From the Desk of District Governor Stephanie Philips

Connecting, Serving and Growing Together

This summer, I loved popping in to visit friends at Clubs across our District. My official District Governor visits begin in September, but these informal visits have given me a chance to hear what's happening and simply enjoy Rotary together.

I started the Rotary year by joining the Area 4 Meal Packing organized by Bridgeport, Fairfield, Monroe, and Trumbull. What an unbelievable way to begin! More than 210 volunteers packed over 100,000 meals, showing what happens when our Clubs collaborate and put Service Above Self into action.

I welcomed a new member in Derby Shelton, visited the wonderful West Haven Club, and traveled to Madison to join the induction of two new members. I also had the pleasure of recognizing Alex Villamil as Newtown's Unsung Hero. Alex is collecting stories and poems from students to publish in a book, giving young people the thrill of seeing their words in print.

Rotary even followed me on vacation! While spending a week in Barbados, I joined a virtual meeting of the Rotary Club of Barbados. We shared projects and ideas, but the best part was the tips for great food and, of course, lots of rum tasting. They seemed to put rum in everything! Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it, but I'm still a bourbon girl first. It reminded me of something I love about Rotary: wherever we go, there are friendships to make, ideas to share, and fun to be had.

That same spirit is behind our District theme, For the Children. I hope every Club with an Interact Club will engage those young people in meaningful service. If your Club doesn't have one, maybe this is the year to start one. Let's give more young people the opportunity to discover service, leadership, friendship, and Service Above Self.

We are off to a good start with membership, with 10 new Rotarians already! Let's keep growing by sharing what we love about Rotary, collaborating with others, and inviting more people to join the fun and service.

And remember, this District newsletter belongs to all of us. Send us your pictures, stories, projects, and successes. Let us celebrate with you and inspire one another.

We have a lot to be proud of. Let's talk about it, celebrate it, and invite others to be part of it.

We can do this together.

Governor Stephanie's Travels Around District 9780!

Members of these groups use their technical expertise and professional skills to help clubs plan and implement large-scale projects.   Rotary Action Groups are independent entities affiliated with Rotary that each have a specific humanitarian focus, such as economic development, peace building, addiction prevention, ending modern slavery, or environmental sustainability.  Organized by Rotary members and nonmembers, the groups include people around the world who have knowledge, experience, or an interest in the topic. Action group members participate in meaningful service activities and use their expertise and global networks to facilitate sustainable change.

By offering Rotary clubs and districts professional knowledge, advice about partners and funding, and guidance on the best practices and project management strategies, action groups help Rotary members plan and implement large-scale projects that make an even greater impact on critical issues in communities near and far.    There are over 37,500 Rotary Action Group members in 150 countries.

___________________________________________

District Leaders gather for planning and goal-setting!

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]. Click here to read more about the event.

District 7980 Clubs & Members at Work and Having Fun!

Club Events & Outings - click link on each image for more information (if available)