Our District 7070 newsletter is meant to keep everyone in our Rotary family up to date on latest news from around the Rotary world, from the clubs in our District, from the various committees in District 7070 and beyond. We send it out to all active Rotarians and post it on to our District Facebook page. We ask that you share this letter and keep our entire Rotary family and friends informed. Make sure they all get a copy. The deadline for your story submissions is always 4 days prior to the end of the month. Check out our District 7070 Facebook Page, Twitter, Instagram accounts and our District 7070 website for even more of the latest news about Rotary here in southern Ontario and around the world.
Posted by Virginia O'Reilly , District 7070 Governor , 2024-254
In her May 2025 Newsletter, District 7070 Governor Virginia O'Reilly talks about her visits , in April, to many club and District 7070 events including an open house at Grandview Kids in Ajax, RYLS in the Ganaraska forest, many Rotary Great Lakes Watershed cleanups, tree plantings, and a special donation to PolioPlus by the Cobourg Rotary Club. She also reminds us of many events coming up in May and June. Be sure to read her letter right here.......
Posted by Stephanie Urchick, Rotary International President 2024-25
In President Stephanie Urchick's May 2025 Newsletter, she says that No matter how long we’ve been with Rotary, we all benefit from the energy and fresh perspectives of our young leaders.It is Stephanie's privilege to place this month’s presidential message in the capable hands of one young leader, Vitor Joventino. In his column, Vitor reminds us how teamwork and inclusivity can spark transformative change . She encourages us to reflect on its insights, share in his excitement, and embrace new opportunities to learn..............
Posted by Mark Daniel Maloney, Chair of the Trustees , Rotary Foundation 2024-25
In the Chair of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation (and Rotary International Past President) Mark Daniel Maloney's May 2025 Newsletter, Mark talks about the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and says, "In Rotary, we always rise to meet the moment. No challenge is too great." He add, "We are meeting the moment once again in 2025. Know that Rotary is working behind the scenes, collaborating with governments, international agencies, and partners to address challenges, manage disruptions, and explore alternative funding. As a nonpolitical organization, we remain focused on operational solutions while serving communities and protecting public health...... The winds of change may shift, but with your help, Rotary’s commitment to eradicating polio will stand strong until our mission is complete." .....
Posted by Christine Etienne, Rotary International Director , Zones 28 & 32
To embrace current technology and to be a resource to all members of Zone’s 28/32, the current newsletter has been transitioned to an interactive blog style format that will be managed and moderated by the Zone leadership team. Look for the "In The Zone" May 2025 video from Christine Etienne, our Rotary International Director, in our May 2025 District 7070 Newsletter , and on the Rotary Zone 28 and 32 website.
As soon as Chris' "In The Zone" May 2025 video is available, it will be inserted into the District 7070 May Newsletter that appears on our Rotary District 7070 website and also on the Rotary Zone 28 and 32 website . ....... This month, Chris talks about Youth Exchange . Please Read more...
A message from Stephanie A. Urchick and Mark Daniel Maloney
Amidst global uncertainties, Rotary's enduring commitment to service, integrity, and peace remains a steadfast beacon, driving impactful community work worldwide and inspiring hope through action. ....
What Is your Rotary Club doing to focus on Youth Service in May 2025 and every month of the Rotary year? May is Youth Services Month when Rotary Clubs, around the world, and right here in District 7070, focus on youth services: Rotaract, Interact, RYLS (Rotary Youth Leadership Symposium), Youth Exchange and also in our District - Earlyact. Read more and see how YOU can help.....
This month is May - Youth Services Month and here are two "Courses of the Month" from the Rotary Learning Center. We are asking YOU to focus on these courses that align with the theme of the month. We encourage you to take these courses so that you have a better understanding and become even more effective in the success of your club. .
Here are the courses: Anyone can take the Youth Guide to Service Learning course and Protecting Youth Program Participants, a requirement of many club and district roles
Anyone can take the Youth Guide to Service Learning course : Service-learning combines community service with learning objectives that empower young people to develop real-world leadership skills. Partnership with the National Youth Leadership Council : The Youth Guide to Service-Learning course was developed in partnership with the National Youth Leadership Council, a leader in youth engagement and service-learning. Learn more at nylc.org(opens in a new tab).
Protecting Youth Program Participants, a requirement of many club and district roles: Rotary strives to create and maintain a safe environment for everyone who participates in Rotary youth activities, whether they are children or adults. Rotary members, their spouses and partners, and other volunteers must safeguard the children and young people they come in contact with and protect them from physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. Preventing and addressing abuse and harassment are everyone's responsibility. District leaders have the added responsibility of making sure our policies are followed and addressing any reports of abuse or harassment appropriately. This section of the course explains your responsibility to protect young people, how Rotary defines abuse and harassment — especially involving youths — and how we handle reports that it has occurred.
Log in to MyRotary , under the Knowledge and Resources tab , scroll down and click on the Learning Center, and View "Service Projects" and "Club Leadership" Courses and you will see these 2 courses listed there. Click on the courses and Enjoy !!
Rotary Leaders from Rotary Zones 28 and 32 invite you to learn more about Rotary. This Zoom meeting is open to all Rotary members who would like to learn about Rotary. Starts at 7:30 PM
Learn how to enter your Service Projects in Rotary Club Central. Learn how to update your achievements in Rotary Club Central. Lots of time for Q & A as well so bring your questions
Both of these need to be done to qualify for the Club Excellence Award. REGISTER HERE.
