Omaha West Rotary Golf 2026
Monday, September 21, 2026 8:00 AM Check In - 8:30 Shotgun Start $460/Team or $115/Individual Pacific Springs ~ 16810 Harney St, ~ Omaha, NE 68118 $500 per team Sponsorships available Click here for flyer Click here to register |
Blair Rotary Club Golf Fundraiser
Friday, September 11, 2026 9:00 AM Golf Starts with Light Breakfast Prior River Woods Golf Course ~ 14002 US-75 ~ Blair NE 68008 $450 4-person scramble $150 hole sponsorship $600 team and hole sponsorship Proceeds to benefit Blair Rotary Club Scholarship Program Click here for flyer Contact with questions or to sign up a team: Denise Dein - ddein@rvr.bank; 402-533-0634 Ron Sorensen - 402.510.0087
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The Steaks Are High! AG Area Attendance Challenge
Think your AG Area has what it takes to come out on top? We're tracking AG Area participation in the District 5650 Conference, and the competition is officially on! The winning AG Area, based on the highest percentage of members registered, will earn an exclusive dinner at the Bren House featuring premium steak, fine wine, and Gary's Famous Crème Brûlée. Update 8/22/2026: Emily Martin holds first place with a commanding 39.1% score. Robert Simmon enters second because his full-conference registration earns a five-point AG bonus against his 21-member area. Judy Ackland moves into third following the three Wayne registrations, while Tod Ringenberg climbs to fifth with 25 total points, helped by the new Omaha Night registrations. Total registrations are up from 16 to 26 in just one week! Every Rotarian Counts. Every Point Matters. Every Registration Helps. The steaks are high, and this race is just getting started! 🥩🏆🍷 |
Governor Gretchen's August MessageI'm excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 District 5650 Conference, taking place October 23-24 at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland, Nebraska. This will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our clubs, learn from fellow Rotarians, strengthen friendships, and be inspired by the impact Rotary is making throughout our district. Register early, as conference rates will increase on September 24. I hope you'll make plans to join us! |
New Rotary International President Message 2026-27
As mentioned by DG Gretchen, there is a presidential message that is used to lead us through the year - Create Lasting Impact.
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Pay Your Club's RI Invoice Upon Receipt
Rotary International will send semi-annual invoices to club officers early in July. Process immediately to keep your club in good standing.
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We Are People of Action |
District Governor Nominee Designate Selected
It is with great pleasure that we announce that, on June 27, the District Nominating Committee interviewed and selected Emily Martin of the Rotary Club of Red Oak as the District Governor Nominee Designate (DGND) for Rotary District 5650. Effective July 1, Emily will become the District Governor Nominee (DGN) and will serve as District Governor during the 2028–2029 Rotary year. |
District Goal Thermometer |
Disaster Relief for Caracas, Venezuela Affected by Earthquakes
Caracas, Venezuela is located within Rotary Zone 25A. Through our current alignment we are aligned them as we are within 25B & Zone 29. A message was sent to Rotary District 5650 Presidents about Rotary's response to the Venezuela Earthquakes. |
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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Rotary District 5650 Governor 2026-27 Gretchen Bren - Bio, Photo, Club Presentation Dates
Gretchen Bren of the Omaha Night Rotary Club is Governor for 2026-27 for Rotary District 5650. Her term begins July 1, 2026. Click here for a downloadable copy of Gretchen's Bio Click here for Gretchen's Club Presentation Schedule |
Governor Robert's June Message
Rotary District 5650 Rotarians—Welcome to June! “June is the pearl of summer, shining with warmth and joy.” (L.M. Montgomery), art, music, baseball, softball, soccer, rodeo, family picnics, swimming pools, gardens, green grass & crops, grazing cattle, fishing and so much more including the Rotary International Convention June 13-17th, in Taipei, Taiwan where projected attendance will number 37,000 Rotarians & guests from all over the world!! https://convention.rotary.org/en-us/
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District Cadwallader Award 2026-27 Nominations due August 15
Consider honoring a member of your club for their service by nominating them for the Rotary District 5650 Cadwallader Award - the highest award for service presented by our District. Nominations are due August 15, 2026. |
We Are People of Action |
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards – Powered by Launch Leadership (RYLA) is back |
New Peace Scholar Abigail Cawley
Abigail “Abby” Cawley of Lincoln had a dream: she had already collaborated on published work on stabilizing post-conflict states, but she wanted to deepen her understanding of the stabilization of societies after conflict in order to be of better service internationally.
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Ride to End Polio - New Date August 29th
We will be holding a Ride to End Polio on August 29th (changed from original date May 23rd). There will be 10, 25, and 44 mile rides in Omaha with the 10 and 25 mile courses being pretty flat and gentle. |
Who Makes a Great Rotarian?
Rotary has always been powered by people—people who care about their communities, who believe in service above self, and who are willing to roll up their sleeves to make a difference. In the United States, where civic engagement and volunteerism are woven into the fabric of local life, the qualities that make someone a great Rotarian are both timeless and deeply relevant. |
Enter All Club Officers for 2026-27
It is important to have all 2026-27 positions filled to ensure communications get to your club.
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2026-27 District 5650 Grants - Get Certified, Submit Projects by May 31
The Grant Management Seminars for 2026-27 are done! To qualify to enter a grant project you need to get certified. |
Governor Robert's May Message
Rotary District 5650 Rotarians—Welcome to May! “April showers bring May flowers” … and all sorts of ways to serve our communities and the world to make an impact, create lasting change and “Unite for Good”!! Please read on.
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Every Rotarian Every Year, EREY
The Rotary Foundation is the engine that drives all of Rotary’s initiatives. Without our donations to the Foundation, we Rotarians could not do all the projects we do around the world and in our communities.
