Our District 7070 newsletter is meant to keep everyone in our Rotary family up to date on latest news from around the Rotary world, from the clubs in our District, from the various committees in District 7070 and beyond. We send it out to all active Rotarians and post it on to our District Facebook page. We ask that you share this letter and keep our entire Rotary family and friends informed. Make sure they all get a copy. The deadline for your story submissions is always 4 days prior to the end of the month. Check out our District 7070 Facebook Page, Twitter, Instagram accounts and our District 7070 website for even more of the latest news about Rotary here in southern Ontario and around the world.
Posted by Niecy Dillon Tyrovolas , District 7070 Governor , 2025-26
In her December 2025 Newsletter, District 7070 Governor Niecy Dillon Tyrovolas talks about her many official visits to our clubs in November and says that we are truly United For Good. Starting in January , she will do a new round of visits to our clubs with a “fireside chat” twist. she wants a chance to sit down with members in a more relaxed setting and hear directly from you — what can the District do for you and for your club? She will be reaching out to Club Presidents soon to schedule these conversations. She reminds us that December is also Disease Prevention and Treatment Month in Rotary — a great reminder that even a small donation to End Polio Now can make a big difference . Niecy wishes everyone in District 7070 – members, your families, your friends – a very Happy Holiday – have all the peace, love, and laughter this holiday season.. Please Read more. .........
Posted by Francesco Arezzo, Rotary International President 2025-26
To health and happiness
In President Francesco's December 2025 Newsletter, talks about this month issue being all about happiness and during Disease Prevention and Treatment Month, he highlights our members' work to promote health and wellness , including mental health. It is called friendship. He says that "fellowship gives us the courage and means to create lasting change in the world." He encourages us to let us Unite for Good — for healing, friendship, and access to happiness..... Please Read more......
Posted by Holger Knaack, Chair of the Trustees , Rotary Foundation 2024-25
In Past President Holger Knaack's Rotary Foundation December 2025 Newsletter, he talks about Rotary's programs of scale and Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge, now Rotary’s most significant disease prevention initiative after polio eradication. The Healthy Communities Challenge aims to combat pneumonia, malaria, and diarrheal diseases, the leading killers of children under 5 in many parts of Africa. Holger says, "Through the Healthy Communities Challenge, Programs of Scale, and polio eradication, Rotary proves that partnerships, community engagement, and vision can transform global health and save lives.". .. Please Read more........
Posted by Christine Etienne, Rotary International Director , Zones 28 & 32
To embrace current technology and to be a resource to all members of Zone’s 28/32, the current newsletter has been transitioned to an interactive blog style format that will be managed and moderated by the Zone leadership team. Look for the "In The Zone" December 2025 video from Christine Etienne, our Rotary International Director, in our December 2025 Rotary District 7070 Newsletter , and on the Rotary Zone 28 and 32 website.
As soon as Chris' "In The Zone" December 2025 video is available, it will be inserted into the District 7070 December Newsletter that appears on our Rotary District 7070 website and also on the Rotary Zone 28 and 32 website . ....... This month, Chris brings seasons greeting form everyone on the Rotary Zone 28 & 32 Leadership team . Chris also notes that in the month of December, we reflect on our work in Disease Prevention and Treatment. In a world where intolerance and violence fueled by religious differences are seemingly increasing, one Rotary club in Indonesia is showing how diversity can help prevent a pandemic threat......Please Read more.....
The Rotary Foundation Trustees established a new Hurricane Melissa Response Fund in October 2025 to support immediate relief efforts for people affected by the devastating hurricane. Donors can give directly to relief efforts led by Rotary members.
Contributions will be accepted until 31 January 2026. Districts can apply for grants from the funds until 28 October 2026, or until all funds have been allocated. Any contributions that haven’t been spent by then will be transferred to the Disaster Response Fund and made available for disasters worldwide......
What is your Rotary Club doing to focus your efforts on Disease Prevention and Treatment?
Rotary's top priority is the eradication of polio, but our members take on far greater responsibilities to fight disease. They set up health camps and training facilities in undeveloped countries and in communities struggling with HIV/AIDS and malaria. They also design and build the infrastructure for doctors, nurses, governments, and partners to reach the one in six people in the world who can't afford to pay for healthcare.....
The Rotary magazine Photo Awards opened on 1 October. It finishes on December 31. Winning photos will appear in the June 2026 issue of Rotary magazine. Rotary International is seeking photography submissions for the annual Rotary magazine photo awards, an opportunity to share your vision of the world with the Rotary community. Consider images of Rotary projects, values, people of action, club activities, or general interest. This year, we’re especially interested in photos that capture everyday life in your community.
Participants must be a member or honorary member of a Rotary or Rotaract club, or a participant or alumnus of an official Rotary program. Participants also can be the partners or children, 18 and older, of club members. Proof of likeness releases may be requested. Limit five (5) submissions, one (1) photo per submission. Photographs must have been taken since 1 January 2025. Photographs must be submitted between 1 October 2025 at 0:00 Central Standard Time (“CST”) and 31 December 2025 at 23:59 CST. Questions should be sent to magazine@rotary.org with the subject line "Photo Awards."
To mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations charter signing, Rotary International and Rotary districts in Northern California, USA, are organizing a collaborative event to highlight Rotary’s long relationship with the organization. It will be held 11 December in San Francisco, California, USA. Learn more about the UN event.
Join Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo and other dedicated Rotary members for a one-day event commemorating the United Nations' 80th anniversary in San Francisco, California, on Thursday, 11 December 2025. Click above for an invitation from our RI president. Learn more at globalgoalslocalaction.com.
