District International Service Committee
Service Opportunities:
To help clubs recognize the value of international service projects and to assist clubs to find mentors for that involvement. International service is one of the most rewarding aspects of your Rotary experience.
There are no set meetings, it operates on an ad hoc basis.
Anyone with actual experience with International Projects is welcome.
Contact Chairperson PDG Craig Wilson, 602-561-1487, cw_10_46@yahoo.com
PEACE THROUGH SERVICE
District Foundation Committee
Service Opportunities
Purpose of the District Foundation Committee:
The district Rotary Foundation committee assists in educating, motivating, and inspiring Rotarians to participate in Foundation grant and fundraising activities in the district. The committee serves as the liaison between The Rotary Foundation and Rotarians. The subcommittee chairs are members of this committee.
What the Committee Does:
Throughout the year Rotary Foundation Committee manages the Rotary grant process. This includes global grants and district grants. The committee assist clubs by training, writing grants, and finding grant partners. The committee also is facilitates raising funds for several of Rotary’s initiatives that support Rotary International’s 7 Areas of Focus. One of the flagship projects is the efforts to eradicate polio. The committee carries out recognition activities. It also keeps clubs informed about the difference The foundation is making around the world.
Committee Structure:
The Sub-committees are Global Grants, District Grants, Polio+, Stewardship, Major Donor, Endowments, and Recognition. These subcommittees work collaboratively to support other needs that may arise but are not ongoing, such as disaster relief.
Contact Teresa Haire, d5495admin@rotary5495.org
District Visioning Committee
Purpose and Mission
The District Visioning Committee helps Rotary clubs across District 5495 define their future, align with Rotary’s Action Plan, and create a clear, actionable vision. By guiding clubs through a proven, collaborative process, we empower members to set ambitious yet achievable goals that inspire engagement, strengthen membership, and maximize community impact.
Typical Activities/Initiatives
- Hosting structured “visioning sessions” where club members collectively identify priorities for the next 3–5 years.
- Training facilitators to lead sessions with impartiality and effectiveness.
- Providing follow-up support to help clubs transform their vision into an actionable plan.
- Offering resources, best practices, and coaching that keep clubs focused and energized.
Open Roles or Volunteer Opportunities
We welcome Rotarians interested in becoming trained facilitators to help conduct visioning sessions for clubs across the district.
Time Commitment
- Facilitators: 1–3 sessions per year (each session is 3–4 hours in-person, plus prep and travel time).
- Committee meetings: Quarterly virtual meetings (about 1 hour each).
Desired Skills or Experience
- Strong facilitation and listening skills.
- Ability to encourage open, respectful conversation.
- Familiarity with Rotary programs is a plus, but facilitator training is provided.
Benefits of Serving
- Shape the future of clubs and communities across Arizona.
- Develop advanced facilitation and leadership skills.
- Connect with Rotarians from diverse clubs and regions.
- Experience the fulfillment of helping clubs turn big ideas into lasting results.
Contact Information for Follow-Up
Scott Sommer
Chair, District Visioning Committee
scott@scottsommer.com
Join Us: Board Member Opportunity for the District Charitable Fund 🌟
Are you a bold thinker with a heart for service?
Do you believe in the power of collaboration across Rotary Clubs to create lasting impact?
The District Charitable Fund is seeking a new board member to help guide our mission of supporting meaningful projects across all Rotary Clubs in the district.
Commitment:
- Quarterly meetings (4 per year)
- 3-year term
What We’re Looking For:
- A creative, out-of-the-box problem solver
- Passion for community service and inter-club collaboration
- Strategic mindset with a willingness to roll up your sleeves
- Experience in nonprofit, finance, or grantmaking is a plus—but not required
Why Join?
- Shape the future of district-wide charitable initiatives
- Build relationships with leaders across Rotary
- Leave a legacy of impact through sustainable funding and support
If you're ready to make a difference and bring fresh energy to our board, we’d love to hear from you.
To express interest or nominate someone, contact Stephen Phair – Chairman, @ Stephen.phair@edwardjones.com
District Finance Committee
FINANCE COMMITTEE – note…this is from the District Bylaws
- Composition
The Finance Committee shall have seven members consisting of six (6) Rotarians who have financial management experience. The seventh member will be the Committee Chairperson
appointed by the current District Governor. The Chairperson could be reappointed to serve up to three years at the discretion of the successive District Governors. The committee should have at least one member who is a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CMA (Certified Management Accountant). The candidate can be either professionally active or retired.
The District Governor, District Governor-Elect, District Governor-Nominee and District Treasurer shall serve as ex officio members of the Finance Committee with voice, but without vote.
Terms
Each Rotarian member shall serve for three years.
Election
At each District Council on Legislation, the club delegates shall elect two Rotarians for a three-year term. No member of the Finance Committee may be elected or appointed to a successive term and, subject to that limitation, the District Governor shall fill by appointment any vacancies occurring on the Finance Committee because of death, resignation, or removal during his/her term.
- District Finance Committee
General Duties
The Committee shall supervise the financial operations of the District including budget preparation and oversight of the District Fund. It is charged with reviewing the proposed budget, spending, and expansion plans, as prepared by the Governor-Elect, to ensure appropriate scope of program funding and balanced financial objectives for all district events, committees, and programs. The approval of the Finance Committee precedes the general acceptance of an annual budget and spending program by vote. It shall also develop financial operational policies in coordination with the Bylaws and Policies Committee. The Finance Chair will assign members of the Committee to liaise with RYLA, Interact, the Education & Leadership Development Committee, Youth Exchange and those responsible for the District Conference in the preparation of annual budgets and reporting to the District.
- Meetings
The Committee shall meet quarterly subject to the discretion of its chair as to date, time, and place.
- Reports
The Committee is responsible for ensuring the timely submission of all financial and statutory reports required by federal and state laws and regulations, the RI Manual of
Procedures and District Bylaws or Policies and Procedures, expressly including the compilation of the annual financial statements of the District required by ARTICLE V, Section E of the District Bylaws. These include, but are not limited to the following:
Federal Tax Form 990s for all accounts that use the District TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number), which will be consolidated into a single 990. These federal filings are due by 15 November each year. State of Arizona filings for the above accounts as required.
PURPOSE AND MISSION: note – this is from RI
Maintaining transparent financing and good stewardship makes sure that clubs remain in proper financial standing with RI and the district. The Finance committee supervises district funds, manages district governor expenses, and prepares annual reports on the status of the district’s finances. We also:
- Identify and mitigate possible risks to protect clubs and the district.
- Ensure that proper income and expense records are kept.
TYPICAL ACTIVITIES/INITIATIVES: note – this is from Sandy Abalos
The Finance Committee roles and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- monitor and review District Finances
- review, adjust and approve the annual budget prepared by the District Governor-Elect
- review, adjust and approve the District Conference budget prepared by the District Governor-Elect
- communicate with and assist the District Treasurer
- compare budget to actual financial results
- assist youth services with developing and managing budgets
- monitor youth service financial results and communicate with youth service leadership during the year
- finalize the District’s annual financial statements
- secure an independent CPA to prepare the Annual Statement and Report on District Finances and the District tax returns
- prepare and submit the annual District Governor Funding Report to Rotary International
- submit the Annual Statement and Report on District Finances to Rotary International
BENEFITS OF SERVING:
Monitoring District finances is essential for financial health. Members with financial statement acumen and experience are good candidates for the Finance Committee.
