Happy Anniversary - Rotary Started February 23, 1905
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.
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Pay Your Club's RI Invoice Upon Receipt
Rotary International will send semi-annual invoices to club officers early in January. Process immediately to keep your club in good standing.
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New Year’s Resolution Ideas to Grow Rotary in 2025
Here’s an inspiring set of resolutions you could adopt to help your Rotary club thrive and expand its impact this year:
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January is Vocational Service Month
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Governor Robert's January Message
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!! |
RLI - Next Session - May 2
We are excited to announce that the next session for Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) Part 1 will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026. It will be at Christ Lincoln 4325 Sumner St, Lincoln, NE 68506. If this date works for you, please register using this link: https://www.rli-heartland.org/calendar/event?calID=112 |
2026 Rotary International Convention - Taipei 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. |
Rotary Members Impact on Rotary International Constitution and Bylaws
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 Foundation receives highest rating from Charity Navigator for 17th consecutive year
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.
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Rotary Membership Updates - Prepare for Upcoming Billing
Our next membership billing from Rotary.org for Rotary Clubs will be in July, 2025. Using RI Integration, Rotary Clubs in Rotary District 5650 manage member information locally (not at Rotary.org) and changes will "roll up" to Rotary International. |
Governor Robert's December Message
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. |
Dues Analysis - Rotary Required and Club Optional Items As Rotary Clubs review dues for members, include the Rotary required items plus the Club costs supported with member assessment.
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Nominate a Non-Rotarian - Excellence in Service to Humanity Award
Rotary Clubs are doing amazing things, often with the help of non-Rotarians. Here is your opportunity to recognizes non-Rotarians, including partners and spouses of Rotarians, who have demonstrated exemplary humanitarian service through Rotary.
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We Are People of Action |
In Memoriam at 2025 District Conference
At the District Conference, Rotarians that passed since the last District Conference were honored during a Memoriam. Click here to view the slides.
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District Goal Thermometer |
Club Excellence Awards 2024-25 presented
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. |
Governor Robert's November Message
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. |
Spring Training Season
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. |
District Grants 2025-26 Project Reports Due 12-31-25
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. |
The Value Rotary Offers to Our Communities: Lasting Impact Through Service
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.
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District Conference 2026 - Save the Date!
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!
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Celebrate World Interact Week
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.
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Rotary Youth Exchange Update
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.
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Get Your Insurance Certificate for Special Events
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.
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Nominations Now Open for District Governor 2028-29
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: |
November is The Rotary Foundation Month for Rotary
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?
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RYLA 2025 Camp Video Recap
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 |
Peace Essay Contest - RYLA Students
Rotary District 5650 implemented an essay contest during RYLA camp. It was patterned after an International Pease Essay Contest.
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Ed Walsh recognized with The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service
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. |
Jenny Cardwell Presented with Rotary International Service Above Self Award
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.
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Top Clubs 2024-25 Recognized at Rotary District Conference
The 2024-25 Top Clubs in various categories were recognized at the Rotary District Conference during the Awards Banquet October 18, 2025.
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Cadwallader Award Presented to Dr. Robert Rauner
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.
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2025-26 Rotary District 5650 Fall Conference - Agenda |
Electing Club Officers for 2026-27
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. |
One Day. One Focus: Ending Polio - World Polio Day |
Rotary Offers an Opportunity to Rotarians for Personal Growth, Friendship, and Purpose
Being a Rotarian means much more than attending weekly luncheons or wearing a pin on your lapel. It’s an invitation to grow as a leader, connect with like-minded individuals, and be part of something larger than oneself.
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Governor Robert's October Message
Rotary District 5650 Rotarians: Welcome to October! This is one of my favorite times of year! Warm days and cool temperatures at night are upon us with fall colors soon to be on display! Harvest is well under way in the countryside, and pumpkins will be looking to find a porch to sit upon.
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IRS Annual Filing Requirement
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).
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Why Rotary Matters—To Each of Us and All of Us
In every corner of the globe, Rotary stands as a beacon of service, fellowship, and transformational change. Since its founding in 1905, Rotary’s mission has been to unite people from diverse backgrounds, to exchange ideas, form meaningful friendships, and take action to create lasting positive impact in the world.
