Welcome to Rotary International District 6270

We serve 55 Clubs in Southeastern Wisconsin, USA
Our nearly 2,500 members represent...

LEADERS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE

Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create positive, lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

 
 
 

A Message From Our District Governor

Serving Clubs in Southeastern Wisconsin, USA
 
To all my Rotary friends (current and future) in Rotary District 6270! I am honored to serve this fantastic group of people as your district governor. I am here to serve, just like you.
 
Our mission statement in Rotary is: Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. That truly says it all. We are here to stand together to make positive change happen. This is expressed in the simple, yet meaningful, message to all of Rotary, from our RI President: “Unite for Good”. This is the goal of every Rotary club and every Rotarian.
 
My role as the district governor is to help our Rotary clubs implement Rotary’s mission and Unite for Good. “Good” can come in many forms. We unite for friendship. We unite to help our local and global communities become even better. We unite to strengthen our leadership and professional skills.
 
The president of Rotary International, Francesco Arezzo, has said that, in order to do “good” in the world, we need to build friendship and trust. Because Rotary is not political or religious, we have the unique opportunity to build that friendship and trust across what might otherwise be barriers, such as different countries, different religious traditions, different genders, or different political parties. Rotary is a place where we can feel safe to be ourselves. We listen, we support and we serve.
The more we share the message and mission of Rotary, the more people will want to join us. This year, let’s think about our dreams and visions for our communities and let’s act on those dreams and visions. Let’s work together and Unite for Good.
 
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Rotary International
JOINS LEADERS
Connect with leaders from your community, region, and the world.
Rotary Districts
SUPPORT THEIR CLUBS
Attend district events and expand your network and your worldview.
Traditional, Satellite, & Rotaract Rotary
CLUBS TAKE ACTION
Create positive, lasting change in your community and in the world.
Upcoming Events - Visit the District 6270 Calendar for complete list, including club events.

NEWS FROM DISTRICT 6270

FEATURED STORIES

Each year, Rotary District 6270 honors extraordinary individuals who put peace into action – building bridges of understanding, compassion, and inclusion across Eastern Wisconsin. The 2025 Agent of Peace Awards recognizes two such leaders whose volunteer service reflects Rotary’s highest values of Service Above Self, integrity, and fellowship.
 
This year’s honorees are Mary Koczan of Sheboygan, the Community Recipient, and Jenne Hohn of Ozaukee County, the Rotary Member Recipient. Both women exemplify the Rotary spirit of transforming empathy into impact – creating spaces where everyone belongs and peace can grow.

Mary Koczan: Cultivating Peace in the Heart of Sheboygan

As the lead representative for Friends of Peace Park Sheboygan, Mary Koczan has turned a once- unused public space into a living monument to peace. What began as an idea to create a reflective park has blossomed into a thriving hub for peace education, cultural exchange, and volunteer engagement.
 
Under Mary’s leadership, Peace Park has become the centerpiece for Sheboygan’s International Day of Peace Celebration, uniting residents, students, and international visitors – including delegates from the city’s sister city in Tsubame, Japan. Through art, dialogue, and service projects, Koczan’s team brings people together to celebrate diversity and build understanding.
 
Her vision extends beyond events. By forming partnerships with the City of Sheboygan, local schools, and civic groups, she’s created a sustainable model of community stewardship. Each season, volunteers plant gardens, add interpretive signage, and maintain accessible walkways – turning the park into a lasting symbol of Rotary’s vision for lasting peace.
 

Jenne Hohn: Building Inclusion Through Action

For Jenne Hohn, a Past President of the Thiensville-Mequon Rotary Club, peace is found in inclusion – ensuring that every individual is valued and welcomed. Inspired by her late friend, Ken Kuemmerlein, Jenne began coaching Special Olympics athletes in Ozaukee County and now leads as part of the program’s local leadership team.
 
She coaches multiple sports, including basketball and volleyball, and serves as a Unified Golf Partner –sharing victories, challenges, and laughter with athletes of all abilities. Her empathy and energy have strengthened the program, increased participation, and built deep community bonds.
 
