I recently attended the Rotary Peace conference in Istanbul, Turkey at the same time the new Peace Center was being dedicated at Bahcesehir University. Opening the seventh Peace Center is a big deal. There have been over 1800 graduates with a Masters or Certification in Peace and Conflict Resolution since this program was started.
It’s World Rotaract Week! As a Rotaractor, you’re part of a global network of Rotary members who are working together to address the most significant challenges in communities around the world. And all this happens while you build professional and leadership skills and meaningful connections.
It started with a small group of new members who at the inaugural meeting on December 10th decided to share their talent and passion by scheduling one service project per month. In the first three months, they surpassed their goal and participated in six events.
WOOOOO HOOOOO! Completed RYLA Applications are coming in! In the lead with the most applications EVER seen before from any club is Pierre/Ft. Pierre (I didn't think anyone could top Watertown from last year!!!), and we have a new club on board with student applications - Sioux Falls Rotary South!
There is still plenty of time to participate! YOUR FOUR WAY TEST WINNER IS DUE TO PAT SUTLIFF BY APRIL 1, 2025. I do hope that many of you are participating in this great project!! The necessary forms can be found here. Questions: 605-593-2896, <pmsutliff@gmail.com>
Two sixth grade classes taught by Ms. Vonnie Houchin and Ms. Katie Heinis, participated in this competition sponsored by the Rushmore Rotary Club and the Rapid City Rotary Club.
Bruce and I had the opportunity to participate in The Rotary International Presidential Peace Conference in Istanbul Turkey February 20-22. A new peace center was dedicated during the time at Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul. Did you know that Rotary has peace centers around the world, associated with universities, offering masters degrees and certificates to peace fellows?
Maria Putsu, Madison Rotary Club’s foreign exchange student from Sardinia, Italy, was the guest speaker. She shared her experiences, including participating as a cheerleader, Italian culture, and unique traditions from her hometown. Maria contrasted the differences in education systems and participation in extracurricular activities like volleyball. It was a lively conversation with many Rotarians wanting to visit Italy after her presentation!
On a sunny afternoon at the Rotary Club of Canby, members gathered to honor one of their own, Jody Olson, on her remarkable 94th birthday. The event was a testament to her enduring spirit and commitment to community service.
Rotary Club of Sioux Falls - West is hosting an enthusiastic DINNER AND DANCE fundraiser - ROCK N' ROLL FOR HOPE on April 12th at The Country Club. Proceeds from this event will benefit Hope Haven International Ministries by sponsoring wheelchairs for those in need of mobility worldwide. Tickets are $75/each. Purchase tickets in advance from Rotary West members or call Duane Wack at (605) 310-2337.
The District Raffle is going to be new and exciting this year! Jennifer Rollins, DGND, has been working hard to capture more participants and make the process easier and more up-to-date. Some changes include:
Rotary’s commitment to service shined bright as members from Madison Rotary and Brookings Rotary joined forces for the 2025 Madison Food Pack—a powerful community effort to combat hunger on a global scale.
Rotary International’s People of Action campaign provides a clear, compelling answer to one of the most frequently asked questions: What is Rotary? It rallies us around a single, unified message—TELLING and SHOWING the world that we are people of action, dedicated to creating lasting change in our communities and beyond.
At its core, People of Action is about storytelling. It’s not just about what we do—it’s about the impact of our actions. This campaign provides a framework for Rotary Clubs to highlight their work in a way that is personal, relatable, and visually engaging.
The 2025 Rotary International Convention (June 21-25) in Calgary, Alberta, Canada is quickly approaching. Todate, there are 45 registered Rotarians and guests representing District 5610, with an afternoon "meet and greet" scheduled for Sunday, June 22 at the Bank and Baron P.U.B. Click to Register.
Are you the President-Elect for 2025-2026? Are you an officer or chair of a committee for your club? Are you an interested Rotarian looking to learn more about running a club? If so, this training is for you! Click to Register.
The Rotary Action Plan and the four priorities provide tools to help clubs address challenges, take on new opportunities, and move their ideas forward. Watch the Video.
This story starts with the desire of the Pierre/Ft. Pierre to celebrate our 75th anniversary as a club. The club developed a plan to gift our community with enhancements to the outdoors within the community. One of these gifts is to build and place a number of park benches with an attached bike rack.
Members of the Rotary Club of Le Mars helped with a Sleep in Heavenly Peace bed build event on February 22nd. Rotarians worked drills, sanders, paint brushes and more for two hours.
The Rotary Club of Sioux City continues to embody the spirit of #PeopleOfAction with their recent community service initiative. Members of the club recently volunteered their time at the North Sioux City Senior Center, where they assisted in distributing much-needed boxes of food. This effort was part of their ongoing support for the Union County Long-term Recovery group, aimed at aiding individuals affected by last summer’s devastating floods.
The Rotary Club of Sibley is set to bring music to the heart of downtown with a generous $5,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Osceola County. Their ambitious plan? Installing an outdoor musical instrument right in the yard of the public library.
Centerville Rotary Club recently dedicated their time and efforts to support the annual Sioux Empire Water Festival, held at the University of Sioux Falls during spring break. This educational event is a cornerstone for local children to gain valuable insights into the significance of water in our daily lives.
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