District Governor Updates

Thank you to every Rotary Club member in our beautiful District 5130. My visits have been heartwarming and informative. I’ve seen the impact Rotarians have on the communities we live in and support, and it is nothing short of incredible.

As I visited each of our clubs, I had the opportunity to talk about a variety of topics, from membership to mental health. It would appear that the mental health conversations have had the greatest impact, and for good reason. Every community has some struggles with mental health, and often, it takes a very personal direction.

Our district supported the development of a mental health resource, norcalmentalhealth.org, which provides those seeking help with a list of resources available in the county where they live. In addition, Dr. Bob Mosby (Healdsburg Sunrise), our mental health committee chair, provided brief articles to highlight what to look for when trying to define a mental health problem.

Our District Conference, May 17 & 18, 2024, will offer exceptional speakers, including Dr. Mosby, to help us understand the nature of the problems associated with mental health and, even more importantly, the successes we are seeing in treating mental health. Please make plans to attend.

We started the year with fewer members, but we have been gaining new ones along the way. Many of our clubs have seen increased interest in people looking to give back to their community and make new friends. I am encouraged to see so much activity. I am equally hopeful that the work Rotary does throughout our district is gaining the attention of others looking to provide service above self.

Remember that we can invite someone to meet our friends, listen to a great speaker on a popular topic, and lend a hand on a project we have planned. When people interact with Rotarians at work, they get to know us better, and there is a good chance they will be open to joining our worldwide organization.

People ask me what I have learned about our District so far, and I can see that every city, town, or rural location has benefitted because Rotary lives there. The impact Rotary has on small communities is dramatic when you look at the accomplishments it has provided.

The Rotarians working with youth in our district are amazing leaders whose efforts will have a lifelong impact on the young people they have been mentoring. From the Rotex members to the Rotary Youth Exchange, Rotaractors, and Interactors, I am proud to be associated with those who have taken such good care of the young people who will be the Rotarians of tomorrow.

Please remember the importance of telling others of your club’s accomplishments. It is critical to ensure that every project and accomplishment is promoted to our neighbors through local media, social media, and word-of-mouth exchange. Rotary International is asking all of our Rotarians to let the world know what we have accomplished.

I believe the Rotarians of District 5130 have provided Hope in the World, and I thank each and everyone of you for that effort. For those who are not Rotarians, yet stumbled on this material, I ask you to Find a Local Rotary Club and see for yourself the amazing opportunities we can offer to one another.