From Our District Governor

Continuing Our Support to End Polio

By Steve Ivory

This month, we will celebrate World Polio Day (October 24) and I hope that your clubs are planning special events and looking at how you can continue to support Rotary's efforts to eradicate polio around the world. 

During the recent Zone 33 and 34 summit in Jacksonville, I was able to attend a very special breakfast with Past RI President Stephanie Urchick and several other governors for agreeing to donate 20% of our district’s designated funds to Polio eradication. Our contribution of over $57,000 will make a huge impact in our battle against polio. I got several photos and a signed invitation from Past RI President Stephanie. [more]

From Our District Governor

Help Us Select Our 2028-2029 District Governor

By Steve Ivory

As first announced in late August via email and continuing in posts and newsletter articles over the last month, submissions for the 2028-2029 District Governor Nominee are now open. We need your support to identify and nominate qualified candidates through an official club resolution. If you are an interested Rotarian, please let your club leaders know of your interest. Nominations are due by Friday, October 24, 2025, and candidates will be interviewed on Saturday, November 1. Learn more about the job qualifications, responsibilities and the nomination process. [more]

Our Rotary Foundation at Work

Congratulations to Our 2025-26 Competitive Grant Winners!

By Kay Williamson

Rotary District 6900 and The Rotary Foundation have awarded $35,000 in grant funds for projects starting in the 2025–2026 Rotary year. Congratulations to the Rotary Clubs of Meriwether County, North Fulton, Carrollton, Roswell, Peachtree City and North Cobb - for projects ranging from support for education to a first responder day to therapeutic music and art programs and more! Learn a little bit more about competitive grants and the specific projects they will support this Rotary year.  [more]

Peachtree City Rotary Club Celebrates Historic Day with DG Steve Ivory

By Mandy Timmons

The Rotary Club of Peachtree City marked a milestone this month, hosting District 6900 Governor and Past President Steve Ivory, while celebrating two new inductees into Rotary International’s prestigious Arch Klumph Society — DG Steve & Anna Ivory and Past President Mary & Bubber Chapman. The Arch Klumph Society honors those who give $250,000 or more to The Rotary Foundation; with these additions, District 6900 now has 11 members. [more]

Join District 6910 and Past RI President Mark Maloney in a Foundation Celebration

By Steve Ivory

The Rotary Club of Greene & Putnam Counties and Rotary District 6910 are delighted to host Past RI President Mark Maloney for a celebratory luncheon as Rotarians across Georgia kick-off The Rotary Foundation Month. Mark is also the Immediate Past Chair of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation. The event is open to all Georgia Rotarians! Hear the latest on Rotary’s polio eradication efforts and other key Rotary initiatives impacting lives around the world. The event takes place on at noon on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Lake Oconee Church 1101 Village Park Drive, Greensboro GA. You can register online by clicking this link; $25 per person covers admission and lunch.  [more]

Our Rotary Foundation

"Money for Nothing? I Think Not"

By Bob Hagan

I think it is safe to say that as a society, we are fairly numbers driven when measuring how successful we’ve been on a project. Certainly, this is true of investors when analyzing year-end reports or the success of any fundraiser. A friend of mine reminded me of what his father always used to say. “Money may not be the most important thing, but it’s way ahead of whatever is in second.” 

The Rotary Foundation raised more than $569 million this year - and we could certainly stop the discussion right there and pat ourselves on the back! But we can't - we're Rotarians and our motto really says it all when it says "Service Above Self." What’s more important is what we do with those dollars to transform the world and our communities into something better. So let's take a closer look.  [more]

From Our District Governor

Zone Summit: Spotlight on Leadership, Innovation and Global Challenges

By Steve Ivory

I wanted to share with all of you some of the learning, leadership, innovation, and fellowship opportunities that happened when Rotary leaders from across Zones 33 and 34 gathered in Jacksonville a few weeks ago for the highly anticipated Rotary Summit. The summit featured powerful presentations on Artificial Intelligence and its role in Disaster Relief, Peacebuilding initiatives, and the Kibeam E-Reader project. District Governor-Elect Cynthia Edwards and I were proud to represent District 6900, and proud of our district's active role in the summit's presentations.  [more]

End Polio Now

Still Time to Create a Plan 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 6900 Leaders Shine at the 2025 Emerging Leaders Conference

By Mandy Timmons

Jacksonville, FL was the host city for this year’s Emerging Leaders Conference for Zones 33 and 34, bringing together Rotary’s brightest future leaders for a week of learning, networking, and inspiration.

