District 5580 Conference
(Healthy Minds, Healthy Environment)
WHAT: The Rotary International 2023-24 Theme is Create Hope in the World. DG Dave Long wants our District Conference to focus on our mental well-being, sharing hope and protecting the environment. So come and explore Nature’s powerful benefits for our communities’ mental health and well-being and the ways Rotary can create hope for our planet and the people who live here through our international connections with the world around us.
WHY: Our goal is to inspire Rotarians to connect with nature, noticing the impact that this connection can have for our mental health. Secondly, to convince decision-makers at all levels that access to, and quality of nature is a mental health and social justice issue as well as an environmental one that Rotarians are uniquely poised to influence. And thirdly, to give Rotarians from across our large district the opportunity to meet, share ideas, form collaborations & connections, which also is shown to improve mental health and increase longevity. Finally, to learn more about and enjoy our region’s beautiful and bounteous natural areas and resources.
WHEN & WHERE: April 11-13, 2024 @ the Fargo Ramada Inn. April 11th will consist of D5580 Committee meetings. The F-M Rotary clubs have organized an exceptional “Recital with a Cause” (free attendance - all are welcome) beginning at 7 pm (transportation will be provided from Ramada) with an Icebreaker slated at the Ramada to begin at 9 pm. Friday & Saturday will include inspirational and thought-provoking plenary sessions beginning at 9 am each day, with social activities following.
Registration is now available, but you must register by March 15, 2024, or the price increases by $50 each. Full Conference registration including buffet lunches and plated dinners Friday & Saturday will be $170 for Rotarians, $140 for spouse of significant other or $125 for Rotaract/Interact. (single day options are available).
We plan for a House of Friendship for clubs to display their projects, for vendors (multiple apparel vendors); and for silent auction items (we ask that each club bring an item of a minimum $100 value to auction with proceeds going to Polio Plus. Bidders will be given credit toward their next Paul Harris level.
We’ve arranged for free time on Friday from 3-5 pm for our family fun time. If you plan to bring your family, ask the Ramada (when you reserve a room) for a pool side room. The Ramada has slides going from the 2nd floor directly into the pool. Another choice may be to tour the FM Rotary clubs’ joint projects (The Universal Playground, The Miracle Field, and the newly constructed Natural Playground). For those golfers in D5580, we have a new venue in town called Suite Shots where you can tee off on an elevated platform and swing away!
We want all Rotarians to leave with satisfaction that this was a most meaningful and memorable District Conference!