Protecting the environment is the seventh (and newest) area of focus of The Rotary Foundation, our worldwide award-winning charity. And the environment is Rotary International’s theme for April.
The environment was added as focus area for our Foundation in 2020, due in part to the efforts of past RI President Ian Riseley from Australia. I got to know Ian during his year as the RI President (2027-18) because I was DG of D7820 that year. He challenged us to plant one tree for every Rotarian in the world during that year. Many clubs participated at that time and many clubs in our district and around the world continue to plant trees and carry out other service projects in their local communities to protect our common legacy: the environment.
Plus, in the past five years The Rotary Foundation has provided US$18Million in Global Grant funding to environment related causes through the support of community economic development and water, sewer and hygiene projects all over the world!
Rotary’s vision statement is “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change - across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves.” The phrase “lasting change” implies the need for sustainable solutions to the problems we as Rotary face and try to solve through our community and international service projects. I am very proud to be part of an organization that values sustainability, and that values the protection of our environment. I hope you are too.
Yours in Rotary Service,
District Governor Don Sword
April is Environmental Month.
Rotary shares an interest in protecting our common legacy: the environment.
We are committed to supporting activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, advance ecological sustainability, and foster harmony between communities and the environment. We empower communities to access grants and other resources, embrace local solutions, and spur innovation in an effort to address the causes and reduce the effects of climate change and environmental degradation.
We need YOU to help shape the future of Rotary District 7815! With multiple positions available, now is your chance to bring your ideas, passion, and leadership to the table. Whether you're experienced, or just looking to make a bigger impact, there’s a place for you on our District Board. Together, we can strengthen our clubs, amplify our community efforts, and create lasting change. Be a part of something bigger—step up, make a difference, and help lead our District to new heights!
District Governor Don Sword has just announced the selection of Wayne Thompson, from the Rotary Club of Summerside, as the District 7815 Governor Nominee Designate (DGND). That title requires a little explanation: District Governors are actually appointed by Rotary International but each District selects a “Nominee Designate” several years in advance, and that person begins the orientation process to become first the District Governor Nominee (currently Chis Hornberger of Halifax Harbour Club) and then District Governor Elect (currently Marcel Gervais of Moncton Club).
Rotary International has identified Membership as its biggest challenge and its highest priority in the upcoming Rotary year.
A lot goes into helping districts and clubs to grow membership and our District Membership Team covered a lot of ground when it met on March 21-22. The team reviewed the district's membership statistics and trends, the organization and roles within the team, new club development, public image campaigns, and goal setting.
Plus PDG Louisa Horne, an active speaker to districts and Zones in North America, gave an overview on Membership realities, challenges and potential actions. They reviewed two new membership tools. The Membership Action Plan is now available on Clubrunner to the districts and all of the clubs and the new Membership Referrals program will soon be launched on rotary.org. Based on the work of this weekend the Membership hopes to update its goals and plans which will include increased training for district and club leaders on the new membership tools available.
We are encouraging every club in the District to consider looking ahead, setting realistic goals and creating Action Plans.
In order to set a good example of the importance of this focus on our future, the District 7815 Leadership Team spent the weekend of March 14 -16 revisiting our District Action Plan, looking a the four main pillars of the plan (Impact, Engage, Reach and Adapt) and updating the strategic initiatives that should turn the words of the Action Plan into reality.
We hope Clubs can see some concrete improvements in District support and learning opportunities, and our District Governor line and Directors are determined to make more progress as we all move together into the next Rotary Year.
As part of our Magical Major and Planned Gift Campaign, District 7815 is working to raise $1 million in promised or legacy gifts for the Rotary Foundation. With the Rotary International Convention in Calgary this June, now is the perfect time to make a lasting impact on our mission to change lives. Whether through major gifts, planned giving, or designating life insurance or retirement assets, your contribution will help ensure the future of Rotary's vital work worldwide.
A heartfelt thank you to the incredible clubs that participated in the One Magical Project!
Across our district, Rotary clubs are making a real impact, from collaborating with local groups, engaging members towards creating meaningful change. We appreciate those who submitted projects into the Rotary Project Centre and reached out with questions, demonstrating their dedication to service within their communities.
Nearly 20 clubs shared inspiring initiatives that reflect the unique needs of their communities and the power of Rotary partnerships. Want to see these projects in action?