But her vision doesn’t stop there. Jenne co-chairs the Mequon Rotary Park Inclusive Playground Project, a landmark $4.5 million initiative that will create 1.5 acres of accessible play space for children and families of all abilities. The project, now well underway, is transforming Mequon Rotary Park into one of Wisconsin’s most inclusive recreation spaces.
 
Peace begins when everyone has a place to belong. Every time we open a door, build a ramp, or create a space for inclusion, we bring our community closer together.
 
Learn more about the playground project at https://mequonrotarypark.com

Celebrating Rotary’s Vision of Peace

Both Mary and Jenne show that peace is not passive – it’s active, intentional, and local. Their volunteer leadership demonstrates how Rotary’s vision comes to life every day:
 
Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
 
Past District Governor Don Griffing praised the honorees, saying:
“Mary and Jenne remind us that peace is built through relationships – through showing up, serving others, and believing in the power of community. They are living examples of Rotary’s mission in action.”
 
The Agent of Peace Award, presented annually by Rotary District 6270, honors one community member and one Rotary member who have made exceptional voluntary contributions to peacebuilding and humanitarian service beyond their professional roles. For more information on the Agent of Peace Award and ways to nominate future honorees, visit https://rotary6270.org/page/agent-of-peace/ 
 
On September 13, members of Rotary District 6270 gathered for a one-day learning event titled Rotary: The Way We Lead. The event was more than just a training – it was a celebration of Rotary’s shared commitment to leadership, service, and community.

From the moment participants arrived, the energy was high. Laughter, greetings, and reunions filled the space, along with the anticipation of a full day of learning and connecting. The event offered a variety of sessions designed to strengthen leadership skills and inspire innovation, while also giving members time to network and exchange ideas.

Learning Through Stories 
One of the most powerful moments of the day came during a workshop on Service Project Storytelling led by Araceli Esparza. Past District Governor Jeff Reed participated both as a session facilitator and a learner, and he left with new tools he immediately put into practice. “I participated in the Rotary District 6270 Workshop Rotary: The Way We Lead on Sept. 13, both as a session facilitator and session participant,” Reed shared. “I found the workshop on Service Project Storytelling by Araceli Esparza especially helpful. By breaking the art of storytelling into its elements, she helped me to improve my story-telling capability. I was able to use her model to incorporate several stories in the workshop I facilitated later in the day.”

Storytelling, Reed reflected, is not just about sharing information – it is about making connections, inspiring action, and showing the impact Rotary has on people’s lives. That message resonated across the day as members shared their own experiences and ideas.

Themes That Emerged
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.
The Spirit of the Day
Beyond the sessions and speakers, what made Rotary: The Way We Lead remarkable was the spirit in the room. There was a sense of optimism about Rotary’s future, gratitude for the depth of leadership talent in the district, and a shared excitement about what comes next. 
 
As one participant reflected: “Loved learning about fellowships and action groups. Get involved!” Another was struck by Rotary’s reach: “Rotary is international.”

Together, these reflections show that leadership in Rotary is not only about holding a title – it is about learning, connecting, and taking action.

Looking Ahead
District 6270’s Rotary: The Way We Lead workshop affirmed the value of bringing people together to share stories, sharpen skills, and strengthen bonds. The lessons from the day – about leadership, membership, connection, and action – are already shaping how clubs and leaders approach their work.

And as PDG Jeff Reed’s experience reminds us, storytelling remains at the heart of Rotary leadership: the ability to share not just what we do, but why it matters.
 
The above image taken by Cindy Petted (Cedarburg-Grafton) at the 2025 Rotary: The Way We Lead workshop
July 17, 2025 | Southeastern Wisconsin
— Cindy Petted, based on Rob Bassett's 7/16 email to members in District 6270.
 
