In case you missed it in the last newsletter, I’m excited to remind you of two wonderful ways our District is investing in our clubs and communities.
The District is covering the $350 cost of a Peace Pole for every club in the District, and our District Trustees have also voted to use funds from the Special Purpose Fund to fully fund all approved District Grants this year, up to the maximum allowed amount of $3,000.
Imagine the impact if Peace Poles stood throughout our District as visible reminders that peace begins with each of us. I hope every club will consider being part of this effort. Peace Poles can be ordered here: https://shoppeace.org/peacepoleslands.aspx. Instructions on how to get reimbursed are going out to all of the club Presidents.
Two months into this Rotary year, I have now completed official visits to 19 of our District clubs. Along the way, I’ve met so many wonderful Rotarians and had the chance to reconnect with many old friends.
Each visit reminds me that while our clubs, communities, backgrounds, and traditions may be different, we have so much more in common than we sometimes realize. In Rotary, we are united by Service Above Self and by our shared desire to create lasting change in our communities and around the world.
On August 23, the District held our annual Past District Governor gathering. Being surrounded by leaders who have given so many years of service was another reminder of the incredible support we give one another through Rotary.
On a personal level, I know I would not have been able to step into the role of District Governor without the guidance, encouragement, and example of the governors who came before me. Their wisdom has been invaluable, and every day I strive to carry forward the example of service they have set.
I always enjoy gatherings that bring together Rotarians with decades of experience and service. At the same time, they can be bittersweet. We look around the room and remember those who once sat beside us but are no longer there. Their friendships, leadership, and contributions remain part of the Rotary story we continue to write.
One of the most difficult moments of the past few weeks was attending the funeral of my classmate, Serge Poulin of District 7790, who was tragically killed in a car accident while traveling to a club visit.
Serge was a dedicated Rotarian, a compassionate leader, and a truly wonderful person. His warm smile, kindness, humor, and willingness to help others touched so many lives. His commitment to suicide prevention, polio eradication, and providing eye care to underserved communities around the world reflected the very heart of Service Above Self.
The best way we can honor Rotarians like Serge is to continue the work they cared so deeply about — to serve, to connect, to bring hope, and to make our corner of the world a little better.
Today, I also began training to become part of the Global Online Peace Education Team. The training will take several months to complete, and when it is finished, I will be certified to facilitate conversations and discussions centered on peace.
For me, this is another step in my personal commitment to helping make the world a better place. Peace can sometimes feel like an enormous goal, but it begins in much smaller ways — through listening, understanding, kindness, compassion, and our willingness to see the humanity in one another.
After all:
“Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.”
And perhaps that is the challenge for each of us this month: What can we do, in our own small way, to create a little more peace in the world around us?
Sometimes it can begin with something as simple as kindness. Peace is possible. Kindness matters. And together, through Rotary, we can make a difference.
This week, the world lost someone whose generosity, humor, and compassion inspired millions. In her honor, I’ll end with a reminder that feels especially fitting:
“If you see someone without a smile today, give ’em yours.” — Dolly Parton