Join us at this year’s conference at the Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax, where these outstanding efforts will be showcased. Learn how they came to life, the impact they are making, and how they’re strengthening clubs from the inside out.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired and take new ideas back to your own club!
Our Youth Exchange programs are set for 2025-2026, with over 20 students preparing for life-changing experiences. Key events, including the Outbound Orientation, YEO Training, and District Conference, are coming up soon. Interactors wrapped up a successful photo contest, and planning for next year is underway. Meanwhile, eight students from District 7815 will join the Youth-to-Youth Truth and Reconciliation Experience at Acadia University. Also, clubs can still sponsor students for this program or for RYLA 2025 in Truro this May!
Read more for all the fun information, event details and ways to get involved!
Encourage incoming club committee chairs to enroll in their role-based learning plans before the start of the next Rotary year. We have learning plans for the club administration chair, membership chair, Rotary Foundation chair, public image chair, and service projects chair. Members of those committees can complete the learning plans, too. Find them all in the Learning Center under Club Leadership Courses.
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EARLYBIRD REGISTRATION DEALINE IS TODAY - MARCH 30TH!
As we approach the upcoming Rotary District Conference, we’re excited to offer your club several unique opportunities to engage, raise funds, and gain visibility within our district.
Club Engagement and Fundraising The Friendship Village – our version of the House of Friendship, will be open on Saturday morning during registration and breakfast, during lunch and at the Cocktail Reception. This is a great opportunity for your club to fundraise, showcase your Magical projects, and engage with other Rotarians in a meaningful way. We’d love for your club to be involved in this dynamic space. Please contact Nikki Whyte for more information and to book your booth. rotariannikkiwhyte@gmail.com
Home Hosting Friday, May 30 We are seeking local Rotarians who would like to welcome visiting Rotarians into their home for a nice meal and an evening of friendship. On Friday night of the conference, we are offering a limited number of Home Hosted dinners. If you’re interested in being a home host, please let us know by completing this form.
Passing of PDG Harriett McNeill (first female DG in District 7810)
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Harriett Patricia McNeill (Stewart) on March 10th, 2025 at Hospice House, in Fredericton..."Other than her career, Harriett had many other passions in her life. She was a long-standing member of the Fredericton North Rotary Club, where she held various positions including serving as the first female District Governor in 2002-2003. She travelled to international conferences and was involved in many initiatives in the community and abroad. She received several awards for her service."
Donations in Harriett’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer society and Hospice House Fredericton. Condolence may be shared at www.yorkf.com.
We have recently received reports of phishing and scam emails that appear to be sent from district leaders. These fraudulent messages are designed to trick you into clicking on links or providing personal information.
Please click 'read more' to review a few guidelines to protect yourself and our community.
Nobel laureate leads speaker roster for 2025 Rotary International convention
Yemeni journalist Tawakkol Karman promotes peace and women’s rights.
The first woman from the Arab world to win the Nobel Peace Prize will address Rotary International’s 2025 convention, which takes place from 21-25 June in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Tawakkol Karman has endured persecution and imprisonment for speaking out in favor of democracy and women’s empowerment.
Turkish Rotary member honored for advancing women’s leadership.
ISTANBUL, Türkiye (22 Feb 2025) — Rotary International has recognized Ayda Özeren for her outstanding contributions to women’s leadership, education, and economic empowerment.
Özeren was presented with the Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award, which honors Rotary members who have made a lasting impact in advancing gender equity and empowering women in their communities.
(If you have any comments or questions, please contact the editor)
This bulletin was sent to our French-speaking clubs in French. If you received the English version, but would prefer the French version, please send an email to our Bulletin Editor.
Protecting the environment is the seventh (and newest) area of focus of The Rotary Foundation, our worldwide award-winning charity. And the environment is Rotary International’s theme for April.
Rotary shares an interest in protecting our common legacy: the environment.
As we approach the upcoming Rotary District Conference, we’re excited to offer your club several unique opportunities to engage, raise funds, and gain visibility within our district.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Harriett Patricia McNeill (Stewart) on March 10th, 2025 at Hospice House, in Fredericton..."Other than her career, Harriett had many other passions in her life. She was a long-standing member of the Fredericton North Rotary Club, where she held various positions including serving as the first female District Governor in 2002-2003. She travelled to international conferences and was involved in many initiatives in the community and abroad. She received several awards for her service."
We have recently received reports of phishing and scam emails that appear to be sent from district leaders.
Yemeni journalist Tawakkol Karman promotes peace and women’s rights.
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