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Past District Governor David Snow Passes Away
David Snow, was most recently a member of Western Douglas County Rotary. He transferred from St. Paul Nebraska. |
Attend Breakout Session in Taipei featuring Bill Harvey |
Governor Robert's April Message
Rotary District 5650 Rotarians—Welcome to April! “No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn. April is a promise that May is bound to keep, and we know it.” Having grown up on a farm and ranch, I think this quote by Hal Borland, writer, journalist, and naturalist, born May 14th, 1900, in Sterling, Nebraska, speaks to the seasonal transition that spring represents for hope and renewal as we move toward May.
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Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) - Next Session - May 2
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 Christ Lincoln 4325 Sumner St, Lincoln, NE 68506. Please register using this link: https://www.rli-heartland.org/calendar/event?calID=112 |
2026-27 District 5650 Grants - Criteria Set - Grant Management Seminars Start April 2
It is time to get your project ideas together and select a project for matching grants! The District will match club funds 1 to 1 for 2026-27 District Grant Projects. |
Public Image is Everything
We have roughly 90 days until ‘the changing of the guard’ at Rotary clubs around the globe - a tradition that dates back to 1913 when the fiscal year was set to end on June 30 to facilitate better financial reporting and organize delegates for conventions! |
Upcoming Annual Meeting - Important Deadlines Save the Date: The Annual Meeting of Rotary District 5650 will be held May 7th, 2026, at 7:00 PM by Zoom. Read more for details and deadlines.
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Donate to Help Areas Impacted by Wildfires
We received this list of additional foundations/organizations to donate to for supporting the firefighters and/or those affected by the fires. (Photo Credit Gray Television)
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President-elect Learning Seminar Success
We had a successful PELS event at ESU #3. We had the highest attendance of clubs represented with over 70% of clubs participating. RI Director Elect Tom Gump posted the following on Facebook about the event. (https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CNjyfStse/).
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Ideas & Conversations: Peace, Love & Polio
March 19 marks a special event sponsored by Wayne State College Rotaract and the Rotary Club of Wayne along with other organizations. It involves Peace - a special emphasis by DG Robert, and polio - of course of interest to Rotary. One of the featured presenters is DGE Gretchen.
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Governor Robert's March Message
Rotary District 5650 Rotarians—Welcome to March! The question always is? Did the weather come in like a lion or lamb? Well, I think the sunshine answers that question.
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Spring Training Season
Spring Training is officially underway - the AGs had a fantastic meeting, and we’re gearing up for two power‑packed Saturdays—March 21 and March 28—designed to ignite, inspire, and equip our incoming club leaders for the new Rotary year. |
2026 Rotary International Convention - Taipei The 2026 Rotary International Convention is set for 13–17 June 2026 in Taipei, Taiwan, with events hosted at the Farglory Dome (Taipei Dome) and the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center (TaiNEX).
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Using the Service Project Center The Rotary Service Project Center (https://spc.rotary.org) is your hub for entering and managing service projects. Anything added here counts toward your club goals—so be sure to enter all your projects! Anyone in your club can submit a project, not just officers. (If you get an error on this page (https://spc.rotary.org), use the links across the top to navigate to the service project pages.) Not sure how to enter a project – watch this video: Keep reading for tips…and a hidden contest! |
Governor Robert's February Message
Rotary District 5650 Rotarians—February is here, and Groundhog Day is tomorrow. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, we will have six more weeks of winter; if not, spring comes early. I am hoping for an early spring so we can get outside and continue our Rotary projects in our communities! |
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. |
Rotary Youth Exchange Update Rotary District 5650 Youth Exchange interviewed and accepted four Nebraska students for the youth exchange program for the next school year.
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Rotary seeks peace fellow candidates The Rotary Peace Centers will accept applications for 2027-28 Rotary Peace Fellowships from 1 February through 15 May 2026. For the first time, candidates will be able to apply to study at Rotary’s next peace center opening at Symbiosis International University in Pune, India.
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2025-26 District Grant Project Completion Deadline March 31
The deadline for completing all 2025-26 District Grant Projects is 3-31. You all filed progress reports on or before 12-31 which provided an opportunity review the status and address any concern with completing the projects as approved and on time.. |
New Year’s Resolution Ideas to Grow Rotary in 2026
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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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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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 |
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. Due February 15.
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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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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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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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Fusion 5650: A Destination Event in Our Own Backyard
For some of you, I had you at "District Conference!" You've attended before. You know the inspiration, the ideas, the friendships, and the chance to reconnect with Rotary friends you may only see once or twice a year. Others may be wondering, "What's different about this one?" Here's your first peek at Fusion 5650, our 2026 District Conference, taking place October 23-24 at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland, Nebraska. |
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. |
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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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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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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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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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! |
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.” |
District Directory 2026-27 Available
The District Directory information is available online to ALL ROTARIANS in Rotary District 5650. From rotarydistrict5650.org, select Directory (click here). You will be required to logon* to view the directory. All District and Club leadership information is in one document. Note: The use of the Rotary District 5650 Directory is for official Rotary District 5650 business only. Per Rotary privacy it should not be printed and shared - only available with member logon. |
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. |
June is Fellowships Month
To see the article on the District Website about the Monthly Focus for Rotary, including some resources, click here.
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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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April is Environmental Protection Month
To see the article on the District Website about the Monthly Focus for Rotary, including some resources, click here.
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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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March is Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Month
To see the article on the District Website about the Monthly Focus for Rotary, including some resources, click here.
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Passing of Larry McNichols Rotary District Governor 1998-99
Past District 5650 Governor Larry McNichols of Omaha Suburban Rotary Club has passed away February 18, 2026. Service and additional information is below. Added 3-9-26 - obituary.
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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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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. |
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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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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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 |
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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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. |