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Governor Robert's September Message
Rotary District 5650 Rotarians: Where did summer go? Hard to believe, but September is here. Hope everyone enjoyed Labor Day weekend!! |
Creating a Strategic Plan from Goals
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! |
In Loving Memory of Razia Jan.jpg) With deep sorrow and profound gratitude, we share the news of the passing of our beloved founder, Razia Jan. Razia's Ray of Hope Website - click here. |
Governor Robert's August Message
Rotary District 5650 Rotarians: Welcome to August, one of my favorite months of the year!! Late summer vacations, county fairs, farmer’s markets, hot sunny days, and thoughts of going back to school and sports!! |
2025-26 District Grants Awarded For the 2025-26 Rotary Year, there were 27 District Grant Projects Awarded. Total grant funds paid to the clubs = $50,223 for projects valued at a total of $124,261. With some grants involving multiple clubs, there are 29 clubs involved in the projects.
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Pubic Image is EVERYTHING! Public Image in Rotary encompasses more than just public relations or marketing. Public Image is EVERYTHING! |
Governor Robert's July Message
Rotary District 5650 Rotarians: This is my first newsletter of the new Rotary year. First, let me tell you what an honor and a privilege it is to be your 2025-26 District Governor. We have an exciting year ahead of us and I know we will all accomplish important things together serving our communities and the world as we “Unite For Good.” |
Ready to Lead? Let's Set your Club's Course for the next 3 years!
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Council Services of Rotary International
Most Rotarians don’t know who decides the rules that govern Rotary International, our Zones, Districts, and Clubs. We are all defined and governed by a Constitution and Bylaws. Things like Rotary International dues, attendance requirements, Club and District officers and many more things are governed by the those organizing documents. |
Rotary Fellowships - Join, Attract Club Members
Rotary Fellowships are international groups that share a common passion. Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, explore a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience. |
Peacebuilding – Creating Lasting Change
2025 World Affairs Seminar & Youth Empowerment -“Peacebuilding – Creating Lasting Change” |
The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund
Have you made your contribution to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund? The Annual Fund of the Rotary International Foundation (RIF) is the engine that drives all the great work we do as Rotarians. |
Hope, Empathy, Future
Stories of Peace: Centering Community for Collective Transformation - Hope, Empathy, Future.On Saturday, April 5th, 2025, the 22nd Annual Duke-UNC Rotary Peace Center Spring Conference was held at the FedEx Global Education Center located at UNC-Chapel Hill, NC. |
Attract! Engage! Grow!
Imagine what your community would look like if there was no Rotary. Scary, right?! Our most valuable resource is our members. Let’s work together to attract others to Rotary so that we can expand our ability to serve the world around us! Please visit our website Membership page for ideas and inspiration to grow Rotary in our communities.
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President-elect Training Materials Our President-elect Training Seminar (PETS) brought together 42 attendees, both in person and online. On the District Website you will find a page for Training - Presidents-elect. There you will find Pre- and Post-PETS information including the handouts. Click here for that page. |
Looking for Someone?
How do you find contact information for another Rotarian - a member you met at a meeting, a District Committee Chair, the President of other Rotary Clubs in the District?
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Peace News Rotary is now receiving applications for the 2026 cohort in our Peace education centers around the world.
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Dues Analysis - Rotary Required and Club Optional ItemsAs Rotary Clubs review dues for members, include the Rotary required items plus the Club costs supported with member assessment.
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Rotary District 5650 2024-25 Global Grants Scholar
Anna Singharath, the District 5650 Global Grant recipient for 2024-25, has been studying International Relations at the University of Bordeaux. |
Rotary District Foundation Can Help With Your Disaster Donations
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.
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Rotary Float in Tournament of Roses Parade 2025The theme for the 2025 Rotary Float in the Tournament of Roses Parade was "On the Road with Rotary".  https://www.rotaryfloat.org/
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The Rotary International Foundation (TRF) Update
Happy New Year to all! Now that half of our Rotary year is over, I thought it would be a good time to give an update on where we stand in our giving to the Annual Fund, Polio +, endowment giving and Total giving year to date. |
Rotary Council Services
Rotary Councils give us a voice in how our organization is governed. Each Rotary district chooses a representative for a three-year term to represent the district at all three meetings of the Council on Resolutions and at the Council on Legislation during their term.
