born and developed.
In 2001-2 We had our first Neighboring Country Group Study Exchange. The GSE team, made up of American and Mexican water professionals, conducted an investigation of water issues along the International borders of New Mexico, West Texas and Chihuahua. The Joint Team report just submitted its report which could be the basis for many matching grants at this year‚s Bi-District Conference.
The two districts are working with Sandia Labs to establish a visionary Bi-National Laboratory on the border which would specialize in developing low-tech systems for water sanitation, desalination and other means of water recycling and reuse.
This year marks the thirteenth annual reunion of our two districts. The Bi-District conference will be held November 8th and 9th in Santa Fe, New Mexico at the Eldorado Hotel.
The conference provides the opportunity to learn matching grant procedures and find other clubs that are interested in promoting similar projects. Registration, hotels and grant proposal submittals can all be done on line.