Shoki Wafula did not know what to expect when he was forced to leave his birth country of Uganda for South Africa. What he found was a Rotary community that welcomed him with warmth and friendship. That experience inspired him to help create a Rotaract e-club where young leaders from around the world could connect, develop their skills, and serve together.
Submitted by: Lisa Neitzel, Rotary District 5580 PIO Chair Elect
Every legendary brand has a secret sauce.
KFC has 11 herbs and spices. Coca-Cola keeps its formula under lock and key. And somewhere, someone’s grandma is still refusing to reveal what exactly makes her potato salad so magical.
But here in Rotary District 5580, we have our own famous recipe.
No, it’s not kept in a vault. No, there is no lock and key. And no, you can’t buy it at Costco in a gallon-sized jug.
As Rotary continues to transition and adapt, this year’s District priorities are centered on staying relevant in our communities, strengthening partnerships, and preparing our Clubs for the future. These priorities reflect Rotary’s broader action plan to increase impact, expand reach, and adapt with purpose.
Being relevant means listening closely to local needs and responding with service that matters. It also means working alongside other organizations, businesses, schools, and community leaders to multiply our reach and create meaningful, lasting change. When we unite with others, Rotary’s voice and service become even stronger.
Preparing for the future calls on every Club to embrace change, welcome new ideas, and build a strong foundation for the next generation of leaders. You are invited to watch this short video, which shares these priorities in more detail and can help members who were unable to attend a District Governor visit stay informed and engaged.
Remember that our Rotary Public Image starts with you! When your friends and community members see Rotary having fun and making an impactful contribution to your community, they will want to join. With more engaged members, we will increase our funding for Rotary grants and initiatives.
In honor of these lovely spring days (finally), leave your car behind and try walking or biking to the next Rotary meeting. Alternatively, perhaps you have public transportation available. Or get to know your fellow Rotarians better and set up a carpool! According to the World Resources Institute, almost three-quarters of global transportation emissions are from road vehicles. The US and Canada are both among the top 10 global emitters. We can help to reduce this trend by minimizing the time we spend in our vehicles. Happy, healthy spring!
Twin Ports Rotary Clubs Unite for Water (and treats, prizes, fellowship and fun)
In honor of the 56th Earth Day, the 6th binational Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup and the first ever multi-district Unite for Water initiative, four Twin Ports Rotary Clubs joined together to clear litter from Park Point in Duluth on Saturday morning, April 26th. Thirty volunteers from the Superior, Skyline, Harbortown and EcoRotary clubs pitched in to help keep our green spaces green and our freshwater clean. We separated out a significant number of recyclable items and even took home a few treasures. Prizes were awarded to the smallest item found (disintegrating Styrofoam pellets), the most cigarette butts collected (stopped counting at 60), the most useful item that will actually be reused (multi-hook fishing lure) and a People’s Choice Award (giant iron spike). We all enjoyed a nearly windless beach, a few glimpses of sunshine and the power of collective impact. Our project even made the evening news (see below)! It’s not too late for your club to join the Unite for Water campaign and pitch in for your local watershed, too (and please don't forget to report your efforts). Happy spring!
On May 1, the first ever TEDX event held in Duluth, was sponsored by the UMD Rotaract Club. The conference was coordinated by Star Gump and Kadie Knutson, with help from Mark Leutgeb. With 200 people in attendance. The videos from the event have been released and are available to view at this link.
Submitted by: Christi M. Stonecipher, Bismarck Rotary Club
Congratulations to Bismarck Rotarian Carolyn Godfread (far right), who had a tree planted in her honor at Elk Ridge Park on May 1 to recognize her many years of commitment to Bismarck and its urban forest!
Submitted by: Christi M. Stonecipher, Bismarck Rotary Club
The Bismarck Rotary Club coordinated the 13th annual Keep Bismarck Beautiful on Saturday, May 2. More than 200 community volunteers showed up to clean up a park or section of town. Rotarians publicized the event, coordinated with other entities including the Park District and Public Works Departments, and assigned areas of town to be cleaned to groups of volunteers. Several other service clubs participate in this event and clean up their own parks, including the Optimist Club and the Bismarck Lions.
The Bismarck Rotary Club awarded scholarships to graduating seniors from six area high schools at their meeting on May 6. Each student received a $2,000 scholarship. The club started a scholarship endowment fund many years ago, which provides the majority of dollars for the scholarships. A Scholarships Committee, made up of Bismarck Rotarians, reviews applications and recommends the awards.
Pictured left to right: Katherine Wilson (St. Mary's Central High School), Quinn Roberson (Bismarck High School), Hannah Gendron (Legacy High School), Urszula Sawinska (Century High School), Jordan Stahl (Shiloh Christian School). Not pictured: Bennett Graff (Mandan High School).
WE CAN ONLY SHARE YOUR CLUB'S NEWS, IF WE KNOW ABOUT YOUR CLUB'S NEWS!
The number one thing most clubs want to know is what is happening around the District, but we can't help spread the word if we don't know what your club is up to.
Please submit a summary of your club events, news and projects to Renae Ronquist and Gloria Mink by the 10th of each month. We can include information in our Monday Minutes and in our newsletter.
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