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.
Embarking on the official travel circuit across District 5580 offers an inspiring look at grassroots Rotary leadership, starting right in the rugged heart of western North Dakota. From Williston to Watford City and Bowman, local clubs are delivering high-impact community programs that embody Service Above Self. Whether funding youth leadership initiatives like RYLA, supporting food pantries, or spearheading park upgrades and local literacy efforts, these western North Dakota clubs showcase the vitality of rural Rotary fellowship. Meeting with members on their home turf highlights how dedicated local volunteers drive transformative service projects tailored to their towns' unique needs.
Submitted by: Jodi Phillips, District Awards Chair
On behalf of District Governor Peter Nelson and District Awards Chair Jodi Phillips, we are pleased to announce the refresh and relaunch of the District 5580 Rotary Excellence Awards.
Every day across District 5580, Rotarians quietly make a difference. You support families, mentor young people, strengthen communities, build partnerships, protect the environment, and live Rotary's motto of Service Above Self.
Submitted by: John Stephenson, Environmental Committee
This year we will honor club(s) and/or a Rotarian who embodies Rotary International's seventh area of focus, the environment. Selection criteria includes sustained and demonstrated impact, community engagement, innovative leadership, and leveraging project resources through partnership building. Tell us about your most impactful project or a Rotarian who has demonstrated effective and innovative leadership in motivating your Rotary Club’s work improving the environment! We especially want to hear about how Rotary’s volunteer or fundraising efforts have been amplified through community partnerships. We can't wait to hear from you!
District 5580 is now calling for nominations for the office of District Governor for the Rotary year 2029-2030, and qualified Rotarians may submit a nomination for consideration by the District Nominating Committee.
The Rotary clubs in our district have many outstanding past presidents making a difference in their clubs and communities. Serving as District Governor is an opportunity for these committed Rotarians to bring the same leadership, skills and vision to District 5580. Now is the time for your club to nominate an outstanding Past President for District Governor 2029-30.
Submitted by: Lisa Neitzel, Rotary District 5580 Public Image (PI) Chair and Team Leader Elect
Hello!
I hope you all are having a great summer!
When someone asks you about what Rotary does, do you have an answer? You might tell people about your club and what you do to help on projects to make the community better. That’s a great way to have people in your area want to join us. But did you know there are other talking points to tell potential members?
Submitted by: Deb Maertens, Fergus Falls Noon Rotary
Rotary Youth Exchange student Lucy Filipczak of Ashland, Wisconsin, has officially begun her international adventure!
Lucy arrived in Indonesia last week as an outbound exchange student and is ready to experience a new culture, build lasting friendships, and embrace the many opportunities that come with Rotary Youth Exchange.
We’re excited to follow Lucy’s journey and see all that she discovers during her year abroad. Have an amazing adventure, Lucy!
The Northwestern Ontario Wildfire Community Support Fund is a joint initiative of United Way of Thunder Bay and Thunder Bay Community Foundation — both organizations are Community Members of the Port Arthur Rotary Club. The Fund was established in response to requests from individuals, service clubs, organizations, workplaces, Community Foundations and United Ways across Canada looking for a trusted way to support communities affected by the devastating wildfires across Northwestern Ontario. Donations help support both immediate relief efforts and the longer-term recovery of affected communities, including many First Nation communities. The Fund has attracted support from around the globe — including dozens of communities across the U.S.
On 10/24/26, World Polio Day at 10 a.m. CST, Rotary members across Region 36 – Zones 25 & 29 are coming together for something BIG — a bold, unified step toward a polio-free world.
We are calling on 36,620 Rotarians and 964 Rotaractors across 11 states and 2 countries to take part in the World’s Largest Polio Walk — a powerful, visible demonstration of our commitment to ending polio forever.
This is more than a walk. It’s a movement.
Every step taken helps raise awareness and support our collective goal of raising $1 million to end polio. Together, we are “This Close” to eradication—and this is our moment to push across the finish line.
Submitted by: Christi M. Stonecipher, Bismarck Rotary Club
The Bismarck Rotary Club has been busy welcoming new members for the last several months including Bismarck State College President Brian Kalk, Thomas Huether with Scouting America, TJ Posey (sponsored by our Club President Beth Posey!), and Corporate Members for Great Plains Food Bank: Grace Marie Renner, Rebecca Knutson, Abby Tow, and Marcia Paulson! Welcome, all - glad to have you on board!
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.
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