My Facebook page has been showing many photos from many districts of Rotary Youth Exchange students arriving at airports and seeing big welcome signs and meeting friendly, welcoming Rotarians and host families. The North Star Rotary Youth Exchange group has welcomed16 students in District 5950 and 20 students in neighboring District 5960.We plan to highlight these new students monthly as our Rotary year progresses.Did you know that the North Star RYE committee’s motto is: “Building world peace, one student at a time.” Please welcome them and show them a great time here in Minnesota!
These international students will meet and greet you as you arrive on Friday, April 23, 2027 at our District Conference at the McNamara Alumni Center on the University of Minnesota campus. Mark your calendars!
August has been a full and lively month for DG Leif Hagen as he traveled near and far to visit clubs across the district. He continues to enjoy meeting each Club and seeing the communities they serve. During his visits, he shares the Art of Rotary theme while learning how every Club is creating meaningful, lasting impact. See photos from every August Club Visit by clicking “Read more".
On Thursday, August 27, Rotarians and other guests joined together for the third “Art pop up with the DG” event at Westminster Presbyterian Church in downtown Minneapolis. In between treats and beverages, art lovers and Rotarians from several clubs viewed paintings in the “Envisaging Social Justice” exhibit which included 12 global portraits from DG Leif’s collection. We hope to see you at the fourth Rotary art pop up event in September. Click “Read More” for photos.
The entertainer and philanthropist Dolly Parton died 25 August 2026. This Q&A was originally published in the March 2010 issue of The Rotarian (now Rotary) magazine. Later that year, she spoke at the Rotary International Convention in Montreal, Canada. Click “Read more” to read the full story and learn about the Imagination Library in District 5950.
Last week, we witnessed the horrific news of extraordinary floods affecting many people in Nepal. With 570 dead and 1,900 people missing, lost bridges and roads, as DG, I feel we should pool our prayers, support and donations to help our faraway neighbors. Click "Read more" to learn how to support Nepal.
North Star Rotary Youth Exchange has recently welcomed our 2026-2027 Inbound Exchange Students to MN and WI! Our inbound orientation, held on August 28-29th, provided the first opportunity for the students to get to know each other. Click “Read more” to see two new Youth Exchange students highlighted.
Rotary Club Ukraine Sunrise shares two powerful examples of what Create Lasting Impact means in communities living through war. One story follows women in the Kharkiv region who transformed their recovery into leadership and action. The other shows how teenagers are rebuilding spaces for learning and connection. Click “Read more” for full stories and photos from Ukraine Sunrise Charter President Yulia.
In mid-August, 55 Global Travelers and family members from 14 different states came together in Alexandria, MN, for a long week-end of service and fellowship. For the third year, we volunteered for Habitat for Humanity to help build two homes for local families. Click “Read more” to learn and see more from the weekend!
The Rotary International Convention Committee (ICC) has confirmed Minneapolis as the destination for their annual convention in 2028, with anticipated attendance of approximately 17,000 Rotarians and guests. The Minneapolis Host Organization Committee (HOC) recently welcomed the ICC for its fourth site visit, held August 9–13th. Learn more about being great in 2028 by click “Read more”.
Your District 5950 Membership Committee is working to support membership efforts in the district. Committee Member Debbie Belfry of Bloomington is providing a guest column this month. Her devotion to Rotary and her hard work in every aspect of making her club a successful one is appreciated. Her insight and experience will be helpful for clubs looking to expand membership and try new ideas. Click “Read More” to see how her club tried new ideas.
Apple Valley Rotary Club hosts the 4th District governor art pop up
The Apple Valley Rotary Club sponsors the 4th District Governor Art Pop Up. They invite you to a powerful and inspiring Art Pop Up featuring “Art from the Front Lines,” an exhibition of original artwork created by children living through the war in Ukraine.
These vivid, heartfelt pieces offer a rare window into their courage, persistence, and hope—expressions that are as moving as they are unforgettable.
Join us for this special community gathering, where you can experience the artwork up close, enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks from Apple Valley Rotary Club, and connect with others. This is a unique opportunity to witness children’s stories through art. Register to attend and bring a friend.
