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.
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!
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.
The Club Excellence Award (formerly The Rotary Citation) is the most important award for Rotary Clubs! There were 18 clubs in Rotary District 5650 that met the goals to earn the Club Excellence Award in the 2024-25 Rotary Year.
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.
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
Rotary’s commitment to “Service Above Self” is more than a motto—it’s a promise to communities near and far. The projects undertaken by Rotary clubs are as diverse as the communities they serve, but all share a common goal: to improve quality of life and foster sustainable change.
Rotary International has requested that the Club President and all other Club Officers and Executives for each Rotary Year get established by 12-31. Many clubs start the Nomination and Election Process late in September or early in October.
Also, training for the 2026-27 Club Leadership starts in February/March so it is important to have the positions filled before then.
Each year, we kick off our Spring Training Season to prepare Rotarians for the upcoming Rotary year. This season includes a series of training events designed to equip leaders and club officers with the tools they need to succeed.
Did you enjoy the District Conference this year? Don't miss next year's! Mark your calendar for October 23–24, 2026 at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland, Nebraska. Your conference ticket includes full access to tour the museum’s exhibits—an experience you won’t want to miss!
Are you looking to take your leadership skills to the next level? I am asking you to consider taking on the role of leading the 37 clubs in our Rotary district. In order to become a District Governor, you only need to meet a few pre-qualification requirements:
District Grant Project Progress Reports for all 2025-26 District Grant Projects are due by 12-31. The purpose of that report is to check progress, find out if your project is "on track" and discuss any issues you have encountered that may be blocking progress.
As your club is holding special events - such as for Holiday celebrations - be sure that you review the Insurance provided to all Rotary Clubs and get your Insurance Certificate for your event.
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 Clubs are reminded of the IRS' annual filing requirement. Club officers received an email from Rotary International September 22 with additional information (copied in below).
You entered your three-year goals in Rotary Club Central -- Fantastic! Now, it's time to transform those goals into a dynamic Strategic Plan – because a goal without a plan is just a wish!
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.
