Father time claims that it is March – at least on the calendar, and Mother Nature is in complete denial. Regardless, we are inching closer towards a flurry of activity across the District!
Barry Rassin, Rotary International President 2018-19
One of the things I appreciate most about serving as president of Rotary International is the people I get to meet. Much of my time is spent traveling and visiting Rotary clubs around the world. A Rotarian welcome is something quite special. But let me tell you, there's nothing so warm as the welcomes that have been rolled out for me by Rotaractors. These are young people who are committed to Rotary ideals, who are pouring their hearts into service, and who, in the process, don't forget to have fun.
We are excited to welcome Club Presidents-Elect, Nominees, and Secretaries to LEAD, District 5580’s Leadership Experience and Development training program. We look forward to collaborating with everyone in attendance to strengthen clubs, promote membership, engage Rotarians, and inspire those around us through Rotary values and vision.
The planning for our Rotary District Conference in Minot is well underway! We are sending this communication to remind you of some important dates, encourage participation in the project fair, and to apply for awards.
Our Rotary District Conference is just around the corner, which is a great time for fellowship, learning new things, and sharing with other clubs, the wonderful accomplishments made this year. As the District Awards Chairperson, I would like to encourage every club to submit at least one nomination for an award.
Submitted by: Karl Everett, Water and Sanitation Chair
What is World Water Day?
World Water is fast approaching! Your club and district can help celebrate World Water Day. It focuses on the approximately 1.8 billion people worldwide who must rely on water contaminated with feces, putting them at risk of contracting cholera, dysentery, typhoid, polio and other waterborne diseases.
The UN's Sustainable Development Goals, launched in 2015, include a target to ensure everyone has access to safe water by 2030, making water a key issue in the fight to eradicate extreme poverty. In 1993, the UN General Assembly designated March 22nd as World Water Day. It is now a globally recognized event.
Minnesota state Representative Heather Edelson is excited to report that her "bill to establish Rotary International special license plates recently received a public hearing in the Transportation and Finance Committee!" "It was an honor to be joined by fellow Rotarians who shared the important work our organization does here in Minnesota and worldwide," Edelson continued.
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!