Our District
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Dear Rotarians of District 5680,
I am honored to be selected to serve as your District Governor for Rotary District 5680 in the 2025–2026 Rotary year. In a historic change, Rotary International is no longer introducing new annual presidential themes. This decision was made by the RI Board of Directors at their October 2023 meeting to strengthen Rotary’s public image and unify our messaging. Previously, annual themes were intended for internal inspiration, but inconsistent usage led to confusion about Rotary’s identity and purpose.
Instead, Rotary International President Mário César Martins de Camargo of Brazil invites us to embrace a shared message: “Unite for Good.” This phrase is more than a slogan—it reflects our commitment to collective action, inclusivity, and sustainable service. It aligns with our Action Plan and empowers us to collaborate locally and globally for lasting impact.
My personal focus this Rotary year is service projects that directly support communities in addressing and reducing bullying. This includes bullying in schools, the workplace, and community spaces. Everyone deserves to feel safe, supported, and included—and Rotary clubs are uniquely positioned to be catalysts for that kind of lasting change.
I encourage every club to identify and carry out at least one service project that reflects this focus. Whether it’s partnering with schools, holding public forums, providing mental health resources, or supporting youth leadership programs, the impact we make together can be powerful and transformative.
Additionally, I invite clubs to participate in a Visioning exercise—a structured yet creative way to map out your club’s direction for the next three years. This process can re-energize members and help develop a shared, actionable plan for the future.
As we look ahead, we must also be willing to ask: What does our club need to grow? If growth means change, let’s embrace that change as a positive step toward stronger, more vibrant clubs. Let’s move beyond “we’ve always done it this way” and explore new, inclusive ways of “doing Rotary.”
I look forward to visiting each club, hearing your stories, and celebrating the incredible work you are doing. Together, let’s make Rotary in District 5680 stronger, more welcoming, and an undeniable force for good.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Deb Minkler
Deb Minkler
District Governor 2025–2026
Rotary District 5680
Rotary District 5680