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Stories
SEPTEMBER THEME
DISTRICT GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE
Submitted by: Blaine Johnson, District Governor 2018-19
 
September has arrived and school is back in session.  We take this time during the Rotary year to focus on one of our six avenues of service – Basic Education and Literacy.  In so many respects this avenue of focus is the foundation for all others.  In the words of Nelson Mandela:
 
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.  No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, his background, or his religion.  People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.
 
As People of Action, Rotarians are no strangers to changing the world.  It has been a privilege this year to see firsthand our Rotary Clubs  using literacy and education to make lasting change across the globe.  From participating in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, dictionary projects, Andy & Elmer, and reading to children, to supporting at risk youth, Peace Scholars and sharing ideas around the world through Vocational Technical Teams, the impact we have is insurmountable.
 
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LitRAG - LITERACY ROTARY ACTION GROUP 
 
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE

Barry Rassin, Rotary International President 2018-19

Imagine if we could take a snapshot capturing all of the work Rotary does on a given day. No one – except Rotarians – would believe that a single organization was capable of accomplishing so much. In that snapshot you would see dedicated volunteers working to eradicate polio, setting up microloans, providing clean water, mentoring youth, and countless other actions.
 
We can do all this thanks both to our geographic reach and to the fact that our clubs are made up of people who are engaged in their communities. As a part of the community that you serve, you know the needs, you have the connections, and you're able to take immediate action. That's why every Rotary club's membership should reflect the diversity of its community.

We've made great strides in this. In Egypt, Indonesia, and Kenya, Rotary is approaching 50 percent female membership. We're also expanding the age diversity of our clubs. In each of our communities, young professionals are eager to contribute their talents, give back, and learn from mentors. Let's share with them what Rotary is all about. The Engaging Younger Professionals Toolkit at Rotary.org has an action plan to help you reach young leaders and Rotary alumni in your area.
 
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WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR WORLD POLIO DAY?
Story Written By: Ryan Hyland
 

Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) have had to take bold action in the historic fight to eradicate polio.

At Rotary’s 6th annual World Polio Day event on 24 October in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, we’ll highlight the monumental and innovative steps that are getting us closer to our goal. We’ll also celebrate 30 years of achievements by the GPEI.  We’ll also celebrate 30 years of achievements by the GPEI.  Learn more about how you can promote your own event or find an event near you.  

 

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DISTRICT NEWS
4 WAY TEST ESSAY CONTEST
The District 5580 4-Way Essay Contest materials are now available and ready for you to download and print.  The essay contest is open to students in their final 2 years of high school, and the District winner will receive a $1,250 cash award (includes Regional Award of $150).  Six Regional Winners will each receive a cash price of $150. 
 
Clubs are encouraged to begin contacting their schools and distributing materials as soon as possible.  Your club’s participation is a statement of interest in the ideas of our young people and demonstrates our belief that it is important to reward our youth for expressing their views in a constructive and meaningful way. 
 
Students in their final 2 years of high school are eligible to participate, preparing an essay of 500 to 1,000 words in length, and using a topic of their choice that incorporates the use of the Rotary 4-Way Test: 
 
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CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
District 5580 is now calling for nominations for the office of District Governor for the Rotary year 2021-2022, and qualified Rotarians may submit a nomination for consideration by the District Nominating Committee.  The Nominee must submit the following documents:                           
 
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ONE ROTARY SUMMIT
We are excited to announce that our district will be presenting a One Rotary Summit on October 13 in Fargo.  This summit will emphasize how Membership, Public Image, and Humanitarian Service through The Rotary Foundation activities can build a strong club.  It's a unique and effective way to help club members understand and become truly engaged in the opportunities offered by Rotary.  See you there!  
 