Posted by Joan Barrett, Rotary District 7070 membership Chair
From Scott Hebert - District 7080 Membership Chair: We are hosting a Membership Webinar on May 20 with Rotary International Director 2024-26 Patrick Eakes. It would be great to have anyone from our District join in … as the information from several districts would be great. Please share this communication with your Membership Chairs or Assistant Governors. Join us as Past District Governor and Rotary International Director Patrick Eakes shares strategies on How to Rebuild and Strengthen Your Club. As a Past District Governor in District 7690 (central North Carolina, USA) in 2014-15, then Innovative Club Advocate and Rotary Coordinator for Zones 33-34 he has been chair of the Membership Action Plan. Patrick currently serves on the Rotary International Board of Directors (2024-2026) and brings a wealth of experience in growing Rotary membership. Registration: https://rotary7080.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Z9ycui4oQMqbQ7sVhP_ZuQ
On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, members of Rotary Zones 28 and 32 will gather on Zoom for a high-energy hour of inspiring stories, music, and a message of peace - showcasing the impact of Rotary's unity. United for Good will showcase what happens when the Rotary family unites for good, in our communities, across borders, and around the globe. Come for fresh inspiration and to share how Rotary makes an impact where you live. Our program will be hosted by Rotary Peace Fellows Chenai Kadungure and David Lamotte. And we'll be joined by many special guests, including Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick!
Register today and share this event with as many people as possible. We could all use a little Rotary good news. Couldn't we?
Rotarians from all over the world, including our representative, Past District 7070 Governor Bill Mackay, met in Chicago, Illinois, USA 13-17 April to vote on the rules governing Rotary clubs. Representatives considered more than 75 proposals. The Council approved an increase in the dues that all members pay to Rotary International each year through 2028-29. The Board argued the increases were needed to keep providing valuable programs and services to members. The Council also approved allowing clubs to charter with as few as 15 members instead of 20. Read a summary of the proposals and see preliminary vote totals. ....
Posted by Neil Phillips, District 7070 Governor 2018-19
Dear fellow District 7070 Rotarians,
We are seeking nominations, both from within Rotary or potentially community partners for the Dr. Bob Scott Disease Prevention Award and the Wilf Wilkinson Peace Award.
Assistant Governors, please discuss with your Clubs and Presidents, bring to the attention of your various amazing committees.
We want to hear from you! . Please note the MAY 30, 2025 deadline. Please do not hesitate to reach out should you have any questions. Please Read More for the Awards Criteria......
As the Rotary International President for 2026-27, I have been working closely with other Rotary members and staff to plan and prepare for the important work ahead after my confirmation last September. It has been a tremendous honor and pleasure to be given the opportunity to serve our organization....
Our 5th Annual Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup Event (GLWC) was another great success , thanks to the many Rotary Clubs, their members, family and friends all over southern Ontario here in Rotary District 7070.
Listed below we have listed just some of the projects that helped protect the environment, Rotary's 7th Area of Focus, here in Rotary District 7070. All of the clubs that posted their photos on to their Club Facebook Pages were shared on to our Rotary District 7070 Facebook Page. You can also join the Rotary Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup ,Earth Day group Facebook page and see what other clubs and District have done to help clean up the Great lakes Watersheds in their Districts, Thank you everyone.
On Saturday, April 26, 2025,and in some cases, the week before and even during the week, thousands of Rotarians & Non-Rotarians, on both sides of the Canadian and U.S. border, rolled up their sleeves and collect refuse along the shoreline and many waterway tributaries to the Great Lakes basin. Rotary Clubs in District 7070 , right here in south central Ontario to lead the way as they invited friends and family to help support one of Rotary's areas of focus: Supporting The Environment.
It is up to YOU and your Rotary Club to Lead The Way. We sure hope that you and your club participated.
This is a great example of ROTARY IN ACTION that brings considerable community attention to the importance of ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY. We were joined by 35 Rotary Districts in over 2,000 clubs and 75,000 Rotarians surrounding the Great Lakes. This was our day to show 'Rotary in Action' on a massive scale, as we promoted 'Environmental Sustainability' within our communities.
We asked all Rotary District 7070 Club Presidents PRESIDENTS to tell us what they are doing . Here were just some of the Clean up Events in our District. We hope you were able to join one or more of these events with your Rotary friends andhelped clean up at any of these events.
Everyone in Rotary District 7070 is thrilled to say congratulations to all of the Rotarians in District 7070 who received the King Charles III Coronation Medals for their service to the community. Earlier in the month, District Governor Virginia O'Reilly asked the Club Presidents to tell us who received their medals and to send along a photo and a description of the very proud recipients. Congratulations one and all.....Please Read more....
Our annual Changeover Webinar Series is back - running from May 20 to June 3, and it's designed to help you start the new Rotary year strong with ClubRunner.
Whether you're part of a club or district, these sessions are tailored to your role, so you get the most relevant tips, tools, and updates to succeed in the year ahead......Please read more .......
Rotary now has a WhatsApp channel! It has updates on Rotary projects, useful news, and plenty of fun. The channel is in English only for now. Our first updates include a story about the Blind Football Uganda league, advice on recycling electronic devices, and a list of our favorite blog posts of 2024. Go to the channel. Then choose Follow in the upper-right corner. (To read the channel in the future, select Updates or Channels in the WhatsApp menu bar.)
District Governor Elect NIECY DILLON TYROVOLAS INVITES YOU TO 2025 DISTRICT 7070 CONFERENCE on OCTOBER 24-26, 2025.
We are thrilled to announce DGE Niecy Dillon's 2025 Conference at the beautiful Fern Resort in Orillia. Take this opportunity to book your ticket for fun and fellowship by copying this link.
A note from District Governor Virginia O'Reilly: The 2018 Rotary International Convention was a blast in Toronto! And we have another one in Canada!! Expect an exhilarating journey of connections and inspiration at the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary! Engage in riveting discussions, learn from distinguished speakers, exchange best practices, discover innovative projects, and form lifelong connections with fellow Rotarians from around the world. Take part in this transformative event and experience the Magic All Around at the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada 21-25 June 2025. Register by 15 December to take advantage of the early registration discount!
For more information, CLICK HERE! And watch this video from Convention Chair Bryn Styles to see why everyone should join us in Calgary!
It is always with great sadness when we loose members of our District 7070 Rotary family. Everyone in District 7070 wants to expresses their deepest sympathies to our extended Rotary family. Please send your notices to Newsletter Editor Dave Andrews at dave.f.andrews99@gmail.com .....