The numbers are in, and District 6270 Rotarians have blown past expectations — raising an astounding $149,111 for PolioPlus during the 2024-25 Rotary year. That’s 382% over our original fundraising goal, making it the second-highest total raised in the last 20 years by the district in support of Rotary International’s mission to end polio worldwide.

At the forefront once again: the Elkhorn Rotary Club, winners of both halves of this year’s PolioPlus Challenge. With consistent and creative fundraising, their club led by example, proving that determination, teamwork, and a little friendly competition go a long way. The coveted Busted Crutch Award remains proudly displayed at the Elkhorn Library and will be formally awarded in a more permanent form later this summer at an upcoming Rotary meeting.

"This is what People of Action do," said District PolioPlus Chair, Rob Bassett (Rotary Club of Mitchell Field (Milwaukee)). "Every dollar raised brings us closer to a world free of polio, and the impact of District 6270’s generosity this year cannot be overstated."

Why It Matters

With this districtwide effort, nearly 150,000 children will be protected from polio — a direct result of your generosity. Even more exciting, global contributions to PolioPlus reached the $50 million benchmark, unlocking the $100 million match from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. That’s $150 million going toward Rotary’s #1 humanitarian priority: eradicating polio for good.

To help earn the Gates Foundation match, Rotary International encourages each

Rotary Joins Global Fight Against Hepatitis: Clubs Encouraged to Take Action for World Hepatitis Day

Rotary International has taken a bold new step in the global fight against viral hepatitis, a disease that affects more than 325 million people worldwide and causes over 1.3 million deaths annually – often without symptoms or diagnosis.
 
At the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), announced a new partnership between WHO and Rotary to accelerate efforts toward hepatitis eradication. This global collaboration aligns directly with Rotary’s Area of Focus: Disease Prevention and Treatment, offering Rotary and Rotaract clubs new opportunities to create lasting health impact in their communities and abroad.

World Hepatitis Day is July 28 – Rotary Can Make a Difference

World Hepatitis Day, observed annually on July 28, is one of WHO global health awareness days. It aims to increase knowledge, promote testing and vaccination, and reduce the stigma around hepatitis.
District Governor Liz Nevitt is encouraging all clubs in Rotary District 6270 to participate in this global awareness effort. This new Rotary-WHO partnership gives us a platform to lead change at both the local and international levels. Whether your club hosts an event, shares awareness messages, or connects with global partners, every action helps save lives.

New Club Toolkit Now Available

To support clubs, the district has released a World Hepatitis Day Message Toolkit with everything needed to promote this initiative, including:
  • Three short messages for club meetings
  • PowerPoint slide suggestions
  • Social media post templates
  • Links to two Rotary-affiliated global partners:
  • Rotary Action Group for Hepatitis Eradication (RAG4HEP) - https://ragforhepatitiseradication.com
  • Rotarians for Family Health & AIDS Prevention (RFHA) - https://www.rfha.org/about-us
This toolkit helps clubs share facts, raise awareness, and take action with trusted, Rotary-aligned resources.

Get Involved: Be People of Action

Source: Rotarians for Family Health & AIDS Prevention Benin Rotary Family Health Days
There are many ways your club can participate:
  • Make a World Hepatitis Day announcement at your July meeting
  • Share a post or fact on social media using #WorldHepatitisDay and #PeopleOfAction
  • Host a local health talk, screening, or vaccination event in partnership with public health agencies
  • Join Rotary Action Group for Hepatitis Eradication (RAG4HEP), https://ragforhepatitiseradication.com, to connect with global hepatitis projects and grant opportunities
As Rotary continues to expand its global health impact beyond polio, this initiative marks a significant opportunity to demonstrate Rotary’s values and vision:
Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Let’s unite for health. Let’s raise awareness. Let’s act for hepatitis eradication.
 
Image Source: Rotarians for Family Health & AIDS Prevention Benin Rotary Family Health Days
Story submitted by DG Liz Nevitt and PDG Don Griffing after hearing the news at the RI Convention in Calgary.
As the 6270 District Governor, I am writing to each of you about the devastating floods that have recently hit central Texas. Our Rotary district is very close to the district where the flooding happened. This is because of the structure of Rotary, with clubs within districts and districts within Zones. Personally, I love my counterparts in Texas and I know all those folks are suffering.
 
