Have you ever planted a tree? Planting requires care, preparation, and hope for the future.
That’s a lot like building a global environmental movement. This month, we introduce a few of the people helping grow the Rotary Earth Network and share how we’re planning the next chapter of our impact.
Watch this video to see the member introductions: YouTube
Member Voices
Bertel – Introduction
Bertel is a member of the Rotary Club of Manila, whose Rotary journey began through the influence of an environmentalist mentor known locally as “Bad Mama.” Inspired by her work protecting local ecosystems, Bertel became passionate about environmental restoration.
His primary focus is tree planting and rewilding, and he believes strongly in connecting people who share that vision. Bertel hopes to make it easier for individuals and organizations around the world to collaborate on growing forests and restoring natural habitats. For him, trees represent both action and long-term hope for the planet.
Taesun – Introduction
Taesun lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota and serves as the Board Secretary for the Rotary Earth Network Club. She is currently studying advertising at the University of Minnesota while pursuing minors in Korean Studies and Interdisciplinary Design.
She joined Rotary because she wanted to channel her passion for helping others into meaningful service. Taesun finds joy in supporting people and communities through creative collaboration. In her personal time, she enjoys drawing and hopes to share more of her artwork with the Rotary community.
Owen – Introduction
Owen Brooke Colt serves as the IT Chair for the Rotary Earth Network Club and is a fourth-year cybersecurity student at the University of Kansas. He previously worked with another Rotary Action Group, where he helped support technology systems that connect members and projects globally.
In his role, Owen manages the club’s digital tools and collaborative platforms such as Google Workspace. His goal is to ensure technology supports the club’s strategic growth and strengthens global collaboration. Outside of Rotary, he enjoys rock climbing and watching “cheesy bad movies.”
Nagjyoti – Introduction
Nagjyoti is an environmental engineer from India with more than 20 years of experience in environmental consultancy. Her work focuses on environmental impact assessments, pollution monitoring, and regulatory compliance across industries such as manufacturing, construction, and energy.
She joined Rotary in 2020 and has been actively engaged with environmental initiatives ever since. Nagjyoti works closely with industries and government agencies to support responsible environmental practices. Beyond her professional life, she enjoys drawing, crafts, athletics, and participating in marathons—always eager to connect with people around the world who care about protecting the planet.
Club Initiative Updates
Strategic Plan Development (2026–2028)
Our club exists because of people like the members you just met—individuals bringing passion, experience, and action to the environmental challenges we face. As our global community grows, we’re taking an important step: developing a 2–3 year strategic plan to guide our impact. Recently, board members and key stakeholders held focused discussions to explore priorities for the coming years.From these conversations, five proposed goals emerged:
- Strong governance, culture, and systems
- Programs that inspire, educate, and activate
- Meaningful collaboration and partnerships
- Engaged membership and leadership development
- Clear, consistent, and compelling visibility
Together, these priorities will help the Rotary Earth Network grow from a promising initiative into a durable, trusted global platform for environmental learning, connection, and action.
Project Sky Bridge
Service Project Chair Chris Stein has proposed an exciting global initiative called Project Sky Bridge. The idea is simple but powerful: create a virtual global park that connects habitats across the world. Rotary members and communities could register habitat spaces—from balcony gardens to large nature preserves—into a shared interactive map. Each location becomes a “stepping stone” that supports migratory species such as birds, bats, bees, and butterflies. Project Sky Bridge would strengthen international cooperation while advancing Rotary’s environmental focus area. By protecting shared ecosystems and migratory pathways, the project could support biodiversity, watershed health, and long-term environmental resilience across borders.
Call to Action
🌱 Join a Strategic Planning Meeting
Help shape the next chapter of our club by attending a town hall:
- Sunday, March 29 – 1300 UTC (1300 UTC Registration Link)
- Sunday, March 29 – 2300 UTC (2300 Registration Link)
🤝 Stay Connected
The Rotary Earth Network grows stronger with every member who participates, collaborates, and shares their ideas.
