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.
Barry Rassin, Rotary International President 2018-19
Every two minutes, somewhere in the world, a woman dies from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. And babies whose mothers die within the first six weeks of their lives are far more likely to die themselves than babies whose mothers survive. As I've traveled around the world as president of Rotary, I've met families for whom these aren't simply tragic statistics. But I've also met people who are devoting themselves to helping mothers and children — and because of them, I'm hopeful. And because many of those people are Rotarians, I'm also proud. April is Maternal and Child Health Month in Rotary, so it's a perfect time to tell you about some things Rotarians are doing that will make you proud too.
Submitted by: Scott Soderberg, District 5580 Communications Chair
District #5580 Rotarians, we are embarking on an experiment to see if we can harness the power of media to drive membership! Beginning April 1, 2019, The Rotarians in the Eastern part of District 5580 will be hearing us ask for 'People of Action' interested in Rotary to find us! As it will be broadcast over WDSE and WRPT, it will be more east-central but it is driving people to go to http://www.rotary.org and find a club so don’t be surprised if they find you, wherever you may be.
Submitted by: Greg Carlson, District Training Committee
We were excited to welcome Club Presidents-Elect, Nominees, and Secretaries to LEAD (Leadership Experience and Development) training sessions in Fargo (March 30) and Duluth (April 6), District 5580’s version of Rotary PETS training. The purpose of this program is to strengthen clubs, promote membership, engage Rotarians, and inspire those around us through Rotary values and vision.
That is the question that Louisa Horne, a trainer in District 7820, asks leaders to think about when she runs her version of the presidents-elect training seminar (PETS) in the spring. When she was asked to be a district trainer three years ago, Horne knew she wanted to reshape what she called “drill and kill” sessions that revolved around information participants needed to learn.
In the beginning of March two Rotaractors, MacKenzie MacFarlane and Alyssa Sorenson, from the Twin Ports Rotaract Club went to Guatemala over their college spring break. They joined the second team that went from District 5580 this year to help with the school project in San Antonio, a small rural village in the Quiche region. Here they moved bricks and built rebar to help construct the new three-roomed school that is currently being built to replace the small one-room school that currently exists.
Our District 5580 Facebook Page shares the latest events happening within clubs around our District. Join our followers at https://www.facebook.com/RotaryDistrict5580/ to see what community service projects other clubs, or perhaps your club; is accomplishing. Check it out!
Editor's Note: We are bringing back this section to honor the Rotary legacy of District 5580 Rotarians who have passed away during each month. Clubs are encouraged to send information and share reflections for inclusion in in "Cross Currents".
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Blaine Johnson, District Governor 
Barry Rassin, Rotary International President 2018-19
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Our District 5580 Facebook Page shares the latest events happening within clubs around our District. Join our followers at 
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