Blaine Johnson, District Governor The big event is drawing near. District Conference is an opportunity to come together, to learn, and to have fun. There is no doubt that our host committee has gone above and beyond to create an inspiring program we will all enjoy.
The big event is drawing near. District Conference is an opportunity to come together, to learn, and to have fun. There is no doubt that our host committee has gone above and beyond to create an inspiring program we will all enjoy.
Rotary still is, and always will be, the organization Paul Harris envisioned: a place where people from every corner of the earth can come together to become something greater than themselves. Yet Rotary today offers something of singular and enduring value: the chance to be part of a global network of people who have the talent and the drive to change the world. We are men and women who believe in the power of community action to make a global impact – and together, we have the capacity and the resources to achieve almost anything.
--- Barry Rassin – Presidential Citation
The District Conference is a great way to experience Rotary beyond the club level. It is the first step in understanding the depth of our organization and the many ways that we are able to make lasting impacts.
Rotary International President Elect, Mark Maloney, has highlighted the need to include family as part of Rotary in his goals for next year stating “We need to provide opportunities that complement Rotarian’s family lives rather than compete.” District 5580 is are doing just that with the creation of our first family inclusive District Conference.
The family programming includes breakout sessions on StepUp! a bystander intervention program developed at the University of Arizona that teaches decision making steps to help others in situations such as bullying or abuse, and service projects such as tie blankets to be donated to the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, putting together birthday packages for children in the hospital, and helping at the Roosevelt Zoo. The highlight of the family programming will be a key note presentation by Sophia Hankla: Type 1 Diabetes – How Rotary can help make Type 1, Type None. Sophia is a middle school student from Minot, and daughter of Rotarian Pete Hankla.
And don’t forget to pack your vintage attire for the Roaring 20’s themed event on Friday night. Flappers, gangsters and Paul Harris look-a-likes are encouraged! The conference dress will be business casual and will conclude with the black-tie optional gala. We look forward to seeing everyone there.
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