2026 Rotary Rose Parade Committee Float Theme: Unite For Good
Every year, the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee has a viewing audience of over 41 million households in the United States and 28 million households around the world in more than 243 countries/ territories - Rotary's biggest Public Image event every year . The Tournament estimates that more than 700,000 are present live on the parade route, over 22,000 view the floats as they are decorated; and almost 122,000 view the post-parade floats. That's what we call boosting Rotary's public image . Tune into KTLA for the best coverage of the Parade and see the 2026 Rotary Rose Parade Float on January 1, 2026 as early as 10 am (Toronto Time). Read more for the rest of the story ......
Let’s Celebrate Oral Health Month Together in 2026!
April is Oral Health Month in Canada. Please assist us to encourage your local schools and parents to promote good oral and overall health. Schools may schedule a presentation by a local dentist and order a Colgate toothbrush and toothpaste for each of their students.
Join LIZ COMPTON (DGE) and her Committee for an inspiring weekend celebrating service, connection, and community impact. Meet fellow Rotarians and Rotaractors, learn from engaging speakers, and enjoy time together in the heart of North York
It is always with great sadness when we loose members of our District 7070 Rotary family. Everyone in District 7070 wants to expresses their deepest sympathies to our extended Rotary family. Please send your notices to Newsletter Editor Dave Andrews at dave.f.andrews99@gmail.com .....
Posted by Bob Wallace, Past District Governor, Past Rotary Zone Coordinator, and Current Chair of District 7070 Rotary Foundation Committee
In his December 2025 letter to Rotarians, Past District Governor Bob Wallace, Chair of the District 7070 Rotary Foundation Committee, encourages every Rotarian to set and meet their club and personal goals and make a conscious effort to make a donation to The Rotary Foundation, whatever you can afford, to the Annual Programs Fund, the PolioPlus Fund, the Disaster Response Fund, and to the Endowment Fund. Are you a member of the Paul Harris Society OR the PolioPlus Society? We sure hope you attended the November 2025 Rotary Foundation Grant Qualification Seminar. Time to get the Memorandums of understanding in to me. Please Read more.........
In her inaugural address at the June, at the District Governor Changeover, our 2026 -26 District Governor Niecy Dillon-Tyrovolas challenged all of us to help Bob Wallace and Jim Louttit, who announced a new Rotary District 7070 Goal for The Rotary Foundation called "The Magic of Millions". She has asked us to try and achieve the goal to raise $1 million by the end of the year. Please appoint an ambassador for your club to help you promote the Magic of Millions . Throughout the year, please encourage your members to donate to : the Annual Programs Fund, the Polio Fund, The Disaster Response Fund and to the Endowment Fund. At the Rotary Foundation Grants Seminar in Oshawa in November , you will found out even more how you can help us reach that Magic of Millions.
Posted by Past District Governor Bob Wallace, Chair , District Rotary Foundation Committee
Dear fellow Rotarians in District 7070,
Rotarians in District 7070 have been committed to The Annual Programs Fund of the Rotary Foundation. You should be proud of the difference that Rotary have made in the lives of millions of people throughout the world by the project funded by The Rotary Foundation.
I want to thank you for your past efforts and ask that you recommit to helping us raise funds for The Annual Programs Fund of the Rotary Foundation.
We are inviting you to join our efforts to continue for The Annual Programs Fund of the Rotary Foundation. To become a member of the Paul Harris Society you are asked to commit to making an annual donation of $1000 USD or more to The Annual Programs Fund of the Rotary Foundation.
We hope that with your commitment in joining the Paul Harris Society, we will make a significant difference in our world.
Raise for Rotary is a platform that allows individuals, clubs, and districts to create online fundraisers that benefit The Rotary Foundation. It is a great way to celebrate personal events and special occasions. Organizers can share their fundraisers through social media, email, and text, so family, friends, colleagues, and supporters can donate online...... Please Read more....
Posted by Past District Governor Bob Wallace, Chair, District 7070 Rotary Foundation Committee
Dear Fellow Rotarians in District 7070,
Rotarians in District 7070 have been committed over the past nearly 40 years to raising funds to immunize children worldwide and our efforts are paying off. You should be proud of the difference that Rotary has made in the lives of millions of children by eliminating this dreadful disease.
I want to thank you for your past efforts and ask that you recommit to helping us raise funds to finish Rotary’s number one initiative of eradicating polio. Rotary is still committed to raising $50 million a year for this effort.
As such, we are launching the Polio Plus Society and are inviting you to join our efforts to continue to raise funds to eradicate polio. To become a member of the Polio Plus Society you are asked to commit to making an annual donation of $100 USD or more to The Rotary Foundation’s Polio Plus Fund until the last two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, are certified free of the wild polio virus.
A PolioPlus Society membership can completed here by clicking here.
Learn how launching a new club can transform your community, empower new leaders, and create space for more People of Action. Join Zones 28 & 32 for Resolve to Evolve: Launching a New Club — a webinar designed to spark ideas and fuel growth. Let’s evolve, innovate, and expand Rotary’s reach. Save this link and join us on Dec 1: Join on Zoom: at 7:30 PM:
Posted by Lee Ann Searight, Rotary International Membership Resources Specialist
Every month is a time when we should celebrate our members, recognize their contributions, and engage with prospective members. We have many resources you can use to promote membership in your club and enhance participant engagement. Here are 10 ideas for planning an exciting time for them:
The Rotary Club of Global ROOTS has achieved impressive diversity by embracing a unique structure. Its flexible, hybrid meeting format makes both in-person and online members feel equally comfortable and valued. The club’s membership spans generations and professions, with 66% female and 76% under 40. Learn more about this innovative club and get tips on creating a welcoming club experience.
