Join the EPIC Day of Service New England Kickoff Call to get your club (or district) fully aligned for Saturday, May 16, 2026—a coordinated global day of action designed to amplify visibility, participation, and impact. You’ll leave with the simple steps to choose a project, register it, use the promotional tools/resources, and rally partners and volunteers so New England shows up strong and unmistakable on the same weekend as clubs around the world.
The role of a rotary district governor is both a privilege and a profound responsibility, especially in today’s rapidly evolving service landscape. In Southern Connecticut’s District 7980, the heartbeat of Rotary International’s mission pulses through innovative projects, inclusive leadership, and the relentless pursuit of community betterment. But what does it truly mean to lead as a district governor? How does one move beyond administration to inspire collective purpose, and how do these efforts yield extraordinary impact for clubs and communities alike?
A series of “Grants/Stewardship Moments” between now and July 1, with the objective of getting you ready to lead your Club in putting our Foundation funds to good use in your communities by your Club during your Presidential year. This is your first Grants/Stewardship Moment.
In a rapidly evolving world, the heart and longevity of every Rotary Club lie in its ability to recruit and retain passionate members ready to serve. As we look toward 2025, no one embodies this truth more than Stephanie Philips, 2025–2026 District Governor of Rotary District 7980 in Southern Connecticut. With a legacy built on engaging communities and championing “service above self,” Stephanie’s unique blend of warmth, vision, and a proven recruitment playbook is transforming how clubs approach membership growth.
If you’re a Rotary President facing stagnant numbers, a District Governor tasked with energizing your region, or a nonprofit leader seeking to amplify impact, this article provides a powerful roadmap. Let’s dive into Stephanie Philips’ essential insights—drawn from her award-winning leadership and hands-on community engagement—that promise not just to unlock Rotary club recruitment success, but to set your club on a trajectory for meaningful, sustained impact.
In Southern Connecticut, the heart of vibrant communities beats stronger thanks to the dedication and innovation of Rotary service initiatives. Yet, a powerful story unfolds just beneath the surface—one that is quietly shaped by visionaries like Stephanie Philips, the District Governor for Rotary District 7980. With decades of leadership built on warmth, resolve, and an unwavering belief in Rotary’s transformative power, Stephanie embodies the “service above self” spirit that propels lasting change. Today, she shares her unique perspective on how Rotary’s coordinated actions, collaboration, and unsung heroism maximize community impact across the region—and how every leader can help fuel this multiplying effect.
Stephanie Philips’ Core Thesis: Diversity and Service Above Self Are Keys to Growing Rotary Club Membership
"Rotary is extremely diverse. Myself as an African American who is leading the organization, and we're welcoming and accepting of all backgrounds and professions." – Stephanie Philips, Rotary District 7980
The heartbeat of any successful rotary club membership strategy is simple: embrace diversity and put service above self. According to Stephanie Philips, District Governor for Rotary District 7980, these are not just ideals—they are the driving forces propelling Rotary clubs forward in Southern Connecticut. With a proven track record of expanding clubs, spearheading vital community projects, and fostering inclusion, Stephanie exemplifies Rotary's modern mission.
Her leadership journey as an African American woman at the helm of a regional Rotary network shatters any lingering stereotypes. She emphasizes that Rotary welcomes professionals, students, homemakers, and retirees alike. This kaleidoscope of talent and background powers innovative solutions, from local food drives to global disaster relief, helping clubs break free from outdated molds and attract new active members who are eager to make a difference.
Stephanie Philips on Why Community Service Projects Are The Heart of Rotary's Mission
“Our Rotary projects not only change lives locally but create ripple effects that extend globally, bridging communities in meaningful ways.” – Stephanie Philips, Rotary District 7980
From the bustling towns of Southern Connecticut to relief hubs across the globe, community service projects stand as the beating heart of Rotary’s mission. According to Stephanie Philips, the 2025–2026 District Governor for Rotary District 7980, engaging in hands-on service isn’t just about giving back—it’s an act that connects individuals with a global purpose. Rotary, she explains, has long transformed local empathy into action, building a bridge between our neighborhoods and the world at large. Today’s challenges—whether supporting disaster relief, promoting literacy, or improving health—require clubs to deliver projects that resonate deeply within their communities while extending a helping hand to those facing crises far away.
