That said, it’s also the perfect time to connect with younger colleagues and community members about Rotary. While it might feel like you and your millennial counterparts are very different, you might find that you have something in common: a passion for networking and making a lasting, positive impact on your community.

Invite a younger colleague to attend an event or volunteer with you -- bonus points for inviting #Flatpaulharris along! Make sure to give them notice to fit the event in their busy schedule. Watch your inbox for more tips to engage millennials in Rotary. Happy fall!

2019 Leadership Development Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to our 2019 Leadership Development Scholarship recipients: 

• John Wasta of Cedar Rapids Rotary Club
• Amy Marlow of Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club
• Caprice Jones of Dubuque Rotary Club

These Rotarians will receive funding to attend the Rotary Leadership Development Program in Overland Park, Kansas, Sept. 27-28. At this retreat, Rotarians build their knowledge, skills, and abilities in serving in various Rotary leadership and volunteer service capacities. 

Again, congratulations to our scholarship recipients. We look forward to your leadership in Rotary for years to come. 

World Polio Day

Polio is a devastating disease that typically affects children under age 5. It can cause paralysis and even death. In September 1979, Rotary International embarked on its first anti-polio crusade -- and we haven’t turned back. 

From Rotary’s first Health, Hunger and Humanity (3-H) Grant project to the launch of PolioPlus in 1985, Rotary’s mission to eradicate polio has culminated in the vaccination of more than 2.5 billion children in more than 120 countries around the world. 

Though vaccination has led to a 99.9% reduction in polio cases, that success will only continue if vaccination continues. Polio is still endemic in 3 countries and, if all vaccinations were ceased today, Rotary International estimates the disease could impact 200,000 children a year. Additionally, we have seen a surge in Polio cases in Pakistan this year with the count 58 year to date and Afghanistan with 13 cases year to date. On a more positive note, Africa has been Polio free for 3 years and expected to be certified Polio free in 2020.

That’s why we participate each year in World Polio Day, in which Rotarians around the world hold events and fundraisers to continue fighting this devastating disease. This year, World Polio Day is October 24. Visit the Rotary International Facebook page to register for events and follow the activity of fellow Rotarians who are working to protect children around the world.