To follow Here is a way for us to help. I copied the message I received from our Rotary Zone, as requested by the District Governor in central Texas. Craig Hardy is working hard to help everyone in the district who is affected by the floods - which is pretty much everyone!
 
If you are able to help, there are several ways to contribute. Whatever you give is tax-deductible, to the extent allowed by the IRS in your personal situation.  Please click on the READ MORE... and give what you can. Let's show everyone what Rotary can do when we "unite for good"!!
 
Thank you!
Liz Nevitt - Rotary District 6270, District Governor (2025-26)
 
Image taken from District 5840 homepage by Cindy Petted, District 6270
June 16, 2025
District 6270 Rotary Foundation Chair, Steen Sanderhoff  
 
Dear Steen,
Congratulations on having a successful year as the 6270 District Rotary Foundation Chair! You and your team collaborated with other District leaders to generate funds to impact people and communities at home and around the world. The awards will be presented at the Zones 25B & 29 Institute in Minneapolis in October.
 
It is an honor to work with committed Rotarians like you and I look forward to the upcoming new year.
 
Sincerely,
Sharron Miles - Rotary Regional Foundation Coordinator, Zones 25B & 29
 
 
 
Mission Statement: The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world.
Submitted June 13, 2025
Andre Adams, Rotary Club of Milwaukee
 
Join us for the 2nd Annual Rotary Means Business Conference, a three-day event dedicated to networking, professional growth, and collaboration.
We’re excited to welcome back Wendy Davidson who brings over 25 years of global leadership in the consumer-packaged goods industry to her role as a purpose driven business leader and keynote speaker. Most recently, she served as CEO and board director of the Hain Celestial Group. This year’s conference is even bigger and better, with Wisconsin and Indiana joining our growing RMB network! That means more connections, more opportunities, and a stronger community of Rotarians and business leaders from across the Midwest.
 
 
2025 Rotary Means Business Conference
   Friday - Sunday, July 18-20
 - The RMB conference website.
 - A preliminary schedule for the three-day event.
 - When you decide to attend, register here.
 
Costs:
Several sponsorship opportunities are available
Adults:  $150
Youth:   $  75  (Rotary Exchange Students, Rotoracts, and Interacts; from your club or select if you/club would like to sponsor one)
Submitted by District 6270 Governor, Pete Bosch on 5/12/2025
 
Think of the Council on Legislation (CoL) as Rotary International’s version of a parliament or congress. Every three years, representatives from every Rotary district around the world come together to review and vote on changes to Rotary’s governing rules—things like how clubs operate, how leaders are chosen, and how dues are set.
 
The CoL just completed one of its three-year cycles, and below are the findings of greatest interest to clubs and Rotarians. After the Council on Legislation meets, any adopted changes take effect on 1 July 2025, unless otherwise specified. Clubs that disagree with an adopted item may file an Opposition to Legislation form by 15 July 2025. If enough clubs respond—representing at least 5% of eligible club votes worldwide—the legislation is suspended, and a global vote is held. Based on that vote, the item is either nullified or reinstated.
 
After the Council on Legislation meets, any adopted changes take effect on 1 July 2025, unless otherwise specified. Clubs that disagree

High school student delegates will gather June 21 – 27, 2025 for the annual week-long World Affairs Seminar at Carroll University in Waukesha, WI.  The theme this year is:  Peacebuilding: Creating Lasting Change

We expect attendees from across the USA and around the world. Each delegate will have their own opinions, story, and viewpoint contributing to conversations about global trends.  WAS brings together peers from around the world to learn about international relations and develop skills in diplomacy, communication, cooperation and leadership. 