Representing District 6900 were Area Governors and Sheffield Winners Amy Benton (Peachtree City) and Lisa Gelber (North Fulton). They joined “emerging” leaders from across the Southeast and Caribbean to prepare for future leadership opportunities in Rotary. [more]

Magic of Rotary

Club of Excellence Awards 2024-2025

By Gordon Owens

Congratulations to the clubs who submitted their goals in Rotary Club Central and achieved enough of those goals to qualify for the Rotary International Club of Excellence award. On behalf of PRIP Stephanie and TRF Chair Mark, I want to thank you for the hard work that went into making the 2024-2025 Rotary year one of our district's best yet! Read more to see all 22 Club of Excellence award winners: [more]

Thoughts on the Value of Membership

By Steve Ivory

In a recent meeting with the Rotary Club of North Cobb, District Governor Steve was approached by Rotarian Pete Kane, who is a coach and a podcaster. Pete invited DG Steve to join him in a podcast on various Rotary topics. This one talks about why someone might want to join Rotary ... take a listen on  YouTube . [more]

GRSP Update

GRSP Salutes Partnerships in Norway and Denmark

By Katheryne Fields

Georgia Rotary Student Program (GRSP) Executive Director Katheryne Fields and District 6910 Chair and Foundation Director Cheryl Huffman traveled to Scandinavia in early September to honor the 79-year partnership between GRSP and Norwegian Rotarians. At the invitation of District Governor Sean Armana, who also serves as GRSP Coordinator for Norway, the pair spoke at District 2260’s conference in Oslo while also visiting alumni and partner institutions in Denmark and Norway. [more]
Local Rotary club in Santo Domingo de la Calzada marking the 190km point on the Camino

Local Rotary club in Santo Domingo de la Calzada marking the 190km point on the Camino

End Polio Now

Update from the Camino - “The Way” to Fight Polio

By Brad Groff

Hola from Logrono Spain, where this East Cobb Rotarian is taking a much needed rest day after a little over a week walking the Camino de Santiago. So far I have walked more than 160km (over 100 miles). The support from our Rotary family though my “Pilgimage Against Polio” fundraiser (https://raise.rotary.org/Brad-Groff/challenge) has definitely helped to keep my spirits up and motivate me to keep putting one foot in front of the other. A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed. Editor's Note: Brad Groff has raised just over $10,000 so far for polio eradication.

[more]

Laws of Life

Rotarians and Teachers Kick Off 2025–26 Laws of Life Essay Contest

By Carol Gray Walker

In late August, Rotarians, educators, and supporters from across Georgia gathered at the Emory Conference Center in Atlanta—and online—for the annual Teac& Rotarian Workshop Luncheon. This character-building, values-based writing program reaches more than 33,000 students each year. Last year, 65 Rotary Clubs and 65 schools across Georgia participated. Now is the time for returning sponsors to recommit and reconnect with partner schools, and for new clubs to get involved.  [more]

Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI)

Join Us for RLI in Columbus This November

By Tracy Van Norman

After thoroughly reviewing the 2025 college football schedule, we have scheduled a Rotary Learning Institute (RLI) event in Columbus, GA on November 8, 2025 at Columbus Technical College that avoids home games for major teams in the area. And we're planning a January event in Thomasville and a February/March event in Kennesaw. Read on for more details and information on how to enroll. [more]

RYLA Update

RYLA Club Registration Now OPEN

By Jaclyn Donovan

RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) will be held June 6-10, 2026. To help us get ready for RYLA we are opening registration Now. Our goal is to fill all 144 student spots for 2026 and we are aiming for 100% club participation in District 6900. All we are asking at this point is to decide if your club is going to sponsor students to attend RYLA and how many students that will be. How do you do that? [more]

Our Rotary Foundation

Big Tax Law Enhances Direct IRA Gifts – Qualified Charitable Donations (QCD)

By Lee Hollingsworth

Imagine a way to turn your retirement savings into a lasting legacy that brings health and hope to communities worldwide. With a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), those aged 70½ or older can give directly from their IRA to The Rotary Foundation—satisfying required minimum distributions while sidestepping extra income taxes. This means your gift goes farther, supporting life-changing projects instead of slipping away to taxes. [more]

Club News

Roswell Shares Strategies for Launching Interact Clubs

By Becky Nelson

Launching a new Interact Club is truly a celebration. Why? It can take years to find the right people in the right roles at the right time with the right vision and energy.  The Rotary Club of Roswell is thrilled that both Fellowship Christian High School and The Cottage School Middle School (two of our local private schools) have decided the 2025-26 academic year is the right year to add an Interact Club. With these new clubs, Roswell Rotary Club now has 14 active Interact Clubs. For more info on how we've done that, keep reading and reach out to Roswell Rotarian and long-term Interact Club Coordinator Becky Nelson 404-406-6121 or BNelson@CCHL.com [more]

Club News

Americus Rotarian Supports Peacebuilding

By Angela Smith

At the recent Rotary International Conference in Calgary, Americus Rotarian Laura McConatha had two opportunities to present on the peacebuilding work taking place in Americus, Georgia. A Rotary International/Institute for Economics and Peace Positive Peace Activator, Laura is both Service Chair and Peace Chair of the Americus Rotary Club. She had a three-hour kiosk presentation in the Peace Park on “Building Peace and Promoting Unity in rural Georgia: A Carter Legacy”. In addition, she co-presented with fellow Positive Peace Activators Tamara Larson and Patricia Shafer on “Positive Peacebuilding: Engaging Youth Through Rotary, Communities, Schools" - focusing on the Grace Camp initiative that took place this summer in Americus. [more]

Club News

Celebrating Service and Excellence in Fayetteville

By Laura Weishaar

The Rotary Club of Fayetteville recently shared in a proud moment at the District 6900 Assembly. Representing our club, Shawn Elzie accepted the Club of Excellence Award, a recognition that reflects the dedication and teamwork of our members throughout the year. From community fundraisers to youth leadership initiatives, this award honors the collective spirit that makes our club thrive. [more]

Club News

Dunwoody Recognized for Alzheimer's Support

By Bob O'Brien

At a celebration last month for the good work being done around the Southeast to support Alzheimer's The Longest Day program, the Rotary Club of Dunwoody was recognized several times for its $20,000 contribution from its annual FORE! the Memories Golf Tournament -  fundraiser www.rcdgolftournament.com. The tournament also raised money for the Club's work at Anchor Place, a respite care program serving Dunwoody families dealing with a family member's memory issues. [more]

Club News

Forsyth-Monroe County Takes Up Pickleball!

By Matthew Harner

The Forsyth-Monroe County Rotary Club recently partnered with the City of Forsyth to build 16 pickleball courts in one of our city parks. Our partnership permits us to host two tournaments per year. So now the club is excited to host its inaugural Pay It Forward Pickleball Tournament on October 25, 2025 – just 20 days from now! People can register as tournament participants, donors, and sponsors at Eventbrite. Read on to learn more about the event and what we hope to do with the tournament proceeds.

[more]

Club News

Atlanta West End Rolls into Streets Alive!

