February is Rotary’s month of Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution, and there may be no better way to understand peace than through the words we proudly live by: Service Above Self.
Every act of service is an act of peace.
Behind every project, every idea, and every moment of service stands a Rotarian whose life has been touched, transformed, and uplifted by this organization we hold dear. Rotary does not simply change communities — it changes people. And changed people change the world.
The question for all of us is this:
Are we creating heart-touching and life-changing experiences — moments of service and fellowship that stay with someone forever?
We don’t go to Rotary like we go to a movie. We do Rotary.
It is action. It is a feeling. It is belonging. It is a calling.
If we want to grow membership and deepen engagement, the answer is simple: invite people to serve with you before they ever attend a meeting. Let them feel the heartbeat of Rotary in action. Service builds connection, connection builds understanding, and understanding is the foundation of peace.
Together, we change the world — one heart, one person, one project, one community at a time.
This spirit will be on full display at our District Conference on May 1-2, where on Friday we will join some 100 community volunteers and nonprofit partners to demonstrate that Rotary means business when it comes to giving back. We will celebrate more than 250 impactful service projects, improving lives locally and around the globe. This is Rotary in motion — transforming both those we serve and those who serve.
The world desperately needs the hearts of Rotarians who care enough to act — with our time, our talent, and yes, our treasure that life has so generously given us.
Communities with clean water have a future. People with good health can bless others. Those who are educated uplift entire communities. Beautiful environments nurture joy and well-being. And children who read grow up to lead the world with passion and perspective.
If it’s been a while since you’ve participated in a service project, I invite you to jump back in. Increase your engagement. Make a bigger difference. And if the projects you’ve been involved in no longer excite you, find one that does. Service is contagious — once you’re back in it, the energy builds quickly.
Service doesn’t feel good until you do it. But once you do, it becomes one of life’s greatest sources of happiness.
As you step up in giving your time, talent, and treasure, think about the legacy you can leave — a legacy that benefits the world’s most vulnerable long after we are gone. Rotary gives each of us that opportunity to make a lasting difference.
February is also a month of love. Let us leave a legacy of love by doing all we can now — and by continuing to give, not until it hurts, but until it feels good.
Thank you for your good hearts. Thank you for your generosity. Thank you for the difference you make in your communities and around the world.
The world is a better place because of you, and I am deeply grateful — and incredibly proud — of the amazing work being done by the Rotarians of District 5495.
Registration is now open for Club Leadership Academy (CLA) 2026, our district’s hands-on leadership experience designed to strengthen clubs and support current and future leaders.
At our best, Rotary isn’t a meeting—it’s a mission. Power of Purpose is the idea that the strongest clubs aren’t the ones that work hardest to recruit; they’re the ones that work hardest to matter.
CLA 2026 Dates & Locations
CLA–Phoenix: Saturday, March 7, 2026 — Paradise Valley Community College
CLA Zoom Online option, Saturday, March 7, 2026
CLA–Prescott: Saturday, March 28, 2026 — Yavapai College
RLI- Session 1 at both Phoenix and Prescott events
Clubs partner with Arizona America250, Dougherty Foundation to provide college scholarships
The Arizona America250 Commission, in partnership with the Dougherty Foundation and Rotary Clubs across Arizona, announced the Civics Legacy Semiquincentennial Scholarship, a new statewide award recognizing Arizona students who demonstrate exceptional civic knowledge, engagement, and leadership ahead of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
The Dougherty Foundation, a longtime supporter of civic education and community-based leadership initiatives in Arizona, partnered with the Arizona America250 Commission to help inspire the next generation of engaged citizens and public servants.
Rotary clubs across Arizona are key partners in the scholarship, reflecting Rotary’s century-long commitment to education, youth leadership, service above self, and civic engagement at the local and global levels. Through both financial support and community involvement, Rotary members help connect students to real-world service and leadership experiences.
District clubs providing funds for scholarships: Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Mesa West, Peoria North and Sun City.
“Rotary has always believed that strong communities are built through education, service, and ethical leadership,” said Jim Schmidt, District Governor. “Partnering with Arizona America250 and the Dougherty Foundation on this scholarship aligns perfectly with Rotary’s mission to invest in young leaders who will shape the future of our state and our democracy.”
