Rotary District 5650 Rotarians—Happy January 2026!! I hope everyone was able to ring in the New Year with family, friends and community and say “Auld Lang Syne” to 2025. It is so special that the ball has dropped in Times Square in New York and everyone is celebrating the New Year, but here in the Midwest we get an extra hour to enjoy 2025!!
Dear Fellow Rotarians, One of the greatest privileges of being a Rotarian is the opportunity to connect with members from around the world—and there is no better place to experience the true spirit of Rotary than at the Rotary International Convention.
For the 17th consecutive year, The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating — four stars — from Charity Navigator, the largest and most utilized independent charity evaluator in the United States.
Most Rotarians don’t realize that all changes to Rotary International’s Constitution and Bylaws originate with individual members. Everyone has the ability to propose changes through the Council on Legislation.
Rotary District 5650 implemented an essay contest during RYLA camp. It was patterned after an International Pease Essay Contest.
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
Listen to our District members tell their Rotary story and express how they value their membership.
Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.
To see the article on the District Website about the Monthly Focus for Rotary, including some resources, click here.
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.
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
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