ONE ROTARY SUMMIT- FARGO
Holiday Inn- Fargo
Oct 13, 2018
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
 
 
ASSISTANT GOVERNORS
Submitted by: Rick Bricker, District Governor Elect 
 
It gives me great pleasure to send out a big thank you to all the new and experienced Assistant Governors that have joined us this year. Assistant Governors play a special role in our District as they are the feet on the ground that provide the Governor with information on what’s happening in the clubs. The clubs also receive information from the A.G’s on district activities. I have attached a link that will take you to a contact list for all the Assistant governors in our district.  
 
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YOUTH IN OUR DISTRICT
2018 RYLA RECAP
Submitted by: Beth Althoff, RYLA Chairperson 
 
Thank you. Thank you all District 5580 Rotarians for your continued support of our Camp RYLA. I truly believe we have one of the best RYLA programs around and this year 130 students got to experience it for themselves thanks to your continued support. The 27th annual District 5580 RYLA was held in Crookston, MN July 8-14.
 
We had 42 volunteers arrive from all over the globe. These amazing leaders are a mix of past campers and Rotarians who know that while it might be a lot of hours (120 hours just at RYLA!), there’s not much that is quite as rewarding as volunteering at RYLA.
 
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ROTARACT FRIENDSHIP EXCHANGE
Submitted by: Alyssa Sorenson & McKenzie MacFarlane
 
The Twin Port Rotaract Club hosted it’s first friendship exchange this summer. Two Guatemalan Rotaractors from District 4250 came to Duluth, Minnesota to experience our beautiful city and culture.
 
We had many adventures from going to a Minnesota Twins game to fishing in Grand Rapids on Prairie Lake.  We even had the opportunity to get together with the Thunder Bay Rotaract Club! We will again be hosting Rotaractors from Guatemala this winter!

 
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CLUB NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
LET US FEAST
Submitted by: Dan Hegstad, Brainerd Rotary Public Image Chair
 
On a warm Friday evening in September, over 130 Rotarians and friends gathered at a real castle to feast, frolic and raise money for Rotary.  Queen Carol presided over “The Queen’s Feast” which was held at a real castle at the Parker Scout Reserve on North Long Lake just north of Brainerd, Minnesota.  Even though Boy Scout years were quite some time ago for many Rotarians, the castle was still a fun adventure for all.  Next year King William will host “The King’s Feast.”
 
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CELEBRATION ZONE
Bayfront Convention Center
Sep 26, 2018 – Sep 30, 2018
 
NOMINATIONS FOR DISTRICT GOVERNOR 2021-22 DEADLINE
Oct 05, 2018
 
PROPOSED BYLAW AMENDMENTS DUE
Oct 05, 2018
 
ROTARACT DISTRICT CONFERENCE
Oct 12, 2018 – Oct 14, 2018
 
ONE ROTARY SUMMIT- FARGO
Holiday Inn- Fargo
Oct 13, 2018
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
 
FALL LEADERSHIP MEETINGS
Timberlake Lodge
Oct 19, 2018 – Oct 20, 2018
 
GRANT APPLICATION DEADLINE
Oct 31, 2018
 
GRANTS SUB-COMMITTEE WEBINAR MEETING
Nov 15, 2018
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
 
4-WAY ESSAY TEST CONTEST ENTRIES DEADLINE
Dec 31, 2018
 
GRANT APPLICATION DEADLINE
Dec 31, 2018
 
DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2021 PROPOSALS DUE
Jan 02, 2019
 
INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY 2019
Jan 13, 2019 – Jan 19, 2019
 
YOUTH EXCHANGE WEEKEND - Winter Rendezvous
Deep Portage
Jan 18, 2019 – Jan 20, 2019
 
RYLA PAYMENTS DUE
Mar 01, 2019
 
Leadership Experience And Development - FARGO, ND
Mar 30, 2019
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
 
GRANT APPLICATION DEADLINE
Mar 31, 2019
 
Leadership Experience And Development - DULUTH, MN
Apr 06, 2019
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
 
GRANTS SUB-COMMITTEE WEBINAR MEETING
Apr 18, 2019
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM