From Our District Governor

Help Us Select Our 2028-2029 District Governor

By Steve Ivory

I hope everyone is having a great 25-26 Rotary year.  I have visited many clubs already, and I do look forward to seeing each of your clubs at upcoming club visits and seeing what you are planning to do and doing in your communities.

As you may have seen, we have opened nominations for District 6900's District Governor Nominee, the individual who will serve as our District Governor in 2028-29. We need your support to identify and nominate qualified candidates through an official club resolution.  Nominations are due by Friday, October 24, 2025. Learn more about the qualifications and the nomination process. [more]
As an example, the Meriwether County Rotary Club has supported numerous educational efforts such as Get Meriwether Reading, Community Literacy Events, Trunk or Treat for Books

As an example, the Meriwether County Rotary Club has supported numerous educational efforts such as Get Meriwether Reading, Community Literacy Events, Trunk or Treat for Books

From Our District Governor

September is Basic Education and Literacy Month

By Steve Ivory

Each September, Rotary shines a spotlight on one of its seven areas of focus: Basic Education and Literacy. Reading and writing are more than just skills—they are tools for empowerment. They open the doors to knowledge, opportunity, and connection, serving as the foundation for success in life.

Our Rotary Foundation

Not Brick and Stone

By Bob Hagan

As I enter year two as District 6900 Foundation Chair, I find I have really fallen in love with quotes. The Founding Fathers of Rotary have left us with impactful thoughts, and I find myself truly inspired by their words. Here's one from 1916-1917 Rotary President, Arch Klumph as he spoke on the impact of The Foundation: “The Rotary Foundation is not to build monuments of brick and stone. If we work upon marble, it will perish; if we work on brass, time will efface it; if we rear temples, they will crumble into dust; but if we imbue them with the full meaning of the spirit of Rotary ... we are engraving on those tables something that will brighten all eternity.” Think about this ... [more]
You may remember that the Rotary Club of Griffin used one of last year's competitive grants to build ramps in the local community, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity

You may remember that the Rotary Club of Griffin used one of last year's competitive grants to build ramps in the local community, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity

Our Foundation at Work

Community and Competitive Grants

By Kay Williamson

The Rotary District 6900 Community Grant funding will be distributed soon. An email will be sent to your club once funds have been distributed. Please remember that your club may not spend money on the grant project until you receive the grant money.

Clubs meeting certain criteria announced to Club Presidents in early August had an opportunity to submit an additional application for a competitive grant of up to $7,000 by September 1. A total grant pool of $35,000 will be awarded to the “winning clubs” – watch for more news later. [more]

Our Foundation at Work

And in the World of Global Grants

By Mike Mudd

In 2024-25, The Rotary Foundation approved Global Grants for nine clubs in District 6900. The total District Designated Funds earned by these clubs exceeded $255,000. This included the Rotary Club of Thomasville partnering for a water project in Kenya and the Rotary Club of Buckhead partnering with a club outside the USA for a medical project benefiting the Shepherd Center here in Atlanta. And we begin the 2025-26 Rotary year with an excellent pipeline of new Global Grant projects. Learn more about the great work Global Grants can help us do - here and around the world. [more]

End Polio Now

Get Ready for World Polio Day – October 24!

By Wynita Cannon

We’re thrilled to celebrate World Polio Day with you! World Polio Day was established by Rotary International to honor Dr. Jonas Salk, who developed the first successful polio vaccine in 1955. It’s a day to raise global awareness about polio, a crippling and potentially deadly disease, and to recognize the incredible progress made toward its eradication. How is your club planning to mark this important occasion? We're challenging each club to raise $1,500 for PolioPlus this year - and to create a plan for how you will celebrate World Polio Day! There's a contest with awards for Rotary District 6900's Best World Polio Day Celebration - submissions due by the end of the day, October 24. Read on! [more]

District Conference 2026

Start Planning for Lake Lanier Island!

