Note from our DG:

What are the top two reasons people join Rotary? Research by Rotary International reveals members join for friendships and to make a difference in their community. Are we creating those opportunities for the members of our clubs?

The best way to build friendships is to do activities together. It starts at the meeting. Is it fun, interesting, friendly? It continues with messaging via newsletters or other communications. Are members featured? Do you show service, fun, purpose? And it continues with activities fulfilling a need for local and global neighbors. Belonging seals the bond of friendship, allows it to grow and attracts new members.

I also love reading about the club activities in club newsletters and on social media; it shows how our clubs 'Make Peace Visible' in our District.

There is a song entitled, 'Time Keeps Slipping into the Future'. That is what it feels like to me. Although it is about to pass the 'slipping stage' and accelerate into 'brisk' before it is full-speed ahead until the end of the 23-24 Rotary year.   BUT we still have 4 more months. I know you are working hard, and I hope, having fun. What is the plan to end the year on a high? We are in this together. You have district teams ready to encourage and help. 507-202-4618

Thank you for your 'Service Above Self'.  District 5960 clubs impact hundreds of thousands of lives each year. Your work matters. 

Content of this note:
1. February Monthly Theme - a list of good ideas was posted in the newsletter.  https://www.rotary5960.org/about/district-governor-patricia-mccleese/   Attached are proclamation and news release template. The short videos might serve as a refelction followed by comments. 
RI video - peace teachers 
https://www.usip.org/public-education/educators/peace-teachers-program

United Nations 30-second statement on peace  https://www.youtube.com/shorts/L15vz1XEkbw  It confirms what we are attempting to do in our district with the Make Peace Visible initiative. 

Have you ever wondered what peace fellows study? Listen to Duke-UNC  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKavn8Mgawo

Rotary promotes peace - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fWxn_8rSfE

2. Membership - What is the focus - attraction, attrition, both? The Attachments will help start the brainstorming process. I know it is a lot of questions but remember the purpose - to start the brainstorming process. Call me 507-202-4618 if you want to talk about membership.  We are in this together. 
Contact your Assistant Governor for help.
Contact Ken Crabb crabb002@umn.educrabb002@umn.edu or David Connelly  d2c3000@gmail.com  for Membership Olympics and other help.   https://www.rotary5960.org/membership/olympics/

3. Celebration of Clubs, May 4, Hudson WI  We will celebrate YOU! House of Friendship will feature Signature Projects; the program will feature peace projects. mental health programs and more outstanding club projects. What will your club show? There will be fun, music, activities, and prizes. 

4. Sharing the Love - - need a presentation or ideas? Contact Margie Horning margie.horning@comcast.net or Peggy Strom peggystrom@outlook.com

5. Presidents-elect (busy time) : NCPETS , schedule an appointment with Kathy Hughitt for tech support, and send your club executives to DTA - training. 

6. RYLA - Have you selected your RYLA students. Need help? Contact Pete Grayson graysonlaw@mac.com

I hope you will invite me to a service project, an Interact Club meeting or an event. The impact of your work is inspirational to me. 
In Joyful Gratitude, 
Patricia
Patricia McCleese - Make Peace Visible
District Governor 2023-2024
 Greater Rochester 

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