Get Ready to Find Your Why!
A Look Ahead at Rotary District 6000 | 2027–2028
Governor-Elect Gretchen Nollman
If you know me, you know I am a planner! So, naturally, I am already looking ahead to the 2027–2028 Rotary year. Why wait until the year begins to start dreaming, building, and getting excited about what we can accomplish together?
I am thrilled about the opportunities ahead for Rotary District 6000, and I believe we have an incredible chance to make this a year of renewed energy, meaningful connections, innovative service, and lasting impact.
My vision is simple: Let's make people excited about Rotary ... whether you are a long time Rotarian, a Rotarian in for less then 10 years, a new Rotarian for less then 2 year, or thinking of having a friend join rotary!
Rotary has given so much to me, and I will admit it — I have definitely drunk the Rotary Kool-Aid! I believe in what we do, the people we serve, the friendships we build, and the difference we make in our communities and around the world. Now, I want to help others experience that same enthusiasm. I want people to see Rotary not simply as an organization they belong to, but as a movement, fellowship, network of friends that they are proud to be part of.
As we look toward Rotary's 2030 membership goals, we have an opportunity to think differently, try new things, strengthen our clubs, and create experiences that make people say, "I want to be part of that!"
Taking Rotary Where the People Are
What if Rotary showed up in even more places where our communities are already gathering?
One idea is to explore a Rotary presence during a week of the Iowa State Fair, working with clubs in the surrounding area to identify meeting opportunities, host a Rotary Day, and coordinate an engaging event. Imagine introducing fairgoers to Rotary through service stories, fellowship, interactive activities, and conversations about how they can get involved. We should also build on the momentum of an Epic Day of Service, bringing clubs together around projects that demonstrate what happens when we work toward a shared purpose. And, of course, we need time to celebrate! I am excited about the possibility of a Rotary Fun Day on May 26, 2028 — an opportunity to bring Rotarians, families, prospective members, and friends together to enjoy the fellowship and fun that make Rotary special.
Because service matters. Leadership matters. Membership matters. And having fun together matters, too!
Celebrate Our Foundation and Our People
Our Rotary Foundation deserves to be celebrated and understood. We are looking toward a Foundation event in November 2027 that can help highlight the extraordinary work made possible through Rotarians' generosity and commitment. We also need to celebrate our people. As we plan for the 2028 changeover, I would love to explore opportunities to recognize achievements, service, leadership, innovation, and the Rotarians who go above and beyond to make our district stronger. Awards and recognition are not simply about trophies or titles. They are about saying thank you, sharing success stories, and inspiring others to step forward.
Important Dates: Grant Learning & District Changeover
Along with our leadership development opportunities, there are a couple of additional dates I want everyone to begin marking on their calendars.
Grant Management Learning Seminar
- March 27 | West Des Moines, Iowa
- Additional details coming soon.
This will be an opportunity to better understand grant management, learn about the processes and expectations, and help equip Rotarians and clubs to successfully participate in grant opportunities.
District Changeover
- June 12 | 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
- Davenport, Iowa at River Bend Food Bank (yes your DGE's place of work! :-) )
This year's changeover will include more than a traditional meeting and program. We are planning to incorporate service and volunteer opportunities at River Bend Food Bank, giving attendees an opportunity to roll up their sleeves and make a difference together. We will also enjoy lunch and a short program as we celebrate the accomplishments of the year, recognize our people, and look ahead to what is next for District 6000. I love the idea of bringing together fellowship, service, and celebration in one experience. After all, that is what Rotary is all about!
Minneapolis, Here We Come!
And mark your calendars, because the Rotary International Convention is coming to Minneapolis in May 2028! What an incredible opportunity for Rotarians in District 6000 to experience Rotary on a global scale. The convention will bring together people from around the world who share our commitment to service, peace, fellowship, and creating lasting change. Let's start talking about it early, encouraging participation, and helping our members understand what an extraordinary experience an international convention can be. Whether it is someone's first convention or one of many, Minneapolis offers a chance to reconnect with the bigger Rotary family and bring new ideas and renewed enthusiasm back to our clubs. I want us to approach this milestone with excitement and anticipation. Let's use it as an opportunity to strengthen our connections, welcome new members, and remind ourselves that the work we do locally is part of something much bigger.
Building Toward 2030 — and Beyond
Everything we do in 2027–2028 should help us move toward a stronger Rotary in 2030 and beyond. That means being intentional about membership growth, creating welcoming and flexible club experiences, communicating our impact, supporting our leaders, and making sure our service reflects the needs of today's communities.
It means asking ourselves some important questions:
- Are we telling our Rotary story in ways that inspire people?
- Are we creating meaningful opportunities for new members to get involved?
- Are we making our clubs welcoming, engaging, and relevant?
- Are we supporting the next generation of leaders?
- Are we providing learning opportunities for all members, not just those holding leadership positions?
- Are we helping our club board members and committee chairs feel equipped and supported?
- Are we celebrating the fun, friendships, and impact that make Rotary special?
And most importantly, are we helping people find their why?
We do not need every club to do everything. We need every club to find opportunities that fit its community, its members, and its passions — and then share those successes with the rest of District 6000. My hope is that we leave a legacy of stronger connections, more engaged members, innovative service, and clubs that are excited about their futures. I want us to be willing to try new ideas, learn from one another, and make positive changes that will continue long after the 2027–2028 Rotary year ends.
The Planning Starts Now!
Yes, I know — I am getting this out a long way in advance. But I am a planner, and I believe the best Rotary years begin with conversations, collaboration, and a willingness to dream big. These ideas are a starting point, not a finished checklist. I want to hear from clubs, district leaders, Rotarians, Rotaractors, and community partners. What excites you? What would help your club thrive? What new idea have you been waiting for someone to suggest?
Let's build this year together. Let's serve with purpose, lead with enthusiasm, celebrate our successes, strengthen our friendships, and create opportunities for more people to experience the magic of Rotary. If we can help people discover their why, give them meaningful ways to serve, and show them that Rotary is a place where they can make a difference and have fun doing it, I believe we can build something truly special.
So, District 6000, get ready! Let's bring the energy, embrace new ideas, welcome new faces, and make 2027–2028 a year to remember.
Please reach out if you want more details, want to be part of the planning part and be on the planning side and/or do more within your club and district in 2027-2028
Let's find our why, share our passion, and make Rotary shine — together!