Our District is composed of more than 1800 Rotarians serving 43 clubs from Preston to Ashton, Twin Falls to Ontario and all that’s in between. Our clubs meet weekly for breakfast or lunch or an after work “happy hour”. We get our hands dirty in our own communities and support the work of Rotary International, whether its to end polio, provide clean water and sanitation or support sustainable agriculture or literacy projects around the world.

Our clubs are always looking for new members to bring fresh ideas and new energy. We hope you’ll explore this website to learn more and find a Rotary club in your community.

For even more information, please visit www.idahorotary.org

WHAT ITS LIKE TO BE AN EXCHANGE STUDENT

MEET RICK PHILLIPS, 2014-2015 DISTRICT GOVERNOR

Rick Phillips joined the Pocatello, Idaho Rotary Club in 1990 when he began his career with the J.R. Simplot Company. Rick was persuaded to attend a regional Rotary conference hosted by then Rotary International President Richard King. He returned home convinced that Rotary International was “the most important non-religious, non-government, non-partisan” organization on the planet. Since then, he has served on his club’s Board of Directors for two separate terms, and was elected club president for 2006-2007. He has also served as a charter facilitator for the Rotary Leadership Institute in Zone 5400. He will serve as District Governor for District 5400 in 2014-2015.

Born and raised on a dairy farm in Dayton, Idaho, Rick attended Utah State University where he received degrees in Agriculture Economics and Journalism. His career includes working as an Ag Banker in Eastern Idaho, serving as Assistant to the Director with the Idaho Department of Agriculture, and since 1990, working for the J.R. Simplot Company as manager of public relations, both in the corporate office and in Pocatello.

Active in civic and community affairs, Rick has served on a number of local, state, and national organizational boards. He is past Chairman of the Idaho Chapter of the American Red Cross, serves on the boards of St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital Advisory board, the Idaho Digital Learning Academy, the Lewis/Clark Blood Services region of the American Red Cross, and currently chairs the Idaho Council on Economic Education.

Rick and his wife, Kerry, have six adult children and an increasing quiver of grandchildren.

GOVERNOR SETS VISION AND GOALS

VISION

By July 1, 2015, District 5400 will be a vibrant Rotary Organization comprised of 43 community-based clubs with 1,945 members who reflect the diversity, geography, heritage, and promise of Idaho and Western Oregon Communities. Each club has a unique vision of its future and its relevance in community and global humanitarian service, providing each Rotarian a personal sense of mission for belonging and contribution.

Our New Generations initiative integrates Rotary’s youth programs; RYLA, INTERACT, ROTARACT, and YOUTH EXCHANGE, to change the lives of our youth through leadership development, community and global humanitarian service, and adventure. New Generations introduces the world of Rotary to students at various stages of their development, and provides opportunities for students to connect with established clubs to bring new energy, fresh ideas, and relevance to clubs and their communities.

Rotary International is the preferred non-partisan, non-religious humanitarian service movement in Idaho and Western Oregon for individuals who believe in Service Above Self.

OBJECTIVES

Membership growth of 5% through each club developing or refreshing their unique vision, finding and defining their relevance in community, refining their unique selling proposition for members, and building a membership plan to bring key target community leaders and professionals into their clubs.
Establish a New Generations strategic plan to align RYLA, Rotaract, Interact, and Youth Exchange into an integrated youth leadership program which not only serves our youth, but also provides a seed-bed of future Rotarians.
Improve understanding of and passion for The Rotary Foundation such that 90% of Rotarians in the District contribute to global humanitarian service through TRF.