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Dues Analysis - Rotary Required and Club Optional ItemsAs Rotary Clubs review dues for members, include the Rotary required items plus the Club costs supported with member assessment.
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Step up to leadership and let Rotary change your life!
Your time, energy, and a passion to improve your community and world are all you need to get involved with Rotary. Why not take the next step! Become one of Rotary’s people of action and explore the many leadership opportunities we have with Rotary District 5650. |
October is Economic and Community Development Month
To see the article on the District Website about the Monthly Focus for Rotary, including some resources, click here.
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Do not use the Rotary Wheel as the letter O or a zero The Rotary logo guidelines state that the Mark of Excellence / Rotary Wheel is NOT TO BE USED in place of a Zero, Letter "O" or pasted in / over any image.
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Digital Rotary Magazine, Podcast and Newsletters
Are you interested in receiving the Rotary magazine in digital format rather than paper? Do you want to learn more about Young Leaders in Action or the End Polio Now efforts?
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September is Basic Education and Literacy Month
To see the article on the District Website about the Monthly Focus for Rotary, including some resources, click here.
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Time To Remove The 2024-25 Theme Logo It is a new Rotary Year - and time to remove the 2024-25 theme logo - The Magic of Rotary. Rotary announced that there are no longer annual themes, but there is a President Message this year (above).
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Club Officer Access to ClubRunner
Does your Club have a subscription to ClubRunner for your Club Data Management? Access to additional aspects of the system do not automatically change when you define your Officers.
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Rotarians Across the Globe Help Youth Prepare for Tomorrow Whether it’s Rotary Youth Exchange, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards or the Rotary Peace Fellowships, there are loads of ways Rotary is involved in youth to help make this a better world. |
Rotary Peace Fellowship NewsDo you know someone who may be able to put a master's degree or certificate program in peace studies to good use? Applications for the 2025-26 cycle are now being received! The application is available until May 15, 2024. |
How does Rotary thrive if our leaders change every year? From the Rotary blog site - Rotary Voices - posted by Tom Gump. It starts with our Vision Statement: TOGETHER WE see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe in our communities and in ourselves. |
Rotary District 5650 Governor 2025-26 Robert Rapp - Bio, Photo, Proposed Club Presentation Dates
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 |
Let’s Tell Our Story
A Public Image Challenge for District 5650 By Randy Bretz, Public Image Chair, District 5650 |
Let’s Change Rotary’s Image When you explore Rotary and what we do around the world, it’s inspiring. We’re involved in encouraging peace, we’re feeding those who are hungry, we’re mentoring the next generation. Yet, for some reason, some clubs in our district are struggling to remain active and grow. |
Rotary Started On February 23, 1905
"Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves." |
Rotary Focus By Month
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.
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Rotary . . . what’s that?
What do you say when people ask you what Rotary is all about? Do you have any idea what people in your community think of Rotary? Don’t you wish people knew more about Rotary than some folks who meet for a meal once a week? |
How To Get Contact Information For Rotarians?
Any member in Rotary District 5650 can easily find contact information for another member in the District!
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Club to Club Communication
It is easy for clubs to connect. Any clubs within Rotary District 5650 can email any or all of the other clubs in Rotary District 5650.
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Club and District Information On ClubRunner App
See Club and District Information - right at your fingertips. Find the ClubRunner App in your app store. Use the same logon as with the ClubRunner websites (District and Club).
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Compliance With Copyright Laws
It is your Rotary club’s responsibility to comply with copyright laws. Over 40% of the claims under the U.S. Rotary Club & District Liability Insurance Program ("Program") now pertain to copyright infringement.
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Personal Data Use Policy
While serving in a Rotary leadership role, you are granted access to Personal Data that Rotary International and/or The Rotary Foundation considers confidential. When handling this Personal Data, you must abide Rotary's privacy policies. |