Posted by Bob Wallace, Past District Governor, Past Rotary Zone Coordinator, and Current Chair of District 7070 Rotary Foundation Committee
In his May 2025 letter to Rotarians, Past District Governor Bob Wallace, Chair of the District 7070 Rotary Foundation Committee, encourages every Rotarian to set and meet their club and personal goals and make a conscious effort to make a donation to The Rotary Foundation, whatever you can afford, to the Annual Programs Fund, the PolioPlus Fund, the Disaster Response Fund, and to the Endowment Fund. Help us reach of Magic of Millions Goal by June 30, 2025. Are you a member of the Paul Harris Society OR the PolioPlus Society? Did you attend the November 16 Rotary Foundation Grant Qualification Seminar? Please Read more.........
Posted by Lars Henriksson, Past District 7070 Governor and District Grants Chair
The Rotary Foundation Qualification on-line training material for the 2025-26 Rotary year was posted on the District’s website March 1, 2025. It consists of two modules as well as links to the two quizzes related to the modules. Clubs that want to participate in the Rotary Foundation’s grants program, e.g. apply for a district or global grant, must be qualified. At least, two Club members must pass the quizzes. In addition, an MOU – signed by the Club’s President and President Elect – must be submitted to the District. A copy of the MOU is also available on the District’s website, under the Rotary Foundation tab.
May 31, 2025, is the deadline for district grant applications for the 2025-26 Rotary year. Applications must be made on the special application form available on the District’s website. The applying Club must be qualified for the 2025-26 Rotary year by May 31, 2025
Clubs must remain qualified throughout the life of a project. Particularly, global grant projects take more than one Rotary year to complete. Hence, Clubs that are either Host or International Partner for a global grant project must qualify each year. The same applies to a Club whose district grant project is carried over into a new Rotary year.
The Rotary Foundation requires Rotary and Rotaract Clubs that want to apply for Global and District Grants to be qualified EVERY YEAR. Clubs are qualified when two of its members have successfully completed the two on-line quizzes connected to the training modules. In addition, the President and President Elect of Clubs must sign and submit the MOU – Memorandum Of Understanding to the District. The qualification is valid for one Rotary year. All documents for the 2025-26 Rotary year are posted under the Rotary Foundation tab on the District’s website, www.rotary7070.org For any questions, please contact PDG Lars Henriksson, District Grants Sub-Committee Chair at pdglars.henriksson@gmail.com Please Read more for details.............
More than 100 years ago, Rotary members made a promise to generations still to come – they established The Rotary Foundation to secure a better future.
Now, you can shape the next century of service.
When every member of a club donates at least US$1,000 to The Rotary Foundation’s Endowment – whether by giving now or making a future bequest – the club can achieve Rotary’s Promise Club status. This meaningful designation celebrates the club’s enduring commitment to service.
Posted by Nerrissa J. Persaud, Rotary Club of Montego Bay, Jamaica
I recently received my first Paul Harris Fellow recognition pin and certificate in the mail. I held it in my hands, expecting to feel a sense of pride, maybe even excitement. After all, this recognition stands as a symbol of giving – of contributing to a foundation that has changed lives across the globe.
Yet, as I looked at it, a deeper realization settled in.......
At the Rotary District 7070 Conference , on October 26, Bob Wallace and Jim Louttit announced a new Rotary District 7070 Goal for The Rotary Foundation called "The Magic of Millions". Our goal is to raise, by June 30, 2025, is $1 million . Please appoint an ambassador for your club to help you promote the Magic of Millions . Throughout the year, please encourage your members to donate to : the Annual Programs Fund, the Polio Fund, The Disaster Response Fund and to the Endowment Fund. At the Rotary Foundation Grants Seminar in Oshawa on November 16 , you found out even more how you can help us reach that Magic of Millions.
Rotary and Rotaract clubs can work with their district Rotary Foundation chair or Rotary Peace Fellowship subcommittee chair to recruit and recommend candidates for Rotary Peace Fellowships. Each year, the Foundation awards up to 130 fellowships to experienced peacebuilders from around the world so they can study at one of our Rotary Peace Centers. The fellows can earn a master’s degree or an advanced professional development certificate in disciplines related to peace and development. Applications will be accepted from February 1 through May 15, 2025. Peace fellows will begin their studies in 2026 at partner universities in Australia, Japan, Sweden, Türkiye, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and the United States. ....
The application process for the next Programs of Scale grant has started. If your club or district is involved in an evidence-based program that is ready to scale over three to five years, consider applying for the US$2 million award. Qualified districts, Rotary clubs, and Rotaract clubs are eligible. The first step is to submit a concept note by 1 August 2025.
The Programs of Scale materials have been updated for the 2026 competition. They include details about the selection process and an explanation of the requirement that applicants collect cash contributions of at least US$500,000 from external partners. Learn more about the Programs of Scale application process and past recipients and finalists.
It’s not too early for clubs and districts to start working on their concept notes for the 2026 Programs of Scale grant competition, which begins in February 2025. This Rotary Foundation program awards grants of US$2 million and distributes them over three to five years to a successful program that is ready to expand. To learn more about the competition, visit the Programs of Scale Application Process page, and download the Programs of Scale Handbook and the template for a concept note. ........
Posted by Past District Governor Bob Wallace, Chair , District Rotary Foundation Committee
Dear fellow Rotarians in District 7070,
Rotarians in District 7070 have been committed to The Annual Programs Fund of the Rotary Foundation. You should be proud of the difference that Rotary have made in the lives of millions of people throughout the world by the project funded by The Rotary Foundation.
I want to thank you for your past efforts and ask that you recommit to helping us raise funds for The Annual Programs Fund of the Rotary Foundation.
We are inviting you to join our efforts to continue for The Annual Programs Fund of the Rotary Foundation. To become a member of the Paul Harris Society you are asked to commit to making an annual donation of $1000 USD or more to The Annual Programs Fund of the Rotary Foundation.
We hope that with your commitment in joining the Paul Harris Society, we will make a significant difference in our world.
Raise for Rotary is a platform that allows individuals, clubs, and districts to create online fundraisers that benefit The Rotary Foundation. It is a great way to celebrate personal events and special occasions. Organizers can share their fundraisers through social media, email, and text, so family, friends, colleagues, and supporters can donate online...... Please Read more....
