In a garage outside Salinas, California, young people who are learning to restore classic cars are doing more than developing a skill — they are reclaiming their futures. This training program provides mentorship and, for some, a path away from gang involvement toward meaningful employment. Graduates leave with certifications, practical experience, and hope.
Let's think about how we are all increasing the "public image" of Rotary! Every day, each one of us is creating a public image for Rotary. How do we do that? Are you wearing your Rotary pin? Most of us wear our pins to our Rotary meetings. You can wear your pin at other times too. People will ask you what it is for and why you are wearing it. That will give you an opportunity to talk about your involvement in Rotary, your Club, the activities you have and the fun you have with your Club members.
Emphasize the importance of local service projects to support your community
Share your personal stories of service to inspire others
Highlight the importance of Rotary's global initiatives, such as promoting peace, on our local communities
Organize a community event to raise awareness to a local issue
Unite for Good with community organizations to Create a Lasting Impact that enhances service efforts
Promote membership by asking community members to join in your service projects - and FUN!
I’m happy to introduce myself – Lisa Neitzel, owner of the full-service firm Surge Communications, Innovations and Online Services (Surge, for short) – and I am also one of your District 5580 Public Image Officers (PIO).
I recently attended Zone 25B & 29, which provided valuable insights on storytelling, branding, and how Rotary can continue to strengthen its voice in our communities. I’m excited to bring the information back to District 5580 and share what’s working across the Zone in a practical, easy-to-use way.
You’ll be seeing me here sharing simple, impactful public image tips and ideas your club can use to better tell its Rotary story. Sometimes it will be a quick tip, other times a bit of inspiration—but always with the goal of helping your club increase visibility and engagement.
Thank you for all you do for Rotary. I look forward to sharing the Zone 25B & 29 information with you!
“As members of Rotary, we share a vision of a better future,” he said. “To make this vision a reality, we must acknowledge and unleash the change within ourselves. We must focus not only on outcomes, but on impact."
Submitted by: John Stephenson, Environmental Committee Chair
A ROTARY FOCUS ON THE ENVIRONMENT
It’s January – time for New Years Resolutions: Consider starting or strengthening an environmental project this year as a New Years resolution for your Rotary Club! Here are some inspirational tips and thoughts:
Begin with purpose. For ideas, look to the land where you live, the people in your community, and the science that helps you to understand what threatens your natural environment. Build a shared vision rooted in Rotary values: service, integrity, fellowship.
Start small, plan clearly, and partner widely. Turn ideas into actions with timelines, roles, and resources. Measure impact, celebrate milestones, and adapt with humility. Empower volunteers, engage youth, and honor local knowledge.
Communicate with hope, not fear. Protect biodiversity, restore habitats, reduce waste, and conserve water. Lead by example, collaborate across clubs, and sustain momentum. When challenges arise, persist with optimism.
Finish stronger than you began, leaving communities resilient, greener, and inspired to continue together, globally, responsibly, forever.
Help Rotary make 2026 a year to focus on the environment!
Hi Rotary Friends in North Dakota/Minnesota and Canada,
I hope all is well in the North Country! In case you haven't already seen it, Rotary Magazine has published a comprehensive 8 page article in the January issue on our environmental project in Texas that your District assisted with part of the funding.
We again thank you for your support.
Two other Rain gardens are now planned in the watershed (Non-Rotary funding but inspired by our project) and a high school environment club has been created to assist with the project maintenance.
Submitted by: Star Gump, Twin Ports Rotaract Club President
Twin Ports Rotaract Club going into 2026 is aiming to create more impact by focusing on broad service opportunities that put quality over quantity. This is exemplified by our partnership with TEDxDuluth, an event happening on February 6th, 2026 at the DECC.
TEDxDuluth is a local, independently-organized event that brings the spirit of "Ideas Worth Spreading" to our community. Based on the world-renowned TED talk format, this event features a speaker lineup with Minnesotan ties who share powerful talks designed to spark conversation and connection. You can join us for a single session or a full day (pre-purchase only lunch add-on available). Visit tedxduluth.com to discover more about the experience. Use Code Rotary10 for 10% off any session ticket purchase. If you have any questions please contact the team at info@tedxduluth.com
The Dickinson Rotary Club welcomes Brian Erickson as a new member of Rotary. Brian is an insurance agent with Western Insurance and is sponsored for membership by Rotarian Brad Fong. Brian joined Rotary to get more involved in the community and to be part of Rotary doing good in the community. Brian is pictured with club secretary Kari Shea, left, and Club President Joy Schoch.
Brainerd Rotary is partnering with Great River Greening and will be involved with a biochar demonstration at the Rotary Riverside Park this February 20th. See the attached flyer about this event.
The Duluth Superior Eco Rotary Club's Tanzania Tree Plantation Project represents a powerful example of local and international partnership in action. Within the Duluth-Superior area, the project has united multiple Rotary clubs—Superior Rotary, Duluth Skyline, Club 25, and Harbortown Rotary—demonstrating the strength of collaborative community engagement. These local partnerships have enabled the project to leverage District and International Grants, amplifying the impact of individual club contributions through coordinated effort and shared commitment to environmental sustainability.
The Bismarck Rotary Club's Youth Exchange Student Anthony Lai had a wonderful American Christmas celebration with one of his host families! Activities included looking at Christmas lights, singing Christmas carols, lighting candles, opening presents, and lots of food.
Anthony is from Taiwan and is attending Bismarck High School, where he is involved with the theatre program. He also LOVES American music, especially rock bands from the 70s and 80s!
The International Falls RC donated $5000 to the school district which was matched by D5580 and local donors put in $50,000 for an inclusive playground.
The Dickinson Rotary Club welcomes Julie Obrigewitsch, center, as a new Rotarian! Julie is self-employed at Impact Marketing and Consulting and is sponsored for membership by Rotarian Corey Lee. She is pictured with club secretary Kari Shea and club vice president Jeremy Berger.
Dickinson Rotary's Community Kindness initiative in December collected and donated necessities to the local Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center. Pictured here, Rotarian Natashia Cushman, left, dropped off $170 in cash and goods estimated at $250+.
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.
The Dickinson Rotary Club welcomes Julie Obrigewitsch, center, as a new Rotarian! Julie is self-employed at Impact Marketing and Consulting and is sponsored for membership by Rotarian Corey Lee. She is pictured with club secretary Kari Shea and club vice president Jeremy Berger.
Dickinson Rotary's Community Kindness initiative in December collected and donated necessities to the local Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center. Pictured here, Rotarian Natashia Cushman, left, dropped off $170 in cash and goods estimated at $250+. .jpg){kind=small}