New and different club models will attract diverse leaders to Rotary.Rotary clubs continue to demonstrate their value by staying connected to members and responding to changing needs in the community. Read about clubs around the world who are finding ways to adapt to new challenges and meeting online. Clubs and districts can take many approaches to membership growth. Rotary research tells us the most important factor is a club experience that attracts prospective members and engages current ones. A strong identity can help your club offer that kind of experience. The recently updated Club Types, Formats, and Models resource describes the many combinations of experiences that Rotary and Rotaract clubs worldwide are adopting as their club identities. One type of club is a satellite club, which can be started by fewer members and supported by another club. You can learn more about satellite clubs in the updated Guide to Satellite Clubs. Further strategies for membership growth are outlined in the new Strengthening Your Membership guide. The newly updated presentation on The State of Membership covers the latest membership trends and offers sustainable growth ideas. Membership growth also requires us to tell others about Rotary. During Membership and New Club Development Month in August, several experts shared advice on crafting compelling Rotary stories. Read more on the Rotary Voices blog. Please Read more for even more resources......
As you prepare for the new Rotary year, remember that engaged members lead to a vibrant club. Members are more likely to be engaged when their needs are met, and the best way to understand your members’ needs is to ask about them. You can use a member interest survey and a member satisfaction survey to gather this valuable information that will help improve your club experience.
These surveys have a new, editable online format, so you can easily customize questions for your members. The guides below will help you do that. After members complete a survey, you’ll be able to view the results online.
Just as routine doctor visits help people identify health risks before they become serious, Rotary’s club health check can diagnose problem areas and prescribe remedies. Club leaders will find a checklist to assess their club’s well-being in the areas of club experience, service and social events, members, image, and business and operations, along with an array of resources to treat any problem areas. Regularly consulting those resources can help maintain your club’s health and preserve its value for club members and the community. A few examples follow, but review the entire document through the website listed below to ensure you’re taking full advantage of these valuable tools.
Past District Governor Mike Cooksey once told me that if you want more Rotary members, you have to ask. He told every Rotarian he saw to "Get your Ask in Gear". His words certainly reflect one of the District 7070 Action Plans. Our goal is to receive 100 inquires from the "Join Us" or "Interested In Joining Us?" button on the District 7070 Website. Here is our challenge to your club: By the end of this Rotary year we want over 45 Rotary Clubs have a "Join Us" or "Interested In Joining Us?" button on their own club website AND for your club to have a "member conversion process" from these inquiries. It's up to you.
To see how we have done , Please Read more........
Whether you’re already using Rotary’s Service Project Center or are hearing about it for the first time, this dynamic resource hub supports you at every stage of your service project journey.
In the Service Project Center, you’ll find tools and resources all in one place to help strengthen the impact of your projects. There are documents, links, and guidance to design and manage measurable and sustainable projects, locate partners, exchange stories, share best practices, and more.
And now the Service Project Center is even more valuable and exciting to use with the addition of these new features:
A Resources page with links to project planning materials.
A refreshed, mobile-friendly Grant Center page and dashboard integrated into the Service Project Center, giving you seamless access to project resources and grant information.
An Impact page dedicated to supporting Rotary’s Action Plan that will debut with a fun game designed to test your knowledge of impact.
We encourage you to visit the Service Project Center for all your project planning needs and to check back regularly for new features and enhancements.
When Rotary club members thousands of miles apart decide to collaborate, something has to bind them together. For Marion Bunch and Stephen Mwanje, it was a shared awareness of the devastation of AIDS. Bunch lost her son to the disease, and Mwanje saw how it ravaged his country. Together with the Rotary Action Group for Family Health and AIDS Prevention, they made AIDS testing and a variety of other health services widely accessible throughout Africa. As Rotary Action Groups celebrate their 20th anniversary, read more about their successes and the lessons they offer.
Posted by Richard Mewhinney, Rotary District 7070 DISC Chair
DISC yet another acronym used by Rotary but, what is a DISC. The formal title is District International Service Chair and I am privileged to be the DISC for our District 7070. Now that you have an idea what a DISC is, what exactly is the Role of the DISC and what service does that Role provide to the District and more importantly the clubs.
- Defines Vocational Service and explains its importance in upholding ethical standards in our professional and personal lives
- Offers project ideas for mentoring, skills training, and ethical-business initiatives
- Includes inspiring real-world examples of members applying their professional expertise to serve communities
- Shows how Vocational Service supports Rotary’s Action Plan by increasing our impact, expanding our reach, enhancing participant experience, and increasing our adaptability.
With nearly 600 Rotary members in approximately 80 countries, the Rotary Foundation's Cadre of Technical Advisers has been helping Rotary members tackle complex projects since 1995. Cadre members volunteer their professional skills and wide-ranging expertise to help clubs plan and implement projects more effectively. Read more about how these experts can help you with your next project.
Learn how to plan and implement effective projects with the Service Project Essentials courses in the Learning Center. You’ll discover ways to engage your community and increase your club’s impact. The four courses include general advice on planning projects, a guide to creating a budget, and tips for evaluating your project. The courses can be completed in about an hour.
Posted by Ally Buck, Rotary and Community Fundraising Coordinator with ShelterBox Canada on Nov 15, 2025
Here is the latest update from Ally Buck, the Rotary and Community Fundraising Coordinator with ShelterBox Canada. She is getting to know the Rotary Clubs and Rotarians that support ShelterBox. Ally is originally from Pictou County, Nova Scotia where she attended the Nova Scotia Community College’s Social Services/Community Development program. She relocated to Kingston, Ontario to attend Queen’s University where she graduated with her BA in Global Development Studies and is a member of the Rotaract Club of Kingston......
Posted by Bill Empey, District 7070 Chair, Honouring Indigenous Peoples
The District 7070 Conference on Oct 24, 25 and 26 was a huge success and HIP raised our flag in the House of Friendship and at an afternoon event that featured elder teachings, drumming, dancing around a fire and three HIP Y2Y youth and their stories about the 2025 program. The focus, as always is on youth and hands on experiences.