By Nicholas Ramey

Get ready for a weekend of fellowship, inspiration, and unforgettable memories at the 2026 Rotary District 6900 Conference — hosted at the beautiful Lake Lanier Islands Resort! Dates: April 17 - 20, 2026! Two things you can do now - click the links to:

  • Watch the promo 
  • Register for district conference

Why would you attend? [more]

End Polio Now

“The Way” to Fight Polio

By Brad Groff

The Camino de Santiago, or The Way of St. James, is a medieval pilgrimage trail (actually a network of trails, depending where one begins), ending at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The Camino was the backdrop (and true star) of the 2010 movie “The Way,” starring Martin Sheen. East Cobb Rotarian Brad Groff (former Vinings Cumberland) will be walking the Camino’s “French Way” this September and October, starting in St Jean Pied de Port, France, up and over the Pyrenees, and about 500 miles / 800 km west to Santiago. Brad has initiated a fundraiser using The Rotary Foundation’s “Raise for Rotary” online tool (https://raise.rotary.org/Brad-Groff/challenge) to raise awareness and funds for Rotary’s polio eradication program. As Brad noted, “500 miles is a long walk for an old man living out of a backpack, so I really need the encouragement and support of my Rotary family to keep me going!” [more]

At Work for Our Rotary Foundation

Remember the Crazy Rotarian Jogging Across Death Valley?

By Jackie Cuthbert

Last month, Roswell Rotarian Lee Hollingsworth jogged across Badwater Basin in Death Valley, the lowest, hottest place in North America— at age 70 - all in the name of PolioPlus and literacy! It's his goal to raise $15,000 for these two Rotary causes - and he has $5,000 committed in matching dollars if he can raise an additional $10,000. Read on to find out more about the projects and how you can help. Or contact Lee Hollingsworth at lee@leehollingsworth.com or by phone at 678-576-4838. [more]

GRSP Update

GRSP Sends 2 Georgia Students to Norway, 2 to Oslo for Summer Studies

By Katheryne Fields

Two by two, Georgia college students made their way to Denmark and Norway for the summer. Patrick Chichester and Alana Milner attended the University of Oslo in Norway while Hendley Jones and Claire Jerguson attended Aarhus University in Denmark for summer sessions as part of the partnership with Georgia Rotary Student Program, Norwegian Rotarians as well as District 1450 Rotarians in Denmark. [more]

CART

Join the Roger Ackerman Circle — Make a Lasting Impact

By Nancy Alterman

Want to make a bigger difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s? Join the Roger Ackerman Circle, named for CART’s founder, by committing to a recurring donation of just $5/month at mycartfund.org. Members receive a special lapel pin and the satisfaction of fueling real research breakthroughs. And there's more you can do. [more]

RYLA

Are you IN for 2026?

By Jaclyn Donovan

Now that the two months of the new Rotary year are behind us, let’s look forward to all the great things coming your way. Specifically, let’s talk about RYLA!! Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive training program that targets young adults, ages 15-18, to further develop character and leadership skills and learn about Rotary.  RYLA in District 6900 is a 5-day summer camp experience. We have the dates all set – June 6-10, 2026 – and the RYLA staff is already hard at work making plans. The only thing for you to do now is decide: Are you IN? [more]

Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI)

RLI Learning and Fellowship Continues

By Tracy Van Norman

Rotary Leadership Institute ended the Rotary year, and started the new Rotary year, with a bang - with sessions in Peachtree City and Valdosta that together touched 75 Rotarians!  And another event is on the horizon in November - watch for details soon! [more]

Rotary Youth Exchange

Decatur Hosts Rotary Youth Exchange Welcome Picnic

By Dudley Larus

Decatur Rotary was the local host for the Rotary Youth Exchange picnic to welcome District 6900’s inbound students for the 2025-26 school year. High school students from Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Taiwan gathered at Mason Mill Park in greater Decatur for food, fun, and games.  [more]

Rotary Friendship Exchange

D6900 and the Rotary Friendship Exchange

By Ada Wikina

I am super excited to have been selected as Rotary Friendship Exchange Chair by DG Steve Ivory.  According to the official notification that was sent to me: "You are in a unique position to help motivate your district to engage in life changing exchanges with fellow Rotary members around the world. Your flexibility, leadership and innovation are instrumental to a successful Rotary Friendship Exchange Program for your fellow district members and friends of Rotary." For starters, our district signed an Inter Country Committee Georgia/ USA- Serbia and Montenegro Charter. D6910 and 6920 are embarking on a trip top Serbia late September and October. Learn more about the possibilities and contact me if you'd like to be involved. [more]

