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 Niecy Dillon Tyrovolas , District 7070 Governor , 2025-26
In her September 2025 Newsletter, District 7070 Governor Niecy Dillon Tyrovolas talks about clubs she has visited buzzing with energy with fresh ideas and inspired leadership, as we make meaningful impact in our communities. She is also pleased that so many clubs collaborate on so many wonderful projects. She is also encouraged by the boost in social image presence and it really makes a difference by spreading awareness about Rotary and about our clubs and what we do. She reminds us that September is Basic Education and Literacy Month and encourages us to share our ideas and projects. Be sure to encourage all of you members to register for our Rotary Leadership Institute sessions in September and we hope to see everyone at the Rotary Foundation Walk on September 28. Keep the momentum going everyone as we all Unite for Good..... .. Please Read more. .........
Posted by Francesco Arezzo, Rotary International President 2025-26
In President Francesco's September 2025 Newsletter, he talks about Rotary’s Basic Education and Literacy Month, and our clear call to action: to strengthen the foundation of learning in every community we serve. We know the solution: sustainable, inclusive, and equitable education, especially for girls and marginalized youths. He says that literacy is the key to human dignity, economic mobility, and peace . He adds, "Our work in education must extend beyond a single year. Literacy projects take time to take root, grow, and bear fruit.". Here is his call to action: "Let us use this month to welcome new members with a passion for education and empower existing ones to lead service projects that reflect local needs. Whether you’re building libraries, distributing textbooks, or mentoring students, your actions matter". He says that the fight for literacy is not only about access, it’s about equity. It is about ensuring every learner, regardless of background, has the opportunity to reach their potential. "Lets commit to Literacy that lasts" ......
In an increasingly divided world, Rotary remains a beacon for unity. As we move Rotary forward, our core values and mission remain constant, keeping us focused on membership, peace, and polio.
We begin this year with a clear message: Unite for Good. It is an extraordinary phrase for its simplicity, brevity, and impact. Because behind every act of service, every new member, and every global challenge, two things matter most: friendship and trust.
Posted by Holger Knaack, Chair of the Trustees , Rotary Foundation 2024-25
In Past President Holger Knaack's Rotary Foundation September 2025 Newsletter, he says that education is the most powerful tool we have for changing the world, and during Basic Education and Literacy Month, he reminds us why our work matters. Holger says, "Education breaks the cycle of poverty, opens doors to opportunity, and empowers individuals to transform their communities. But education doesn’t exist in a vacuum. We must also address peace, health, clean water, economic opportunity, maternal and child health, and the environment.". We get to learn about Lynne Paradis from Red Deer Alberta and Literacy Alive! which has been supported by eight Rotary Foundation global grants since 2011, and how good Rotary is at creating systemic change. ....
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" September 2025 video from Christine Etienne, our Rotary International Director, in our September 2025 Rotary District 7070 Newsletter , and on the Rotary Zone 28 and 32 website.
As soon as Chris' "In The Zone" September 2025 video is available, it will be inserted into the District 7070 September Newsletter that appears on our Rotary District 7070 website and also on the Rotary Zone 28 and 32 website . ....... This month, Chris talks about .....Please Read more.....
What is your Rotary Club doing to support this important Rotary Foundation Area of Focus?
Basic education and literacy is one of The Rotary Foundation’s seven areas of focus. We know that basic education and literacy are essential for reducing poverty, improving health, encouraging community and economic development, and promoting peace. ......
Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, a member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria, has been selected to become Rotary International’s president for 2026-27. Current Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo said, "I know we will continue to Unite for Good under your leadership. Congratulations!"
Posted by Past District Governor Virginia O'Reilly
Our Immediate Past District Governor Virginia O'Reilly is very excited to congratulate the 22 Clubs in District 7070 who achieved the Club Excellence Award during her year as District Governor (2024-2025). We will hand out the Awards at District Governor Niecy's District Conference in Ocotber.
How did these Clubs achieve the Citation, you ask?
The Club Excellence Award recognizes Clubs that achieve specific goals throughout the Rotary year. Clubs can find these goals in Rotary Club Central.
The successful Clubs reviewed all of the available goals, selected at least half of them, worked to achieve their selected goals, and reported their achievements in Rotary Club Central.
The goals focus on activities that vibrant Clubs typically do, such as increasing membership, engaging in service projects locally and/or internationally, building awareness of Rotary in their community, and donating to The Rotary Foundation.
What is the benefit of achieving the Award?