By Jared Evans

On Sunday, September 14, 2025, the Rotary Club of Atlanta West End brought our signature energy and purpose to Atlanta Streets Alive on Peachtree Street. Our booth, located at 5th and Peachtree, was just a couple of blocks from our longtime meeting spot at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center. This month - on October 26, we will be in the West End nearly the Krispy Kreme on Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard by the West End Mall. [more]

Club News

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at LifeLine: Buckhead Rotary on the Road

By Shelley Hammell

Buckhead Rotary members got an up-close look at one of our signature projects, LifeLine Animal Project, and the impact they’re making in our community. Our quarterly Rotary on the Road luncheon took us to the Fulton County Animal Shelter, managed by LifeLine, where 40 members and guests enjoyed lunch before touring the 50,000-square-foot facility. As a signature project, Buckhead Rotary invests three years of volunteering and supporting them financially to make a lasting impact. LifeLine is a purr-fect fit given their mission of keeping pets with their people and preventing shelter overcrowding. [more]

Johns Creek-North Fulton Co-Hosts Patriot Day Event

By Dave Bernard

On September 11, the Rotary Clubs of Johns Creek and Johns Creek-North Fulton co-hosted the City’s annual Patriot Day Commemoration at the Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater in Newtown Park. Community members, local officials, firefighters, police officers, veterans, and Rotarians gathered for a ceremony marked by solemn respect, tribute, and remembrance. [more]

Club News

North Cobb Pints and Pearls Supports Polio Plus

By Jose Gonzalez

The Rotary Club of North Cobb gathered for its second annual Pints and Pearls event at Red Top Brewhouse in Acworth GA. It was a wonderful evening filled with fun, fellowship, and generosity in support of ending polio. More than 50 members, guests, and friends gathered for this event - raising $1,837.81 for the Polio Plus campaign. DG Steve Ivory joined us for the evening. [more]

Club News

Americus Adopts a Street

By Angela Smith

Rotary Club of Americus is participating in the Adopt-a-Street program with the City of Americus and took charge of cleaning their assigned Glessner Street from Lee Street to Georgia Southwestern State University's Perimeter Road. They recently held a trash pick-up event ahead of Move-In Day at GSW in which a record number of freshmen moved into the residence halls on campus.  [more]

Club News

Roswell Recognizes Hometown Hero: Fire Captain Jeff Mealor

By Becky Nelson

DG Steve Ivory joined Roswell Rotary President Trummie Lee Patrick and Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson in congratulating Captain Mealor as the Roswell Rotary Club September Hometown Hero of the month. Roswell Fire Chief Pabel Troche commented, “It’s not just his military service or his fire service record that stands out but rather his consistent commitment to growth, service and community.  We are fortunate to have Captain Jeff Mealor as part of the Roswell Fire Department family." [more]

Club News

Fellowship Meets Philanthropy in Dunwoody Whiskey Raffle

By Neal MacDonald

The Rotary Club of Dunwoody's annual fall whiskey raffle is underway. Last year, we raised about $10,000 to help fund our work in the community and we're looking to raise even more this year, with more than 10 prize packages comprising 30+ selections of whiskey from all around the world. The event will be held on November 20. Best news of all, you need not be present to win! Stay in touch with the prizes and updates at our dedicated website (appropriately enough: http://whiskey-raffle.com). [more]

Club News

North Cobb and Kennesaw Install Peace Pole

By Jose Gonzalez

The North Cobb Rotary Club recently partnered with the City of Kennesaw to install a peace pole at the popular Swift Cantrell Park. The city shared this message: "Yesterday, the City of Kennesaw unveiled a Peace Pole at Swift-Cantrell Park, a new symbol of our community’s commitment to peace and unity. Painted by Devereux Georgia Program Manager David “JD” Hurlock, along with Devereux students, the pole displays the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in English, Spanish, and Cherokee, reflecting Kennesaw’s history and community. We appreciate North Cobb Rotary’s partnership in bringing this meaningful addition to our city." [more]

Club News

Buckhead Connects at Thirsty ThirdsDay

By Shelley Hammell

Buckhead Rotarians gathered for another evening of fellowship at our newly renamed Thirsty ThirdsDay, a nod to its timing that makes it easy to remember and even easier to enjoy. This monthly social has taken on fresh energy, thanks to President Shelley Hammell’s vision of creating a more relaxed, convivial … [more]