Call renewal in the Rotary Club: Dr. Kolkmann relies on youth and democracy!

Call renewal in the Rotary Club: Dr. Kolkmann relies on youth and democracy!

Brandenburg an der Havel, Deutschland - With a ceremonial change of office, the Rotary Club Brandenburg started the new period. On June 27, 2025, Hans Joachim Krekeler handed over the lead to Dr. Michael Kolkmann. Krekeler can look back on an impressive balance: he initiated 15 funding projects and managed a budget of around 30,000 euros, which was made possible by donations from individuals and companies. In particular, the topics of democracy and youth work were the focus of his projects, which not only benefited from the club, but also to the community. The highlights of the past year were the festive event on the Day of German Unity and a traditional New Year's concert, in which the Brandenburg symphonists played a central role.

The popularity of the Rotary Club also shows in the additional offers such as lecture programs and excursions, including Schwerin and Szczecin. Since March 2011, the Rotaract Club, in which young people between the ages of 18 and 30 are active, have been enriching club activities and is also involved in non -profit projects in the region.

new impulses under Kolkmann

Now Dr. Michael Kolkmann, a 53-year-old political scientist from the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg and living in Brandenburg an der Havel, responsible for the 2025/26 term. Kolkmann brings seven to eight years of experience from the Rotary Club, where he was most recently responsible for media and public relations. He lived in different cities, including Hanover, Bonn and Berlin, and is born in the Sauerland. Under the motto "Strengthening democracy - promoting youth", Kolkmann plans to actively shape the term.

His focus is on the support of projects in the areas of city, art, culture and music. A major concern is the youth exchange, both the exchange of students abroad and the reception of international students in Germany. Unexpected projects will also be sought in the coming year to open up new perspectives for the members and the community.

honors in the club

Another important aspect of the last session was the honor of members with the "Paul Harris Fellow". This award is awarded to people who have been particularly committed to the Rotary Foundation and donate at least $ 1,000 or for whom their name is donated. This honorable title was awarded to the following members: Holger Siggel, Björn-Sirke Schwarz, Benno Rougk, Martin Scherbarth, Frank Robby Wallis, Stefan Tiemann, Martin Deichsel and Hans Joachim Krekeler.

Paul Harris Fellow recognition was introduced in 1957 to honor significant contributions to the Rotary Foundation and, in addition to a certificate, also includes a pin. With every new member who is appointed Paul Harris Fellow, the list of outstanding supporters in the service club is enriched by an impressive personality. It is particularly noteworthy that the first woman who received this award was Mrs. Adan Vargas in 1953.

Rotary itself has a long tradition that started founding the first club in Chicago in 1905. Since then, this global network has expanded to over 35,200 clubs in more than 200 countries and has more than 1.2 million members. Since opening for women in 1987, over 200,000 women have become part of Rotary, which further strengthens the club's spirit. The Rotary Foundation, founded in 1917, financed with more than $ 100 million many of the projects that are realized by the clubs worldwide.

Not only in Brandenburg, but also worldwide, Rotary is estimated for his willingness to work for society and to develop sustainable solutions. The change at the top of the club promises new initiatives and a fresh wind in the promotion of community values.