/D6270-lockup-with-PM2526-Unite-for-Good--JPG-digital--700x194.jpg)
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.
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