The Minutarian

August 31, 2026 | Issue 5

Bo Norton
District Governor

2026-2027

Rotary District 6970

Hello Rotarians,


Although Membership and New Club Development Month is coming to a close, membership remains our top priority. Reaching our global goal of 1,250,000 club members and 125,000 Rotaractors by 2030 will take all of us working together.


In the last Minutarian, I mentioned a new club model designed for those seeking an after-work, low-cost, service-focused alternative to traditional clubs. Recently, DeLand Sunset chartered a new Companion Club, “Latitudes”; the Debary-Deltona-Orange City Club chartered the “Rotary Satellite Club of Deltona”; and we are awaiting approval for the new “Sunset Southwest Volusia” club in Deltona. All were formed to adapt to the evolving needs of current members and attract prospective ones. Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing these to life!


During my club visits and the Membership session at Vibrant Club Workshop, members frequently asked how they can better recruit and retain membership. Our recommendation is to approach this from two directions:


Retention: Ask yourself—what are your members passionate about, and is your club meeting their needs?


Recruitment: Does your club offer what potential members want or can afford? If not, consider offering an alternative format or referring them to one that does.


With changing demographics, our club models must continue to evolve so we can grow and carry out our mission of "Doing Good in the World" to "Create Lasting Impact."


Please remember that our Public Image Team is standing by to help you share your story with the community. They are an incredible resource—be sure to tap into their expertise!


Yours in Rotary Service,

Bo Norton
District Governor

DISTRICT CALENDAR

President-Elect training #1

One of these days:

Sep 19 Orange Park

Oct 17 Daytona

CLUB EVENTS



Aug 29 DeLand Pub Crawl


Sep 11 Flags for Heroes


Sep 19 Cheeseburger Paradise


Sep 26 Edgewater Rotary Hootenanny


Oct 24 Taste of Amelia!


Nov 7 Chili Cook-off & Flyover

Did You Miss Our Vibrant Club Workshop?!

We had a great turnout for our kickoff event for the 2026–2027 Rotary year, our Vibrant Club Workshop! Thank you to our featured speakers, retired NASA astronaut George Zamka and Rotary International Director Marshall Butler, for sharing their time and insights with our members.


Throughout the day, Rotarians participated in breakout sessions covering Membership, Youth Programs, Social Events, Service Projects, Fundraising, DACdb, Club Administration, Mentoring, Public Image, and The Rotary Foundation.


A special thank you to all of our breakout presenters for sharing their knowledge, The Rolling Stoves for providing breakfast and lunch, and the Thrasher-Horne Center for hosting us. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the Vibrant Club Workshop a great start to the Rotary year!


All breakout presentations are now available on the district website, along with photos from the event. Feel free to share these resources with your club members and use the photos in your club newsletters, websites, and social media!

2029-2030 District Governor Nominations Are Now Open!

Who Will Be the Next DG?

Step forward. Lead with purpose. Create lasting impact. Be the leader our district needs tomorrow. District Governors inspire and lead, strengthen clubs, and expand our impact. Click the button below to learn more and submit your online nomination. Nominations close September 30, 2026.

RYE Spotlight: Carmela

With the school year getting started, the District 6970 RYE team is excited to introduce you to District 6970 Outbound Rotary Youth Exchange student for 2026-27: Carmela!


Carmela is spending what would be her junior year of high school as an exchange student in Spain, hosted by the Rotary Club of Cordoba. Learn more about Carmela at https://www.rye6970.org/outbounds-2026-2027/, and follow this page to learn about her experiences this year.


Our thanks to the Rotary Club of Bartam Trail-Julington Creek for sponsoring Carmela and giving her this amazing opportunity.


For more information about the Rotary Youth Exchange program, including applications for 2027–2028 exchanges, please visit: https://www.rye6970.org/.

Our Clubs

WAG Rotary Global Grant Approved!



Dear friends and supporters,

We have received word that WAG, our Rotary Global Grant created by the Rotary Club of Downtown Gainesville and the Rotary Club of Juba Airport in South Sudan, has been approved by The Rotary Foundation. Read more here: WAG Rotary Global Grant Approved! - Rotary International District 6970

 

How is your club recognizing August as Membership and New Club Development Month?



Let the district know by submitting your story and photos. We will feature it on our social media channels, newsletter, and website: Event and News Submission.

Have You Started Your EPIC Award Tasks?


The EPIC Awards are the official way your club can be recognized for its public image efforts. During the 2025–2026 Rotary year, 23 clubs in our district participated. This year, the Public Image Team has a goal: let’s double that to 46! Easy for Rotarians, right? After all, we are #PeopleOfAction!


Each month, your club can complete simple tasks designed to strengthen your public image, increase visibility, and showcase your impact in the community. These tasks also give your Public Image Chair and board an easy roadmap to follow throughout the Rotary year.


Complete the monthly tasks and your club can qualify to compete for the EPIC Award in Zones 33/34! Learn more here: https://www.rotaryzones3334.org/public-image/epic-award/

 

Bookmark the District 6970 website and

follow the district's Facebook page. 

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Share your club's news & events! 

www.bit.ly/news-submission