September is Rotary's Basic Education and Literacy Month, a reminder that one of the most lasting gifts we can give is the opportunity to learn. Whether supporting local schools, promoting literacy, mentoring students, or investing in youth leadership programs, Rotarians help open doors and create opportunities every day.
This month also gives us an opportunity to remember and celebrate a person who dedicated her life to helping others. On September 20, Rotarians from across the district will gather to honor the life and legacy of Nicki Klein. Nicki was often the person behind the scenes who helped district leaders, clubs, and events succeed. Her commitment to Rotary and to the people of District 5650 left an impact that will be felt for many years.
On September 20, Rotarians from across District 5650 will gather to celebrate the life and legacy of Nicolette "Nicki" Klein, a remarkable Rotarian whose impact on our district will be felt for generations to come. (click for more information)
For many of us, Nicki was the person behind the scenes who made Rotary happen. As District Administrator, District Grant Chair, Heartland Rotary Leadership Institute leader, club officer, mentor, and friend, she devoted countless hours to helping others succeed. Yet those titles tell only part of the story.
District 5650's own PDG Barbara Bartle (Lincoln 14) is featured in a new episode of Rotary International's Rotary Voices podcast.
In this two-part series focused on membership attraction and engagement, Rotary leaders from across the United States share ideas, experiences, and strategies that are helping clubs and districts grow. Barbara joins Rotary Membership Growth and Engagement Specialist Taylor Evans Ghosal and fellow membership leader Julie McKinney to discuss successful approaches to welcoming, engaging, and retaining members.
As clubs across District 5650 continue to focus on belonging, member engagement, and sustainable growth, Barbara's insights offer timely ideas that can be applied in clubs of every size.
Take a few minutes to listen and discover practical membership strategies from one of Rotary's respected leaders right here in Nebraska.
In less than two months, Rotarians from across Nebraska and Southwest Iowa will gather at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum for Fusion 5650, our 2026 District Conference.
If you have already registered, thank you! If you've been thinking about attending, now is the time to make your plans.
District Conference is more than a weekend event. It's an opportunity to reconnect with friends, discover new ideas, celebrate Rotary's impact, and return home energized for the work ahead. Whether you're a new member, a club leader, or a long-time Rotarian, there will be something for everyone.
The Rotary Action Plan can help change the mindset and let your Club continue to move forward year after year.
Picture a club that spends a year building something worth building. A new signature project. A membership turnaround. A giving culture that finally sticks. Now picture the gavel changing hands on 1 July.
How much of it survives?
In too many clubs, the honest answer is: not enough of it. The president who inherits the work didn't help design it, wasn't in the room when the tradeoffs were made, and has a year of their own to think about. So the club quietly resets. New theme, new committees, new priorities. The needle moves a little, then falls back.
This is not a failure of leadership. It is a structural flaw, and Rotary has a way to address it.
Beware of Emails That Look Like They Came From District Leadership
Cybercriminals sometimes send phishing emails that appear to come from a trusted person, such as a friend, colleague, or Rotary leader. They may even use my name in the "From" line. However, the email is not actually from me.
Here is the easiest way to protect yourself:
Always check the email address, not just the name.
We are excited to announce that the next session for Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) Parts I and II will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026. It will be at Project Harmony, 11949 Q Street in Omaha. Cost is $50
Visit the Spotlight on Rotary Clubs page (click here) on the District Website to keep up with club activities and read news stories. Contact Webmaster@rotarydistrict5650.org to provide information about your Club events.
The home page is designed to provide information about Rotary that is good for, not only Rotarians, but also the public. The links will take you to My District Home which includes stories primarily written for Rotarians.
