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Deadline for registration: October 1, 2026

September Pre-PELS for Presidents and Presidents-elect

Empowering Leaders, Serving Communities: The Third Conversation About Rotary

The third "Conversation About Rotary" meeting equipped Presidents and Presidents-elect with the leadership tools and confidence to transform their clubs—and their communities.

From Collaboration to Impact: 99,000 Meals Served

The session opened with an inspiring case study: the Bridgeport Club's partnership with Fairfield, Monroe, and Trumbull Clubs on a food packaging initiative that delivered over 99,000 meal servings to local food pantries serving families and children in need. Doug Wade walked attendees through the MyRotary lesson "Promoting Your Club as People of Action," detailing how four clubs united through Meals of Hope to package meals, mobilize community volunteers, and amplify their impact through strategic publicity.

Building Presidential Excellence

Julia guided Presidents and Presidents-elect through essential MyRotary resources—"Get Ready Club President" and "Understanding How Your Club Operates"—equipping them to lead with clarity, assess club health, and navigate the critical distinctions between Club and Board responsibilities.

District Leadership Seminar

Meet your D7980 Leadership Team! Saturday, August 22, twenty-four members of D7980 representing Chairs of committees and sub-committees, PDGs, AGs, and the DG Track gathered on Laurel Island to debate their goals for the year and collaborate across the boundaries of their individual groupings. Engaging with topics on leadership, service, membership, public image, foundation, and the yearly theme, “For the Children,” groups brainstormed solutions to case-study problems and the support needed to create lasting impact for peace. All are available as speakers (except the dog, sorry) for your clubs, to conduct Club Health Checks, and to listen to your ideas during the next “Conversation About Rotary & Pre-PELS” (September 1) and the District Learning Assembly (October 3). [Julia Kushigian-Secor, DGE & AI, story; Andrew Stein, photo]

Conflict Resolution & Rotary d7980

Purpose

Rotary International encourages member disputes to be resolved at the local club level whenever possible, guided by the Rotary Code of Conduct and the Four-Way Test. District 7980 is developing a Conflict Resolution Team to support Rotarians when concerns cannot be resolved within their club. The team’s purpose is to provide a safe, confidential, and neutral place for Rotarians to discuss concerns, better understand conflict, and identify constructive next steps that are “fair to all concerned.”

Strategies for Effective Rotary Club Collaboration to Expand Community Outreach Across Southern Connecticut

Stronger Together: The Power of Rotary Collaboration

Rotary clubs can accomplish a great deal on their own, but we can do even more when we work together. Across Southern Connecticut, collaboration between clubs and community organizations is helping us share resources, bring more people together, and expand the impact of our service.

The Power of Rotary Collaboration

More Volunteers, Ideas, Resources, and Connections

Many service organizations face the same challenges: finding enough volunteers, raising funds, developing new ideas, and responding to growing needs. Collaboration allows us to pool our strengths. One organization may have volunteers, another may have community connections, and another may bring resources or a new idea. Each partner brings something valuable to the table.

Collaboration Does Not Mean Losing Your Club’s Identity

Sometimes clubs hesitate to collaborate because they are concerned about losing recognition or their individual identity. Working together does not mean giving that up. Every Rotary club should be proud of what makes it unique. Collaboration simply gives us another way to serve, while introducing our clubs to new people and new communities.

“When you collaborate with another organization, there can be a concern about losing recognition. In my experience, the opposite happens. Working together expands what we can accomplish.” — Stephanie Philips, District Governor, Rotary District 7980

Leveraging Rotary Global Grants to Amplify Community Service Projects in Southern Connecticut

Stephanie Philips: Unlocking Rotary Global Grants for Southern Connecticut’s Clubs

When it comes to expanding the reach of community service projects, Rotary Global Grants remain one of the most powerful, yet misunderstood, tools available to clubs throughout Southern Connecticut and beyond. Under the stewardship of Stephanie Philips, 2025-2026 District Governor for Rotary District 7980, and a pillar of collaborative service, club leaders are discovering anew how these grants aren’t just additional funding—they’re transformative multipliers for humanitarian impact.

Stephanie’s journey is best described as one of persistent dedication and vision. With over a decade of experience uplifting clubs and a history of award-winning leadership marked by a calm, inclusive spirit, Stephanie knows firsthand that a global perspective drives local results. Her open approach, coupled with Rotary’s emphasis on both local and international collaboration, empowers club presidents, volunteer coordinators, and service chairs to maximize their resources and truly ‘think big’ with community projects. As she shares, clubs in District 7980 are uniquely positioned not only to serve their neighborhoods, but to rally for global change—provided they know how to tap into every resource available.