Join Rotarians from across District 5495 for an unforgettable experience filled with inspiration, connection, hands-on service, celebration, and fun. From dynamic speakers and meaningful breakout sessions to hands-on service opportunities and a magical Saturday night celebration, this conference is designed to energize and unite us as we shape the future of Rotary together.
Together We Raise: District 5495 launches a bold campaign for The Rotary Foundation
Mark Your Calendar!
Together We Raise: A Campaign of Vision, Unity, and Legacy
Rotary District 5495 | Major & Legacy Giving Campaign Celebration Event — April 30, 2026 Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West (The evening before the 2026 District Conference)
A Night to Celebrate the Power of Giving
Rotary District 5495 has proudly launched Together We Raise — a bold and inspiring campaign to raise millions of dollars in new gifts to The Rotary Foundation (TRF).
From January 1, 2025, through April 15, 2026, Rotarians, clubs, and friends of Rotary will join hands to make transformational gifts that sustain Rotary’s life-changing work across the globe and right here in Arizona.
This is more than a campaign — it’s a movement of hope, generosity, and shared vision for a better tomorrow.
Celebrate Generosity That Changes the World
Join us for an unforgettable evening of recognition, fellowship, and inspiration as we honor those whose giving is shaping Rotary’s future.
Donors who make or commit to $10,000 or more in new gifts or legacy pledges during the campaign period will receive special recognition at this extraordinary gala.
Enjoy uplifting stories, heartfelt recognition, and a spectacular evening of surprise entertainment that will leave you inspired.
Blue Brother Themed Evening! Black Tie Optional!
Together We Raise. Together We Serve. Together We Thrive.
Donating to The Foundation: Set it and forget it!!
Rotary Direct, the automated system for regularly donating to The Rotary Foundation (TRF), is absolutely the easiest way you can give. Your commitment to Rotary through Rotary Direct is one of the most impactful forms of giving. Month after month, year after year, your generosity quietly fuels projects that change lives—and that consistency truly matters.
And it gets better! How can the support you’ve already “set and forgotten” continue well into the future? Many Rotarians choose to pair Rotary Direct giving with a legacy bequest—not as something urgent, but as a natural extension of what they’re already doing so faithfully.
All Rotarians and friends are warmly invited to attend our Together We Raise Celebration on April 30. Those who have established a legacy bequest of $10,000 or more will be specially recognized during the event.
For further information about the many ways of giving, please contact Laura Mello, Rotary International Major Gifts Officer at laura.mello@rotary.org or (858) 254-7896.
Thank you for "setting and forgetting" so that Rotary can do more good in the world!
Your club can assist students in vocational programs by donating to The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona.
Rotary clubs have the opportunity to make direct donations to TRVFA. By supporting students, you can significantly enhance the impact of your club. For more details, visit our website at https://trvfa.org.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Jeanie Morgan or Allan Cady.
The job market for medical and dental students, as well as for those pursuing careers in truck driving, is strong.
For additional information, please feel free to reach out Allan Cady at acady@cadyfam.com, or 602-738-1188.
The competition for the District 5495 Polio Champions Award has started for the 2025-26 Rotary year. The top seven clubs in the competition as of January 20, 2026, are Valley of the Sun Passport, Mesa West, Peoria North, Sedona Red Rocks, Scottsdale North, Prescott Frontier, and E-Club of the Southwest.
Only 39 of our District clubs have contributed to End Polio Now as of this report. That leaves 20 plus clubs that have made no contribution. There is still time for non-contributors to rectify that situation and also time for other clubs to up their contributions. District Governor Jim has indicated that he will not award the Paul Harris Bronze at his District Conference in early May. Rather, the competition will run until mid to late June.
As of the date of this report, Jan 26, there had been no reported cases of polio paralysis. However, by the end of January, there was one confirmed case of paralytic polio and others being investigated. There is still work to do folks. Let’s keep those contributions coming in. Thanks!
Help Wanted: Part-Time District Administrator Rotary District 5495 • Arizona Help power service across Arizona.
Are you a master organizer with a heart for community? Do you love keeping moving parts in sync, making leaders look good, and turning big ideas into smooth execution?
