But Inbound Orientation isn't just for the students.

YEOs, counselors, and RYE leaders spent time learning together, sharing experiences, discussing their roles, and strengthening the network of volunteers who support our students throughout the year. Youth Exchange succeeds because of the partnership between students, host families, clubs, counselors, YEOs, and our District team.

The weekend was also a great reminder of what it means to Fuel the Future and invest in the next generation.



Youth Exchange is about much more than sending a student to another country. It develops confidence, independence, cultural understanding, leadership, and friendships that can stretch across the globe.

Thank you to everyone who helped make Inbound Orientation a weekend of learning, laughter, collaboration, and belonging. We are excited to watch these students grow and discover where their Rotary Youth Exchange journey takes them this year.

What is a Rotary Zone? Rotary groups districts together into Zones to provide training, resources, and opportunities for collaboration. District 5060 is part of Zones 28 and 32, which span all of Canada and include parts of the United States, including Alaska, Washington, and areas along the East Coast. Zone Training gives leaders the opportunity to connect with others from across this large and diverse region, learn from one another, and bring new ideas home to their districts.

District 5060’s governor's team was well represented, with DG Jill Leonard, DGE Kathleen McNalty, and DGN Martin Streich, participating in training designed to prepare and support district leaders throughout their leadership journey. Additional learning opportunities brought together leaders in Membership, The Rotary Foundation, and Public Image to share strategies and best practices they can bring home to their districts and clubs.

District 5060 was also represented in the leadership training. PDG Marjolein Lloyd, served as a learning leader for the District Governors-Nominee, helping prepare and develop Rotary’s future district leaders. Her continued commitment to leadership development is an incredible asset to Rotary.

District Membership Chair Anna Harrison also participated and returned energized with new ideas, best practices, and strategies for building engaged clubs. Her focus is not simply on attracting new members, but on creating Rotary experiences where people feel connected, valued, and excited to invite others to join.

Thank you to our District 5060 leaders for investing in their own growth so they can better support our clubs and members. When we invest in leadership today, we help Fuel the Future of Rotary.

During September club visits, these outstanding members were recognized:

Norm Letnick, Rotary Club of Kelowna
Norm has sponsored many new members recently, helping introduce others to Rotary and the opportunities it offers. During his recognition, Norm also spotlighted the person who sponsored him, a wonderful reminder that one invitation can create a lasting ripple of service and leadership.

Mark Dixon, Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo
Mark wears many hats, supporting membership, public image, and the rebuilding of OAC camp. His willingness to jump in wherever needed demonstrates the kind of commitment that keeps a club strong and moving forward.

Tobi Byrne, Rotary Club of Kelowna Landmark
Tobi is a tremendous ambassador for Rotary and her club. She has a gift for connecting people, building relationships, and stepping up to serve wherever she can make a difference.

Jean Marc Lacasse, Rotary Club of Lake Country
Jean Marc has faithfully served as club treasurer for the past five years, providing consistency and leadership behind the scenes. But there is another talent that deserves recognition too: his famous canned maple syrup. Service comes in many forms, and sometimes it is especially sweet.

Bob Campbell, Rotary Club of Summerland
Bob's leadership and dedication to fundraising have helped strengthen his club's ability to serve. Successful projects do not happen without members willing to take responsibility, bring people together, and do the work behind the scenes.

Who is your club's Unsung Hero?

Every club has someone whose contributions deserve a little more recognition. Who quietly gets things done, welcomes others, strengthens your projects, connects people, or simply makes your club better?

Take a moment to recognize them. Sometimes a simple thank you reminds someone just how much their service matters.

Our theme this year is Fuel the Future: Investing in the Next Generation. But investing in the next generation isn't only something we do as a club or district. It is something each of us can do individually.

So this month, I have a question for you:

How are YOU investing in the next generation of Rotary?

Maybe you are mentoring a newer member.

Maybe you encouraged someone to take on a leadership role. Maybe you invited a young professional to a meeting or service project.

Maybe you are supporting Youth Exchange, Interact, RYLA, or Rotaract. Maybe you noticed someone with potential and simply said, "I think you would be great at this."

And remember, the next generation of Rotary isn't defined by age. It includes our newest members, emerging leaders, future club presidents, community partners, and those who may simply need someone to recognize their potential.

Those moments matter.

I would love to hear what you are doing. Email me and tell me how you are personally investing in the next generation of Rotary. It doesn't have to be a big story. Some of the smallest actions can create the greatest impact.

I would love to share some of these stories in future district communications so we can learn from and inspire one another.

A Challenge for This Month

Think about one person in Rotary who could use a little encouragement.

Invite them to join you on a project. Ask for their opinion. Introduce them to someone. Encourage them to attend a leadership opportunity. Ask them to take on something new.

Sometimes investing in the next generation starts with four simple words:

"I see potential in you."

Our greatest impact isn't measured by what we accomplish ourselves. It's measured by the people we inspire, encourage, and develop along the way.

Let's keep Fueling the Future together.

RLI is a full-day facilitated event suitable for members of ANY Rotary knowledge level. Participants learn about everything from The Foundation to creating a positive membership experience, to learning about service opportunities outside your own Rotary Club bubble. One of the newest sessions that we’ve introduced is all about Artificial Intelligence and how we as Rotarians can use some of these tools in a positive way in this volunteer organization. Sessions are facilitated by various Learning Leaders and are a wonderful opportunity to interact with members from other clubs, exchange ideas and build potential new collaborations with other members. 

The registration fee of $50 (USD/CAD) includes a downloadable/printable workbook, suitable meeting space, coffee/refreshments/lunch and the full-day facilitated RLI session.  Space is limited to 24, therefore please register as soon as possible.  Refunds are available if cancellation is requested at least 72 hours in advance of the start of the program. Check with your club president, as many clubs will reimburse those who attend.

Venues

Kelowna session is at the Landmark 7 building (1700 Dickson Avenue) in the boardroom on the 7^th floor…., that’s a lot of 7s!

Toppenish session is at the Toppenish School District Administration Office at 306 Bolin Drive 98948.
 

Follow these steps on DacDb to register

1. Sign in to www.dacdb.com with your email and password
2. Once online, click on “My District” at the top, and then you will see a “calendar and events” icon pop up. From there, scroll to October 17^th and click on register for the event you’d like to attend.

OR……

Just follow the links below!

For Toppenish, click here - https://Registrations.DACdb.com/Register/index.cfm?EventID=77915440

For Kelowna, click here - https://Registrations.DACdb.com/Register/index.cfm?EventID=77950529