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AUGUST IS MEMBERSHIP AND NEW CLUB DEVELOPMENT MONTH
PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE

Olayinka H. Babalola

President 2026-27

(Presidential message retrieved from: https://my.rotary.org/en/who-we-are/office-of-the-president/presidential-message)

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.

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DISTRICT GOVERNOR MESSAGE
District Governor: 
Peter A. Nelson
 

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.

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WHAT WILL YOU SAY WHEN SOMEONE ASKS,"WHAT IS ROTARY?"
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?

 
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DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2026 - Brainerd MN
Check out the District Conference Webpage for Registration and Lodging!  
 
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION 2026
TAIPEI CONVENTION GET TOGETHER
 
 
BE AND NOMINATE AN ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPION!

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!

BRAINERD SUNRISE ROTARY WELCOMES NEW MEMBER

Submitted by: Sandy Swanson, Brainerd Lakes Sunrise Rotary

The Brainerd Lakes Sunrise Rotary Club proudly welcomed Glenn Thieling as its newest member during the club’s August 12 meeting.

Please join us in welcoming Glenn to Rotary and wishing him a rewarding journey of Service Above Self!

Pictured from left to right: Jeff Olson, Secretary; Glenn Thieling, New Member; and Sharon Carr, President.

NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO WILDFIRE COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Submitted by: Gloria Mink, Rotary District 5580 
 

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.

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CLUB NEWS
 
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. 
News can be sent to renae@surgetoday.com and gloriad5580@outlook.com.