The Environment: Leveraging the Foundation to Make Lasting Impact
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
April is a time of renewal, and across District North Atlantic, we see that renewal take root in meaningful and lasting ways. This month’s Rotary theme, Environment, calls on us not only to reflect on our responsibility to the natural world, but to act—together—with purpose and intention.
Rotary’s commitment to the environment is not new, but it has never been more urgent. Through the Rotary Foundation, we are empowered to turn concern into action. Foundation grants provide the tools for clubs to design and implement projects that protect ecosystems, restore green spaces, and build sustainable communities. These are not abstract ideals—they are practical, funded opportunities to create measurable change where we live.
We are already seeing this in our own district. The Rotary Club of Charlottetown has taken a leadership role in environmental stewardship through several impactful initiatives. A major undertaking has been the planting of an extensive pollinator garden along the Ellen’s Creek Watershed, adjacent to a well-used park and community centre. In partnership with the City of Charlottetown and the Ellen’s Creek Watershed Group, this project contributes to biodiversity, supports local ecosystems, and enhances a shared public space.
That same spirit of innovation and partnership continues through their Great Green Seed Sale fundraiser, conducted in collaboration with Make It Sow Inc. With a tree planted for every ten seed packages sold, the initiative connects community engagement directly to environmental impact. Building on this success, the club is now preparing to plant two mini-forests in inner-city primary school yards, working alongside the City and the School Board—an investment not only in the environment, but in the education and well-being of future generations.
This is what it means to Unite for Good. It is not simply a message—it is a call to align our resources, our partnerships, and our passion toward outcomes that matter. When we bring people together, leverage the power of the Rotary Foundation, and focus on sustainable impact, we amplify what is possible.
As we move forward, I encourage every club to consider how Foundation grants can support environmental initiatives in your own communities. Whether large or small, every project contributes to a broader legacy of care and stewardship.
And as we continue this work, let us also remember that our impact grows when more voices and hands are involved. Even a quiet invitation to someone who shares our values can open the door to greater service, stronger communities and increasing our membership.
Together, we are not only responding to today’s challenges—we are shaping a healthier, more sustainable tomorrow.
Let us continue to Unite for Good.
Yours in Rotary service, Marcel A. Gervais
District Governor, District North Atlantic
April is Environment 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 and advance ecological sustainability. We empower communities to embrace local solutions, create innovative service projects, and access grants and other resources to foster harmony between people and nature.
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. Be a part of something bigger—step up, make a difference, and help lead our District to new heights!
We’re stronger with you on board! Click 'read more' for available positions.
ROTARY DISTRICT North Atlantic/Atlantique Nord 7815 Internal Vacancy Notice – Part-Time Bookkeeper (Contract for Services)
As part of a restructuring programme, Rotary District 7815 invites expressions of interest from qualified Rotarians within the District for the role of Part-Time Bookkeeper. This is a contract for services engagement (not an employment position) to support the financial operations of the district.
Submission Email:7815treasurer@gmail.com Attention: Dave Kowlessar, District Treasurer Deadline:Midnight,Saturday, April 11, 2026
Only expressions of interest from Rotary members within District 7815 will be considered at this time.
Clubs across our district are already making an impact through cleanups, restoration projects, education, and water initiatives. Now it’s time to connect, collaborate, and grow that impact together.
If you care about the environment and want to be part of something meaningful, this is your chance.
📣 Rotarians of District North Atlantic— we want to hear from YOU!
Your voice matters as we shape the future of our district. Please take a few minutes to complete the District Survey and share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences.
Your feedback helps guide our priorities, strengthen our clubs, and make Rotary even more impactful across our communities.
Mark your calendars for May 16, 2026 as clubs across the district participate in the growing Epic Day of Service (https://www.epicdayofservice.org/) — a powerful movement uniting Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact in visible, hands-on community impact.
This year, North Atlantic is amplifying the momentum by building toward a month-long showcase of service throughout May 2026, culminating in one unified day of action over the Victoria Day long weekend.
From environmental cleanups to food security initiatives and community gardens, every registered project contributes to a larger demonstration of Rotary in Action.
👉 Read more to learn how your club can participate and register your project.
Rotary District 7815 is gearing up for a busy spring of youth engagement. The Outbound Orientation will be held at Mount Allison University (April 30–May 2), followed by RYLA in St. John’s (May 8–9) and Truro (May 15–16). The UNITE FOR GOOD TIMES District Conference wraps up the season May 29–31. Congratulations to the Interact Photo Contest winners: Riverview Rural HS (Sydney), C.P. Allen HS (Sackville), and Memorial HS (North Sydney), and thank you to our volunteer judges. RYLA registration closes April 26—clubs are encouraged to sponsor a youth! Youth speakers from the HIP “Youth to Youth” program are also available to share their experiences. We’re looking for members to support Youth Programs at the District level—now and for 2027. Get involved and help make a difference!
Ready to grow your leadership and deepen your Rotary impact? Exciting news! Registration is now open for the in personRotary Leadership Institute (RLI) on April 11, 2026 from 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM at McKenzie College, Moncton, NB!