Since 1977 WAS has impacted and changed the lives of its 30,000 alumni, providing highly relevant skills in group problem solving, negotiation and peaceful diplomacy.  Featured speakers represent a wide variety of perspectives, opinions and backgrounds.  WAS offers students an opportunity to interact with leaders from government, international organizations, the media, and business.

Past participants have marveled at how WAS gave them a new lens to view our global landscape. “World Affairs Seminar was a life changing experience for me. It is probably the most important single experience I’ve ever had”  said Ben from Norway.  “I got to meet people from all over the world and listen to some really great speeches. Most importantly, I made new friends that will always have my back and I will always have theirs” said Sierra from Iowa, USA. “[WAS] changed a lot: my approach to everyday life, my connection to a wide variety of issues, my openness to learn from everyone I meet. I will never forget one of the best weeks of my life and I want to thank Rotary very strongly for giving me this brilliant opportunity,” said Kate from the UK. 

Most delegates are sponsored by a club or service organization such as a Rotary Club. Many thanks to Rotary District 6270 Clubs that already sponsor WAS student delegates, and thank you in advance to Clubs considering becoming sponsors. Thank you, also, to Rotary District 6270 for its longtime support of WAS.

For more information, visit  worldaffairsseminar.org/Contact us at: World Affairs Seminar, 10600 W. Mitchell St., West Allis, WI 53214, or at contact@worldaffairsseminar.org. Call us, too, at 414-453-4984. To explore WAS sponsorship, contact Francis X. Vogel, WAS Executive Director, at 414-520-4790 or at fvogel@worldaffairsseminar.org.

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:

Elkhorn Rotary Club's Golden Ticket
  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.

Racine’s generosity shines in Belize: Fire truck donation will save lives

by Julie Rossman, Racine County Eye, February 3rd, 2025 Updated February 4th, 2025
 
Larry Vail, 20-year Racine Founder's Rotary Club member is pictured with the City of Racine fire truck that will soon be headed to Belize. Vail was instrumental in helping to make this incredible donation happen. / Photo by Julie Rossman for Racine County Eye
 
RACINE, WI — A retired City of Racine fire truck is on the verge of making a huge difference for the people of Punta Gorda, Belize. The truck, along with pallets of supplies and gear, is set to ship to Belize soon. All thanks to a joint effort between the Racine Founder's Rotary Club, the Racine Fire Department, the City of Racine, and the Mayor’s office.
 
The Racine Founder's Rotary Club might best be known for their sponsorship of the popular “Post Prom” event held annually for area high school prom-goers, or for sponsoring a variety of scholarships and other charitable projects in the Racine area. Rotary International, which might be a lesser known aspect of the club, oversees humanitarian efforts in other countries.
 
“They (Rotary) just do some great things for our community, great things for people in general,” said Larry Vail, a 20 year member of 
Promoting peace is at the heart of Rotary International’s mission. Every February, Rotary clubs across the globe emphasize Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention, one of Rotary’s seven Areas of Focus.
 
Rotary approaches peacebuilding in various impactful ways, addressing the root causes of conflict such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to education. Additionally, Rotary funds peace and mediation initiatives worldwide. To date, over 1,600 Rotary Peace Fellows have been empowered to act as catalysts for peace in roles across government, non-profits, and global organizations.

Rotary District 6270 Rotary Orientation/Refresher Program

Welcome to Rotary!
We are excited to welcome you to Rotary District 6270 and introduce our Orientation/Refresher Program. This program is designed to help new members get acquainted, and established members get re-acquainted with Rotary International, our district, and your local club.

What is the Orientation/Refresher Program?
The Orientation/Refresher Program is a series of three sessions. The sessions are designed to be casual and relaxed, providing a comfortable environment for learning and connecting with fellow Rotarians.
 
 
 
Rotary District 6270 is excited to announce that Harry J. Farchmin, a dedicated and accomplished member of the Elmbrook Rotary Club in Brookfield, Wisconsin, has been selected as the District Governor Nominee Designate (DGND). Harry will serve as District Governor during the Rotary year 2027-28, highlighting his ongoing commitment to Rotary's mission of service and leadership.
 