Club News

Marietta-Metro's Newest Members Have Rotary Foundation Ties

By Sally Platt

Two of Marietta-Metro's newest members, Deputy Chief Jake King of the Marietta Police Department and Madison Scholar, already had Rotary experience before they were inducted into our club. Twenty-some years ago, Officer King was sponsored by Marietta-Metro and subsequently selected as a member of the D6900 Group Study Exchange Team that went to Germany. Madison Scholar was the recipient in 2019-20 of a $50,000 Global Grant Scholarship, which she used to earn a master's degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution from the University of Manchester in England.   [more]

Vinings Cumberland Rotary Hosts Record-Breaking Downhill 5K Run for the Kids

By Thomas House

In August, the Rotary Club of Vinings Cumberland proudly hosted the annual Vinings Downhill 5K Run for the Kids, welcoming more than 1,300 enthusiastic participants to one of Atlanta’s most beloved summer traditions. Now in its 29th year, the Vinings Downhill 5K has raised over $1.3 million thanks to the incredible generosity of sponsors, participants, and volunteers. [more]

Club News

Atlanta West End Rotary Takes Rotary’s Message 12 Stories Tall

By Jared Evans

This summer, the Rotary Club of Atlanta West End took our public image efforts to new heights. Literally.

Through a Media Placement Grant offered by CTR Culture, a program of The Center Atlanta in partnership with CP Group and ASHA Advisory, our club was selected to have Rotary featured on one of the Southeast’s largest digital billboards. The initiative provided nonprofit and cultural organizations with free access to three massive signs, on what was formerly known as CNN Center, as part of the launch of The Center’s revitalized civic space. [more]

GRSP Alumni Spotlight

GRSP Alumna Completes Fulbright Scholarship, Publishes Novel

By Katheryne Fields

Katarina Sanberg of Sweden has spent many days with her head in a book, from studying them, to teaching from them and lately from publishing her own book. Katarina is a GRSP alumna from the Class of 2011-12. She recently returned from a year at the University of California Berkeley where she was a visiting scholar on a Fulbright scholarship. She and her husband Gustaf live in Stockholm, where she is teaching and working on her doctorate in political science. While in Georgia, Katarina was sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Marietta, Marietta Metro, and Vinings Cumberland. She attended Southern Polytechnic State University before it was consolidated with Kennesaw State University. [more]

Club News

Griffin Daybreak Project Rolls Water in Africa

By Debby Daniel-Bryant

The Griffin Daybreak Rotary Club is contributing "Hippo Rollers" for persons in Africa that have to walk to get fresh water every day. These tubs can be rolled, rather than carried, and can hold far more water from the source as opposed to carrying a few gallons on heads and shoulders. Griffin Daybreak is starting small with purchasing three of these Hippo Rollers to begin with, and hopes to contribute more in the future. The club is working with the Unity Water Foundation and the Rotary Club of Pietermaritzburg Azalea of South Africa to make these water holders available to families in need. [more]

Buckhead Rotarians Support Mental Health—One Paw at a Time

By Shelley Hammell

Buckhead Rotarians are paws-itively making a difference by highlighting the powerful connection between mental wellness and our four-legged friends. During the recent “Dog for a Day” event, Rotarians and their families unleashed the fun with a group walk along Path 400—joined by seven adoptable dogs from LifeLine Animal Project. [more]

Club News

North Fulton Salutes Cardiac Care Teams at Two Hospitals

By Lisa Gelber

District Governor Steve Ivory challenged all clubs in District 6900 to find a way to honor heroes in their communities this Rotary year, and the Rotary Club of North Fulton happily accepted that challenge! In a nod to our CPR/AED training project, our club opted to share our appreciation for the cardiac care nurses and care teams at both Wellstar North Fulton and Emory Johns Creek hospitals. Both of these hospitals have been a huge support in our efforts to train North Fulton citizens in CPR and AED use, contributing to our current total number of 893 trained citizens! Our club provided sub sandwiches and members created (mostly) healthy snack boxes for the cardiac teams at both hospitals. All were gratefully received! [more]

Our Rotary Foundation at Work

North Columbus Rotary Seeks Donor Clubs for Global Grant Project in Nepal

By Danielle Jones

The North Columbus Rotary Club is proud to continue its legacy of impactful international service through Rotary International’s Global Grant program. The Club is partnering with the Rotary Club of Biratnagar Downtown in Nepal to construct a modern and sustainable public sanitation facility in the city of Biratnagar. The facility will feature toilets with disability access, drinking water fountains, and a sanitation waste management system, all designed to serve a diverse and growing urban population with dignity and accessibility. Learn how you and your club can be part of this effort. [more]

