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Posted by Jim Lisi

Since 1959, The Rotary Club of Santa Barbara North has been a community of business leaders, influencers and doers that primarily serve others in Santa Barbara, California; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and the Maasai people of Kenya and northern Tanzania. Its projects include tutoring elementary students, high school leadership training, building medical clinics, providing books, computers and playgrounds, and drilling water wells. Our members include business owners, professionals of all types, non-profit leaders, PTA volunteers and members of clergy.

RCSBN has adopted a new goal to help add twenty-four youth residential treatment center beds in Santa Barbara County by 2035. The need is acute. In today's social turbulence, 600 high schoolers will attempt to take their lives in our county each year. 90% will survive but not have the option for residential treatment in SB County because of California-wide shortage of RTC beds. With that as our motivation, we are working to improve the options for at-risk youth.

Rotary is a global movement rooted in fellowship and service, thriving on and adapting to solve new social challenges like mental wellness. Santa Barbara North Rotarians are connected in their mission with seven other Rotary clubs in south Santa Barbara County and 46,000 other clubs across the globe; providing humanitarian service, encouraging high ethical standards and helping build goodwill and peace in the world.

Because of holidays, November and December meetings move to the 2nd and 3rd Wednesdays. Occasionally meetings are held at an offsite location. Please check the speakers link for the meeting location before visiting.

Timothy Hardy

Rotary is a very unique organization that changes people’s lives around the world and here at home. As a member you will have a front row seat to the endless ways that you as an individual can make a difference in this world. If you get involved with Rotary and give your time, talent and treasure to your club, the first life that will be changed will be yours.

As an international organization Rotary’s reach is global. You would be hard pressed to travel to any country in the world and not find a Rotary Club. Visit any club in the world and you will be welcomed with open arms and there is a good chance you will leave with a few new friends.

Rotary has no interest in politics, but only wants to make a better world. As long as you adhere to its four principles: “Is it the Truth”, “Is it Fair to all Concerned”, “Will it build Goodwill and better Friendships”, “Will it be Beneficial to all Concerned”, you will be welcomed, regardless of your race, sex or religion. Rotary brings solutions to problems that no government can provide. Its diverse non-judgmental stance allows it to work anywhere in the world. As an example of this, Rotary has been on a mission to eradicate polio from the world. Countries have stopped their wars to permit Rotary into areas where most would not be welcome, in order to allow immunization of their children. Polio is now ninety-eight percent eradicated around the globe and Rotary will not stop until one hundred percent is achieved.

Here in Santa Barbara our club has had an international impact as well as an impact in our local community. Currently we are working on our fourth water well in Kenya to bring much needed clean water to local villages. We have over a thirty-year history with Adams Elementary School. We are currently in negotiations with a local organization to help them expand their reach to helping teens caught up in human trafficking.

My challenge to you is to come join us at the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara North, and you’ll experience incredible personal growth and have impact on our local and international communities.

Tim Hardy

Rotary Santa Barbara North
President 2026-2027
805-284-8944