HIP at the District 7070 Conference; left to right - Jim Loutitt, Lauren Brown, Bill Empey, Etienne Luviana, Sam du Plessis, John Currie
I am reaching out with an update on HIP and our 2026 Y2Y program. The deadline for applications for the 2026 program is December 15. Please Read more for all of the details.....
Posted by Bill Empey - Honouring Indigenous People, Rotary District 7070 Coordinator
Here is the latest Honouring Indigenous People Rotary News and Events, projects, blogs, photos, films, and resources. There are many major initiatives and resources available to you and your Rotary club. Your Club can help. Our District 7070 Action Committee's Areas of Focus Coordinator is Bill Empey from the Rotary Club of Toronto If you have a good news story, or want to help starting a project, please contact Bill. Here are some news highlights .........
Posted by Luke Vorstermans, PP, Rotary Club of Gibsons, BC
From Gardens to Growth
What began as a response to food insecurity during the pandemic grew into one of Rotary’s most impactful international collaborations. Through the efforts of 154 Rotary clubs across 28 districts, the 1,000 Survival Garden Kits Project raised over $300,000, delivering 1,281 water rollers and garden kits to 34 Southern African communities — empowering more than 10,000 people. This success stands as a powerful testament to Rotary’s reach, compassion, and ability to mobilize at scale. Now, that same energy and momentum are shifting toward scaling water access through the new Eco Water Roller — a South African–designed and manufactured innovation built to extend Rotary’s proven impact even further. The Eco Water Roller Scaling Project builds on the success of the Survival Garden Kitsinitiative, expanding Rotary’s reach across Southern Africa and empowering even more families through access to water.
Attending a Rotary event can be an eye-opening experience for participants in our programs for young leaders, such as Interact, Youth Exchange, and Rotary Youth Leadership Symposium, as well as recent alumni of these programs. Invite these young leaders to local, district, regional, and international Rotary conferences. There are many ways to make these events more accessible to younger people:
Review your club and district budgets to provide full or partial support for young leaders to attend.
Reduce or waive conference registration fees for Rotary youth participants, and encourage clubs that sponsor a young person to help defray the cost of travel and accommodations.
Appoint young leaders to serve on event organization committees. When young people help design an event, they bring new and exciting ideas, making the gathering more appealing to their peers.
We hope this message finds you well and thriving in your service to our communities! As we continue to inspire and empower the next generation, we are excited to share an incredible opportunity that aligns perfectly with your Rotary values - the Rotary Youth Exchange program.
The Program is more than just an adventure. It’s a transformative experience that fosters international understanding, cultural appreciation, and personal growth. By promoting the Program with our District’s Rotary Clubs, we can provide young people the opportunity to explore a new culture, develop lifelong friendships, and enhance their leadership skills. .....
As we continue to inspire and empower the next generation, we are excited to share an incredible opportunity that aligns perfectly with your Rotary values - the Rotary Youth Exchange program.
The Program is more than just an adventure. It’s a transformative experience that fosters international understanding, cultural appreciation, and personal growth. By promoting the Program with our District’s Rotary Clubs, we can provide young people the opportunity to explore a new culture, develop lifelong friendships, and enhance their leadership skills. We invite you to join us in championing the Rotary Youth Exchange Program in our District......
Rotary and Rotaract clubs can now designate a Programs for Young Leaders contact. And Interact club presidents can (with a parent’s consent) complete an optional self-registration form to receive resources and support directly from Rotary International. Both of these changes will help clubs and youth programs expand and grow stronger in part by enabling RI to distribute tools and information to club contacts. The Programs for Young Leaders contacts will stay connected with all of the youth programs their club sponsors, amplifying participants’ ideas and input and advocating for safe, inclusive programs. They will also serve as the main contact for any Interact clubs their club sponsors, attend Interact meetings, and find opportunities for Interactors to attend the sponsor club’s meetings and activities. Learn more about the Programs for Young Leaders contact. ....
We are a new Rotaract club in the district. We are an e-club that spans over the entire district 7070. We’ve approached you today to let you know we are actively recruiting future Rotaractors. So if you know any individuals who might be interested feel free to get them to sign up using our sign-up sheet in our bio or by emailing us directly. We are looking forward to learning more and creating a partnership with your club. Feel free to reach us at rotaract7070eclub@gmail.com If interested.
Our goals:
- To give Rotaractors a home after they graduate from a university-based Rotaract club
- To address service area gaps in Rotaract programs
- To foster and grow Rotaract in the District
- To be a central club that allows for tracking numbers and coordinating large-scale events like the Rotaract District Conference
- To be an access point between Rotaract and Rotary Clubs
- To be an inclusive space that builds goodwill and better friendships
- To foster Rotarians of the future
- To be a fun club where young professionals and university students get to network, and develop under rotary.
We look for your support in making this a reality.
Additionally below is our Linktree containing our social media and Sign-up Sheet, please circulate it to your club and networks.
Posted by Amy Sheller, Rotary Zone 32 Public Image Chair
Hello Rotarians and Rotaractors , and all Rotary Public Image enthusiasts in Rotary Zones 28 & 32,
We hope you are enjoying our quick monthly updates from the Zones 28 & 32 Public Image Teams — packed with tools, tips, and learning opportunities to help you elevate Rotary’s brand and amplify the impact of your club’s stories.
We’re here to support your Public Image efforts all year long. Know someone else who should be receiving these updates? Just reply to Amy or Cheryl, and we’ll add them to the list.
We're all Rotary brand ambassadors! Helping others understand how we make a difference as people of action is something all Rotary members can do. Use the resources in the improved Brand Center to publicize your work and strengthen the Rotary brand. As a Rotary leader, you have a unique opportunity to raise awareness of our brand and global impact. The Rotary Brand Center offers tools and resources to help you promote your club and district, including high-quality videos that showcase Rotary’s mission and work.