This dynamic, full-day leadership experience designed to strengthen your Rotary knowledge, expand your network, and equip you with practical tools to bring back to your club. Whether you're just starting your RLI journey or completing Level 3, this in-person event is an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow alongside Rotarians from across the district.
Spots are limited — choose your level and register today!
Click “Read More” for full details and registration links.
Join fellow Rotarians for an inspiring and energizing weekend filled with connection, learning, and celebration—you won’t want to miss what we have planned. Take a moment to explore a sneak peek of our exciting weekend program, designed to bring our community together in meaningful and memorable ways on the Conference website HERE.
While registering, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the ticket options to discover our optional pre-conference activities—perfect for making the most of your conference experience.
Early Bird Special: Register by April 17 to take advantage of the discounted rate ($195) and be automatically entered for a chance to win a complimentary night at Hotel Shediac!
Secure your spot today—we can’t wait to welcome you to an unforgettable weekend!
Exciting News! A Peace Forum will be offered for the first time at our annual District Conference : United For Good Times.
Come join us on Friday, May 29 from 3:00-4:30 PM at the Shediac Multi-Purpose Centre.
Facilitators Anne-Marie Collette, Peace Ambassador, and Susan Hartley, Peace Fellow, will lead us through an engaging and thought provoking session. The Peace Forum will provide an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas and deepen our shared commitment to peacebuilding. Join the Forum at this most important time for understanding and promoting peacebuilding within ourselves, our clubs, our communities and globally.
Did you know ... Rotary has over a 100 years of being peace builders? ... Rotary had a role in the creation of the United Nations? ... Rotary has 8 Peace Centres around the world?
Register on the District Conference registration site: shediac2026.ca
Let us know if you prefer to participate in French or English.
Following the Forum is the Peace Pole Installation Ceremony near the giant lobster on Main Street.
One Summit: Membership, Public Image & The Rotary Foundation Working Together will focus on club members gaining insights about how Membership, Public Image, and The Rotary Foundation work together to help clubs achieve impact, reach, engagement, and adaptability, and how a Club Action Plan can help clubs.
This One Summit will be a fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas and learn about club growth and service and to then be prepared to return to your home club with ideas for implementation!
Led by the Rotary Club of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, with support from Rotary partners, the portable dialysis project is being recognized in The Rotary Canada Magazine for bringing life-saving care closer to home for residents in Natuashish, Labrador.
This is Rotary in action: innovation, partnership, and real impact in our communities.
Article #10: Public Image and Storytelling in Your Club
Your club is probably doing amazing things—but do people know about it?
At RLI, we talk about why **public image** isn’t just marketing—it’s how you tell your story, attract new members, and build trust in the community.
Great storytelling doesn’t require a professional team. Start with these basics: 📸 Share photos with faces, not just cheque hand-offs. 📢 Use quotes from members and those impacted by your service. 📅 Post regularly, not just when an event is happening. 🎯 Align your message with Rotary’s People of Action brand.
Rotary is full of good stories. Let’s make sure people hear them.
Want more ideas like this? RLI offers 3 levels of interactive leadership development across Atlantic Canada.
Rotary International moves Barcelona convention to 2027
Barcelona, Spain, has been selected to host Rotary’s international convention, which is often described by attendees as a mini-United Nations conference, on 26–30 June 2027 at the Fira de Barcelona. This decision enables the city to bring the Rotary community together two years sooner than was recently announced in March.
Based on previous events, the Rotary convention is expected to attract up to 20,000 participants from over 140 countries and generate more than €68 million for the local economy. The Rotary convention in 2027 was originally scheduled to take place in Dubai. Rotary postponed it to a later year due to the current uncertainty in the region. Leaders of the global membership service organization expressed gratitude to its partners in Barcelona for their flexibility and collaboration in accommodating this change.
“With enthusiasm and energy, we are prepared to pivot quickly to host the international convention in 2027,” said Sergio Aragón, chair of the Barcelona Host Committee and a member of the Rotary Club Barcelona Diagonal. “We look forward to welcoming our international guests and delivering an exceptional experience.”
(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.
🌱 It’s Environment Month in Rotary! 🌱
REMINDER!
Action Lab: So You’re the President: What I Wish I’d Known
Registration Now Open – RLI Moncton 2026
Click “Read More” for full details and registration links.
Early Bird Registration is now LIVE for United for Good Times: North Atlantic Rotary Conference 2026
Early Bird Special: Register by April 17 to take advantage of the discounted rate ($195) and be automatically entered for a chance to win a complimentary night at Hotel Shediac!
Exciting News! A Peace Forum will be offered for the first time at our annual District Conference : United For Good Times. 
🎉 Featured in The Rotary Canada Magazine! 🎉
Barcelona, Spain, has been selected to host Rotary’s international convention, which is often described by attendees as a mini-United Nations conference, on 26–30 June 2027 at the Fira de Barcelona. This decision enables the city to bring the Rotary community together two years sooner than was recently announced in March.
