August 16, 2026 | Issue 4

Hello Rotarians, 

As Rotary focuses this month on Membership and New Club Development, it's worth considering several club models that are attracting new members and proving successful in North America.

One approach is an after-work, low-cost, service-focused club designed for young professionals who may not have the flexibility or financial resources to join a traditional morning or noon club.

Another is a family-friendly club that meets in the evenings or on weekends and welcomes parents to bring their children. By emphasizing service, flexibility, and affordability, these clubs appeal to young families who want to give back but face competing demands on their time.

A third option is hosting a Discover Rotary event in partnership with neighboring clubs. These events introduce prospective members to Rotary's impact in the community, and we refer interested individuals to the club whose meeting time, location, and culture best fit their interests.

What new approach could your club try this year to reach people who want to serve but haven't yet found a place in Rotary?

While no single model is right for every club, each creates opportunities to meet prospective members, build meaningful relationships, and mentor the next generation of Rotarians. When members connect through shared interests or professions, those relationships often lead to lasting engagement and can Create Lasting Impact.

Whatever approach your club chooses, please partner closely with the District’s Public Image Team to ensure your story reaches the community through effective media and social media outreach.

Yours in Rotary Service,

Bo Norton
District Governor

To prep for our upcoming Vibrant Club Workshop, test your NASA knowledge! Click here to play.

From a Discover Rotary Event to a New Club

As your new District Membership Chair, I wanted to share a great example of how a Discover Rotary event can turn into something bigger.

The Discover Rotary event that first comes to mind was sponsored by the Rotary Club of DeLand Sunset and held at Margaritaville Latitudes, a new residential community near DeLand.

Tom Mordowanec and Karen Weiss, both members of the Rotary Club of DeLand Sunset, organized the event. At the time, Mary Stutts was serving as District Membership Chair and arranged for the District to cover the cost of hors d'oeuvres.

About 40 people attended, with representatives from several area clubs sharing their Rotary experiences. Tom also presented his vision for what a new Companion Club could look like. Following the event, several meetings were held to work out the details. After some naming issues related to the Margaritaville copyright, the name Latitudes was approved.

On June 1, 2026, the club was officially chartered with 13 members, all of whom were new to Rotary. They meet on the second Monday of each month and focus on service projects.

This is a great example of what can happen when we create opportunities for people to learn about Rotary, connect with Rotarians, and see how they can get involved. One event can be the beginning of something that creates lasting impact.

Please contact me if you are interested in setting up your own Discover Rotary event.

Charles Miller

District Membership Chair

Email: chasm322@gmail.com

New Foundation Award: 2026–2027 IMPACT Award 

The IMPACT Award recognizes Rotary and Rotaract clubs that actively engage with The Rotary Foundation by sharing their service, impact, and commitment throughout the Rotary year. Each quarter provides an opportunity to highlight your club’s service and demonstrate sustained engagement with Rotary’s areas of focus. Clubs that complete the quarterly tasks are eligible for IMPACT Award recognition. Click here to check your eligibility status!