Our newest videos showcasing Rotary’s areas of focus can help you promote the important work that your club and district support. Use these videos to highlight the causes that matter to your club, or share the overview video, which features compelling stories and service projects from all our areas of focus. Find these dynamic videos in the Brand Center. Go to Downloads and then click the VIEW ALL button on the right. Use the Campaigns filter to select Areas of Focus Highlights (Causes). Then share them on your online channels or show them at meetings and public events.
Our two latest video campaigns support Rotary’s expand our reach Action Plan priority, building awareness of our brand and impact:
Rotary Causes – These videos highlight the transformative work across Rotary’s areas of focus. Use them to engage service-minded individuals and highlight causes important to your club.
Personal Perspectives: The Value of Rotary – Members from around the world share how Rotary supports their passions and professions, reflecting our diversity and global reach.
The videos are ideal for club meetings, public events, social media, and outreach to prospective members, partners, and donors. Find them on the Brand Center and share them with your networks.
Our newest promotional campaign features videos of a diverse sample of members explaining how Rotary helps them further their passions and professions. The campaign’s initial rollout features testimonials by three U.S. members. Watch for future videos showcasing Rotary’s diversity of membership, breadth of experiences, and global reach. The testimonials are designed to complement Rotary’s People of Action messaging. Together, the videos and messaging work to deepen the public’s understanding of the many ways Rotary enriches members’ lives.
Visit the Brand Center to download these dynamic videos, and then post them on your social media channels and websites to introduce potential participants and members to everything they can find in Rotary. Lots more on Videos....
Rotary's mission is timeless, but what worked for Rotary and its clubs in the past may not be the most effective approach today. The world has changed, people have changed, and communication has changed. In a Rotary 360 blog post, Herb Silverman, president of the Rotary Club of Impact Ocala, Florida, USA, outlines some of the ways his club is embracing change and how other clubs can do the same. Modernizing communications is high on his list. Learn more about how to adapt our tools and embrace today’s opportunities.
We’ve given our blog in English a new name and a fresh look. Rotary 360 replaces Rotary Voices and will capture the Rotary experience from every angle. You’ll find inspiring stories from Rotary members as well as thoughtful, conversation-starting pieces from our partner organizations and experts in various fields. Explore our new blog and share it with other members and people in your community. If you have a story to tell, send it to us at blog@rotary.org.
We’ve given our blog a new name and a fresh look. The Rotary Voices blog is now Rotary 360, and it captures Rotary’s story from every angle. Explore the blog website and look for projects and ideas that showcase how Rotary takes action to do good in the world and build community connections. Those inspiring stories can help build brand awareness when shared on your social media channels, helping to attract members, volunteers, and donors. Explore Rotary 360.
“Connect & Inspire Through Storytelling,” a motivational webinar hosted by Rotary International and Toastmasters International, offers ideas on how to effectively tell your club’s stories. Panelists from Rotary and Toastmasters discuss connecting across demographic and cultural boundaries, bringing authenticity to your stories, and keeping things simple. Find an overview of the webinar and a link to view it in this Rotary Voices blog post by webinar moderator Mary Shackleton, District 7240 Endowment/Major Gifts subcommittee chair and a Toastmaster.
Data – indicators that provide insight into your projects – play an important role conveying the positive change your club or district makes in the community and can even propel people into action. Share your project data in compelling ways, such as through photos, video clips, or infographics, to inspire new partnership and funding opportunities, attract new members, and create stronger community bonds. The new Rotary Impact Handbook can help guide your club or district in gathering the right data to show your impact and demonstrate that you’re people of action.
Nearly a decade ago, while Jennifer Jones was the chair of the Strengthen Rotary’s Brand Committee, Rotary International conducted in-depth research to better understand how the public viewed Rotary, our members, and our work. What we learned was that we needed to reposition the Rotary brand by focusing on clear, consistent messages and a unified visual identity. Based on the committee’s recommendation, the Rotary International Board of Directors approved new brand guidelines, which included how clubs should use the Rotary logo.......
Posted by David Andrews, Chair, District 7070 Public Image Committee
The Rotary International Board of Directors has made it very clear. A brand is more than just a logo, but a logo is a big part of our visual identity. When the public sees it throughout their community, they begin to think of Rotary members as people of action. Using the same visual elements unites Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact and allows us, as a diverse global organization, to tell our story with one voice.
The RI Board of Directors is asking every club to update its logo to align with Rotary’s brand guidelines
Unfortunately,I have noticed that some Rotary Clubs in our District are altering the Rotary logo for use in the marketing and promotion of their various events and projects.
This sends the wrong signal to the public. Many do not know who we are now and different “looks” to our logo just makes it worse. Please use the Rotary Brand Center ( see : https://brandcenter.rotary.org/en-us) and USE ONLY THE ONE ROTARY LOGO in your marketing and public relations initiatives. That would include your website , all social media sites and any signs you may have created.
A consistent voice and unified visual identity are essential components of a strong brand. Learn how to use Rotary’s communication and design elements to build awareness and recognition of Rotary and to tell the story of people of action. We continue to strive for One clear consistent look and message in all that we do, to ensure that everyone knows our “Rotary” message.....
It's a New Rotary Year - Check out the link and truthfully answer the questions on your club's web presence. Your 2024-25-26 Club Presidents already have a copy.
Rotary’s public image is shaped by the actions of every member, from how we conduct ourselves in meetings to how we represent Rotary at events and respond to needs in our communities. The club public image committee’s role is to create and implement a plan to tell Rotary’s local story, promote the club’s activities in the area, and raise awareness of Rotary’s work around the world. This list will help you assess how well your committee is shaping Rotary’s image.