Start planning your 2024 World Polio Day event. Use the event guide in the Brand Center to help your club plan a successful event.
Forward this email to other members in your club. Encourage people to subscribe to the End Polio Now newsletter and thank those who have already done so! To opt in to the newsletter, people can sign in to My Rotary and select MANAGE SUBSCRIPTIONS on the Newsletters page.
Posted by Past District Governor Bob Wallace, Chair, District 7070 Rotary Foundation Committee
Dear Fellow Rotarians in District 7070,
Rotarians in District 7070 have been committed over the past nearly 40 years to raising funds to immunize children worldwide and our efforts are paying off. You should be proud of the difference that Rotary has made in the lives of millions of children by eliminating this dreadful disease.
I want to thank you for your past efforts and ask that you recommit to helping us raise funds to finish Rotary’s number one initiative of eradicating polio. Rotary is still committed to raising $50 million a year for this effort.
As such, we are launching the Polio Plus Society and are inviting you to join our efforts to continue to raise funds to eradicate polio. To become a member of the Polio Plus Society you are asked to commit to making an annual donation of $100 USD or more to The Rotary Foundation’s Polio Plus Fund until the last two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, are certified free of the wild polio virus.
Membership Minute is a bimonthly newsletter that provides the latest membership trends, strategies, best practices, and resources to help strengthen membership in your club. Please forward this to anyone who may be interested. ...
The experience your club offers people affects how they feel about the club. By asking members for feedback regularly and then responding to it, you’re showing your openness to change and empowering them to help create their ideal club experience. The Member Satisfaction Survey can help you gather feedback so you can use it to ensure that members are enjoying their experience.
WHAT YOU’LL GAIN : Conduct this assessment and act on its results to: • Identify what your members like and dislike about their club experience • Develop an action plan that builds on what people enjoy and that ends or changes what they don’t.
Just as routine doctor visits help people identify health risks before they become serious, Rotary’s club health check can diagnose problem areas and prescribe remedies. Club leaders will find a checklist to assess their club’s well-being in the areas of club experience, service and social events, members, image, and business and operations, along with an array of resources to treat any problem areas. Regularly consulting those resources can help maintain your club’s health and preserve its value for club members and the community. A few examples follow, but review the entire document through the website listed below to ensure you’re taking full advantage of these valuable tools.
Past District Governor Mike Cooksey once told me that if you want more Rotary members, you have to ask. He told every Rotarian he saw to "Get your Ask in Gear". His words certainly reflect one of the District 7070 Action Plans. Our goal is to receive 100 inquires from the "Join Us" or "Interested In Joining Us?" button on the District 7070 Website. Here is our challenge to your club: By the end of this Rotary year we want over 45 Rotary Clubs have a "Join Us" or "Interested In Joining Us?" button on their own club website AND for your club to have a "member conversion process" from these inquiries. It's up to you.
To see how we have done , Please Read more........
Many clubs face challenges related to three things: attracting new members, keeping members engaged, and finding meaningful ways to contribute to their communities. Use the Club Planning Assistant to get tailored advice for addressing your club’s challenges. Club leaders, you’ll receive an instant response with links to the resources we recommend to help you address your club’s most pressing challenges. You can then build these suggested strategies into your club’s membership plan.
New and different club models will attract diverse leaders to Rotary.Rotary clubs continue to demonstrate their value by staying connected to members and responding to changing needs in the community. Read about clubs around the world who are finding ways to adapt to new challenges and meeting online. Clubs and districts can take many approaches to membership growth. Rotary research tells us the most important factor is a club experience that attracts prospective members and engages current ones. A strong identity can help your club offer that kind of experience. The recently updated Club Types, Formats, and Models resource describes the many combinations of experiences that Rotary and Rotaract clubs worldwide are adopting as their club identities. One type of club is a satellite club, which can be started by fewer members and supported by another club. You can learn more about satellite clubs in the updated Guide to Satellite Clubs. Further strategies for membership growth are outlined in the new Strengthening Your Membership guide. The newly updated presentation on The State of Membership covers the latest membership trends and offers sustainable growth ideas. Membership growth also requires us to tell others about Rotary. During Membership and New Club Development Month in August, several experts shared advice on crafting compelling Rotary stories. Read more on the Rotary Voices blog. Please Read more for even more resources......
Posted by Nilam Bedi, Rotary District 7070 Environment Chair
To mark Earth Day this year, District 7070 Rotarians were very active on April 26 in cleanups as part of the 2025 Rotary Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup. Clubs and community groups were also engaged in other environmental actions during the week. Rotary District 7070 reinforced this positive impact of all these actions, when the District Environmental Action Committee is hosted a Virtual Symposium on April 24, 2025. The symposium featured expert speakers who raised awareness of the character and scale of accumulating debris around the world and in the Great Lakes Watershed, highlighting the hazards this accumulation poses to human and ecological health. It was an opportunity to find out what we can do beyond single cleanup events and build partnerships with community groups who share our interest in improving the natural environment. Be sure to watch the video on the Rotary District 7070 You Tube Channel.....
Nilam Bedi, the Chair of Rotary District 7070's Environment Committee will be very active at the Rotary International Convention in Calgary:
1) Nilam is on the planning team for ESRAG’s (Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group) activities in Calgary. One of these activities is a full-day, pre-conference workshop called “Building a Better World”. His responsibility was to design the program, along with a couple of other Rotarians. The workshop will be unique in that it will be a joint effort between two action groups - environment and economic development. He persuaded David Miller, former Mayor of Toronto, to be the keynote speaker. Stephanie Urchick, Rotary International President, will also speak. Even if you are not going to the Convention, there will be the opportunity to participate in person or virtually. See the link: https://esrag.org/blog/2025/04/26/breaking-news-rotary-international-president-stephanie-urchick-to-keynote-building-a-better-world/
2) Nilam is also speaking at a Breakout session on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. He has been involved in designing the breakout session with David Alexander, District Governor of District 7090. Here are the details: Session title: Achieving Sustainability in Your Community ; Session day and date: Tuesday, 24 June ; Session start and end time: 15:30-16:30
At this session, Nilam's session will include information on the District 7070 partnership with York University’s Ecological Footprint Initiative. York got a $2.5 million grant from the federal government and our aim will be use the ecological footprint tracker help Rotary Clubs find what climate change solutions make sense for their clubs and communities.
