Rotary District 5650 Rotarians—Happy December! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving with family, friends, and community!! There are so many generous acts of kindness that happen at this time of year from serving meals for others, ringing bells for the Salvation Army, and donating coats, hats, and gloves so people can stay warm.
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.
The 2026 Rotary International Convention will take place in Taipei, Taiwan, from June 13–17, 2026. Register by December 15, 2025 to take advantage of the early-registration rate of $495—a savings of $200 compared to the last-minute price! To register, visit: https://convention.rotary.org/en-us/registration
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.
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.
To see the article on the District Website about the Monthly Focus for Rotary, including some resources, click here.
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
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.
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