 Engaging our Rotary members is vital to the success of our clubs! Join this free Zoom workshop on September 23, 2021, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm Pacific Time to share ideas about engaging new and current club members with other club and district leaders from around the Big West Zone 26/27. Click HERE to register in advance for the workshop (you will receive the link to the Zoom meeting after you register). Feel free to Invite others to the workshop, such as your club membership chairs and board members. Everyone is welcome! |
Welcome to District 5495 News
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 | Past District Governor Dan Messersmith has resigned from The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona board after 12 years of service to the organization that helps students complete their vocational training and re-enter the workforce. Replacing Dan on the board will be Marco Cecala, a member of the e-club of the Southwest. “On behalf of all the members TRVFA, we wish to sincerely thank PDG Dan Messersmith for his significant contribution and time to TRVFA the past 12 years,” said PDG Jeanie Morgan, chair of the district’s TRVFA Committee. “Every application submitted to TRVFA was evaluated personally by Dan. Dan’s knowledge and expertise benefitted the men and women who submitted their applications in hopes of receiving a scholarship from TRVFA. His selfless work made a difference in the recipients’ life, the continuation of TRVFA and as a result greatly assisted our communities.” Dan will still be very supportive and committed to TRVFA as well as readily available to answer questions. Consider sending Dan a personal thank you for all his efforts in supporting TRVFA; direct them to dwmessersmith@gmail.com. Marco is retired from a civil engineering practice and lives in Yarnell with his wife Rebecca Wilks. They are supportive of the Guatemala Literacy Project and active in other efforts as well. Marco came from a vocational education background, first in the jewelry business then home building and civil construction. “The opportunity to work with others and help them to find meaningful careers is a great opportunity,” said Marco. The members of TRVFA are currently seeking a Rotarian to assist TRVFA by reviewing and selecting applications from students. The position will be shared by both districts, which will decrease the workload. Send your information and inquiries to trvfarotary@gmail.com. |
We Rotarians are, if anything, eternal optimists. Otherwise, why would we work so hard in the face of insurmountable obstacles and challenges to make the world a better place for all?Despite suffering through a pandemic that has severely impacted our world, our communities, our families and even our own clubs – Rotarians remain steadfast in their mission to “Serve to Change Lives.”
This optimism – this conviction that our work as Rotarians really DOES make a difference – is readily apparent as I begin traveling throughout the district and visit our clubs.
Our July 10 year-end celebration and installation was not only enjoyable, but invigorating! Not only did we salute the great efforts of those who persevered and kept Rotary involved in helping others through this pandemic, but the overwhelming focus was on the future -- and the opportunities this year to serve others.
Time and time again, I was approached during the weekend by Rotarians excited to tell me of upcoming projects and activities their clubs are planning as we emerge from a year of meeting virtually and self-imposed quarantine.
I’ve sensed that same enthusiasm as I’ve begun to visit our clubs. Since July 1, I’ve had the opportunity to attend a few club installations and have now begun my official DG visits. The atmosphere is like nothing I’ve ever sensed before – our clubs are clearly eager to get back to work and find ways to serve!
Exploring the Possibilities of Expanding Our Reach in Membership, Service & Conflict Resolution Through Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
One thing we have learned over the past year is that DEI has become a hot topic with all sorts of controversy attached. Those of you who know me soon become aware that I wear my rose colored glasses when it comes to all things Rotary. It seems to me that Rotary is the perfect stage for DEI. We are an international organization so by our nature we are diversified; we proclaim truth and fairness for all and have been known as the great equalizer for both our members and those we serve. These things are self-evident when we look at the overview of the international organization. But when we view many of our clubs we see that diversity and inclusion are not as defined as they could be. Here is our opportunity to look at all the types of diversity available to us to enable our clubs to grow in qualified members, effective service projects and impact those communities we have not been able to reach. This is not a mandate from on high. Each club should determine how DEI can best be implemented. If you and your club are happy with your current membership, no one is going to force DEI on you BUT if you want to grow in numbers and service, I urge you to consider mirroring the makeup of your community so you have among your members those who are familiar with community leaders you have not been able to reach.
One thing we have learned over the past year is that DEI has become a hot topic with all sorts of controversy attached. Those of you who know me soon become aware that I wear my rose colored glasses when it comes to all things Rotary. It seems to me that Rotary is the perfect stage for DEI. We are an international organization so by our nature we are diversified; we proclaim truth and fairness for all and have been known as the great equalizer for both our members and those we serve. These things are self-evident when we look at the overview of the international organization. But when we view many of our clubs we see that diversity and inclusion are not as defined as they could be. Here is our opportunity to look at all the types of diversity available to us to enable our clubs to grow in qualified members, effective service projects and impact those communities we have not been able to reach. This is not a mandate from on high. Each club should determine how DEI can best be implemented. If you and your club are happy with your current membership, no one is going to force DEI on you BUT if you want to grow in numbers and service, I urge you to consider mirroring the makeup of your community so you have among your members those who are familiar with community leaders you have not been able to reach.
District 5495 Rotarians said farewell to outgoing District Governor Elizabeth Mahoney and installed Bret McKeand as the new DG during a special Installation Ceremony held July 10.In addition to installing the new district governor, the program celebrated the achievements of the past year and recognized the efforts of dozens of Rotarians throughout the district.
The event, held at the Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park, was the first in-person district-sponsored event since March 2020. Nearly 200 Rotarians attended the luncheon program.
Outgoing District Governor Elizabeth was praised for her leadership and focus during a year that saw tremendous challenge caused by the worldwide pandemic.
“Elizabeth kept us all focused on those things we could do, rather than dwell on all those things we couldn’t do,” said Incoming District Governor Bret McKeand. “Despite all the hardships and having to meet virtually, many of our clubs continued to do great work and serve their communities.”
After a video tribute featuring remarks by several club presidents, AGs, Interact students and other Rotarians, Elizabeth was given the traditional “boot” and presented with a number of gifts – including a framed Larry Fitzgerald autographed jersey given to her by the District Governor line. (Yes, Elizabeth is a HUGE Larry Fitzgerald fan!)