Rotary District 5495 is seeking a Part-Time District Administrator to serve as the operational backbone for 65+ Rotary and Rotaract clubs and more than 2,000 members across Arizona. This is a key support role working closely with the District Governor and leadership team to ensure our service, leadership, and events run seamlessly.
This role is ideal for someone who:
Thrives on details, calendars, and clear communication
Enjoys supporting senior leaders and volunteer teams
Is highly organized, dependable, and proactive
Loves variety—no two days are the same
Wants meaningful work that creates real community impact
Key responsibilities include:
Coordinating district meetings, events, and key timelines
Supporting the District Governor and leadership team
Managing records, reports, correspondence, and calendars
Serving as a central point of contact for district operations
Helping keep projects, communications, and follow-ups on track
About the role:
Part-time (approximately 18 hours per week)
Primarily remote, with occasional in-person meetings/events
Flexible schedule with purpose-driven work
Collaborative, mission-focused environment with incredible people
Preferred skills and experience:
Familiarity with Rotary systems, especially ClubRunner and My Rotary
Strong proficiency with Google Workspace and/or Microsoft Office
Experience supporting nonprofits, associations, or volunteer-led organizations
Event coordination and meeting logistics experience (Zoom and in-person)
Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple priorities with discretion and professionalism
Experience with Rotary is a plus, but training and support will be provided for the right candidate.
Jennette Bill of the Rotary Club of Sedona Village has been named January's Rotarian of the Month.
Jennette has been a dedicated Rotarian since September 2009, beginning her service with the Red Rocks Club. Her visionary leadership played a key role in the formation of the Sedona Village Satellite Club, which earned its charter in 2019. She is a past president of the club and has continued to serve in multiple leadership roles on the board ever since.
Currently, Jennette serves as the Assistant Governor for our area and holds the role of Youth Service Chair in our club, where she passionately supports two Interact clubs. Her commitment to youth engagement exemplifies the spirit of Rotary's future-focused mission.
Jennette is also a generous financial supporter of both our club and Rotary International. Her multiple Paul Harris Fellow recognitions reflect her ongoing dedication to Rotary's global impact.
Shari Legate of the Rotary Club of Prescott Frontier has been named January’s District Rookie of the Month. Shari joined the club in May 2025 and has already made a remarkable impact through her skills, energy, and enthusiasm.
With a professional background in digital marketing, Shari quickly became an integral part of the club’s Public Relations Committee. She has expanded the club's presence across multiple platforms-Facebook, X, lnstagram, Pinterest, and Substack -- ensuring club stories, photos, and service projects reach a wide audience. Her creativity and consistency have elevated the visibility of our club and strengthened Rotary's message of service.
Grab your Rotary friends and head to the ballpark for an unforgettable day of baseball, camaraderie, and pure fun! Enjoy VIP access to the 1st Base Party Deck, where you’ll take in the game from prime seating with a festive, social atmosphere for D5495 Rotarians.
Your ticket includes:
Game admission in the exclusive 1st Base Party Deck
A delicious ballpark lunch
Soft drinks throughout the game
A lively Rotary-only experience filled with laughs, photos, and memories
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just there for the hot dogs and high-fives, this is the perfect blend of fellowship and fun. Wear your Rotary swag, bring your cheering voice, and let’s turn the stadium into a sea of Service Above Self!
It’s not just a game—it’s a grand slam day with Rotary.
On Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, GateWay Community College was proud to host the Maricopa Community Colleges & Rotary Breakfast, a collaborative event sponsored by the Rotary Club of Paradise Valley.
The breakfast brought together education and community leaders with a shared goal: creating opportunities that strengthen our communities.
The event served as a welcoming space for conversation and connection between Maricopa Community Colleges and Rotary clubs from across the district, including Rotary district leadership. By gathering on a community college campus, the breakfast highlighted the important role colleges play as hubs for leadership development, service, and workforce preparation.
Creating Opportunities Through Collaboration
At the heart of the breakfast was a focus on partnership. Participants discussed ways Rotary and community colleges can work together to expand Rotary’s presence in the community, engage emerging young leaders, and encourage more Rotary events at local community colleges. Conversations also centered on future collaboration through community service projects, support for youth-focused programs and events, and the expansion of vocational scholarship opportunities.
