The Rotary Learning Institute (RLI) held in Marlborough, Massachusetts on January 17th was a resounding success, bringing together over two dozen Rotarians from four districts for a fun-filled and impactful day of learning, collaboration, and connection. Despite snowy travel conditions, Rotarians traveled from several states, demonstrating their commitment to leadership development and shared growth within Rotary.
The day was marked by energetic discussions, meaningful collaboration, and the exchange of ideas among fellow Rotarians, reinforcing the value of RLI as a cornerstone for leadership education. Participants left with new knowledge, fresh perspectives, and strengthened relationships across district lines.
A special highlight of the event was welcoming Angie Fuoco, Membership Chair of the Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy (RCWDA), who traveled from Pennsylvania to attend. As District 7910 is the host district of the World Disability Advocacy club—despite having no physical members located within the district—it was especially meaningful to have Angie join in person. Her presence underscored the truly global and inclusive reach of Rotary.
Angie shared powerful reflections on her experience, noting that this was her first-ever in-person Rotary meeting. She described the Marlborough RLI as a “warm, accessible welcome,” praising attendees for their kindness and openness. With the use of her Caption Companion, an AI-powered captioning tablet, Angie was able to fully participate in the sessions—demonstrating how thoughtful accessibility can ensure everyone belongs and contributes.
During the program, Angie introduced participants to the mission of the Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy, Rotary’s only cause-based e-club serving people with disabilities. With more than 80 members across 31 countries, RCWDA meets online across time zones and serves a community that represents at least a quarter of the world’s population when including people with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and allies.
Angie also shared a compelling story about a newly issued U.S. quarter honoring disability rights advocate Stacey Park Milbern—the first-known U.S. coin to feature a person with visible disabilities. She explained how Stacey and her peers coined the term “disability justice,” and how this national recognition sparks curiosity, awareness, and a call to continue that important work.
She closed by inviting Rotarians to engage globally—whether by supporting international projects, sharing professional expertise, assisting members from resource-poor countries, supporting aging polio survivors, or learning how to make clubs more accessible to potential members with disabilities. As Angie emphasized, “They’re out there wanting to join you—and we’d love to help.”
The January 17th RLI in Marlborough was more than a training—it was a celebration of Rotary’s values: learning, service, inclusion, and connection across communities and borders. Events like this remind us that when Rotarians come together—snow or shine—we grow stronger together.