3) Nilam also suggested to the conference organizers to have Katharine Hayhoe, a world-renowned climate scientist, be considered as a speaker at the general session. The suggestion was accepted and Dr. Hayhoe also accepted the invitation.
4) Watch for Nilam in the House of Friendship too. He will be participating in the House of Friendship Booths of both ESRAG and RAGCED(Rotary Action Group for Community Economic Development ).
The Service Project Center, Rotary’s new digital platform for service activities is up and running and it gives members more opportunities to manage service projects and share stories, best practices, and interests.
With the introduction of this platform, Rotary Showcase has been retired. All Rotary and Rotaract service projects have been transferred to the Service Project Center.
The Service Project Center is faster than the old system and offers a consistent experience across devices and screen sizes. It collects more accurate project location data and provides project management access to all club officers. Users can manage projects from mobile devices and easily share project links in email and on social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn.
In the future, the platform will include a world map of projects, the ability to search for projects by language, and additional resources to help implement projects.
The Service Project Center is a significant asset in Rotary’s effort to engage participants more effectively and increase impact. Users can tell project stories more fully, demonstrating their effectiveness to potential members, partners, and donors. There are more opportunities to provide photos and details, making the project process more transparent and giving members more ways to feel pride in their results.
Rotary members and program participants are improving lives in communities around the world every day through thousands of service projects. Explore the good work that we’re doing locally and globally, and share these projects through social media
Another significant earthquake (5.5M) struck central Myanmar on Sunday April 13, just over two weeks after a devastating 7.7M earthquake struck the same region. Last month’s earthquake was the largest to strike Myanmar since 1912, forcing up to a million people from their homes. People are living and sleeping outside because their homes have collapsed or because they fear going back inside. Others are living in damaged buildings, which may not be safe. In the worst hit area of Sagaing, a third of all houses have collapsed......
Sara Poehlman has joined Rotary as the new Basic Education and Literacy (BEL) Area of Focus Manager, bringing 25 years of experience in education and peacebuilding across 40 countries. She plans to collaborate with members of the BEL Rotary Action Group (BELRAG) and build upon the initiatives of her predecessor, Dr. Regina Fuller-White.
Poehlman recognizes an opportunity for Rotarians to increase their impact, especially in light of recent cuts to both national and international assistance budgets. Poehlman aims to accelerate progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.Read more »
Posted by Bill Empey - Honouring Indigenous People, Rotary District 7070 Coordinator
Here is the latest Honouring Indigenous People Rotary News and Events, projects, blogs, photos, films, and resources. There are many major initiatives and resources available to you and your Rotary club. Your Club can help. Our District 7070 Action Committee's Areas of Focus Coordinator is Bill Empey from the Rotary Club of Toronto If you have a good news story, or want to help starting a project, please contact Bill. Here are some news highlights .........
We hope this message finds you well and thriving in your service to our communities! As we continue to inspire and empower the next generation, we are excited to share an incredible opportunity that aligns perfectly with your Rotary values - the Rotary Youth Exchange program.
The Program is more than just an adventure. It’s a transformative experience that fosters international understanding, cultural appreciation, and personal growth. By promoting the Program with our District’s Rotary Clubs, we can provide young people the opportunity to explore a new culture, develop lifelong friendships, and enhance their leadership skills. .....
Rotary and Rotaract clubs can now designate a Programs for Young Leaders contact. And Interact club presidents can (with a parent’s consent) complete an optional self-registration form to receive resources and support directly from Rotary International. Both of these changes will help clubs and youth programs expand and grow stronger in part by enabling RI to distribute tools and information to club contacts. The Programs for Young Leaders contacts will stay connected with all of the youth programs their club sponsors, amplifying participants’ ideas and input and advocating for safe, inclusive programs. They will also serve as the main contact for any Interact clubs their club sponsors, attend Interact meetings, and find opportunities for Interactors to attend the sponsor club’s meetings and activities. Learn more about the Programs for Young Leaders contact. ....
Rotaractors now have access to Rotary Club Central — Rotary’s free and easy-to-use goal planning and tracking platform. Club leaders can use the tool to add and track goals, while club members can track their club’s progress. Rotaract clubs can also earn this year’s Rotaract Club Excellence Award (formerly the Rotary Citation*) by entering their goals directly into Rotary Club Central.
It’s not too late to start planning your club’s future. Determine what your club wants to achieve and then go to Rotary Club Central (rcc.rotary.org) to set annual goals that can help your club reach its vision.
*Immediate past officers: still have the details from your paper form? You can also log in, switch back to 2023-24 and enter your goals and achievements to help add to your club's historical data!
We are a new Rotaract club in the district. We are an e-club that spans over the entire district 7070. We’ve approached you today to let you know we are actively recruiting future Rotaractors. So if you know any individuals who might be interested feel free to get them to sign up using our sign-up sheet in our bio or by emailing us directly. We are looking forward to learning more and creating a partnership with your club. Feel free to reach us at rotaract7070eclub@gmail.com If interested.
Our goals:
- To give Rotaractors a home after they graduate from a university-based Rotaract club
- To address service area gaps in Rotaract programs
- To foster and grow Rotaract in the District
- To be a central club that allows for tracking numbers and coordinating large-scale events like the Rotaract District Conference
- To be an access point between Rotaract and Rotary Clubs
- To be an inclusive space that builds goodwill and better friendships
- To foster Rotarians of the future
- To be a fun club where young professionals and university students get to network, and develop under rotary.
We look for your support in making this a reality.
Additionally below is our Linktree containing our social media and Sign-up Sheet, please circulate it to your club and networks.
The last two District Conferences featured our exchange students. I am sure you are all wanting to get in on the fun and excitement and get YOUR OWN EXCHANGE STUDENT.
