Joe Cavanaugh Founder & CEO of Youth Frontiers Head of Leadership Frontiers
"Character is Destiny"
Joe Cavanaugh is a nationally-renowned speaker promoting timeless values and personal character to audiences of all ages. Whether it is at the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, a commencement speech at his alma mater, a conference with business leaders or in a room filled with 200 teenagers, Joe loves to be in front of a crowd sharing the message that character matters. His message is guided by the belief that character is the thread that will reweave the frayed fabric of our society.
In 1987, Joe founded Youth Frontiers (YF), a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization that provides experiences that inspire character, civility and community. YF has impacted more than 2 million youth, educators, and community members and has received national acclaim because of its powerful programs. Joe also leads YF’s newest division, Leadership Frontiers, which focuses on inspiring characterdriven leaders in all sectors.
Joe has been featured on local, regional and national media programs including a 90-minute PBS television special titled, “Respectfully, Joe Cavanaugh.” Additionally, he has been recognized by the late General Colin Powell of America’s Promise as being “a leader in our nation’s effort to rescue America’s young people.”
Joe received his B.A. degree in Humanities from Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minn., where he also was given an Honorary Doctorate in 2016. He was also named Social Entrepreneur of the Year by Saint John’s in 2012.
Joe and his wife, Jane, live in Edina, Minnesota. Their daughter, Tess, is attending the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota.
Omaha, NE, By Yolanda Hoffman – In an extraordinary display of service and teamwork, over 130 Rotarians, along with their families and friends, came together on February 22, 2025, for the Multi-Club Rotary Meal Packaging Project in partnership with Kids Against Hunger. Their collective efforts resulted in a staggering 46,655 meals packaged, reinforcing Rotary’s commitment to making a tangible difference in the fight against hunger.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from members of Omaha Downtown, Millard, Morning, Suburban, and West Rotary Clubs, who worked tirelessly across multiple shifts to ensure the success of this initiative. Volunteers donned hairnets, measured ingredients, sealed bags, and packed boxes—each meal destined to provide nourishment to those in need in our immediate community.
“This was an incredible day of service,” said Brett Wawers, Project Coordinator. “To see so many hands working together for such a meaningful cause truly embodies Service Above Self.”
The energy in the room was contagious as Rotarians, young and old, worked side by side, proving once again that service is at the heart of Rotary. With group photos capturing the spirit of camaraderie and action shots showcasing the dedication of volunteers, the day was not just about packaging meals—it was about strengthening community bonds and living out Rotary’s mission of service.
Thank you to everyone who rolled up their sleeves to make this event a success. Thank you to Omaha Morning Rotarians participation: Mike Benck, Lisa Hatterman, Yolanda Hoffman, Robert Rapp, Bill Schenk, Aaron Tomita, and Sachi Verma. Your efforts are feeding thousands and leaving a lasting impact. Together, we are changing lives—one meal at a time!
Shift 1
Shift 2
Shift 3
The packaging table of Mike Benck and Lisa Hatterman
Bring on Spring! We are all very thankful for the warm weather this week. Let's hope this cycle stays with us until Spring. It is so refreshing to drive by a lake and see the ripple of waves instead of a solid sheet of ice. It reminds me of Rotary's focus during the month of March on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.
Through water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) program, Rotary's people of action mobilize resources, form partnerships and invest in infrastructure and training that yields long term change. The Rotary Foundation, with your support, is changing the world by providing grants for projects and activities around the world and in your own backyard. Since 2013, the Rotary Foundation has invested more than $130 million in over 2, ooo WASH projects worldwide. Through this investment, our volunteers of action have improved access to safely managed and basic WASH services to communities, schools and healthcare facilities, while protecting and conserving water resources.
We truly are "People of Action" bringing positive change around the world!
Our district leadership is focused on our strategic plan, which includes training the next group of Rotary leaders in our district. DGE Robert Rapp will be hosting our District Team Training and President-Elect Training in March. Please make sure your club leaders are in attendance to help gain the skills and help transition club leadership in July.
I was able to participate with a number of Rotarians this last weekend in the meal packaging project to support Heartland Kids Against Hunger. It gives me pride to see so many Rotarians give of their time and resources to come together for a multi-club service project. Keep up the great work as "People of Action" and remember to use those Public Image resources to post about the great work we are doing in our community. Invite prospective members to your club meetings and service projects and show them the impact we have on our communities as the largest service organization in the world!
The Rotary Club of Omaha Morning, led by Jonathan Johnson during the 2023-2024 Rotary Year, was honored with the Rotary International Citation Award at the recent Rotary District Conference. This recognition highlights the club's commitment to enhancing member engagement, expanding Rotary's impact through community-focused projects, and fostering growth within the club. Additionally, it acknowledges the club's adaptability and the generosity of its members toward The Rotary Foundation.
Immediate Past President Jonathan Johnson receiving the Rotary Citation from District Governor Tom Kerfoot
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