Do you have a hobby or passion you would like to explore with friends from around the world? Do you want to build community around your profession or cultural identity globally? Rotary’s Fellowships are international groups that share a common passion or identity. Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, explore a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience. Watch this video to learn more:
In January 2020, when I announced my presidential theme, Rotary Opens Opportunities, and spoke of the changes that Rotary needed to embrace, none of us had any idea how quickly change would arrive. But I am a longtime believer in seeing challenges as opportunities. This year, we seized new opportunities to reimagine what Rotary could be. For years, we had discussed ways to make Rotary flexible and adaptable, and we had tried a few experiments. This year, we all experimented — and succeeded! Online meetings are a regular fixture now as clubs invite guests from across the globe.
District Governor Robert (Bob) McLean and his wife Terri pictured with RI President Elect Holger Knaack and his wife Susanne
Greetings Fellow Rotarians of District 5580
As I draft this final newsletter article as DG, the virtual Rotary International Convention is on in the background. It seems to exemplify this transformational year… originally scheduled for Taipei it is now broadcast worldwide on the “Oh so familiar” ZOOM!
Two and a half years ago the D5580 nominating committee selected me to be your District Governor for Rotary year 2021-22. Since then, Rotary International has been training me through numerous District and Zone ZOOM meetings for the day of July 1, 2021. Just last week, Rotary International lifted the travel restrictions placed on District leaders. Currently, if state and local travel is allowed, Rotary gives its blessings to visit District clubs, thus my club schedule has been submitted (after a few updates and corrections).
Fellowship has created a global home for LGBT members and friends
During a breakout session on “Welcoming the LGBTQ Community Into the Family of Rotary” during the 2017 Rotary International Convention in Atlanta, Michelle Wilson, a member of the Rotary Club of Athens Sunrise, Ohio, had a question. “I asked, ‘Why doesn’t Rotary have a group for LGBT+ people?’” When she added, “We should start one,” she says, “the response was overwhelming.”
In these unprecedented times, we know that all members may not be able to give at the level they are accustomed to give or would like to give. That’s ok…we understand that and don’t want to pressure anyone to give more than they are comfortable giving. It’s about giving something, regardless of the amount. It’s about the collective impact Rotarians are making on the lives of others through our gifts; even the smallest amount is appreciated.
Of course, to make it particularly EASY, Rotarians can sign up for automatic/recurring contributions by visiting https://www.rotary.org/en/donate
AND For any member who contributes $365 to The Rotary Foundation in the month of June, they will receive 635 Foundation Recognition points to award them a Paul Harris Fellow!!!!!
A member of the Team will make every effort to personally attend the Rotarian’s club to award the pin as well! Also, for anyone who gives from $100 to $365, there will be a match with Foundation Points; a point per dollar!
District 5580 wants to thank our District Governor, District Executives, Officers, Assistant Governors, leadership teams and committees throughout our area for your hard work and dedication over the past year. Without you our District would have the impact it does or be able to accomplish the great things that we do together.
Be sure to thank you local leaders for their commitment to your club and community.
In a study done by John Hopkins University it was found that elementary students can lose up to two months of reading and math knowledge over the Summer. Once the students are out of the classroom they are intellectually challenged less frequently and much of what they absorbed during the previous school year begins to fall away. When students return to school teachers often spend 4 to 6 weeks reteaching forgotten Literacy concepts.
Editor's Note: This section honors 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 "Cross Currents".
Newsletter articles contain a Social Media Share Bar allowing them to be shared on various Social Media platforms.
Articles and photos for the District Newsletter can be sent to District Administrator Gloria Mink at gloriad5580@outlook.comand Newsletter Editor Ashley Hall atashleydhall21@gmail.com. Articles should be sent in Microsoft Word format. Photos should be sent in .jpeg format. Past newsletter issues may be viewed here.
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