It's a New Rotary Year - Check the Club Public Image Checklist. See how many checks you have accomplished , and start working on the rest of the checks. Your 2024-25-26 Club Presidents already have a copy. Here is the checklist.
Posted by Niecey Dillon-Tyrovolas, District 7070 Governor
To Rotarians in District 7070:
It's TIME TO GET YOUR CLUB NOTICED. Prospective members are checking YOU out - What will they see? Don't be left behind. REGISTER TODAY.
To assist the Rotary Clubs of District 7070 GET NOTICED, at the request of District Governor Virginia O'Reilly, the District Public Relations Committee is continuing the Rotary Club ClubRunner Website Refresh Program and Promotional Half Back Discount.
THIS PROGRAM IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR YOUR CLUB in 2025-26. Thirty-three of our District 7070 Rotary clubs have already completed the refresh program. These club websites are getting noticed by the public and potential members who are checking them out. When a prospective member looks to join a club, they look at YOUR club website. GET YOUR CLUB WEBSITE REFRESHED - REGISTER TODAY.
A few years ago, we asked Rob MacArthur, our District 7070 Public Image Public Investigator to carry out an investigation on all 55 Rotary clubs with respect to their club's Public Image. Rob looked at your club's basic web site setup as well as social media channels and the way they were being used. A spreadsheet of the results was made available for our District Leadership Team and Assistant Governors to review. The Pie Chart included shows a graphical representation of the results. Where do you "think" your club fits in this chart? What is the Image that the public have, about your club? Here is what Rob found out... Please Read more....
Posted by David Andrews, Chair, District 7070 Public Image Committee
Our District 7070 Public Image Committee is calling for YOU (Rotaractors and Rotarians in the District) to join our District Public Image Committee. Our scope is to boost Rotary's Public Image and to assist Rotary Clubs in D7070 to do the same.
We are looking for YOU, Rotaractors and Rotarians who have experience in the field of Public Relations, Social Media platforms, and news writing. We want you to use those very special talents to assist clubs and our Committee . Are you that Rotarian? Are you that Rotaractor? Are you interested ? Please contact Dave Andrews at dave.f.andrews99@gmail.com and we can set up a time to chat about your interests.
Be sure to see the Public Image menu tab on our District Website and check out our District Facebook Page , Twitter account and Instagram account and the District Newsletters too, for some idea of what we do.
Do you have events or fundraisers that you want other clubs to know about? Perhaps a project with which you need their assistance? Here are just three ways you can get your event, your message , a story about your club, or your "ask for help" out to your neighbouring Rotary Clubs, RIGHT HERE IN THIS NEWSLETTER:........
Posted by Gillian, Director, Rotary Club of Etobicoke. Chair, Hands on Etobicoke Committee
When disaster strikes, Rotarians don’t hesitate—they act. In the wake of the recent hurricane that tore through Jamaica, leaving widespread devastation in its path, the Rotary Club of Etobicoke demonstrated what “Service Above Self” truly means. Within hours of hearing the news, club members rallied together, coordinated relief efforts, and mobilized resources to bring aid to communities in desperate need.
On Saturday, November 8, members of the Rotary Club of Etobicoke—along with their families and friends—gathered at GlobalMedic’s warehouse in Etobicoke for a powerful morning of service. For three hours, the team sorted, packed, and labeled hundreds of emergency food boxes destined for Jamaica. .......
Breakfast with Champions - Hosted by The Rotary Clubs of Whitby and Whitby Sunrise
Join Michael "Pinball" Clemons, GM Toronto Argonauts, The Hon. Christine Elliott, Former Premier of Ontario and Daniel Tisch, President & CEO Ontario Chamber of Commerce for inspiration at the Breakfast with Champions, a unique Breakfast Gala event dedicated to education and empowerment. Engage with successful leaders, network with peers, and gain valuable insights that will propel you towards success.
Set in the elegant venue of Deer Creek Golf Club in Ajax, Ontario, this event is designed to fuel your mind and spirit. Experience captivating keynote speeches, participate in enlightening discussions, and enjoy a delightful breakfast experience......
The 8th Annual Concert to Feed the Need is a presentation of the Rotary clubs of Durham Region chaired and arranged by the Rotary Club of Bowmanville's Joe Solway . It brings together award-winning musicians from across the Region in support of Feed the Need in Durham, which collects and distributes food to over 65 emergency food providers across Durham, including food banks, shelters, meal and snack programs and other social service agencies. Feed the Need in Durham provides over 1.5M meals to Durham residents annually.
DECEMBER 7 • 2PM • THE BILTMORE THEATRE, 39 King St. East, Oshawa, ON L1H 1B2
THE ARTISTS:Andy Earle; New Moon Junction; Kalista Wilson; Acoustic Boulevard; David Shewchuk; Rachel & Ayden
Tickets are available from the Biltmore Theatre Hall website for $30 per person. Get Tickets!
Become a Sponsor: We have various sponsorship opportunities available. Inquire about partnering with us. Download our sponsorship info here.
Rotarians, Rotaractors and guests in District 7070 are invited to :
JANUARY 29, 2026: Night of A Thousand Dinners – Proceeds to the Canadian Landmine Foundation , Officers' Mess, Ontario Regiment, Simcoe Street North. Tickets price: $ 130 per person. This elegant evening will have a the Dress Code: Business Attire. The Bar opens at 6 pm. Dinner at 7 pm.
This year's keynote speaker: Olivia R. Fernandes , a memebr of the Board of Diretcors of the Canadian Landmine Foundation, is a Human Rights and Participatory Growth focused International Development Practitioner. Her work spans the areas of Disarmament, Complex Humanitarian Emergencies, Indigenous Rights, post-conflict rehabilitation. She has worked in the DMZ area of Central Vietnam where she gained broad field experience working in all five sectors of Humanitarian Disarmament. She has also worked closely with First Nations communities across Canada in Community Development, Emergency Preparedness, and Emergency Responses. She is currently an Awards Officer with Save the Children where she manages a portfolio of humanitarian projects across six countries.
