Not long ago, in a small health center in the village of Aaye in southwest Nigeria, a woman arrived in labor carrying twins. The facility was short-staffed. The nurse midwife in charge was not present.
A community health worker stepped forward. She had participated in Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria, a Rotary Foundation Programs of Scale initiative. And though she was not formally trained as a midwife, she was equipped with essential emergency obstetric skills.
As the days grow longer and the first blooms of spring are starting to brighten our communities, we are reminded of nature’s resilience and beauty. This change in season invites us to reflect on our shared responsibility to care for the environment, an important theme as we approach Earth Day.
Let’s embrace the spirit of spring and Earth Day by working together on our Unite for Water Project 2026 to create a healthier, greener world for generations to come.
Earth Day, observed annually on April 22, is an opportunity for Rotarians to honor our commitment to service above self by recognizing the importance of environmental stewardship. Whether it’s organizing local cleanups, planting trees, or supporting sustainability initiatives, Rotary clubs across our district can make a meaningful impact.
Submitted by: Creede McClellan, District 5580 RYLA Chairperson
RYLA 2026 is shaping up to be a strong year. As of early April, we have 82 campers registered – our highest number since 2019 – and Clubs across the District have been actively engaged in recruitment and outreach. Thank you!
RYLA will take place July 12–18, 2026 at the University of Minnesota Crookston. We’re looking forward to another impactful week of leadership, connection, and growth.
As we move further into the spring, a few reminders for Clubs:
Stay in touch with your selected students. Invite them to a club meeting, help them start building connections, and get them excited for RYLA!
Begin planning for transportation. While July may feel a ways off, clubs are responsible for getting students to and from camp. Start thinking about it now!
Our updated RYLA website continues to serve as a central hub for students, families, and Rotary Clubs. And be sure to follow the RYLA Facebook to stay up to date on all things RYLA!
Thank you for helping bring the next generation of leaders to RYLA!
Clean water is more than a basic need — it’s a foundation for health, dignity, and opportunity. Around the world, families walk miles for water that isn’t even safe to drink. In our own communities, the health of local watersheds is often threatened by nearby development and invasive plants. Rotary clubs are uniquely positioned to change that story and now is the moment for your club to step forward.
Submitted by: Linda Marrin, Assistant Rotary Public Image Coordinator
RETRACTION!
Last month I wrote that Dickinson Rotary club was the first 5580 club to enter their "Act Today for Water Tomorrow" project. I do congratulate Dickinson on getting their project in; however I discovered two 5580 Canadian projects were submitted earlier. Congratulations to the Thunder Bay Rotary Environmental Action Team, Rotary Club of Thunder Bay - Fort William, Port Arthur, Lakehead. They really know how to Unite for Water.
During the month of March, the Dickinson Rotary Club continued with its long-time annual youth literacy project by reading to the preschoolers at Head Start and the Dickinson Early Childhood Program. Teachers at each building selected the books: "The Caring Me I Want to Be!" for the ECP and "Ravi's Roar" for Head Start, and the Rotary Club purchased a copy for each student. The project is coordinated by Rotarians Deb Barros and Mary Massad, who said that 10 Rotarians read to 227 children in 14 different classrooms.
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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