Club News

DeKalb Rotary Council Collects Equipment for FODAC

By Dudley Larus

The FODAC (Friends of Disabled Adults and Children) home medical equipment drive took place Saturday, August 9, 2025, hosted by the DeKalb Rotary Council. Gently used items like wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and pediatric equipment were collected at the rally location, 57th Fighter Squadron Restaurant, next to PDK Airport. Thank you to all the clubs throughout DeKalb for supporting this great event. [more]

Club News

Roswell Strategy: Great Meetings = Membership Growth!

By Becky Nelson

Weekly Meetings matter!  Roswell Rotary Club (RRC) incoming President Trummie Lee Patrick III made it clear that his path to membership growth was going to be made with outstanding weekly meetings. So far, we have welcomed Attorney General of Georgia Chris Carr, a panel of the five best football coaches of Roswell High School, and 1996 Heisman Trophy recipient Danny Wuerffel and more. President Trummie Lee’s focus on the meetings seems to be working for we hope to induct nine new members soon. And more members will equal more service projects. Read more about our meeting strategy. [more]

Club News

Lake Spivey/Clayton County Attends Membership Summit

By Trina Kolawole

The Rotary Club of Lake Spivey/Clayton County was well represented at the recent Rotary District 6900 Membership Summit. Members walked away with fresh ideas, inspiration, and renewed energy for service. In addition to gathering great information and enjoying the fellowship, the club received two awards for its membership efforts! [more]

Recognizing Heroes

Helping a UGA Student

By Steve Ivory

Alan Harkness, President of the Rotary Club of Columbus, Alan Harkness, recently helped a young college student at the recent GRSP conclave at the University of Georgia. The young lady was driving an E bike and her long dress suddenly got stuck in the gears and brakes of the bike. It made a very loud noise and caused a very sudden stop.  [more]

Club News

East Cobb's 20th Annual Dog Days 5K Race A Huge Success!

By Benjamin Alper

When the Rotary Club of East Cobb held its annual Dog Days 5K Race in August, it marked the 20th year the Club has held this Race. It featured over 700 runners and raised over $80,000 for local charities. Over the past 20 years, the East Cobb Rotary Club has raised and given out over 1.2 million dollars to local charities and has had over 10,000 runners participate. Dozens of local charities submit grant requests to the Club every year and those approved by the Club receive funds from the proceeds of this Race. Grants are awarded at the Club's Giveback Ceremony which will take place in March at Piedmont Church. [more]

Club News

Buckhead Shares Pizza and Fellowship with Veterans

By Shelley Hammell

Each month, Buckhead Rotarians share encouragement and camaraderie with veterans at SHARE Pizza Night, part of The Shepherd Center’s comprehensive rehabilitation program for those recovering from traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and mental health challenges like PTSD. 

Club News

Roswell Honors Hometown Heroes

By Becky Nelson

In August, the Roswell Rotary Club honored Hometown Heroes with the Roswell Police Department in two different ways. Officer Thomas Chandler was recognized for his heroic action in stopping a wrong-way drunk driver on GA 400, and 40+ Rotarians joined over 700 participants in the Officer Jeremy Labonte 5K Run, raising awareness for Officer Labonte's ultimate sacrifice earlier this year and raising funds for his family. [more]

Club News

Fayetteville Dances for a Cause

By Laura Weishaar

The Rotary Club of Fayetteville rolled out the red carpet once again for our annual Senior Citizen Prom, held at Flat Creek Country Club. The night was filled with music, laughter, and dancing as our honored guests enjoyed a prom experience all their own—complete with a crowned king and queen. But the evening was about more than just fun. With the help of our sponsors and community supporters, the event raised $1,160 for the Friends of the Fayette County Library, an organization dedicated to making education and resources accessible to people of all ages. [more]

Club News

Brookhaven Supports FODAC

By Jennifer Yanulavich

The Brookhaven Rotary Club was thrilled to once again support the annual medical equipment pickup drive for FODAC (Friends of Disabled Adults and Children). This is a multi-club event that occurs each year in August. We were very thankful that it wasn't as hot as it typically is in August. Medical equipment was collected from various donor homes across metro Atlanta and the surrounding areas. [more]