Rotary August 2026 District Update (Aug 01, 2026)

DG CINDY CHASE'S MONTHLY MESSAGE

AUGUST 2026

Exploring Rotary - Are We Ready?

As I sat among 3,400 people at Denver's Mile Long Table this past weekend, something struck me.

I saw 3,400 strangers sharing a meal in the spirit of community connection. It was the very best of the human spirit.

I saw faces ready to meet new people, enjoying the welcoming energy and vibe that was being created—and knowing Rotary clubs everywhere in the world offer that very same feeling and experience.

I found myself wondering...

What if all these people decided to join us in Rotary?

Are we prepared to welcome them when they arrive?

Are we ready for fresh ideas, different perspectives, younger voices, new cultures, new professions, and experiences that may challenge us to think differently?

These thoughts caused me to take a deep breath... and I think I'm still exhaling.

If we are ready, then that preparation belongs to all of us. Every committee. Every board member. Every Rotarian helps shape the experience someone has when they say "yes" to Rotary.

It's about creating a place where, from the moment someone walks through the door, they feel seen, valued, and welcomed.

Inside our clubs, we may need to discover new speakers and thought leaders who reflect the interests and curiosity of today's communities. We may need to create projects that engage more hands, more talents, and more passions. We may need to provide an onboarding experience that helps new members build friendships, understand Rotary, and quickly find meaningful ways to contribute.

Membership Month is about growing our capacity to welcome, inspire, and create a place where every person who joins us feels they've found a community worth coming back to.

The exciting news is that our District's Membership and Visioning Committees have developed outstanding tools and resources to help clubs imagine what's possible, strengthen their member experience, and prepare for thoughtful, sustainable growth. You don't have to do it alone.

So, this month, I'd like to offer a different challenge.

Think beyond who you might invite to Rotary.

Imagine what your club would look like if twenty new people suddenly said yes.

Is your club ready?

Are you?

Am I really ready?

As I think back to the Mile Long Table, I realize Rotary has been creating tables like that for generations. Our tables may be smaller, but the invitation is the same: come share ideas, build friendships, serve your community, and leave the world a little better than you found it.

This August, as we continue Exploring Rotary, let's not simply invite more people to the table.

Let's make sure we're ready when they take a seat.

With gratitude,

Cindy Chase
District Governor 2026–2027
Rotary District 5450

THE DISTRICT IS HERE FOR YOU

Membership grows one invitation at a time. This month, invite someone to experience Rotary through service, fellowship, or a conversation.

And if they say yes - what's next? How do you create a “second yes” to become a true member of the club and Rotarian? Click Here for a 4-minute video on how to turn the initial yes into a long-term commitment.

Rotary District 5450 is partnering with The HungreeApp to help connect surplus food and resources with nearby neighbors in need. Service Above Self can begin with a single shared meal. Through the website RotaryD5450Cares, Rotarians have an opportunity to help strengthen communities, reduce waste, and expand access to food by supporting a platform that is attracting attention from cities, universities, and global organizations.

EXPANDING GLOBAL CONNECTIONS THROUGH NEW ROTARY INTERCOUNTRY COMMITTEES - District 5450 is proud to become a U.S. charter partner in Rotary International's new USA–Slovenia–North Macedonia Intercountry Committee (ICC). Intercountry Committees are Rotary-sponsored partnerships between districts in different countries that promote international understanding, friendship, cultural exchange, and collaborative service projects. Every club and Rotarian in District 5450 can participate in the ICC activities. Joan Tilden, District 5450 Lieutenant Governor, has been appointed as the District's ICC liaison. She will coordinate our district’s ICCs and will help interested clubs connect with these exciting international partnerships through shared projects and friendship exchanges. CLICK HERE to read the full story.

ROTARY CONVENTION JUNE 26-30, 2027: BARCELONA, SPAIN at the Fira de Barcelona | Registration will open Fall 2026 - you can sign up to receive email updates on the opening date of registration, how to register, and special promotion rates. Additional convention information can be found on the Rotary Convention website. You might consider looking at hotel rooms/Airbnb's now before rates go up!

CLUB CONNECTIONS

EVERGREEN ROTARY PROMOTES “PENNIES FOR POLIO” — a fundraiser to help end polio once and for all. The club plans to place 5-gallon yellow painted water jugs throughout the community to collect donations. The fundraiser will end on World Polio Day on October 24, 2026. If your club would like to participate in (or copy) this fundraiser contact Tim Egan.

