It surprises you when a stranger across the table becomes a lifelong friend. It surprises you when a small project in one neighborhood ripples outward in ways you never imagined. And it may surprise you when you realize that the person Rotary has changed most … is you.
That is why this year, we are called to harness the change within ourselves, to look to the future, and to Create Lasting Impact.
Each July, a powerful transformation takes place at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). As the Rotary year’s first major event, RYLA depends on nearly 30 deeply committed volunteer staff members who give nine full days across two weekends of training and camp. Many are RYLA alumni themselves. They travel from across the region at their own expense, with some coming from as far as California and New York.
Campers arrive as strangers and leave with lifelong friends. During camp, they explore The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens and use its framework to shape their leadership and life journeys. This growth echoes Oliver Wendell Holmes’ insight: “A mind, once stretched to a new dimension, never returns to its original geometry.”
Submitted by: Creede McClellan, District 5580 RYLA Chair
By the time you read this, RYLA 2026 will have wrapped up! More than 70 high school students from across District 5580 came together to challenge themselves, build meaningful connections, discover their strengths, and develop leadership skills they'll carry back to their schools and communities.
None of this would be possible without the incredible support of Rotary Clubs. Thank you to every club that recruited students, sponsored campers, coordinated transportation, volunteered, and championed RYLA. Your investment in young people helps Create Lasting Impact that extends far beyond one week of camp.
Follow along on the RYLA Facebook and Instagram pages, where our incredible media team shares highlights from camp. We hope you’ll follow along and see the impact your support makes.
A new Rotary year brings fresh leadership, new ideas, and endless opportunities to make a difference. What project has your club talked about for years but never quite found the resources to launch?
Now is the perfect time to gather your service committee, brainstorm possibilities, and start building your next project. You don't need every detail figured out today—you simply need a great idea and a willingness to serve.
District 5580 grants exist to help turn those conversations into action. Whether your club wants to purchase adaptive playground equipment, expand a food pantry, improve a community park, support youth literacy, or partner on an international humanitarian project, a Rotary Foundation grant can help make it happen.
Let's challenge ourselves to embrace more eco-friendly celebrations in this season of summer gatherings. Choose a few or all five from the list and let us know how you did!
1) Opt for locally sourced, organic, and sustainable food options to reduce your carbon footprint.
2) Minimize food waste by planning your portions wisely and composting leftovers.
3) Ditch disposable tableware and use reusable plates and utensils.
4) Encourage guests to carpool or use public transportation to reduce emissions. Better yet, jump on a bicycle!
5) Create a gratitude tree, where everyone writes something they are thankful for on a leaf cut from recycled paper.
By making these small changes, you can show your appreciation for both the Earth and the community you share it with, fostering a spirit of sustainability and thankfulness while celebrating togetherness. Happy summer from your District Environment Committee!
This is the second in a 3 part series on collaboration among clubs that have resulted in great projects.
Following the disastrous 1996-1997 Winter, the 1997 spring floods brought much devastation to the Red River Valley. Donations from Rotary Clubs locally, nationally and internationally came to the 4 Rotary Clubs (Fargo RC, Moorhead RC, Fargo West RC, & Fargo Moorhead AM RC) of the Fargo Moorhead Area. The clubs met to decide how to use the donations and elected to use the funds to construct a “floating bridge” between the two communities. The bridge is located near the Red River dam in Fargo and is installed in the spring and removed in the fall each year by the Fargo Park Board.
Submitted by: Debora Almirall, Duluth Skyline Rotary Club
The picnic was held on July 2nd, and all clubs were represented. District Governor Peter Nelson and his wife, PDG Elaine Hanson attended as well. Mark Leutgeb made excellent lunch and all the clubs had a great time collaborating and communicating with members of the other clubs. Everyone had a great time!
Service in action! The Duluth Skyline Rotary team recently hit the trails at Rocky Run in Hermantown for our first official maintenance day. By clearing the path, we’re ensuring that this local hidden gem remains a safe, beautiful destination for area hikers. We’re excited to continue our commitment to the trail and to our community’s outdoor spaces.
The Dickinson Rotary Club recently welcomed new members: *Jacob Levin, project engineer at JE Dunn, joined Rotary to be part of the community. Brad Fong sponsored Jacob for membership.
Dickinson Rotary Club is proud to support our youth by providing $1,000 Career and Technical Education (CTE) scholarships. This year's recipients submitted outstanding applications and both plan to attend school for dental hygiene: Ella Nelson, left, plans to attend ND State College of Science and Taylor Murphy plans to attend Bismarck State College. The high school seniors are pictured with Rotary's CTE Scholarship Committee: Erv VanVeldhuizen, left, Mary Massad and Mattias Menge, far right.
Members of the Jamestown Rotary Club gathered at the grand opening of Nickeus Park, where they were a major donor for the project. The Jamestown Rotary Club made a significant contribution in memory of Dave Smette, a longtime Rotarian, past District Governor, and beloved community member. The Dave Smette Memorial Plaza represents Dave's love for children, the same love that drew him to teaching. Dave Smette's true gift to each of us was the full depth of his personal commitment to every one of the many things he did.
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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