Innovative Strategies for Successful Rotary Fundraising Events in Southern CT
Stephanie Philips, District Governor of Rotary District 7980, has reimagined what Rotary fundraising events can deliver in Southern Connecticut. Having steered major initiatives to tackle food insecurity, literacy, and youth opportunity, her insightful perspective shows how a vibrant Rotary event goes far beyond raising funds. It creates genuine community service, fosters deep local engagement, and positions each club as a local hub of connection and impact.
For Rotary Club Presidents, Community Service Chairs, District Governors, Volunteer Coordinators, and Event Planners seeking to elevate their events, Stephanie offers transformative wisdom from the field:
"Fundraising success isn’t just about dollars raised but about building bridges among people, purpose, and public image." – Stephanie Philips
Let’s delve into her strategies and “aha moments” that are redefining the art of Rotary fundraising events in our region.
Learn more: Zoom Link - Monday, November 17th, 7:00PM. Please join this call to action for a critical need in our communities.
Help make January-February a Rotary Meal-Packing Success.
After the holidays, food banks and food pantries are often at their lowest supply levels. This is a perfect time for Rotary Clubs to step up and host or join a meal-packing event.
Meal-packing is easy, fun, and accessible to everyone—no matter mobility. We’ll guide you through every step, and the packed meals will stay right here in our local communities to support neighbors in need.
If you can’t attend the Zoom session, please email Phil Ucci (phil_u_3@yahoo.com) or Carolyn Dow (Carolyn.dow@homeserveusa.com) to express your interest. Together, we can make a real difference in food security across our communities.
Saturday, November 15, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Application due date: Friday, November 7th, 2025 Club payment due: Saturday, November 8th, 2025 Cost: $200 for the sponsor/sponsoring organization Sponsoring Payment link: Club Payment Portal
Get ready for an all-new RYLA experience — redesigned to meet the evolving needs of youth leaders in Rotary District 7980! This year, we’re building leadership skills that grow from Fall to Spring, creating a powerful, connected journey for student leaders.
Fall RYLA 2025 will be held on November 15, 2025, at Connecticut College and will feature sessions on Leadership, Conflict Resolution and Peace, the Culture Walk, Team-Building Exercises, and Service Project Design Awards. The day also includes three community-building meals, fun snacks, memorable experiences, and transportation.
Our 2025 Rotary Foundation Brunch is going to be an extraordinary gathering to celebrate last year‘s achievements by our clubs and our district as it relates to the Rotary Foundation. Plus, we have the joy of bringing back Peace Fellow and Master Cellist, Diego Carneiro, to join us in the event.
Past Rotary International President and Immediate Past Chair of the Rotary Foundation, Mark Maloney, who achieved $2.025 billion in legacy giving during his tenure, will provide an inspirational keynote as we continue our support of Rotary growth in legacy giving.
Please be sure to pass this on to all club members, as DG Stephanie and I would like to see a full house at this affordable brunch event, taking place at the beautiful Madison Beach hotel overlooking Long Island Sound.
Thank you for your support and we hope that you all can attend.
Deadline: Friday, October 31st, by midnight. This contest video should encourage donations to End Polio Now. Pledge $100 annually to the PolioPlus Society—working together to finish the fight against polio. I. One entry per Rotary Club in District 7980. II. Entry must be created by club members or with their approval.
Late entries may not be considered. Winners Announced: Friday, November 7th, 2025 Questions? Contact: Stephanie Philips, sphilips@slrgroup.com
Rotary and the United Nations have a shared history of working toward peace and addressing humanitarian issues around the world.
During World War II, Rotary informed and educated members about the formation of the United Nations and the importance of planning for peace. Materials such as the booklet “From Here On!” and articles in The Rotarian helped members understand the UN before it was formally established and follow its work after its charter.
Many countries were fighting the war when the term “United Nations” was first used officially in the 1942 “Declaration by United Nations.” The 26 nations that signed it pledged to uphold the ideals expressed by the United States and the United Kingdom the previous year of the common principles “on which they based their hopes for a better future for the world.”
Rotary and the United Nations have a shared history of working toward peace and addressing humanitarian issues around the world.