Rotary is not just a service organization that makes donations and has meetings....it is about touching lives, building friendships and creating impact that is sustainable.we make a difference in our communities that embodies the Rotary motto “Service above Self”.
But we also have to have fun.We are volunteers and to be engaged in any group, there needs to be some enjoyment and an element of fun.There are lots of clubs that hold regular social outings and activities to get together in a relaxed environment.As an example, we had 65 Rotarians get together on Thursday, August 27th for a Rotary Night at the ballpark for a Goldeyes game on the Patio at the stadium.It was a nice evening and a fun networking event to share time and catch up with fellow Rotary friends and family...and we cheered on the home team to an extra innings victory!
As mentioned in my first newsletter, I am reiterating my focus and priorities for this Rotary year:
Continue efforts to surpass 1200 members requiring inclusion (not assimilation) of new members, support for new club development, and/or satellite clubs;
A deliberate inclusion and engagement with youth and our Rotaractors;
A renewed Peace focus and support for programs such as Honoring Indigenous Peoples (HIP);
Increased levels of tolerance through education;
Continued support to our Rotary Foundation and strong programs such as Polio Plus;
Celebrating our successes and have fun in our clubs and activities while being of service; and
Taking actions that improve the environments that we live in.
Starting with membership, this month is membership and new club development month. Our membership chair, Jude Chigbo, has his Membership committee set up with three subcommittees: Engagement, Recruitment and New Club Development. They will be actively working with clubs for support, advice and as a connection to Rotary resources. Your clubs will be getting material from Jude this month and please review it and have a discussion at your next meeting or club gathering on the challenge to grow your membership.
My ask is that each of us think about who we could invite to our club’s next activity or project outing.Many of us have never invited anyone to a Rotary event. Speaking of making this ask...to actually invite someone you know, you can expect the first question is likely to be “What is Rotary?” and following that up...”What do you do as Rotary?”.So do you have your elevator pitch – your 30 second response to these two questions?My first paragraph touches on what I believe. Add text here
Our Vision statement is also succinct ...“Together, we see a world where, people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves”... but does it sound authentic from your voice?Other language that conveys who we are can include statements like...We are People of Action.Rotary’s Global network of more than 1.2 million neighbours, friends and leaders volunteer their skills and resources to solve issues and address community need.It is more important to personalize the message to you and your club and reasons you are a Rotarian or Rotaractor.
Please think about your reasons and possible invite message...and then help our District extend our reach.
WELCOME RED RIVER ROTARACT!
Speaking of new club development, we have another new Rotaract Club in our District this August and we welcome the Red River Rotaract club in Winnipeg and its 7 charter members who received their Charter as of August 6th.We now have 6 Rotaract clubs in the District!
DISTRICT 5550 WEBSITE
Please take a moment to check out the revamped D5550 website thanks to our fabulous public image and communications team.Spread the word, bookmark and connect. The monthly newsletter, my video message and ongoing district news and events are all captioned there in an easy to scroll through format and hopefully provide good information and some inspiration for your club. The website will also be featuring a monthly district showcase starting next month that will feature club profiles of projects, events or people in our District that are making a difference.
Peace as an Area of Focus
There was a great kickstart through our RI President and his message in the August Rotary magazine. Yinka Babalola stated:
Peace does not happen by accident. It must be pursued deliberately, built strategically, and woven intentionally into everything we do. That is the challenge I am placing before the Rotary world this year.
His comments went on to recognized peace as one of our areas of focus. He also highlighted that the Institute for Economics and Peace has identified eight Pillars of Positive Peace: well-functioning government, sound business environment, equitable distribution of resources, acceptance of the rights of others, good relations with neighbors, free flow of information, high levels of human capital, and low levels of corruption.
These pillars describe the conditions that make lasting peace possible. There are pillars that seem beyond our scope but there are some that we can certainly relate to and can lead by example. Peace, kindness and being of service to others are what Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors are all about. It isn’t about race, religion, geography or gender.
Our World Peace Partners committee is supporting several peace related initiatives in the District and more to follow. Please be aware of September 21st is the International Day of Peace and you have time to think of a way to recognize this day with your club.
Additionally, September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Please find a way to recognize this day and, if possible, wear an orange shirt.
I will close this month’s newsletter with a shout out to our Assistant Governors (AGs), who are now connecting with clubs that they have been assigned.You should be hearing from them if you haven’t already. One of the things they will follow up with you on is helping you set up some goals for your club and then tracking them as you go through the year.Please pass along your events or fundraisers to your AG when you connect as well.
Adventures in Agriculture Program for 2026 will be held from November 25-29 in Regina and in conjunction with the Canadian Western Agribition. We are excited to once again offer this program to explore the rapidly changing agricultural sector and encourage students to consider careers in this exciting field (pun intended). Additional information can be found on the program’s webpage at Adventures in Agriculture | Rotary Club of Regina Eastview
Join us for the 6th Annual Friends of Dryden and Winnipeg Rotary Fundraiser on Wednesday, October 21, for an inspiring evening in support of Start With Mothers’ Global Education Project. Enjoy powerful stories and videos from Bangladesh, India and Uganda, live music, a book signing with best-selling author G.E.M. Munro, and an opportunity to support education and brighter futures for mothers and children around the world. Admission is free, with donations welcome.
🌍 The time is now to End Polio. Music. Community. Impact. 🎶✨ An incredible concert for a polio-free world is coming to Winnipeg! We have the power to make history, but we need your voice and your passion to make it happen. Save the date: October 24. 🗓️ Full details, artist announcements, and ticket information are dropping soon. Hit that follow button so you don’t miss a single update! 👉 Follow our page for updates. 🌐 Visit us at www.winnipegrotary.org
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Dave Morris of the Charleswood Rotary Club last Friday. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, PDG Nancy Morris, and their family during this difficult time. We also extend our deepest sympathies to the Charleswood Rotary Club and all who had the privilege of knowing Dave. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his Rotary family and community.
D7790 Governor Serge Poulin was tragically killed August 3 in a traffic accident while travelling to an official Rotary club visit in Waterville, Maine. A Rotarian since 2001 Serge was deeply committed to suicide prevention and polio eradication, and as an optometrist, participated in numerous trips providing eye care in developing communities. He leaves behind his wife, Marie-Christine Bouchard, and a large Rotary family. He will be deeply missed.
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