It’s May and that means it is a time to celebrate the tremendous impact that we as Rotarians can make on the new generations through programs like Youth Exchange, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), and Interact. The clubs in our district have a long record of youth service.
This photo shows members of the Interact Club of Abrahan Valdelomar in Lima, Peru on November 21, 2014. You might think that this was a photo taken by a member of the recent Rotary Friendship Exchange from our district to a district in Peru, but that is just a coincidence. In fact, this is one of dozens of photos available to download on the Brand Center at Rotary.org. Any Rotarian or Rotarian can access photos, videos and various templates for brochures, social media posts and promotional items of all kinds. All of this is free for Rotarians and Rotary clubs to use for Rotary purposes.
But to access the Brand Center you need to get a username and password to the “members only” section of the website of Rotary International (Rotary.org) called My Rotary. Unfortunately, only about 55% of Rotarians in our district have signed up for My Rotary. That means that at least 45% of the Rotarians in our district are missing out on the materials in the Brand Center. They are also missing out on access to a wealth of information about their own club, district and Zone at Rotary Club Central. So, I urge you all to sign up at My Rotary and check it out.
North Atlantic Rotary District Conference 2025
My wife, Pat, and I have lived in Newfoundland for many years, but we grew up in Halifax and met at Halifax West High School. So, when we attend the district conference set for May 30-June 1 in Halifax, it will be like coming home for us. But wherever you live, I promise that you will feel like you are among friends at our district conference.
The conference has a lineup of world class speakers like polio survivor Ramesh Ferris, Taghrid Hadhad, and former Peace Scholar Dr Susan Hartley plus lots of other great programs and entertainment. The “Magic of Rotary” will be on full display as you meet with your fellow Rotarians from all around our beautiful district. You will be able to learn and celebrate together, and exchange ideas so that you can return to your home clubs ready to take action to make a real difference in your local communities and around the world. You won’t want to miss it. I hope to see you all in Halifax! Register here north-atlantic-rotary-conference-2025.
Yours in Rotary Service,
District Governor Don Sword
May is Youth Service Month
Rotary believes in developing the next generation of leaders. Our programs help younger leaders build leadership skills, expand education and learn the value of service.
Youth Programs:
Interact clubs
Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills and learn about the world through service projects and activities.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
RYLA is a leadership development program for young people who want to learn new skills, build their confidence, and have fun. Events range from one-day seminars to weeklong camps.
Rotary Youth Exchange
Rotary Youth Exchange builds peace one young person at a time. Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens. Exchanges for students ages 15-19 are sponsored by Rotary clubs in more than 100 countries.
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!
We've noticed that ClubRunner emails are being directed to the "Promotions" tab in Gmail for some users. This means you might be missing important Rotary updates, event details, and district communications.
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Check your Gmail Promotions tab.
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Let’s make sure we all stay connected and informed!
New to Rotary? A seasoned member? This Membership Webinar is for you! Open to all Rotarians in Zones 28 & 32, this session will help you better understand the Rotary experience, grow your club, and engage with purpose.
🗓️ Date: May 7, 2025 🕖 Time: 7:00 PM ET (8:30 PM NL) 💻 Location: Online – Zoom
Whether you're learning the ropes or looking for new tools to inspire your club—don’t miss it!
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 some of 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!
We're celebrating Rotary’s commitment to empowering young leaders through programs like Youth Exchange, Interact, and RYLA. Outbound students are preparing for adventure, while inbound students gear up for the District Conference. Teacher and Rotary Advisers are invited to a global health Zoom session on May 14. Clubs can still sponsor students for RYLA and support Truth & Reconciliation youth experiences. Exciting updates and opportunities are unfolding all month long.
➡️ Read more to get involved and help shape the future of Rotary!
There's still time to complete your learning plans
Before the new Rotary year begins, remind incoming club presidents, treasurers, and secretaries to complete their required learning plans. These courses include the most up-to-date policies and guidance that’s aligned with our Action Plan and will help club leaders prepare for their roles.
Rotary Affirms Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Rotary International remains steadfast in its commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), despite facing resistance in North America. Brian Rusch, a member of RI’s Joint Advisory Council on DEI, emphasized that Rotary will not reverse its DEI policies. Initiated in response to the 2020 murder of George Floyd, the DEI Task Force aims to make Rotary more inclusive globally, addressing diverse challenges across regions. Rusch highlighted that while DEI priorities vary—such as caste in India and race in North America—the overarching goal is to ensure Rotary is welcoming to all individuals, regardless of background.
🚨 ONE WEEK LEFT! Don’t Miss the North Atlantic Rotary District Conference!
This is it — your last chance to be part of our biggest event of the year! Registration closes May 11, and you do not want to miss this transformational weekend in Halifax.
🗓️ May 30 – June 1, 2025 📍 Halifax, NS
Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, and friends will gather to celebrate, learn, and grow together. This conference is packed with: ✨ Dynamic keynote speakers including Ramesh Ferris, Dr. Susan Hartley, and Taghrid Hadhad 🌍 People of Action Summit breakouts (Public Image, Youth, Foundation, Service & more!) 🎶 Entertainment, inspiration, and meaningful connections 🌟 A celebration of the Magic of Rotary across Atlantic Canada and beyond!
Don’t wait—this is your moment to reconnect, reenergize, and recommit to the impact we make together.
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.
We are seeking your generous donations for our upcoming silent auction at the Rotary District Conference. Contributions from your companies or personal collections are greatly appreciated—whether it's gift cards, products, services, or unique items.
Golfers, please consider asking your clubs for a round of golf or two to donate. We’re also accepting donations of wine and scotch to craft exclusive packages for bidding.
You can bring your donations to our Friday meetings, or we’re happy to arrange pickup if that’s more convenient. Simply let us know how we can assist.
Thank you for your support! Rotary Friendship Village Team District Conference Committee
Interest in Rotary Friendship Exchanges is growing, with our recent team’s visit to Peru a great success. We’re excited to welcome District 4455 from Peru in June, with more exchanges in the works with New Zealand, The Netherlands, and Croatia. Want to learn how you can get involved?
➡️ Read more for full details and how to participate!
The PDG Council has recommended two annual District Awards: Club of the Year and Rotarian of the Year, to be presented at each District Conference in the spring. Clubs may apply for Club of the Year and nominate one club member for Rotarian of the Year. The District Governor, with advice from a PDG Council committee, will select the recipients.
Rotary Council Approves Dues Increase and Smaller Club Charters
During the 2025 Council on Legislation held in April, Rotary International representatives approved a US$3.50 increase in annual dues, raising them from US$82 to US$85.50 for the 2026–27 year. This adjustment aims to address rising operational costs and prevent a projected US$42 million deficit by 2029–30. Additionally, the Council voted to allow clubs to charter with as few as 15 members, down from the previous minimum of 20, to encourage the formation of new clubs and innovative models.
Thousands Set to Gather in Calgary for Rotary’s International Convention
Over 15,000 Rotary members from more than 120 countries will converge in Calgary from June 21–25, 2025, for the annual international convention. This marks the second time Calgary hosts the event since 1996. The convention is expected to generate $81 million CAD for the local economy and will feature over 100 humanitarian projects and world-class speakers. Attendees will experience a vibrant cultural mosaic at the BMO Centre and Scotiabank Saddledome. Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick emphasizes the event's role in fostering meaningful connections and inspiring global service.
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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.
Youth Service Month
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.
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