Send your club stories to office@rotary5450.org to be included in the newsletter. And make sure to check out the CLUB EVENTS page and see all of the events happening around the District.

THE ROTARY FOUNDATION

The Rotary Foundation helps Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.

Rotary Year 2026-2027

Exciting news for Rotarians across District 5450!
Our District Grants and Global Grants programs are officially open for the 2026–2027 Rotary year. Now is the time for clubs to put service ideas into action.

District Grants

Funding Available: $119,000 in District Designated Funds (DDF)
How to Apply:
- Clubs must be qualified.
- Rotarian from your club must have attended the District Grant Training
- Applications are submitted online through the new Grants Module on the District website.
- Resource: District 5450 District Grants Page

Global Grants

Funding Available: $140,000 in District Designated Funds (DDF)
Global Grants are also open and available for projects that meet The Rotary Foundation’s guidelines.
Resource: District 5450 Global Grants Page

Questions? Contact Robert Mintz at robertmintz@comcast.net

Foundation Points Matching Program

The District will continue to offer a 1-to-1 Foundation points match to help members become Paul Harris Fellows. If you are not yet a Paul Harris Fellow, your personal contributions will be matched with points to reach your first Paul Harris recognition.

Examples:

New Contributor:
- Donate $500 → District adds 500 points → You become a Paul Harris Fellow.
Partial Contributor:
- Already donated $200 → Contribute $400 → District adds 400 points → You become a Paul Harris Fellow.
Close to Goal:
- Already donated $500 → Contribute $250 → District adds 250 points → You become a Paul Harris Fellow.

How Foundation Recognition Points Work

Earning Points:
- Points are awarded for contributions to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or sponsorship of a Foundation grant (1 point per $1).
- Contributions to the Endowment Fund do not earn points.
Using Points:
- Points can be transferred to help another person become a Paul Harris Fellow or Multiple Paul Harris Fellow.
- Points belong to the original donor unless transferred or used.
- The surviving spouse of a Major Donor may also use the points.
Tracking Points:
- Club and district leaders can view points and recognition levels in the Club Recognition Summary.
- Individual donors can see their history by logging into My Rotary or requesting a Donor History Report at rotarysupportcenter@rotary.org

Please contact David Willman to take advantage of this great Program! dwillman66@icloud.com

Bring a Rotary Foundation Program to Your Club

Looking for an engaging and informative program for an upcoming club meeting? The Rotary District Foundation team offers a variety of presentations designed to educate, inspire, and help members maximize their impact through The Rotary Foundation.

Our experienced Foundation speakers are available to visit your club and present on topics including:

The Rotary Foundation Overview – Learn how the Foundation transforms gifts into life-changing projects around the world and in our communities.
PolioPlus: Ending Polio Forever – Discover Rotary's leadership in the global effort to eradicate polio and how every Rotarian can help finish the job.
Paul Harris Fellow Recognition & Giving – Understand the significance of Paul Harris Fellow recognition and the many ways members can support the Foundation.
District & Global Grants – Explore how grants can help your club fund impactful local and international service projects.
The Rotary Endowment – Learn why creating a lasting legacy through the Endowment is one of the most meaningful ways to ensure Rotary continues Doing Good in the World for generations to come.

Whether your members are new to Rotary or longtime Foundation supporters, these presentations provide valuable information and inspiration. To schedule a Foundation presentation for your club, please send me an email foundation@rotary5450.org

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE OPPORTUNITY

Join the Summit County RC in a weeklong Rotary service trip to Bocas del Toro, Panama on October 11-17. ONLY 6 spots remaining to reach maximum of 12. Family members including children are welcome. Great opportunity to perform community service in a remote, beautiful Panamanian island while also having the opportunity to explore Panama City and the canal. Click here to view the flyer.

Rotarians will participate in vocational training of young adults in preparation for employment in the local tourism service industry. This service week will concentrate on practicing English. Participants do not need to speak Spanish. In fact, it is preferred that you don't so the practice learning sessions simulate real life situations for the students. There will be opportunities each afternoon for excursions to explore the local culture and other nearby islands. Please contact Vicki Brentin for more information at vbrentin@gmail.com

Yours in Rotary Service,

Mike