Leif van Grinsven, a driven entrepreneur, is transforming lives in Malawi with his initiative, Small Farm Cities. This innovative project builds sustainable agricultural communities where families can own homes, increase their income, and benefit from shared infrastructure. This work exemplifies Rotary’s commitment to Growing Local Economies, one of Rotary’s key Areas of Focus.
 

The Responsibilities of a District Governor

At the heart of a District Governor's duties is the task of facilitating effective communication. The DG serves as the main conduit between individual clubs and the larger Rotary organization, ensuring that the clubs are aligned with Rotary's mission and objectives. This position requires a deep understanding of Rotary’s values and an ability to mentor club leaders, helping them to cultivate their leadership skills, manage their activities efficiently, and amplify their impact within the community.

The District Governor is more than a figurehead. They are a mentor, advisor, and often, a source of inspiration for Rotarians. Their leadership is crucial in

How Do We Plan To Eradicate Polio?

The battle to eradicate Polio is complex and challenging, with changing tools and techniques, and a battlefield in constant flux. It is difficult to reduce it to an easily stated and understood set of goals. This article attempts to clarify the various timeframes and expectations in the recent Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) Strategy 2022-26.

Join Us for "Celebrate Community" Week!

Celebrate Community Week is back, from September 8-14, 2024! This inspiring annual event unites members of Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, and Optimist clubs in a powerful week of collaborative service projects. Together, we tackle key community issues like health and wellness, food insecurity, education, and the environment. For many years, this initiative has shown the incredible impact we can make when we work together. Don't miss the chance to be part of this global movement—join us in making a difference!

For more details and how to get involved, visit the official Celebrate Community Week page or contact rotary.service@rotary.org.

Doodle is an online scheduling tool that excels at simplifying the process of finding the best time for meetings or events involving multiple participants. It is particularly useful for coordinating across various schedules, helping to eliminate the often tedious back-and-forth of group planning. Users can propose several dates and times for an event, and invitees can then indicate their availability directly on the Doodle poll. This streamlined approach not only speeds up decision-making but also enhances participation by allowing for a democratic selection of the most suitable meeting times. Doodle is ideal for both personal and professional use, making it a go-to resource for anyone needing to organize group meetings efficiently.
 
Note: This information is correct as of 6/24/2024 - if it becomes obsolete, please inform us.
Rotary International District 6270 is pleased to announce that The Rotary Foundation has named Jamie Constantine a Global Grant Scholarship recipient for 2024-2025, awarding her $30,000 toward a master’s degree in global development from SOAS University in London.
 
Ms. Constantine is a graduate of Oshkosh West High School in Oshkosh and received her collegiate undergraduate degree from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Although born and raised in the Midwest, she has had unique opportunities to explore the world as a student and global citizen in China, Ecuador, Cuba, and Mexico.
Constantine’s objectives for the Rotary Global Grant Scholarship are to improve the economic well-being of poor, low-income, and underserved communities (particularly immigrant and refugee populations) through pursuing a Master of Science (MSc) in Global Development from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London, England. SOAS is ranked #2 in the world for development studies. She will learn from expert staff how to approach the world’s most pressing issues of poverty and insecurity. During her year-long graduate studies, she will reside at the Goodenough College in London. 
 
The scholarship is provided with funds from Rotary International District 6270, matched 80% by the World Fund of Rotary International. The World Fund is the primary funding source for global grants which support large international activities with sustainable, measurable outcomes in Rotary’s areas of focus. By working together to respond to real community needs, Rotary clubs and districts strengthen their global partnerships. 
 
Reacting to her award, Ms. Constantine states, “I’m thrilled to be the recipient of District 6270’s Global Grant Scholarship. I look forward to becoming an active participant within Rotary spaces and building community with the Rotary Club of Harrow!”  Earlier this month, Emory University in Atlanta released a story regarding Jamie's Rotary International Global Grant Scholarship and Jamie's personal story.
 
The Host for this scholarship is the Rotary Club of Harrow in Rotary International District 1130, Rotary in London, United Kingdom. RI District 6270, the International Partner and primary financial provider of the scholarship, is comprised of 55 Rotary clubs and two Rotaract clubs in Southeast Wisconsin with nearly 2,500 members. Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
 
Submitted on May 10, 2024 by Larry Myers (Elmbrook (Brookfield)), Chair of the RI District 6270 Scholarships Subcommittee (scholarshipchair@rotary6270.org).

In a world often fraught with conflict and discord, there emerges a beacon of hope in the form of individuals dedicated to fostering peace and understanding. We proudly celebrate Jonathan “Jon” Ward, a retired U.S. diplomat, for his acceptance into the esteemed second cohort of Rotary Positive Peace Activators. Jon’s illustrious career, spanning diplomatic missions across diverse regions and his unwavering commitment to service, exemplifies the spirit of peacebuilding that lies at the heart of this transformative initiative.

Jon’s journey embodies the essence of Rotary’s mission to promote goodwill and peace worldwide. From his service in Saudi Arabia to his diplomatic postings in Papua New Guinea, Iraq, and beyond, Jon has represented his country and has also become a steadfast advocate for diplomacy and conflict resolution. His rich experiences, coupled with his educational background and military service, equip him with a unique perspective and invaluable insights into the complexities of global peace and security.

 

Mukwonago Rotary Club Helps Mayan Population in Chichicastenango, Guatemala

April 26, 2024  ~ Mark Blodgett

A group of people holding a large checkDescription automatically generatedAt their meeting on April 25, 2024, the Rotary Club of Mukwonago continued in its support of Guatemala Service Projects (GSP) by awarding a $5,000 check to its founder and president, Jennifer Demar.  The mission of GSP is to improve the lives of impoverished Guatemalans through direct educational projects, nutrition programs, and community assistance opportunities.  Their team consists of adoptive parents, teachers, business owners, healthcare professionals, and community leaders. A group of people standing in a rowDescription automatically generated
 
Over the last several years, the Mukwonago Rotary has helped to fund a cistern for a community garden project, high-efficiency wood-burning residential stoves, and water filters. The club has also had members volunteer in the mountainous areas in and around Chichicastenango to help deliver 75 water filters and build chicken coops for the underprivileged Mayan population. 
 
This latest donation will help with an elementary school kitchen remodel in Canton Xabillaguach. Other funding will go toward the purchase of six more cook stoves for individual families, six water filters for individual families, and vegetable seed packets and/or fruit trees for 122 families. 
Photo Credit, Rotary Club of Mukwonago.A group of people standing in front of a water coolerDescription automatically generated
Rotary District 6270's Pivotal Role in Supporting Ukrainian Relief Efforts
April 27, 2024 ~ Peter Bosch

The Rotary Clubs across Southeast Wisconsin, encompassed by Rotary District 6270, have played a significant role in supporting humanitarian efforts in Ukraine during its time of crisis. This article highlights the impactful work facilitated by these clubs, in partnership with Be an Angel e.V. Germany and Friends of Be an Angel USA (Mequon, Wisconsin).

Nestled in the heart of Shorewood, Wisconsin, radiates a beacon of service, commitment, and dedication to Rotary ideals. Nancy Rhodes, a member since November 1, 1988, has devoted over 35 years to weaving an illustrious tapestry of service within Rotary.

Nancy's journey began humbly as a member of the Rotary Club of West Allis. Little did she foresee that her path would lead her to become a cornerstone of Rotary service, impacting lives across districts and continents.

Throughout her tenure, Nancy's steadfast commitment to Rotary has been evident in her diverse roles within the organization. From serving as Club Secretary to ascending to the esteemed position of Club President, her leadership acumen was apparent from the outset. Her influence transcended the local club level, culminating in her tenure as District Governor during the 2011-2012 term, leaving an indelible mark on District 6270.

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