Motorists can promote Rotary’s service mission while supporting projects throughout Wisconsin

August 13, 2026 — Wisconsin motorists can now show their support for Rotary wherever they travel with the new Wisconsin Rotary International specialty license plate.

The plate features the internationally recognized Rotary emblem and is available to Wisconsin motorists through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles. Rotary membership is not required to order the plate.

“This plate puts Rotary’s commitment to Service Above Self on display throughout Wisconsin,” said Pete Bosch, Past District Governor of Rotary District 6270. “Every plate helps increase awareness of Rotary while providing ongoing financial support for the service projects that strengthen our communities.”

The license plate initiative is a joint effort of Wisconsin Rotary Districts 6220, 6250 and 6270. Together, the three districts represent Rotary clubs and members serving communities across much of Wisconsin.

In addition to its public-image value, the plate creates a continuing source of support for Rotary. A $25 contribution is collected when the plate is issued and with each annual registration renewal. Proceeds are returned to the participating Wisconsin Rotary districts to help support Rotary service and humanitarian initiatives.

Rotary’s work in Wisconsin and around the world addresses important needs such as promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water and sanitation, supporting mothers and children, improving education, strengthening local economies and protecting the environment.

How to order a Rotary license plate

The Rotary plate can be ordered online or by mail:

1. Visit wisconsindmv.gov/specialplates.
2. Select the Rotary International specialty plate.
3. Follow the instructions to order online or download the mail-in application.
4. Wisconsin DMV will mail the new plates directly to the applicant.

The cost includes:

• A one-time $27 plate issuance fee.
• A $25 annual contribution supporting Rotary.
• The regular vehicle registration fee and any applicable wheel tax.
• An optional $15 annual fee for a personalized plate.

The Rotary plate is more than a way to personalize a vehicle—it is a visible statement of service, fellowship and commitment to stronger communities.

“We encourage Rotarians, Rotary alumni, family members, community partners and everyone who believes in Rotary’s mission to put Rotary on the road,” Bosch said. “Each plate starts conversations about service and helps Rotary do even more good in Wisconsin.”

To view or order the Wisconsin Rotary International license plate, visit wisconsindmv.gov/specialplates.

About Rotary District 6270

Rotary District 6270 brings together Rotary clubs and members throughout southeastern Wisconsin. District members unite with neighbors, community leaders and partners to create lasting change locally and around the world. Rotary’s guiding principle is Service Above Self.

The Peacemakers Among Us: Nominations Open for the 2026 Agent of Peace Award

On September 21 – the International Day of Peace – Rotary District 6270 will announce the recipients of the 2026 Agent of Peace Award. First, we need your help finding them. Beginning June 15, nominations are open for individuals across eastern Wisconsin who are building bridges, healing divisions, and creating lasting peace.

This is more than an award. It is our opportunity as members of Rotary to shine a spotlight on the people – both in our broader communities and within our clubs – who embody what it means to be People of Action.

Why Your Voice Matters

Every club and every member knows someone whose quiet, consistent actions are changing lives:

• A neighbor mentoring immigrant families
• A teacher creating safe spaces for students
• A volunteer leading dialogue across cultural or faith lines
• A member of Rotary going above and beyond to serve with compassion.

These are the stories we need to hear. These are the people we need you to nominate

About the Award

Now in its fourth year, the Agent of Peace Award recognizes one community member and one Rotary member who demonstrate Rotary’s values of Service Above Self, integrity, leadership, and fellowship while advancing peace. The award celebrates work driven by personal commitment and compassion rather than professional duty. From inclusive community spaces to intercultural dialogue, past honorees show us that peace is being built every day across eastern Wisconsin. The honorees will be celebrated at the Rotary District 6270 Foundation Dinner in November 2026.

Nominations are open from June 15 through August 31, 2026. Eligible nominees must reside within District 6270, covering eastern Wisconsin from Calumet and Sheboygan counties in the north to Racine and Kenosha in the south.

How You Can Help

• Nominate someone today – don’t wait for someone else to do it!
• Share this opportunity in your club meetings, newsletters, and social media.
• Encourage community partners – schools, nonprofits, faith groups – to submit names.