The Club Excellence Award isn't just an honour that gives your Club bragging rights. It is an important tool to help monitor the health and growth of your Club. The goals help Clubs engage their members, stay relevant in their communities, and function more efficiently.
If you need assistance with this, please reach out to your Assistant District Governor. Discuss the goals with members of your Club. It would be great to double the number of Clubs who achieve a Club Excellence Award in 2025-2026!!
Rotary Membership Meetup - Tomorrow - Tuesday this month only at 7:30 pm Eastern. Check below or Zone 28-32 calendar for zoom link. You won't want to miss this "State of the Continent - Membership Review" - critical info as you plan the next quarter of the Rotary year! https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86755780910...
Posted by Susan Hunter, Chair District 7070 Rotary Leadership Institute
For the fall of 2025, we are staying with our Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) programming in the virtual format. Although we all appreciate that videoconference will never replace the personal connection that we get from meeting face-to-face, RLI is a very successful program with overwhelming response and enthusiasm from Rotarians across the District. Rotarians new to Rotary and even those with many years of service benefit from learning how we can create strong clubs with vibrant members who are engaged and committed to Service Above Self.
In partnership with District 5370 Rotary Indigenous Committee and the Speaker Series, we are honoured to host Dr. Niigaan Sinclair — renowned Anishinaabe scholar, writer, and public intellectual — as the featured speaker for our upcoming session on September 25, 2025.
Dr. Sinclair will lead a compelling and timely discussion on Truth and Reconciliation, exploring the ongoing journey of healing and justice between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. This is an opportunity for Rotarians and community members to deepen understanding, strengthen relationships, and commit to meaningful action.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025 Time: 7:00 PM Eastern Time (4:00 PM PT | 5:00 PM MT | 6:00 PM CT | 8:00 PM AT | 8:30 PM NT)
The Rotary District 7070 Public Image Committee welcomed Michael Angelo Caruso who presented 10 Unique Ideas to Make Your Club More Attractive. Michael presented 5 online strategies and 5 in-person (meeting) strategies. There were lots questions and some very informative answers. See the recording now available on the Rotary District 7070 You Tube Channel. of time for YOU to ask Michael questions .
Who should attend: Over 56 members of our Rotary family attended - Cub Presidents, President Elects, Club Membership and Public Image Chairs and Directors, Rotaractors, Interactors from other Districts too - all interested making their club more attractive
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.
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 September 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. Are you a member of the Paul Harris Society OR the PolioPlus Society? Be sure to attend the November 2025 Rotary Foundation Grant Qualification Seminar. Please Read more.........
Welcome to the annual Rotary District 7070 Foundation Walk. Everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy a great walk, fellowship with new and old friends and to raise money for the Rotary Foundation. The Walk will happen rain or shine. On September 28, 2025 from 9 AM to 1 PM at Nort Johnson District Park, 7800 Islington Avenue, Vaughn, ON L4L 2S7 . Please register today and start collecting pledges from your friends and Rotarians. Click here to register
In her inaugural address at the June, at the District Governor Changeover, our 2026 -26 District Governor Niecy Dillon-Tyrovolas challenged all of us to help Bob Wallace and Jim Louttit, who announced a new Rotary District 7070 Goal for The Rotary Foundation called "The Magic of Millions". She has asked us to try and achieve the goal to raise $1 million by the end of the year. 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 in November , you will find out even more how you can help us reach that Magic of Millions.
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 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....
Rotary and Gates Foundation extend partnership to end polio
Rotary and the Gates Foundation are renewing their long-standing partnership to end polio. At the 2025 Rotary International Convention, they announced their joint commitment to keep supporting the global eradication effort.
Rotary will continue to raise US$50 million per year, with every dollar to be matched with two additional dollars from the Gates Foundation. Over three years, this renewed agreement will deliver up to US$450 million to support the Global Polio Eradication Initiative
WORLD POLIO DAY 2025 - LIVE Broadcast from Oshawa, Ontario, CANADA
ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025 - 07:00 pm to 8:15 pm - the 10 Durham Region Rotary Clubs invite YOU to join us LIVE ON-LINE where we will celebrate World Polio Day with leaders from around the world, hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Oshawa and Oshawa-Parkwood, and Durham College.
This year will be on-line only. Next year we will be back at the Rotary Global Classroom at Durham College in Oshawa, Ontario.
Starting at 7 PM, District 7070 will broadcast our event LIVE to Rotary Clubs and to the public, around the world and to Universities and colleges worldwide.
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.
A PolioPlus Society membership can completed here by clicking here.
