It has been a great year!  

 

My 66 club visits were the highlights of my year, meeting everyone and learning how each club adapted to engage members and impact communities.

 

During the 2021-22 Rotary year we conducted a district-wide survey. After sharing the results with
all of you, the District Board of Directors conducted strategic planning – an activity that will create a D5950 action plan for the next three-to-five years.

 

Work began in 2019 for our first ever Tri-District Conference, inviting Rotarians from Districts 5950, 5960 and 5580 to celebrate and learn together.  It was a very hard decision for the three district governors to cancel the conference; however, another Covid spike required that we focus on the safety and wellness of our Rotarians. 

 

In a new initiative supported by the District Governor Line of PDG Tom Gump (Edina/Morningside), DGE Lloyd Campbell (Glenwood), DGN Jewelie Grape (City of Lakes) and DGND Sharon Bloodworth )Mpls. #9), our district was able to offer a Membership Engagement Grant to all of our clubs. All 44 clubs who applied received the grant. We sincerely hope that it made an impact on members working together and planning 2022-23 projects.

 

I am so honored for this opportunity to serve all of you this year.  So grateful to work with a wonderful DG Line as well as District Executive Director Alexa Rundquist (Minnetonka) and Monticello Rotarian Amber Gamblin. So appreciative of all committee chairs and volunteers who implement district plans and keep 5950 highly respected for its accomplishments. Finally, thank you to Cheri Ashfeld (Rogers) as she completes seven years as newsletter editor.

 

I will look back on this year and the goal of inspiring other women to rise and create lasting change to our communities, both locally and globally. I used to say to myself, Why me? Then I told myself, Why not me? Drawing on wisdom from RI President Shekhar Mehta....it begins with me, and together "Each one, bring one so we can grow and do more."

 

Thank you for your dedicated Service Above Self to District 5950 and its communities!