Take Action Today

The peacemakers we have honored in past years were not famous. They were neighbors, volunteers, and community organizers whose consistent, compassionate work was changing lives – often without recognition. If you know someone like that in eastern Wisconsin, this is your opportunity to change that.

Submit nominations at https://rotary6270.org/page/agent-of-peace.

Together, let’s make sure every corner of District 6270 knows: peace begins with people, and it begins with us.

As sessions unfolded, a few clear themes rose to the surface:

• Leadership for the Future – Participants noted the impressive depth of talent across District 6270. One Rotarian put it best: “We have a wealth of talent in our district. Bodes well for the future.” Attendees recognized the importance of equipping emerging leaders to guide Rotary into its next chapter.
• Membership Matters – The Membership Panel sparked some of the liveliest conversations of the day. Members reflected on data from Rotary International about why people leave clubs, and how enhancing the club experience can help retain and attract members. The message was clear: when we create meaningful, engaging club experiences, members stay. 
• Practical Tools & Takeaways – Workshops on time management, social media, and innovation were highly praised for being focused, actionable, and immediately useful. As one attendee commented, these sessions were “organized, focused, actionable, and informative.”
• Connection and Belonging – The open mic session during lunch gave space for members to plug events, share updates, and connect in real time. This simple idea turned into a highlight of the day, strengthening relationships across clubs and sparking collaborations.
• Get Involved! – From fellowships and action groups to district committees, participants were reminded of the many ways to get involved in Rotary beyond the club level. Several left inspired to explore new opportunities.

Click Read More to view Part Two

• Part One: Membership Strategies from District 6270 Clubs
• Part Two: Innovative Membership Structures for Regular Clubs

Part One: Membership Strategies from District 6270 Clubs

Several Rotary Clubs in District 6270 have adopted creative and varied membership strategies to foster engagement, inclusivity, and growth. Here's how seven clubs in the district responded to a call for information on their membership programs:

1. Oshkosh Southwest Rotary: Oshkosh Southwest provides three categories of membership: Regular, Associate, and Corporate. The Associate Membership is a local-only (i.e. not with District or RI) membership limited to two years for a very low cost. This is good for younger or prospective members to “get their feet wet.” The club’s corporate membership notably allows organizations to send different representatives to meetings, encouraging broad corporate engagement.
2. Port Washington-Saukville Rotary: A multi-tiered approach offers memberships as
3. Waukesha Noon Rotary: Embracing a structured corporate membership model, Waukesha Noon allows corporations to appoint up to four designees, with specific rules around senior leadership involvement. Their detailed guidelines ensure corporate members remain engaged and entail meeting attendance requirements, financial obligations, and participation expectations comparable to individual members. Additionally, Waukesha has a “Share Rotary” program whereby each meeting has one member assigned to bring a prospect. They have found that this approach is more effective than a simple call to everyone to “bring someone some time!”
4. Lake Geneva Rotary: This club offers flexibility with an annual “meal or no-meal” option and a corporate membership arrangement. Their corporate membership allows organizations to have a primary and an alternate member, fostering increased organizational representation and participation.
5. Fond du Lac Noon Rotary: Fond du Lac Noon maintains a traditional "old school" approach, emphasizing personal invitations targeting community leaders and new business owners. Recognizing their club’s tilt toward a "check-writing" as opposed to a primarily “hands-on” group, they align recruitment with member expectations, effectively integrating philanthropy and business networking.
6. Elkhorn Rotary Club: Elkhorn introduced an innovative "Golden Ticket" initiative to boost engagement and create excitement around Rotary events. The club issues “Golden Tickets” to each member, to give to a prospect, redeemable for a “Free Lunch.” This strategy emphasizes direct participation, offering opportunities for members to engage actively through enticing incentives and unique experiences. 
7. Fond du Lac (General Observations): Highlighting local industry shifts, Fond du Lac observed decreased local business involvement due to changing corporate ownership structures. This prompted a shift in recruitment towards locally-focused professions such as healthcare, real estate, and legal services.