Rotary District 5650 Rotarians—Happy November!! I hope everyone remembers to set their clock back an hour this weekend for a well-earned extra hour of sleep!! When I was a little boy growing up on the farm I always appreciated the extra hour of sleep because I did not have to get up as early to do my chores, which included milking the Ayrshire cow. I am sure those of you who grew up on a farm, delivered the morning paper or had early morning jobs can identify with me.
Rotary District 5650 implemented an essay contest during RYLA camp. It was patterned after an International Pease Essay Contest.
Every year, Clubs nominate Rotarians for the Cadwallader Award which is presented during the District Conference. This year the recipient was Dr. Bob Rauner lf Lincoln 14 Rotary. Click here for the flyer outlining his accomplishments and some of the nomination information.
Rotary District 5650 recognized Jenny Cardwell, Lincoln South Rotary, with the Rotary International Service Above Self Award. The award is considered to be the highest honor that RI can bestow on a member. It recognizes up to only 150 outstanding Rotarians and Rotaractors each year whose service activities make an impact on humanity.
The Citation for Meritorious Service recognizes one individual Rotarian per district per year who have demonstrated outstanding active service to The Rotary Foundation for more than one year. Ed was nominated in recognition of his numerous years as Grants Chair. He has been instrumental in the success of a number of Global Grants for our District.
This is the month where Rotary puts a focus on giving to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund. Philanthropy is a personal choice. So why give to the Rotary Foundation?
Our Rotary Youth Exchange Students are about 3 months into their exchanges when they often report having their first dream in the language of their host country.
We are excited to announce that the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) Part 1 will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 – and will be held in Lincoln. (Before you go looking, it is an away game.)
We need at least 6 participants to hold this session—and currently, we have just met that minimum for Part 1. We still need more people interested in Part 2. If you’re planning to register, don’t wait—sign up today to help ensure the session can take place!
The 2026 Rotary International Convention will take place in Taipei, Taiwan, from June 13–17, 2026.
I'm thrilled to announce that we've just completed this year's RYLA recap video! Please use this link to show at your next Club meeting!! RYLA 2025 Video Recap
Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self. Click Read More to see a list of the Interact Clubs in District 5650 and to learn more about Interact.
Rotary District 5650 formed a Foundation for supporting Clubs and Members with charitable activities. Through February, the Rotary International District 5650 Foundation will accept donates to support the victims of the California wildfires.
Listen to our District members tell their Rotary story and express how they value their membership.
Robert Rapp of the Omaha Morning Rotary Club is Governor for 2025-26 for Rotary District 5650. His term begins July 1, 2025.
Click here for a downloadable copy of Robert's Bio.
Click here for a downloadable copy of Robert's Photo
Click here for Robert's Proposed Club Presentation Schedule
Rotary has created a calendar that includes a monthly focus. This provides a guide for Clubs to use to help members understand the programs of Rotary and the Areas of Focus for our causes.
Visit the Spotlight on Rotary Clubs page (click here) on the District Website to keep up with club activities and read news stories.
We periodically hear about events that may be of interest to Rotarians that are not coordinated by our District or a Club in our District. These could be from anywhere in the world. We will share their invitations and ideas here. Stories without specific dates are listed at the end of the article.
For more stories, see My District Page