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.

Literacy Meets Legacy: A Kindergarten Kindness Campaign

In alignment with Rotary International's monthly theme "Basic Education & Literacy," Rotarian Beth Stoller and author Tish Rabbe unveiled their children's book, Kindness is Caring, Friendship is Sharing—a two-year labor of love that brings the Four-Way Test to life for young students. Beth introduced the innovative "Kindergarten Kindness Campaign," a 10-day curriculum featuring classroom activities aligned with educational standards and family engagement components. Julia highlighted its potential as a replicable model for clubs responding to the District's challenge to create visible, local projects centered on children, basic education, and literacy.

Looking Ahead: District Events & Opportunities

The meeting concluded with a preview of upcoming district events:

  • World Polio Day

  • Peace Concert with Diego Carneiro – Sept. 21 (International Peace Day)

  • Rotary Peace Game Day – Sept. 22

  • District Learning Assembly – Oct. 3

  • Fall RYLA Leadership Program – Nov. 15

Future "Conversation About Rotary" Meetings: