DISTRIBUTION: 24-25 Presidents, Assistant Governors, Deputy Governors, and District and Club Committee Chairs

 

Club and district leaders, there is much to report this week!  I will try to keep it brief, but please do take the time to read these important announcements and reminders.  

 

 

• CALLING ALL CLUB PRESIDENTS!!  In honor of your service as club president this year, you are invited to participate in a special celebration at District Conference at the Governor’s Banquet on Saturday evening. At this event, you and your spouse/partner will be honored during the Presidents’ Processional.  Please make sure you are registered for conference and the Saturday night event. If your spouse wishes to join you for dinner but will not attend the entire conference, there is a special $20 registration package for spouses. You can then purchase the add-on Governor’s Banquet ticket for your spouse. And don’t forget to invite and encourage your board members and incoming president to attend and cheer you on. I look forward to seeing you there to celebrate all we have accomplished this year!

• Rise Against Hunger:   As discussed at club visits, I believe District Conference is the perfect opportunity to come together and participate in a meaningful districtwide service project. I have chosen to host a Rise Against Hunger food packing event on Friday, June 6^th, immediately before Food Fest.  I implored every club to recruit 5 volunteers (Rotarians, family members, Interact students, etc.) and donate $500 to support this project. Please get those donations turned in ASAP so we can purchase the supplies needed for this event.  To register volunteers, please use this link: Rise Against Hunger Registration. This link can also be sent to other volunteer organizations in your area. We have church groups, Junior Auxiliary, Boy Scouts, and others signed up to assist.  Please help us get the 250 volunteers needed to ensure a successful event!  If you would like to learn more about Rise Against Hunger and their mission, visit www.riseagainsthunger.org

• RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards): Completed applications are due to the RYLA committee by May 17^th!!  RYLA is a leadership training experience for high school students who demonstrate leadership potential. Sponsoring a student for RYLA is an investment in the future of our communities. By providing this opportunity, clubs help young leaders develop critical leadership and teamwork skills, gain confidence in public speaking and decision-making, understand Rotary’s values and the importance of service, and build lasting relationships with other future leaders. Rotary Clubs are encouraged to identify and sponsor outstanding high school students to attend RYLA. Whether they are already demonstrating leadership in school, sports, or community service, RYLA will help them refine their skills and inspire them to make a difference. Let’s empower the next generation of leaders together! For recruitment letters for high school guidance counselors, information for club leaders, and application links, please visit: https://ryla6840.mystrikingly.com/

• District Conference:   Your conference committee has been working tirelessly to bring you an informative and fun conference. For more information and to register, click HERE.  To keep costs as low as possible for attendees, we need to raise funds to offset conference costs, and we need your help!  There are several sponsorship levels available; if you know of a business that could benefit from advertising to almost 2000 Rotarians in MS and LA, please contact John Olinde (LA) johnfolinde@gmail.com or Carolyn Ishee (MS) carolynishee@gmail.com and they will be happy to reach out or coordinate with you.  Club leaders:  In addition to sponsorships, we also have ads for sale in the official program.  This would be a great opportunity for your club to thank outgoing leaders for their service, welcome incoming leadership, or advertise your signature project or event to other members in the district.  Please ask your club members to help spread the word about these opportunities. Many of our members are business owners who could benefit from this advertising opportunity.   

• Rise Against Hunger Cooking Competition: To add a fun twist to our district service project, the District Conference Committee thought it might be fun to host a cooking competition utilizing the Rise Against Hunger (RAH) food packets.  Each club president received a RAH food packet at the Halftime Show in January.  All the clubs in each territory should work together to come up with one winning dish!  The designated club/member should cook and bring your territory’s winning dish to Food Fest, where impartial, non-Rotarian judges will determine the winner.  If you have any questions, please contact Tami Munsch.
   

• Grant Closings and Applications:  It’s that time of year when we close out last year’s grants and apply for next year!  All 2025-2026 grant applications must be completed by May 31^st.  In order to apply for grants, your club must attend a Grants Management Seminar and be certified.  If you missed the Grants Management training at PETS, you have an opportunity to attend via Zoom tonight, May 2nd at 6 pm. The training will include step-by-step directions for applying for a District Grant by the May 31st deadline.  To Register click here:  May 2nd Zoom.  If you need assistance closing 24-25 grants or have any questions, please contact Bob Vaughn at bobvaughn6840@gmail.com or call at 832-671-6700 (leave VM). 

• May—Youth Services Month: Have you scheduled a club presentation about Rotary Youth?  What a great opportunity to learn more about Rotary Youth Exchange, hear from past RYLA participants, or host your Interact Club for a presentation on how they are Creating Magic!  Have you considered a service projected related to this area of focus? The Rotary Brand Center has videos to inspire your members on many topics, including this one. Check them out and let’s Create Magic for our Youth during May!  

• Help us provide meaningful content in the Touchdown Times: What is your club’s next service project, fundraiser, or really interesting speaker? We want to know! Thanks to those who have already submitted information. Please email Ashley.mayley.5@gmail.com with the details at least 3 weeks in advance so we can help promote your event to other Rotarians in the district. 
   

 

 

 

Hope you have a great week and are blessed by your commitment to Service Above Self!