Last year, at the Stirling Rotary Clubhouse , the Rotary Clubs of Stirling, Trenton, Brighton & Campbellford held a joint information session for prospective outbound students. We had 16 interested students and most students brought both of their parents. If you need a copy of the live presentation please contact trevor@thlogistics.ca . Do you need more information ? Details for this year's info session will be available soon. Please contact co-chairs Beth Selby selbyandvail@gmail.comor Trevor Hagerman trevor@thlogistics.ca
Please contact us TODAY .. we can do a presentation via Zoom or possibly in person visit to your club.
Chairs
Beth & Trevor
Attention - Rotarians and Rotoractors! ...... Interested in helping our district youth? Want to make lifelong friendships? The District Rotary Youth Exchange Committee welcomes you to join us!We meet monthly to select and support our District’s Rotary Youth Exchange Inbound and Outbound Students. Contact PDG Beth Selby (selbyandvail@gmail.com) or Trevor Hagerman (trevorshelley2020@gmail.com).
Posted by Laura Spear, Rotary Zone 32 Public Image Coordinator
Dear District Governors, District Public Image Chairs in Zone 32, and everyone interested in Rotary Public Image,
Here is the monthly Public Image update for April and May 2025l.
We often address questions about proper logo usage. The Brand Center has several pages about logos and graphics. For example, did you know that you should not use the yellow wheel (mark of excellence) by itself, and you should not use a lockup treatment for a committee name or with descriptive text or other logos that aren’t related to a partner, sponsor, event, or time-bound program? Learn more on the Do's and don'ts page.
Join the Rotary District 7070 Public Image Committee as we welcome Michael Angelo Caruso who will present 10 Unique Ideas to Make Your Club More Attractive. Michael will present 5 online strategies and 5 in-person (meeting) strategies. There will be lots of time for YOU to ask Michael questions .
Be sure to register on the District 7070 website event for Learning Tuesdays on THE NEW DATE OF AUGUST 19, 2025.
Who should attend: All Cub Presidents, President Elects, Club Membership and Public Image Chairs and Directors and all members interested making their club more attractive
Learning Objective: Get ideas on how you and your Club can make your club more attractive to potential members and to your community.
Agenda: Michael will present 5 online strategies and 5 in-person (meeting) strategies to make your club more attractive.
Lots of time to ask Michael questions about his ideas and perhaps ways to make your club more attractive.
Please Read More for all of the details and Please REGISTER TODAY.....
Our newest promotional campaign features videos of a diverse sample of members explaining how Rotary helps them further their passions and professions. The campaign’s initial rollout features testimonials by three U.S. members. Watch for future videos showcasing Rotary’s diversity of membership, breadth of experiences, and global reach. The testimonials are designed to complement Rotary’s People of Action messaging. Together, the videos and messaging work to deepen the public’s understanding of the many ways Rotary enriches members’ lives.
Visit the Brand Center to download these dynamic videos, and then post them on your social media channels and websites to introduce potential participants and members to everything they can find in Rotary. Lots more on Videos....
We’ve given our blog in English a new name and a fresh look. Rotary 360 replaces Rotary Voices and will capture the Rotary experience from every angle. You’ll find inspiring stories from Rotary members as well as thoughtful, conversation-starting pieces from our partner organizations and experts in various fields. Explore our new blog and share it with other members and people in your community. If you have a story to tell, send it to us at blog@rotary.org.
We’ve given our blog a new name and a fresh look. The Rotary Voices blog is now Rotary 360, and it captures Rotary’s story from every angle. Explore the blog website and look for projects and ideas that showcase how Rotary takes action to do good in the world and build community connections. Those inspiring stories can help build brand awareness when shared on your social media channels, helping to attract members, volunteers, and donors. Explore Rotary 360.
Nearly a decade ago, while Jennifer Jones was the chair of the Strengthen Rotary’s Brand Committee, Rotary International conducted in-depth research to better understand how the public viewed Rotary, our members, and our work. What we learned was that we needed to reposition the Rotary brand by focusing on clear, consistent messages and a unified visual identity. Based on the committee’s recommendation, the Rotary International Board of Directors approved new brand guidelines, which included how clubs should use the Rotary logo.......
When it comes to ending polio, we're "Unstoppable". In a new Brand Center video, “Unstoppable,” we tell the story of Rotary’s historic role in helping rid the world of polio. We started this job over 40 years ago and we haven’t stopped since. Members have contributed more than US$2.7 billion and countless volunteer hours to this cause, and our goal is closer than ever. Show your community what Rotary does – and can do – by sharing this exciting video on your website and social media channels. Download HERE.
“Connect & Inspire Through Storytelling,” a motivational webinar hosted by Rotary International and Toastmasters International, offers ideas on how to effectively tell your club’s stories. Panelists from Rotary and Toastmasters discuss connecting across demographic and cultural boundaries, bringing authenticity to your stories, and keeping things simple. Find an overview of the webinar and a link to view it in this Rotary Voices blog post by webinar moderator Mary Shackleton, District 7240 Endowment/Major Gifts subcommittee chair and a Toastmaster.
Data – indicators that provide insight into your projects – play an important role conveying the positive change your club or district makes in the community and can even propel people into action. Share your project data in compelling ways, such as through photos, video clips, or infographics, to inspire new partnership and funding opportunities, attract new members, and create stronger community bonds. The new Rotary Impact Handbook can help guide your club or district in gathering the right data to show your impact and demonstrate that you’re people of action.
Posted by David Andrews, Chair, District 7070 Public Image Committee
The Rotary International Board of Directors has made it very clear. A brand is more than just a logo, but a logo is a big part of our visual identity. When the public sees it throughout their community, they begin to think of Rotary members as people of action. Using the same visual elements unites Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact and allows us, as a diverse global organization, to tell our story with one voice.
The RI Board of Directors is asking every club to update its logo to align with Rotary’s brand guidelines
Unfortunately,I have noticed that some Rotary Clubs in our District are altering the Rotary logo for use in the marketing and promotion of their various events and projects.
This sends the wrong signal to the public. Many do not know who we are now and different “looks” to our logo just makes it worse. Please use the Rotary Brand Center ( see : https://brandcenter.rotary.org/en-us) and USE ONLY THE ONE ROTARY LOGO in your marketing and public relations initiatives. That would include your website , all social media sites and any signs you may have created.
