Dear Rotarians,

 

Did you read The Rotarian this month?  I discovered a new word in one of the articles—communitarians.  The article stated that Rotarians are communitarians.  I like that phrase.  It tells the world who we are.  Rotarians build community, we create community, we thrive in community.  It reminds me why I love The Rotary Foundation.  Through its grant programs, we all become communitarians as we make better the places in which we live, the places in which we serve, and the places in which we help our neighbors improve.   What a privilege it is to be a Rotarian Communitarian!  

 

 

Your gifts to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund reached a total of $220,497 which was 98.6% of the goal.  Thank you!  You gave $189,124 to PolioPlus which was 323% of the goal.  Thank you!  Our total District giving to the Foundation was $443,749, an increase of $91,846 over the previous year.  Thanks for increasing the impact District 5970 has in doing good in the world!

 

 

District 5970 changed Regina Mutiru’s life by recommending her to receive a Rotary Peace Fellowship.  After her studies she was inspired to give back to society and created the Amani Women Network (AWN).  AWN brings women of Kenya together who are involved in peace building from all walks of life.  This network provides mentoring, networking, and creating and sharing opportunities.  The project Regina wants to share with our District is called the Young Women Leadership Program.  It’s a one-year mentorship program where pioneer women peacebuilders mentor young and upcoming women interested in peace and conflict resolution.  The first cohort group has already seen tremendous change in their lives. 

 

If your club has an interest in partnering with this program through a global or district grant, please contact Regina at reggymuli@gmail.com, and we'll connect you with our District Grants team.  To learn more about the Young Women Leadership Program please check it out at https://www.amaniwomennetwork.org/young-women-leadership-forum/.  

 

 

We are very pleased to report that Connor Roth has been approved by the Foundation to receive a $37,000 Global Scholar scholarship!  She will be pursuing a masters degree in peace and conflict resolution with a focus on gender-based violence.  Connor will be studying at Sussex University in Brighton, England.  The Highdown Rotary Club will be her host club, and the Waverly Rotary Club is serving as the sponsoring club.  She will begin her studies this fall and will be giving us regular updates on her year in England, including her involvement with the Rotary Clubs and District in the Brighton, England area. 
 

 

 

The District Grant Committee reviewed, scored and evaluated 35 grant applications on July 9.  Due to the abundance of grant requests received this year, there were $123,000 in total grants requested.  We had $100,078 available to award.  Consequently not all grant requests were approved, and some are receiving reduced amounts.  All clubs who applied will be receiving a letter from the Committee soon.  The Committee is very grateful for the strong interest this year in the District Grant program.  

 

 

The Algona Rotary Club, with the help of a District Grant, installed outdoor fitness equipment at a new park in Algona.