Olivia holds a BA. in Psychology from York University and an Honours Post Graduate Certificate in International Development from Humber College. She believes in the importance of recognizing and addressing humanity and human behaviour in all development and humanitarian endeavours.......
Posted by Danielle harder, Rotary Club of Whitby Past President
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
Rotary thrives on hope and action — which is why I’d like to introduce Chris Snyder, a fellow Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Toronto and author of 52+ Good News Stories: Hope in a Complex World.
Chris shares uplifting, true stories of people making a difference, many about Rotary and Rotarians, from addressing poverty and AIDS with compassion, to youth leading climate optimism, local newspapers reviving community news, and global icons such as Jane Goodall inspiring hope worldwide.
A founding chair of Honouring Indigenous Peoples (HIP) and leader of 25+ sweat equity trips for Rotarians and Friends building schools in the developing world, Chris brings a message of unity, resilience, hope, and practical optimism that aligns perfectly with Rotary’s values.
He’d be delighted to speak virtually (via Zoom) at one of your upcoming meetings or events. Several Clubs have already taken up Chris' offer to speak. Please contact him today.
People have found 52+ Good News Stories has made a great gift for friends, family, speakers, and current and future Rotarians.
Please see the attached background sheet for more information on Chris and his book, 52+ Good News Stories: Hope in a Complex World.
As Rotary’s approach to building knowledge and skills shifts from a training model to a learning model, we’re putting participants at the center of the learning experience so they can direct their own learning and skill development.
Watch our webinar that was shown on February 13, 2024 to explore how to create dynamic learning experiences through facilitated dialogue and idea sharing.
Posted by Past District Governor Iosif Ciosa, Chair District Learning Committee
This month is December - Disease prevention and Treatment Month and here are the "Courses of the Month" from the Rotary Learning Center. We are asking YOU to focus on these courses that align with the theme of the month. We encourage you to take the course called "The Importance of Eradicating Polio" so that you have a better understanding and become even more effective in the success of your club. .
For The Importance of Eradicating Polio, log in to MyRotary , under the Rotary Foundation Courses tab , scroll down and you will see this course listed there. Click on the course and Enjoy !!
The Importance of Eradicating Polio: Eradicating polio is Rotary's top humanitarian priority. Since Rotary and our partners formed the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988, the incidence of wild polio cases has decreased by 99.9%. But polio anywhere in the world puts children everywhere at risk. Learn about why it’s so important that we maintain our efforts to end polio and how you can take action.
Successful clubs set goals effectively. When club leaders plan for the future, they give the club a sense of direction. Whether you aim to welcome more members, complete more service projects, or improve the experience that your club offers, setting goals motivates members to work toward a common purpose. Rotary Club Central makes it easy for Rotary and Rotaract clubs to set their goals and track their progress. Club leaders can set yearly goals for up to three years and record the club’s accomplishment, and all members can view the club’s progress. Plus, new club leaders can use previous goals to make informed decisions about the club’s direction. It’s never too late to start planning for your club’s future. To get inspired, read this Rotary magazine story about clubs that benefited from using Rotary Club Central to set goals. Then visit Rotary Club Central to get started
Follow Rotary’s social media channel Discover Rotary on Facebook and Instagram to stay informed about Rotary programs, offerings, events, and news. The channel features resources, tools, and learning opportunities to help your club or district succeed. Look for Discover Rotary on Facebook and Instagram and engage with us!
The Rotary Learning Center has a new mobile app that gives you a more direct and intuitive way to access the Learning Center. In addition to taking courses on your mobile device, you can also view your progress and explore other Learning Center courses and resources wherever you are. Download the Rotary Learning Center app from your app store, open the app, sign in to My Rotary, and explore!
Posted by Diana Edwards Supervisor, Rotary International Regional Membership Officer I Membership Development
Welcome to a new Rotary year! I’m Diana Edwards the Regional Membership Officer for zones 28 and 32. If we’ve not met yet I’m sure we will soon.
I wanted to share some new updates that’s happening in the Learning Center, please feel free to pass along as needed.
Mobile Update!
We launched the new mobile app. Anyone who had the Go Learn app should remove it from their phones. The app has had over 11,000 downloads since 27 May. (If you’re experiencing any difficulties, please contact learn@rotary.org).
2024-25 Highlights
15% of members use the Learning Center (this number remained the same compared to last year because we have done several data refreshes to have a more accurate count, there is also an unknown number of members being counted as non-members due to their My Rotary account not being connected to their club).
377,310 course completions which is a 23% increase from last year.
9,560 average number of unique learners that visit the Learning Center monthly, a 17% increase from last year.
64% of clubs have at least one member who visited the Learning Center this year up 15% from last year.
Posted by Sarah Remijan Director of Learning and Development Rotary International
You asked for a better mobile experience with Rotary’s Learning Center, and here it is! Introducing the new app, a more direct and intuitive way to access the Learning Center on your mobile devices.
It’s now easier than ever to complete your role-based courses, track your progress, and explore other courses and resources — wherever you are.
Rotary’s Learning Center has a new mobile app that makes completing your public image courses (and others!) even easier. RotaryLearn replaces the GoLearn app and gives you a more direct and intuitive way to use the Learning Center. In addition to taking courses on your mobile device, you can review your progress and explore other Learning Center resources wherever you are. Search for Rotary Learning Center in your app store, download and open it, sign in to My Rotary, and explore!
To get started:
Download Rotary Learning Center from your app store.
Open the app and enter your My Rotary username and password.
Find your courses.
If you’ve accessed the Learning Center previously through the Go.Learn app, you’ll find that the RotaryLearn app is a more streamlined experience. After you get started with RotaryLearn, you can remove Go.Learn from your mobile devices. If you have questions, write to learn@rotary.org. . Happy learning!