Healthy clubs provide the positive experience that’s essential to member satisfaction and retention. The Action Plan can help you enhance your club experience, address challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and explore new ideas. Use the Action Plan’s four priorities to develop your goals. Then, use the Strategic Planning Guide (PDF) to develop your long-term plan
Some of the regions with the most membership growth are Africa and the Middle East, India, and Central and Southeast Asia, and these regions are also among those making the most use of the Action Plan. Join the movement by exploring the Action Plan through our new series of videos and discussion guides. Pick one of the plan’s priorities: increase our impact, expand our reach, enhance participant engagement, or improve our ability to adapt. Then watch the video, and start a conversation in your club using the discussion guide. It’s that easy to bring strategy to life. The videos are also a great backup when you need a last-minute way to enliven a meeting or fill a speaker slot. Get the English guides and videos here.
Posted by Lee Ann Searight, Rotary International Membership Resources Specialist
Every month is a time when we should celebrate our members, recognize their contributions, and engage with prospective members. We have many resources you can use to promote membership in your club and enhance participant engagement. Here are 10 ideas for planning an exciting time for them:
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......
As you prepare for the new Rotary year, remember that engaged members lead to a vibrant club. Members are more likely to be engaged when their needs are met, and the best way to understand your members’ needs is to ask about them. You can use a member interest survey and a member satisfaction survey to gather this valuable information that will help improve your club experience.
These surveys have a new, editable online format, so you can easily customize questions for your members. The guides below will help you do that. After members complete a survey, you’ll be able to view the results online.
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.
With nearly 600 Rotary members in approximately 80 countries, the Rotary Foundation's Cadre of Technical Advisers has been helping Rotary members tackle complex projects since 1995. Cadre members volunteer their professional skills and wide-ranging expertise to help clubs plan and implement projects more effectively. Read more about how these experts can help you with your next project.
Learn how to plan and implement effective projects with the Service Project Essentials courses in the Learning Center. You’ll discover ways to engage your community and increase your club’s impact. The four courses include general advice on planning projects, a guide to creating a budget, and tips for evaluating your project. The courses can be completed in about an hour.
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
Posted by Ally Buck, Rotary and Community Fundraising Coordinator with ShelterBox Canada on Sep 01, 2025
Here is the latest update from Ally Buck, the Rotary and Community Fundraising Coordinator with ShelterBox Canada. She is getting to know the Rotary Clubs and Rotarians that support ShelterBox. Ally is originally from Pictou County, Nova Scotia where she attended the Nova Scotia Community College’s Social Services/Community Development program. She relocated to Kingston, Ontario to attend Queen’s University where she graduated with her BA in Global Development Studies and is a member of the Rotaract Club of Kingston......
BEL Around The World Webinar Series September 1 - September 30, 2025
This September, we are launching another “BEL Around the World Webinar Series,” a month-long event designed to highlight education and literacy projects from Rotary members around the world. Each day will feature two different 30-minute webinars showcasing active Rotary projects, sharing insights, and discussing impactful strategies for improving basic education and literacy.
Spread the word with your Rotary clubs, partner organizations, and networks. Thank you to our partner, mEducation Alliance, for helping to make this month-long event happen.
Watch the BELRAG website beginning August 30 for weekly webinar topics and the Zoom link. AND SEE BELOW .......
Basic Education Projects Awards Apply By 30 September 2025
Apply to be recognized by BELRAG for your exemplary efforts in supporting basic education and literacy. Each year, BELRAG awards up to four basic education and literacy projects. The specifications of the award are that:
Projects should be currently implemented or ongoing
Three Rotary Club projects will be awarded
One Rotaract Club project will be awarded
Each award is $500 USD
Applications are due no later than September 30, 2025
The Rotarian submitting the project must be a current member of BELRAG
Applications are online. Use these links to submit one (or more!) projects supporting basic education and literacy and see the rubric used to score projects.
On September 1, the Roll a Hippo Foundation will become the Rolling Water Foundation.
We’re changing our name to better reflect what we do. It’s the same mission, same team, and the same focus—getting water rollers into the hands of vulnerable women and children in South Africa.
What’s Changing
Our public name and branding (website, email, receipts) will now say Rolling Water Foundation.
You'll see updated visuals in our reports and on social media.
What’s Not Changing
Our partnership with Rotary Clubs delivering Survival Garden Kits.
Your impact—every dollar still pushes water access forward.
Our Canadian charitable registration number (#800661845RR0001).