A consistent voice and unified visual identity are essential components of a strong brand. Learn how to use Rotary’s communication and design elements to build awareness and recognition of Rotary and to tell the story of people of action. We continue to strive for One clear consistent look and message in all that we do, to ensure that everyone knows our “Rotary” message.....
It's a New Rotary Year - Check out the link and truthfully answer the questions on your club's web presence. Your 2024-25-26 Club Presidents already have a copy.
Rotary’s public image is shaped by the actions of every member, from how we conduct ourselves in meetings to how we represent Rotary at events and respond to needs in our communities. The club public image committee’s role is to create and implement a plan to tell Rotary’s local story, promote the club’s activities in the area, and raise awareness of Rotary’s work around the world. This list will help you assess how well your committee is shaping Rotary’s image.
It's a New Rotary Year - Check the Club Public Image Checklist. See how many checks you have accomplished , and start working on the rest of the checks. Your 2024-25-26 Club Presidents already have a copy. Here is the checklist.
Posted by Niecey Dillon-Tyrovolas, District 7070 Governor
To Rotarians in District 7070:
It's TIME TO GET YOUR CLUB NOTICED. Prospective members are checking YOU out - What will they see? Don't be left behind. REGISTER TODAY.
To assist the Rotary Clubs of District 7070 GET NOTICED, at the request of District Governor Virginia O'Reilly, the District Public Relations Committee is continuing the Rotary Club ClubRunner Website Refresh Program and Promotional Half Back Discount.
THIS PROGRAM IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR YOUR CLUB in 2025-26. Thirty-three of our District 7070 Rotary clubs have already completed the refresh program. These club websites are getting noticed by the public and potential members who are checking them out. When a prospective member looks to join a club, they look at YOUR club website. GET YOUR CLUB WEBSITE REFRESHED - REGISTER TODAY.
A few years ago, we asked Rob MacArthur, our District 7070 Public Image Public Investigator to carry out an investigation on all 55 Rotary clubs with respect to their club's Public Image. Rob looked at your club's basic web site setup as well as social media channels and the way they were being used. A spreadsheet of the results was made available for our District Leadership Team and Assistant Governors to review. The Pie Chart included shows a graphical representation of the results. Where do you "think" your club fits in this chart? What is the Image that the public have, about your club? Here is what Rob found out... Please Read more....
Posted by David Andrews, Chair, District 7070 Public Image Committee
Our District 7070 Public Image Committee is calling for YOU (Rotaractors and Rotarians in the District) to join our District Public Image Committee. Our scope is to boost Rotary's Public Image and to assist Rotary Clubs in D7070 to do the same.
We are looking for YOU, Rotaractors and Rotarians who have experience in the field of Public Relations, Social Media platforms, and news writing. We want you to use those very special talents to assist clubs and our Committee . Are you that Rotarian? Are you that Rotaractor? Are you interested ? Please contact Dave Andrews at dave.f.andrews99@gmail.com and we can set up a time to chat about your interests.
Be sure to see the Public Image menu tab on our District Website and check out our District Facebook Page , Twitter account and Instagram account and the District Newsletters too, for some idea of what we do.
Do you have events or fundraisers that you want other clubs to know about? Perhaps a project with which you need their assistance? Here are just three ways you can get your event, your message , a story about your club, or your "ask for help" out to your neighbouring Rotary Clubs, RIGHT HERE IN THIS NEWSLETTER:........
On behalf of Uzima Women Relief Group International, I am pleased to inform you that you have been selected as a recipient of the Uzima Women Relief Group International Award in recognition of your outstanding contributions to the community.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. We look forward to celebrating this achievement with you at the 2025 Uzima Annual Fundraising Dinner – International Women’s Day Celebrations on Saturday, March 8, 2025.
Posted by Past President Eric Nejat, Richmond Hill Rotary Club
Earth Week 2025 was certainly supported by Rotary Club is District 7070. Be sure to check out our District 7070 Facebook page for all of the posts from clubs in our District. The Rotary Clubs of Oshawa, Oshawa-Parkwood and Courtice even had the Ontario Minister of the Environment, Todd McCarthy helping clean up the Second Marsh, one of the province's largest natural wetlands right on Lake Ontario, as part of the 2025 Rotary Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup. Here is an article article from the Rotary Club of Richmond Hill's past President Eric Nejat telling us what their club did during earth Week in District 7070......
Safia Nur Ahmed , a member of the Rotary Club of Etobicoke, recalls desperate lack of women’s services during month-long stint in her homeland.
Seven months ago, on her first day volunteering at a pediatric hospital in Mogadishu, Toronto Public Health nurse Safia Nur Ahmed observed a woman moaning and lying on the ground under a tree, apparently left alone to die.
Instinctively, Ahmed went to the woman. “I touch her hand and she grabs my hand and puts it on her chest and squeezes it,” she says. Ahmed began massaging her chest. The woman, whom Ahmed would later learn had survived drought and the death of her eight-year-old son, stopped moaning and fell asleep.
“I sat there weeping. I’m still weeping,” Ahmed says of the incident and of what happened next. “All the other nurses came over and began to help massaging her,” she says. “It was as if they were waiting for permission.” ...
In keeping with the Action Plan, we’re shifting our approach to knowledge and skill building by moving from a training model to a learning model. You will notice this shift in titles for various key roles within Rotary, such as club learning facilitator, district learning facilitator, and district learning committee. It’s more than just semantics. Training involves someone with information delivering that knowledge to a group of participants. Participant-centered learning is an active instructional approach in which a facilitator guides participants who build on their knowledge and experience to share ideas, reach a goal, or solve a problem. We’re putting participants at the center of the learning experience an empowering them to take ownership of their learning and development. Club, district, and regional leaders are encouraged to consider how this shift from training to learning affects their activities and to make changes where needed. Learn more about the differences between training and facilitation in the Becoming an Effective Facilitator course in the Learning Center.
As Rotary’s approach to building knowledge and skills shifts from a training model to a learning model, we’re putting participants at the center of the learning experience so they can direct their own learning and skill development.