Big changes are here and even bigger things are on the way!
We recently hosted our What's New webinar to unveil exciting updates and provide a sneak peek at what's next. Whether you joined us live or missed it, we’ve got you covered.........
Posted by Iosif Ciosa, Past District Governor and District 7070 Learning Chair
Welcome to your Rotary District 7070 Learning in this year. The District 7070 Learning committee is bringing all learning sessions under one umbrella.
The learining sessions (events) on the district website are one colour – red
A form to be used by our District Committees when putting together a training/learning session to tell you all about the learning session. This form (see the attached form in the next story in this newsletter) will be sent to Iosif and to Bob Wallace posting on to the District website
We have also created a NEW section in the Monthly District Newsletter that will show the learning session in the upcoming month
District Governor Niecy Dillon Tyrovolas will also add any learning sessions to her weekly message.
Please Read more to see just some of the future learning sessions already planned for YOU....
There are lots of tips and tools of the trade when it comes to Public Image, Membership, The Rotary Foundation and Governance, when it comes to you and your Rotary or Rotaract club. This is exactly what we have in store for you.
On Tuesdays, on a monthly basis , we will be presenting learning opportunities, in one-hour zoom sessions, for you and your club members, to help you with many ways that you can learn more about Rotary and really help your club.
Go to the District website calendar and register today.
In 2024-25, we will have 9 sessions ( No sessions in the months: July, December & June) with sessions allocated as follows: 2 sessions on Governance; 2 sessions on Membership; 1 session on The Rotary Foundation; and 2 sessions on Public Image. Watch the District 7070 Calendar for the time and date. Stay tuned for more details, these sessions are being developed as we speak. And even more planned for 2025-26.
Posted by Iosif Ciosa, Chair District 7070 Learning Committee
To District 7070 Committees: From: Committee Chair: Iosif Ciosa
Learning 2025-26 Description Form : Please use the 2023-24 form until a new one is developed.
Here is the 2023-24 Learning Description Form that we would like you to fill out and sent to Iosif Ciosa when you create the learning event that we will put on the District Website.
You may attach pictures, flyers, artwork or graphics (please make sure that pictures or graphics are not copywritten and are royalty free).
The Action Plan is a sustainable approach to creating and maintaining healthy clubs. President Francesco Arezzo and the Action Plan champions are asking all members to use the Action Plan framework to help address challenges and meet your club’s and district’s goals. Visit rotary.org/actionplan to use the Action Plan Toolkit today.
One thing successful clubs have in common is effective goal setting. When club leaders plan for the future, they give the club a sense of direction. Whether you aim to welcome more members, complete more service projects, or improve the experience your club offers members, setting goals motivates members to work toward a common purpose. Rotary Club Central makes it easy for Rotary and Rotaract clubs to plan and track their goals. Club leaders can now set yearly goals for up to three years and record the club’s accomplishments, and all members can view the club’s progress. Plus, future leaders can use past goals to make informed decisions about the club’s direction. It’s never too late to start planning for your club’s future. Visit Rotary Club Central and get started.
Whether you want to improve your members’ club experience in the short term, grow your overall membership, or do both, Rotary Club Central can help you reach your membership goals. With the latest updates to Rotary Club Central, you can now add goals for three consecutive years, allowing you to track your progress as you work toward your club’s long-term vision. Learn more by visiting the Learning Center. If you haven't visited the Learning Center before, go to rotary.org/learn, register for or sign in to My Rotary, and accept the privacy policy. Then, search for Rotary Club Central Resources.
The Rotary Club of Formosa Happiness, New Taipei City, Taiwan, was formed with an aim to create happiness and lifelong friendships thorugh community service.
In Past President Holger Knaack's Rotary Foundation December 2025 Newsletter, he talks about Rotary's programs of scale and Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge, now Rotary’s most significant disease prevention initiative after polio eradication. The Healthy Communities Challenge aims to combat pneumonia, malaria, and diarrheal diseases, the leading killers of children under 5 in many parts of Africa. Holger says, "Through the Healthy Communities Challenge, Programs of Scale, and polio eradication, Rotary proves that partnerships, community engagement, and vision can transform global health and save lives.". .. Please Read more....
In his December 2025 letter to Rotarians, Past District Governor Bob Wallace, Chair of the District 7070 Rotary Foundation Committee, encourages every Rotarian to set and meet their club and personal goals and make a conscious effort to make a donation to The Rotary Foundation, whatever you can afford, to the Annual Programs Fund, the PolioPlus Fund, the Disaster Response Fund, and to the Endowment Fund. Are you a member of the Paul Harris Society OR the PolioPlus Society? We sure hope you attended the November 2025 Rotary Foundation Grant Qualification Seminar. Time to get the Memorandums of understanding in to me. Please Read more.......
Past District Governor Mike Cooksey once told me that if you want more Rotary members, you have to ask. He told every Rotarian he saw to "Get your Ask in Gear". His words certainly reflect one of the District 7070 Action Plans. Our goal is to receive 100 inquires from the "Join Us" or "Interested In Joining Us?" button on the District 7070 Website. Here is our challenge to your club: By the end of this Rotary year we want over 45 Rotary Clubs have a "Join Us" or "Interested In Joining Us?" button on their own club website AND for your club to have a "member conversion process" from these inquiries. It's up to you.
Here is the latest Honouring Indigenous People Rotary News and Events, projects, blogs, photos, films, and resources. There are many major initiatives and resources available to you and your Rotary club. Your Club can help. Our District 7070 Action Committee's Areas of Focus Coordinator is Bill Empey from the Rotary Club of Toronto If you have a good news story, or want to help starting a project, please contact Bill. Here are some news highlights .........