There’s nothing you need to do—past receipts remain valid.
Thank you for standing with us as we roll forward!
Posted by Bill Empey, Chair, Rotary District 7070 HIP Committee
Summer greetings. Here is the latest news about HIP activities;
National Y2Y Program for 2026
Plans are now underway for the fourth annual HIP Y2Y program at the Six Nations Grand River Territory near Brantford Ontario from March 22 to 28, 2026. I will be reaching out to 7070 Clubs, teachers, indigenous leaders, parents and students; encouraging applications, seeking opportunities for students to speak at your clubs and asking for funding. This immersive program creates space for dialogue, cultural exchange, and land-based learning guided by Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and educators. It empowers young leaders to carry forward reconciliation in their schools, communities, and future careers.
Key Dates:
Applications Open: September 1, 2025
Applications Close: December 15, 2025
Program Dates: Online Feb 2026: In-person March 22–28, 2026 at Six Nations of the Grand River, Ontario
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 .........
Attending a Rotary event can be an eye-opening experience for participants in our programs for young leaders, such as Interact, Youth Exchange, and Rotary Youth Leadership Symposium, as well as recent alumni of these programs. Invite these young leaders to local, district, regional, and international Rotary conferences. There are many ways to make these events more accessible to younger people:
Review your club and district budgets to provide full or partial support for young leaders to attend.
Reduce or waive conference registration fees for Rotary youth participants, and encourage clubs that sponsor a young person to help defray the cost of travel and accommodations.
Appoint young leaders to serve on event organization committees. When young people help design an event, they bring new and exciting ideas, making the gathering more appealing to their peers.
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. .....
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. .....
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).
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.
Posted by Amy Sheller, Rotary Zone 32 Public Image Chair
Hello Rotarians and Rotaractors , and all Rotary Public Image enthusiasts in Rotary Zones 28 & 32,
Beginning this month, you’ll receive quick monthly updates from the Zones 28 & 32 Public Image Teams — packed with tools, tips, and learning opportunities to help you elevate Rotary’s brand and amplify the impact of your club’s stories.
We’re here to support your Public Image efforts all year long. Know someone else who should be receiving these updates? Just reply to Amy or Cheryl, and we’ll add them to the list.
Look at the great checklist. from our friends in Rotary District 5810 in north Texas. All action items . Time to get ready for 2025-26. How is your checklist coming?
We've got you covered with our New Year Rotary Checklist! Whether you're updating your club's website, revamping social media profiles, or planning exciting community projects, this checklist will ensure your club shines bright in 2025. Check out the checklist to start the year strong and make a lasting impact in our community! Let's show the world what Rotary is all about.
The president’s message for 2025-26, Unite for Good, is an idea that calls for us to work together to build our global impact. It also helps to create stronger recognition of Rotary’s name in our communities and with potential service partners. Use the Rotary-wide presidential message, rather than creating your own themes or messages, to provide a consistent, unified voice for your club and district communications. In the Brand Center, you’ll find graphics, logo lockup templates, sample social media posts, and guidance on using the Unite for Good message.
Do you want to get media attention for your club, project, or event? The redesigned Press Center provides members, bloggers, podcasters, and journalists with material for stories. You’ll find photos, videos, fact sheets, and a “Highlights” section showcasing Rotary coverage. The Press Center also has information about Rotary’s celebrity ambassadors, media contact information, and our latest press releases. Use the Press Center to enhance your stories and share them with the media. New features are being added regularly, so visit often!
Looking for an angle to get your club, project, or event covered in the local press? We’ve redesigned the Press Center to provide storytellers – bloggers, podcasters, broadcasters, and print journalists – with a central location to find ideas, images, and content about Rotary that will help them craft their stories. You’ll find photos and video resources, factsheets, and information about Rotary’s celebrity ambassadors (pictured at left) that can help you when contacting local media.
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.)
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....
Rotary's mission is timeless, but what worked for Rotary and its clubs in the past may not be the most effective approach today. The world has changed, people have changed, and communication has changed. In a Rotary 360 blog post, Herb Silverman, president of the Rotary Club of Impact Ocala, Florida, USA, outlines some of the ways his club is embracing change and how other clubs can do the same. Modernizing communications is high on his list. Learn more about how to adapt our tools and embrace today’s opportunities.
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.......
“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:........
Many clubs in Rotary District 7070 assisted with this Global Grant. Here is a nice thank you from Shashi Bedi, Rotary Club of Whitby
Dear project partners, Greetings from Rotary Club of Whitby.