Watch our webinar that was shown on February 13, 2024 to explore how to create dynamic learning experiences through facilitated dialogue and idea sharing.
Posted by Iosif Ciosa, Past District Governor and District 7070 Learning Chair
Welcome to your Rotary District 7070 Learning in this year. The District 7070 Learning committee is bringing all learning sessions under one umbrella.
The learining sessions (events) on the district website are one colour – red
A form to be used by our District Committees when putting together a training/learning session to tell you all about the learning session. This form (see the attached form in the next story in this newsletter) will be sent to Iosif and to Bob Wallace posting on to the District website
We have also created a NEW section in the Monthly District Newsletter that will show the learning session in the upcoming month
District Governor Niecy Dillon Tyrovolas will also add any learning sessions to her weekly message.
Please Read more to see just some of the future learning sessions already planned for YOU....
There are lots of tips and tools of the trade when it comes to Public Image, Membership, The Rotary Foundation and Governance, when it comes to you and your Rotary or Rotaract club. This is exactly what we have in store for you.
On Tuesdays, on a monthly basis , we will be presenting learning opportunities, in one-hour zoom sessions, for you and your club members, to help you with many ways that you can learn more about Rotary and really help your club.
Go to the District website calendar and register today.
In 2024-25, we will have 9 sessions ( No sessions in the months: July, December & June) with sessions allocated as follows: 2 sessions on Governance; 2 sessions on Membership; 1 session on The Rotary Foundation; and 1 session on Public Image. Watch the District 7070 Calendar for the time and date. Stay tuned for more details, these sessions are being developed as we speak. And even more planned for 2025-26.
Posted by Iosif Ciosa, Chair District 7070 Learning Committee
To District 7070 Committees: From: Committee Chair: Iosif Ciosa
Learning 2025-26 Description Form : Please use the 2023-24 form until a new one is developed.
Here is the 2023-24 Learning Description Form that we would like you to fill out and sent to Iosif Ciosa when you create the learning event that we will put on the District Website.
You may attach pictures, flyers, artwork or graphics (please make sure that pictures or graphics are not copywritten and are royalty free).
The Action Plan is a sustainable approach to creating and maintaining healthy clubs. President Stephanie A. Urchick and the Action Plan champions are asking all members to use the Action Plan framework to help address challenges and meet your club’s and district’s goals. Visit rotary.org/actionplan to use the Action Plan Toolkit today.
One thing successful clubs have in common is effective goal setting. When club leaders plan for the future, they give the club a sense of direction. Whether you aim to welcome more members, complete more service projects, or improve the experience your club offers members, setting goals motivates members to work toward a common purpose. Rotary Club Central makes it easy for Rotary and Rotaract clubs to plan and track their goals. Club leaders can now set yearly goals for up to three years and record the club’s accomplishments, and all members can view the club’s progress. Plus, future leaders can use past goals to make informed decisions about the club’s direction. It’s never too late to start planning for your club’s future. Visit Rotary Club Central and get started.
Whether you want to improve your members’ club experience in the short term, grow your overall membership, or do both, Rotary Club Central can help you reach your membership goals. With the latest updates to Rotary Club Central, you can now add goals for three consecutive years, allowing you to track your progress as you work toward your club’s long-term vision. Learn more by visiting the Learning Center. If you haven't visited the Learning Center before, go to rotary.org/learn, register for or sign in to My Rotary, and accept the privacy policy. Then, search for Rotary Club Central Resources.
16,000 Rotary members and participants from 140 countries registered for the service organization’s international convention in CalgaryCALGARY (25 June 2025) – As Rotary’s international convention in Calgary draws to
Rotary’s ‘Pathways to Peace and Prosperity in Colombia’ program will strengthen local leadership, expand access to social protection, and create entrepreneurial opportunities.
Rotarians from all over the world, including our representative, Past District 7070 Governor Bill Mackay, met in Chicago, Illinois, USA 13-17 April to vote on the rules governing Rotary clubs. Representatives considered more than 75 proposals. The Council approved an increase in the dues that all members pay to Rotary International each year through 2028-29. The Board argued the increases were needed to keep providing valuable programs and services to members. The Council also approved allowing clubs to charter with as few as 15 members instead of 20. 
In his May 2025 letter to Rotarians, Past District Governor Bob Wallace, Chair of the District 7070 Rotary Foundation Committee, encourages every Rotarian to set and meet their club and personal goals and make a conscious effort to make a donation to The Rotary Foundation, whatever you can afford, to the Annual Programs Fund, the PolioPlus Fund, the Disaster Response Fund, and to the Endowment Fund. Help us reach of Magic of Millions Goal by June 30, 2025. Are you a member of the Paul Harris Society OR the PolioPlus Society? Did you attend the November 16 Rotary Foundation Grant Qualification Seminar? Please Read more.......
Past District Governor Mike Cooksey once told me that if you want more Rotary members, you have to ask. He told every Rotarian he saw to "Get your Ask in Gear". His words certainly reflect one of the District 7070 Action Plans. Our goal is to receive 100 inquires from the "Join Us" or "Interested In Joining Us?" button on the District 7070 Website. Here is our challenge to your club: By the end of this Rotary year we want over 45 Rotary Clubs have a "Join Us" or "Interested In Joining Us?" button on their own club website AND for your club to have a "member conversion process" from these inquiries. It's up to you..jpg?_=638869066577057896)
Sara Poehlman has joined Rotary as the new Basic Education and Literacy (BEL) Area of Focus Manager, bringing 25 years of experience in education and peacebuilding across 40 countries. She plans to collaborate with members of the BEL Rotary Action Group (BELRAG) and build upon the initiatives of her predecessor, Dr. Regina Fuller-White.
Here is the latest Honouring Indigenous People Rotary News and Events, projects, blogs, photos, films, and resources. There are many major initiatives and resources available to you and your Rotary club. Your Club can help. Our District 7070 Action Committee's Areas of Focus Coordinator is Bill Empey from the Rotary Club of Toronto If you have a good news story, or want to help starting a project, please contact Bill. Here are some news highlights .........