These shared efforts reflect a mutual commitment to service, education, and opportunity—values that both Rotary and the Maricopa Community Colleges proudly uphold.
All Ten Colleges, One Shared Mission
Representatives from all Maricopa Community Colleges were in attendance, eager to connect with Rotary members and explore opportunities for collaboration. Their participation reinforced the systemwide commitment to building strong community partnerships that support student success, workforce development, and service learning.
The Tour of Taiwan itinerary is finalized! The seven-day Tour of Taiwan will begin the day after the end of the Rotary International Convention and introduce the culture, treasure, and natural beauty of Taiwan to the participants. See the attached PDF for the tour description, schedule, and pricing.
Reservations and payment must be received no later than Feb. 28, 2026, to reserve your spot on the tour. Make your reservation by emailing me at niemanjv@iname.com with names of everyone in your party. Note that a threesome may incur the single rate for the third person if the hotel does not have a rollout bed.
Payment may be made via Zelle, check, or cash. Zelle: (626)672-8635 (include Taiwan and your name in the comments).
Checks: Make payable to John Nieman. Write Taiwan Tour and your name in the memo line. Mail to 4019 E. Goldfinch Gate Lane, Phoenix, AZ, 85044-4628.
Cash: In person only. Any reduction in price determined by volume will be refunded directly to you.
Corey Peak, Senior Program Officer for Polio Modeling and Analytics at the Gates Foundation, spoke to the Valley of the Sun Passport Club in January about polio and the efforts by The Gates Foundation, Rotary International and others in our efforts to eradicate Polio.
Dr Corey Peak holds doctorate and master’s degrees in Infectious Disease Epidemiology from the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health and completed post-doctoral training with the US CDC in the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS). He joined the Gates Foundation in 2019 and works closely with academic, governmental, and other partners to design, scale, and optimize new technologies and strategies for polio eradication, with a special emphasis on novel vaccines and surveillance methodologies. In his free time, he enjoys training for triathlons and otherwise exploring the Pacific Northwest with his wife and two small children.
Click the link below to view a recording of the presentation.
Tempe South launches annual virtual online auction
The Rotary Club of Tempe South will launch a virtual online auction 7 p.m. February 27 as part of its 51st anniversary celebration.
A large number of entries are available, many unique trips, collectables, and one-of-a-kind items. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be used for community projects for our school children and teachers, our senior citizens, our parks and even our wildlife.
Beginning Sunday, February 1, 2026, you can visit www.RotaryVirtualAuction.com to view what is available.
The virtual online auction will close on Monday, March 2, at 9 p.m. Visit and place your bids or donate by going to www.rotaryvirtualauction.com.
The Rotary Club of Sedona Village is offering summer camp scholarships for summer youth programs. Four scholarships, valued up to $750 each, will be awarded to students grades 6-11 who reside in Sedona, the Village of Oak Creek, and/or are currently attending a Sedona school.
The scholarships will enrich a student’s abilities and interests whether it be in science, music, drama, leadership, art, academics, sports.
To apply, students can obtain a scholarships online application at www.sedonavillagerotary.org. Select the Summer Camp Scholarship tab, complete and submit the application that includes an essay where the student tell about their abilities and their passion of the enrichment camp they would like to attend.
Don’t delay! Deadline for the application is April 15th and should be emailed to president@sedonavillagerotary.org. Send any questions to the same email address. The applications will be reviewed and scored by a panel of Rotary Club of Sedona Village members. Scholarship recipients will be announced no later than April 30 and scholarships will be sent directly to the program the student indicates.
Rotary Club of Sun Lakes Rotarians are "people of action." The Club recently participated in a number of East Valley community service and education projects, including mentoring and leading AWIM (A World in Motion) Jet Toy competition races at fifth-grade classes of CUSD's Fulton and Carlson Elementary Schools and Gila Indian Reservation Schools. This RCSL project partners with of Society of Engineers (SAE) and ASU Engineering School students. Per project chair, Gary Kay, the club received several hundred personalized thank you notes sent by the students participating in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning experience.
Click HERE for more information and to purchase tickets for the PNRC Speakeasy Fundraiser!
