Governor Mick's June Message

Rotary coined the phrase “people of action” to describe Rotarians and what we do to better our communities and to help people all over the world. I am constantly reminded of the generosity of Rotarians and the good work you are doing.
Each time I have mentioned a need or an opportunity to serve, you have stepped up and made things happen. Each time I have asked that you support the RI foundation and polio eradication you have been there. So, I am making a last ask. We have a goal $166,000 in contributions to the annual fund this year and we currently have made $159,135.26 in contributions. I know right now all of us are being asked to help a number of worthy causes but please remember these contributions come back to us in the District in three years so that you can do even more good in the district and around the world. We are only $7,000 away from our goal and have until the end of the month to reach our goal so let’s make it happen.
 
On to my monthly membership update. Overall, we remained at 1,924 members in the District. Congrats to Lincoln Club #14 for adding another 3 new members in the month of May and  overall we are up 49 net new members for a 2.61% membership growth
Top 10
  1. Lincoln #14                                         +22
  2. Lincoln Giving Spirits                       +14    
  3. Omaha West                                      +10
  4. Lincoln East                                        +6
  5. Red Oak                                               +5
  6. Lincoln South                                     +5
  7. Shenandoah                                      +4
  8. Glenwood                                           +3
  9. Seward                                                 +2
  10. Crete, Falls City, Omaha Suburban  +1
 
Unfortunately, we have fallen behind District 5950 (Minneapolis area) who are at 2.81% for the lead in membership growth in the Zone. If we can grow another 6 net new members, we can reclaim the lead in the Zone. Every club in the District can help with this goal by making sure we retain our current membership. Please reach out to all of your membership and encourage them to stay engaged in your clubs. Let’s finish the year as the top District in the Zone!
 
Earning the Rotary Citation is an honor that RI President Mark D. Maloney hopes clubs strive to achieve. I am Pleased to announce that, so far, 14 of our clubs are on track to earn the Rotary Citation this year and many other clubs are close to achieving this honor. To earn the citation, please complete activities and report your accomplishments to Rotary by 30 June. If you have any questions contact Nicki Klein.
 
The District 5650 Conference will be held on July 25th 2020 via ZOOM. I am not technical in any sense of the word and I’m looking for help! If you have a good understanding  of Zoom, Facebook live and other mediums, putting video’s together and all things creative and would like to help, please email me at mick.mckinley71@gmail.com. I will be forever grateful.
 
This year we had 6 clubs reach their 100 year milestone as a Club. Unfortunately, many of their club celebrations had to be cancelled but I do want to recognize these achievements.
Red Oak, Iowa                                   January 1, 2020
Norfolk, Nebraska                           February 1, 2020
Fairbury, Nebraska                          February 1, 2020
Aurora, Nebraska                             February 1, 2020
Falls City, Nebraska                         May 1, 2020
Columbus, Nebraska (Noon)       May 1, 2020
Congratulations on 100 years of service to Rotary, your communities, and the world.
 
I also want to recognize Lincoln Rotary Club #14 on their 110th anniversary as a Club. Every club in   District 5650 can trace their roots back to you and not only are you the 14th oldest Rotary Club in the World, you are still the largest and fastest growing club in the district. Thank you for your continued leadership to the District these many years and congratulations on 110 years of service to Rotary.         
         
For those of you who were not on the District’s Annual Meeting Zoom call May 19th, I want to let you know that Barbara Bartle, Past President of Lincoln #14 was elected as your District Governor Nominee-Designee and will follow Roxy Orr and Carol Horner as Governor. Barb is eminently qualified to lead this District in the 2022-2023 Rotary year. This District is in great hands over the next three years and you can expect great things to happen from this group of Governors. I would call them the “Governor Chain” rather than Governor string.  It’s a very strong group of leaders. Congratulations Barb and welcome to the “Chain”.
 
That’s all for this month. Sadly, next month will be my final wrap up of the 2019-2020 Rotary year. Let’s do all we can these final 4 weeks to grow our clubs and our District, Let’s continue our support of the Foundation and achieve the Presidential Citation.  “It ain’t over til it’s over” we can still do this!
 
Mick