As I visit clubs, either assisting with their fundraisers, helping on a service project, or speaking to the membership, I am amazed at the commitment of our members to “Create Hope in the World”.
September’s theme for Rotary is Basic Education and Literacy! This is also one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus. Over 776 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate, that is 17% of the world’s population. Imagine the hope that is created when a child learns to read. Reading is a lifelong tool that is important to navigate life.
Rotarians in our District are supporting these efforts in a multitude of ways: Little Libraries in areas that may not have easy access to libraries; school supplies for children, providing Dictionaries to third graders, providing books for elementary schools, and reading to classrooms. As you continue to serve, please consider options to advance the literacy of the world. We are Rotarians and we do make a difference. The Basic Education and Literacy Rotary Action Group is an incredible way to get more involved. Here is a link to this resource
September is also a time when we celebrate Community Week! Some of our clubs are joining together with other service clubs in their area (Optimists, Lions, and Kiwanis) the week of September 11th through 17th 2023. If you would like to know more: Rotary Community Week of Service
We could Create more Hope in the World by creating Peace? The United Nations International Day of Peace is on September 21st, 2023. This year's theme is Actions for Peace: It is a call to action that recognizes our individual and collective responsibility to foster peace. As Rotarians, let’s continue to be People of Action so that Peace will prevail.
It is a privilege to serve with each of you!
Marie Baker
Open World Comes to Idaho Again!
Rotary clubs in the U.S. have a unique opportunity to host international vocational service delegations through Open World. Clubs host small groups of current and future leaders from various Eurasian countries, preparing a week of activities related to business, civic and community activities.
In D5400 clubs have hosted delegations from Russian, Ukraine, and in October 2023 will be hosting the first ever delegation from Indonesia! The District has 5 judges, one facilitator, and one interpreter arriving in Idaho on October 13th and staying for a week to learn more about the judicial system, Rotary, and the Idaho community. There are plenty of activities and opportunities to join in the program if you’re interested.
Since the program began in 1999, Rotary clubs have been actively promoting world peace and understanding through the Open World Program. If you are interested in hosting an Open World delegation, meeting the Indonesian Judicial delegation, or learning more about the Open World program, please contact PDG Janice Fulkerson: jfunifyconsulting@outlook.com
From a college admissions perspective, or from a hiring manager’s perspective for that matter, an applicant who has participated in Rotary Youth Exchange possesses a range of strengths and attributes that can make their application stand out. These experiences indicate qualities that are highly desirable in a well-rounded and globally-aware candidate:
The Mountain Home High School Band is under new leadership and has been increasing in numbers. Unfortunately, the band’s current uniforms are too few and too worn to use. The band is currently wearing jeans and T-shirts for most of their events. The Rotary Club of Elmore County sprung into action, starting a fundraising campaign to acquire new uniforms for the band. The Club raised the first $6,750 towards the project, estimated at $50k to $80k in total.
The YSEALI Civic Engagement Institute supports young professionals involved in: non-profit management, community development; advocacy; education and capacity building; media and Journalism; law; health equity; youth initiatives and programs; civic activism for marginalized populations.
For several years District 5400 has hosted a Peace Committee that is comprised of Rotary volunteers from across the District who are interested in all aspects of peace building in our community and through Rotary.
“After 32 years, we’ve been able to donate more than $6 million back to the Greenbelt, and it’s my favorite community event that does so much,” Idaho Falls Rotary Club President Catherine Smith said. “It’s so important to all the Rotarians.”
Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centers program develops the capacity of peace and development professionals to become effective catalysts for peace. The fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and internship and field-study expenses up to $30,000.
Three District 5400 members have already registered for the 2024 Rotary International Convention, May 25-29, in Singapore representing three of our clubs - Boise Sunrise, Nampa and Pocatello-Gate City! The good news is...there is STILL TIME TO REGISTER! We are hoping to have at least 10 District 5400 members attend. Can we do it? YES, we can! Still thinking about it? All who registered will have their names put in a drawing for a few "trinkets" from the Singapore organizing committee! Now, who doesn't love trinkets?
Join Rotarian Amy Scruggs in a practical and engaging virtual discussion about how clubs and districts can create more effective and impactful digital marketing and public relations materials and campaigns. Amy is a professional television host, media coach, bestselling author, and recording artist who owns Amy Scruggs Media, a media coaching and consulting service.
The 2023 Zones 26 & 27 (Big West) Institute in sunny San Diego is quickly approaching with an exciting line-up of presenters to motivate and inspire as we ‘Create Hope in the World’ this Rotary year. Register today!
Baker City Rotary Club is partnering with a local brewing company, Barley Brown Brewing for a “Pints for Polio” event. More details to come!
Rotarians in our District are supporting these efforts in a multitude of ways: Little Libraries in areas that may not have easy access to libraries; school supplies for children, providing Dictionaries to third graders, providing books for elementary schools, and reading to classrooms. As you continue to serve, please consider options to advance the literacy of the world. We are Rotarians and we do make a difference. The Basic Education and Literacy Rotary Action Group is an incredible way to get more involved. Here is 
