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SEPTEMBER IS BASIC EDUCATION AND LITERACY
PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE

Olayinka H. Babalola

President 2026-27

(Presidential message retrieved from: https://my.rotary.org/en/who-we-are/office-of-the-president/presidential-message)

September 2026

Rotary has always been about people. Not projects. Not numbers. People.

Our goal of reaching 1.25 million Rotarians and 125,000 Rotaractors by our 125th anniversary in 2030 is also about people.

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DISTRICT GOVERNOR MESSAGE
District Governor: 
Peter A. Nelson
 

Attending Rotary district conferences and Rotary zone meetings is essential for members seeking to maximize their impact and deepen their commitment to service. As District Governor, I cannot possibly convey the full scope of good works being done by Rotary International on my own. However, attending these events helps portray the expansive global reach and profound impact of the work taking place across the world. These gatherings serve as premier platforms for the exchange of best practices, offering Rotarians a unique space to share innovative project ideas, effective fundraising strategies, and proven leadership methods. By interacting with peers from neighboring clubs and regions, attendees gain fresh perspectives on common challenges—ranging from membership retention to community outreach—and discover tested solutions that can be adapted and implemented in their home clubs.

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ROTARY BRANDING: IT'S NOT JUST THE LOGO, PEOPLE!
Submitted by: Lisa Neitzel, Rotary District 5580 Public Image (PI) Chair and Team Leader
 

We talked about branding a few months ago, but let’s dive in a little deeper this time.

 
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DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2026 - Brainerd MN
Check out the District Conference Webpage for Registration and Lodging!  
 
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION 2026
TAIPEI CONVENTION GET TOGETHER
 
 
SEPTEMBER ECOCHALLENGE: CELEBRATE ROTARY'S ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Submitted by: Jill Baum, Environmental Committee

September EcoChallenge:  Celebrate Rotary’s Environmental Stewardship at the District Conference!

Three cheers and thank you to all the environmental stewards in District 5580!  We look forward to engaging Rotarians in a wide variety of ways at this year’s conference, starting with a hands-on new native plant garden project and tour of the fabulous Rotary Riverside Park on Friday afternoon.  Join us for a sampling of club projects that have amplified their impact through partnerships at the Environment Committee breakout session on Saturday afternoon.  Stop by our House of Friendship table anytime for inspiration, resources and conversation.  Lastly, help us honor fellow Rotarians during a special presentation of the inaugural Environmental Champion Award.  See you there!

BISMARCK ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE STUDENTS

Submitted by: Christi M. Stonecipher, Bismarck Rotary Club

The Rotary Youth Exchange program is alive and well at the Bismarck Rotary Club and members were lucky to have three participating students at their August 19 meeting:  
  • Emma, who had just arrived from Germany to start her year as an Inbound,
  • Marit, who recently returned from her year in Germany and presented to the club about her experiences there, and 
  • Laura, who was departing in two days for South Korea to start her year as an Outbound.
Congratulations to these young women who are willing to step out of their comfort zone, learn about a different culture, and broaden their horizons!
NOW ACCEPTING OUTBOUND YOUTH EXCHANGE APPLICATIONS
Submitted by: Gloria Mink, Rotary District 5580 

Welcome to Rotary Youth Exchange! 

Rotary District 5580 is now accepting applications for students interested in spending the 2027–28 school year abroad through Rotary Youth Exchange!
 
Rotary Youth Exchange gives high school students the opportunity to spend an academic year living with host families, attending school, learning a new language and culture, and building friendships with people from around the world.
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CLUB NEWS
 
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. 
News can be sent to renae@surgetoday.com and gloriad5580@outlook.com.