Welcome to October, a month dedicated to Economic and Community Development at Rotary! This theme underscores our commitment to empowering individuals, thereby igniting positive change within communities.

This month's initiatives spotlight networking, business development advice, and mathematics and financial management training. By equipping individuals with these crucial skills, we're building stronger professionals and creating invaluable community resources. Click here to learn more.

A Message from District Governor David Lukov

Through Literacy, We Create Hope in the World

September is a special month for Rotary International - it marks Basic Education and Literacy Month. A time when we underscore the transformative power of literacy and basic education and reaffirm our commitment to building a brighter future for everyone. District Governor David Lukov, shares the importance of literacy and its capacity to foster hope in our increasingly interconnected world.

David illuminates the profound connection between the written word and the empowerment of individuals and communities as he explores how every page turned and every word learned becomes a step towards a more hopeful, equitable, and prosperous world. Listen and be inspired by literacy's boundless possibilities for our global community.

District 5050 Award Recipients

A heartfelt congratulations to all clubs awarded the prestigious Rotary Citation! This honor, the highest bestowed by Rotary, recognizes your unwavering commitment, exceptional service, and the remarkable positive impact you've orchestrated in communities worldwide. Your dedication embodies the true spirit of Rotary.

Lead District 5050 in 2026-27 - Are You That Person?

Being District Governor is one of the most critical roles in the District. It is rewarding, challenging, exciting, and highly responsible. It is the epitome of Service Above Self. The District Governor provides leadership, inspiration, and guidance to Rotary clubs under the general supervision of the Board of Directors.

L-R: PDG Raj Rajapal, DGE David Duskin, DG, David Lukov, DGN Isabelle Hayer, PRI Director Dean Rohrs

Rotary District 5050 Leadership Installation

On Sunday, July 16, Tulip Town in the scenic Skagit Valley, just west of Mount Vernon, was abuzz with inspiration and leadership. The Rotary District 5050 proudly installed its new leadership team facilitated by PRI Director Dean Rohrs, featuring our new District Governor, David Lukov. A hearty congratulations to David and all the newly appointed leaders for District 5050! Here's to a year of growth and service!

Lee Harman Drives Miss Vicky from Alaska to Mexico

in a Determined Quest to Eradicate Polio

UPDATE: Lee Harman and Miss Vicky are on the road! Click here for blog updates from the road.

Lee Harman, a member of the Rotary Club of Arlington since 1985, is planning his second marathon endurance race in his 1931 Vintage Ford Victoria automobile to raise funds and awareness for the Rotary PolioPlus Campaign. You can support his adventure with a donation online that goes 100% to PolioPlus: CLICK TO DONATE.

The first adventure in 2019 was a 10,000-mile trek from Peking to Paris in 36 days. The 2023 Marathon is a 7,600-mile endurance race from Anchorage to Cabo San Lucas, with overnight stops in Dawson Creek, Walla Walla, Moab, and Tucson. The goal is to raise $76,000 for PolioPlus, asking individuals to consider a $76 donation and clubs to consider a $7600 donation.

Lee believes anything can be accomplished, including eradicating Polio, if a vintage car can complete a course where 40% of the route will be off-road. Participating cars include those built before 1974 and some vintage machines like Miss Vicky.

Lee Harman’s own involvement in PolioPlus has taken him to India to work with teams from CDC, the World Health Organization, and UNICEF, entering off-the-grid villages to inoculate children. He saw firsthand how lives can improve. Rotarians, like Harman, know the pain and suffering that polio has wrought, mainly targeting humankind’s most vulnerable.

District Conference 2023 Highlights

Isabell Hayer Selected as District Governor 2025-2026

The District 5050 Nominating Committee, chaired by Past District Governor Brad Whittaker, met in early November 2022 to select the 2025-2026 District 5050 Governor.

We congratulate Assistant Governor for Area E Isabelle Hayer, whom the Nominating Committee has selected as our District Governor for 2025-2026. Her nomination, should there be no challenge within 14 days as per the District 5050 Bylaws, becomes official on December 1, 2022.

Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships

Posted on Sep 14, 2023

Rotary's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Rotary, we're committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect, allowing everyone's voice to be heard, and providing equitable opportunities for fellowship, service, and leadership.

Our members want and expect Rotary to be a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. Although the Rotary experience may differ from country to country, issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion are globally relevant.

To learn more about Rotary's commitment to DEI, click here.

A Foundation to Build On

The Rotary Foundation is recognized as one of the most effective and well-managed charitable organizations in the world, with 12 consecutive four-star ratings from Charity Navigator and an A-plus rating from CharityWatch.

Learn more about The Rotary Foundation: rotary.org/en/about-rotary/rotary-foundation

November is Rotary Foundation Month; to contribute, go to rotary.org/donate.

Engage with like-minded Rotarians,

United by shared Passions and Interests,

and a Dedication to Action and Service.