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An introduction to Brazil --
If you are visiting Brazil for the first time, you will notice that the country is quite large with a land area of 3,285,618 square miles (8,509,711 square kilometers). Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world. Twenty-five percent of the population is located in five metropolitan areas in the southern part of the country. Brazil has space, with large open areas in the middle of the land mass. Brazil exports petroleum products, fresh produce -- fruits/vegetables and the best coffee in the world among many items. Brazil has a wealth of cultural characteristics ranging from African customs and traditions to western manners and European sophistication. Immigration has played a predominant role in the development of the country and the visitor can see evidence of cultural contributions in Brazilian society. For example, the southern states of Santa Catarina, Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul, contain a rich mixture of German, Italian and Argentinean cultural heritages. Indigenous culture is rich with artistic contributions, especially along the Amazon, the largest river basin in the world.
Brazil consists of twenty-six states which make up the Federal Republic of Brazil. The country's capital, Brasília, is located in the Federal District which is within the area of Goiás State. The President is elected for a for year term and is eligible for re-election. He can not serve more than two consecutive terms. The Federal Congress consists of two houses: The Senate and Chamber of Deputies. Each state has a governor and legislature as well.
Associated Activities __
You should always be in constant touch. People who look for a new way to make older things better have the best chances of success. To live in a developing country the size of Brazil with its many people of different origins and cultures is a bigger challenge than the one faced by the athletes who go to the Olympic Games. These athletes have the advantage of knowing the record times in their sport and receive training since early age. This training affords them a opportunity to perfect movements resulting in harmony, agility and balance which gives one an opportunity to compete for a medal and make a trip abroad which is a privilege.
For ordinary people, the economic instability and political situation in third world countries jeopardizes professional accomplishment, family stability and social integration. These problems create undue stress on social progress, resulting in a lower standard of living. Participation in Rotary extends your limitations, provides an opportunity for service through various professions resulting in business contact and creation of good friendships, all rare things in a big city. These contacts bring together individuals who support the strong ideal of service, which is Rotary International. Global peace is still a distant reality for us but Rotarians have shown that it is possible to improve life in the community which they serve, present options for sustained social development from which all people can receive benefit through progress. Rotarians also take active interest in environmental affairs, striving to educate the world on the hazards of poor practices which result in environmental damage.
There is a casual element to every Rotary meeting. There one finds individuals of all professions working together in harmony to improve society through productive pursuits. Rotarians are truly remarkable people who share a common bond. One common element is the desire to achieve success through hard work and devotion to one's activity, resulting good leadership qualities.
As consumers, we acquire on a daily basis the products and services needed to sustain our family and activities. Eventually we need to buy real state and health insurance or go to the courts to settle differences. When this time arrives, we will use the services of skilled professionals. These individuals charge reasonable prices, give good service and are ethical in there business lives. It is these qualities that should exist in all professional relationships. As a result of good professional assistance, we can live well, save time, money and improve our financial situation. We can make known quality products and services which reduces the risk in commercial transactions.
Many economic and political problems that we share today could have excellent solutions if they were discussed using the experience and the wisdom which is present in Rotary. Weekly a group of entrepreneurs and professionals meet to share a meal and discuss ideas which improve community life. It is this energy, this desire to serve that makes a Rotary meeting. Unlike a dinner promoted by the Trade association or other professional group, Rotary meetings have a informal character. You can find a trader, priest, military person, dentist, lawyer, judge and doctor, all seated side by side participating in a common activity. Each professional is practicing a different skill but all share the ideal of Rotary. It is the ideal to serve society through one's profession, promoting a spirit of fellowship and good ethical behavior that makes Rotary different than a professional association.
Rotary is a international organization consisting of more than 25,000 clubs in more than 153 countries. Each year Rotary elects new leaders as the international president, his board of directors and the district governors. These leaders along with the club presidents , will develop a plan of activities for the coming year. Weekly contact with representatives from more remote areas develops mutual respect and a understanding of community needs. At some meetings a well-known speaker is invited to occupy the tribune and inform club members on his area of expertise which enriches the quality of the meetings. In this manner, Rotary has been important in the development of professional men and women and each club is a point of convergence for many representatives of the community.
Brazil has many natural wonders and tourism is growing considerably. A state of peace in each community must be in place for all to succeed. Brazilians know less about war and doesn't have to search for desired peace as do the countries of the first world. Switzerland is one country that has internal peace and many people don't fully understand the meaning behind this word. Peace is not only the absence of war but people living in harmony, fair distribution of wealth , respect for our elders and the eradication of contagious diseases. World peace includes the end of pollution, crime, infantile mortality and traffic accidents.
Rotarians have been an example to the community and world for 100 years. Rotary Club Pinheiros has been participating in community activity for forty years. In order to have a project or plan succeeded, there has to be cooperative action, collective involvement in a familiar environment as the community. If a person does his or her job well, then there is hope for a brighter future.
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