I am happy to share the photos with you on the Global grant GG 2569509 project - Rotary Mobile cancer screening Van, showing the exterior and Interior of the Bus with the layout of state of the art cancer screening equipment and the inauguration of the Bus. The bus is fully air conditioned with the generator backup power. The fabrication of Bus started in May, 2025 and was completed in July, 2025. This bus is ready to roll to screen the Breast, Cervical and Oral cancer for marginalized people of Patna, the capital and largest city of Bihar (Backward state) in North East part of India, the first camp to be organized soon. The bus will be accompanied by Hospital staff of a male and a female doctor, nurse and a technician for screening of the patients. This project will make a difference to save the lives of people by early detection and treatment of cancer. The local Mahavir cancer research centre and Hospital will provide the free cancer treatment for marginalised people as per the agreement with Rotary and Hospital. About 5,000 people will be screened annually for cancer.
Thank you for your kind support on this worthy project.
Welcome to the Rotary Club of North Scarborough & Scarborough Community Renewal Organization (SCRO) Fall Gala Fund Raising Event!
Join us for a fun, food, and fundraising night at the Centennial College Event Centre. Get ready for an evening filled with entertainment, live auctions, and 50/50 draw (cash only). Your attendance will help support our Scarborough community initiatives and make a difference in the lives of those in need. Come dressed to impress and ready to make a difference. We can't wait to see you there!
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 Diana Edwards Supervisor, Rotary International Regional Membership Officer I Membership Development
Welcome to a new Rotary year! I’m Diana Edwards the Regional Membership Officer for zones 28 and 32. If we’ve not met yet I’m sure we will soon.
I wanted to share some new updates that’s happening in the Learning Center, please feel free to pass along as needed.
Mobile Update!
We launched the new mobile app. Anyone who had the Go Learn app should remove it from their phones. The app has had over 11,000 downloads since 27 May. (If you’re experiencing any difficulties, please contact learn@rotary.org).
2024-25 Highlights
15% of members use the Learning Center (this number remained the same compared to last year because we have done several data refreshes to have a more accurate count, there is also an unknown number of members being counted as non-members due to their My Rotary account not being connected to their club).
377,310 course completions which is a 23% increase from last year.
9,560 average number of unique learners that visit the Learning Center monthly, a 17% increase from last year.
64% of clubs have at least one member who visited the Learning Center this year up 15% from last year.
Posted by Sarah Remijan Director of Learning and Development Rotary International
You asked for a better mobile experience with Rotary’s Learning Center, and here it is! Introducing the new app, a more direct and intuitive way to access the Learning Center on your mobile devices.
It’s now easier than ever to complete your role-based courses, track your progress, and explore other courses and resources — wherever you are.
Rotary’s Learning Center has a new mobile app that makes completing your public image courses (and others!) even easier. RotaryLearn replaces the GoLearn app and gives you a more direct and intuitive way to use the Learning Center. In addition to taking courses on your mobile device, you can review your progress and explore other Learning Center resources wherever you are. Search for Rotary Learning Center in your app store, download and open it, sign in to My Rotary, and explore!
To get started:
Download Rotary Learning Center from your app store.
Open the app and enter your My Rotary username and password.
Find your courses.
If you’ve accessed the Learning Center previously through the Go.Learn app, you’ll find that the RotaryLearn app is a more streamlined experience. After you get started with RotaryLearn, you can remove Go.Learn from your mobile devices. If you have questions, write to learn@rotary.org. . Happy learning!
Big changes are here and even bigger things are on the way!
We recently hosted our What's New webinar to unveil exciting updates and provide a sneak peek at what's next. Whether you joined us live or missed it, we’ve got you covered.........
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 Francesco Arezzo 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.
In Past President Holger Knaack's Rotary Foundation September 2025 Newsletter, he says that education is the most powerful tool we have for changing the world, and during Basic Education and Literacy Month, he reminds us why our work matters. Holger says, "Education breaks the cycle of poverty, opens doors to opportunity, and empowers individuals to transform their communities. But education doesn’t exist in a vacuum. We must also address peace, health, clean water, economic opportunity, maternal and child health, and the environment.". We get to learn about Lynne Paradis from Red Deer Alberta and Literacy Alive! which has been supported by eight Rotary Foundation global grants since 2011, and how good Rotary is at creating systemic change. ....
In his September 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. Are you a member of the Paul Harris Society OR the PolioPlus Society? Be sure to attend the November 2025 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?_=638964061073209202)
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 .........