Rotarians participate in RLI on January 17 District 5495 conducted all three sessions of Rotary Leadership Institute Jan. 17. The event took place at Benedictine University, 225 E. Main St., Mesa, 85201. RLI is a world-wide organization that some refer to as Rotary’s “College of Knowledge.” RLI touches on “everything Rotary” and is not a “leadership” course to become an officer of your Club. RLI is made up of three one-day Sessions to give you an overview of what Rotary is and what it does worldwide. Its goal is to create ENTHUSIASM for Rotary and show the enormous potential of Rotary service and how with knowledge and excellent leadership in Clubs, the world will benefit.
Rotary Club of Sun Lakes honors Hamilton students
In hopes to start a Rotary Club of Sun Lakes-sponsored Interact Rotary Club, RCSL’s Peacebuiders Committee asked CUSD Hamilton High School Clubs to produce a public service video promoting the school’s Food Pantry. RCSL awarded six checks ranging from $350 to $100 each (total: $1,050) to school clubs who created PSA videos.
At the award ceremony, Ann Diamond and Jim O’Connell thanked volunteers, school administration, school advisors, and students for their support of this community service project. Also, they expressed gratitude to RCSL members who, each month, contribute to the food pantry, which was founded by RCSL members Judi Edmonds and Kandi Skrabala.
In order of Club placement (1st to runnerup) was: Hamilton Activism Club, Wet Robotics Club, Native American Club, Student Government, Huskies Helping Huskies and National Honor Society. RCSL is known for its support of valley educational programs and projects. For more information – see www.sunlakesrotary.com
The application period runs February 1 – May 15 for this fully funded Fellowship through The Rotary Foundation.
Think of someone you personally know, or in your social and professional network who are working in humanitarian areas, or any of Rotary’s 7 Areas of Focus (locally, nationally, or overseas), already has a bachelor’s degree, and would be interested in a master’s degree or Professional Development Certificate.
Our D5495 committee is here to assist you and your club, as well as those interested in applying. We can also provide your club with a program on the Fellowship.
Please go to the D5495 website’s Peacebuilding TAB and click on the Peace Fellowships link to share information with your clubs as well as others who might benefit from this amazing opportunity.
Or reach out to Tony Cerato at tcerato@aol.com, or 719-351-6616.
The Goodyear-Pebblecreek Rotary Club on Dec. 20, packed and delivered 90 Food Boxes for needy families that were identified by the Avondale and Litchfield school districts. This is an annual event, and the club had about 40 volunteers from our Rotary Club, Avondale School District, Litchfield School District, Rotoract Club, Avondale Toyota, and Microsoft. We met at the Target store at 7:30 am, packed the boxes, and loaded the cars for delivery. Each team delivered between three boxes and five boxes directly to the families. They also delivered a book for each child.
Rotary clubs are among the few remaining places where people regularly come together across differences to build trust, understanding, and community. As America approaches its 250th birthday, the role of Rotarians to Unite for Good has never been more important.
Rotarians for Civic Participation is a growing, values-driven network of Rotarians who believe that Rotary principles can help strengthen civic life—not through politics, but through integrity, dialogue, and shared responsibility. This effort is supported by Democracy in a Box, whose mission is “improving people’s quality of life by using Rotarian principles to have conversations about democracy for peace and sustainability.”
This isn’t about parties or candidates, it’s about principles. What if every person serving in government began their day by reading The Four-Way Test? What if every voter reflected on those same questions before casting a ballot? What if public decisions were measured by truth, fairness, goodwill, and benefit to all?
As Rotarians, we don’t bring politics into our clubs—but we can bring the spirit of Rotary into civic life. At this historic moment, we have an opportunity to model the kind of civic culture worthy of the next 250 years.
If you are a Rotarian who cares about civic participation, or simply want to stay informed about this initiative, you’re invited to join us!
To learn more, visit DemocracyInABox.us or complete this form. If you have any questions, please contact democracyinabox@gmail.com.
Use the new Rotary-branded PowerPoint presentation to give potential members or community partners a concise overview of what Rotary is and what our members do. Customize the notes depending on your audience. You can share the slides in person or virtually.
Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month February 23 — Rotary's anniversary
March 2026
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Month World Rotaract Week is celebrated Monday through Sunday during the week of March 13, Rotaract’s anniversary March 31 — Preregistration discount ends for the Rotary International Convention
