From Our District Governor

Celebrating the Holidays and the Spirit of Giving

By Steve Ivory

I hope everyone had a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with friends and family. This is a very exciting time of year as we head into holiday season. Most of you all are likely beginning to do lots of fun stuff like: shop, prepare to travel, plan to attend/host holiday parties with your clubs and family and friends and of course, close out the year for work. I wish everyone an amazing holiday season!

I want to remind you all, on behalf of RI President Francesco, that December is Rotary’s Disease Prevention and Treatment month. There are many global gaps in physical and mental health care access. As Rotarians, we can help out with these causes and keep driving towards a polio free world and help those with mental health needs with our investments, support and training. Please remember


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Our Rotary Foundation

Our Rotary Foundation is “Tops” Again!

By Bob Hagan

Last month we got to share the successes of The Rotary Foundation and how fitting since it was “Foundation” month. Therefore, we looked at the successes internally. This month we have the opportunity to celebrate the external successes as seen by others about us. Here is a great “Did you know?” question: Did you know The Rotary Foundation was honored with a “Four Star rating” which is the top rating a charity can receive from Charity Navigator for the 17 th consecutive year? Read on for more about Charity Navigator ... and information about a video entitled, "Rotary's fight Against Polio: Global Programs and Updates from Pakistan." And don't forget that your donations to Polio Plus and The Rotary Foundation make a big difference in the world.
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Opioid Crisis Abatement Grants Available

By Gordon Owens

We are pleased to announce that the Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust has provided our district with grant funding to help clubs do related projects in their communities. We have two projects to choose from, A Safe Drug Disposal Kiosk or an Overdose Rescue Box. Clubs can submit multiple grant requests (up to $5000) using our district grant application system.
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Membership

"Discovery Rotary" - An Event for Prospective Rotarians Only

By Audley Knight

District 6900 is planning a special evening of networking, food and drinks (cash bar) to give prospective Rotarians in the Greater Atlanta area an opportunity to learn more about Rotary, and how to join, serve and make an impact in our Georgia communities. The event will take place on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Copelands of New Orleans - Vinings-Cumberland, GA from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
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GRSP Update

GRSP International Summer School Opportunity for Georgia Students

By Katheryne Fields

Georgia residents who are enrolled in college are encouraged to apply for GRSP’s 2026 International Summer School Scholarships. Georgia Rotary Student Program is proud to extend a total of four summer scholarships to Georgia college students. Two scholarships will be awarded to study in Norway as part of the Oslo International Summer School (June 27-July 25, 2026) and two scholarships to Denmark at Aarhus University (July 1-July 25, 2026). The deadline to apply is January 14, 2026 for Summer Session 2026. To apply, visit www.grsp.org/other-opportunities.
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Rotary Youth Exchange

RYE Welcomes New District 6900 Leadership Team Members

By Jackie Cuthbert

Mike Irvin (Rotary Club of Dunwoody) has requested to step down as District 6900 Chair for Rotary Youth Exchange due to compliance restrictions around Financial Advisors serving in fiduciary roles. District Governor Steve Ivory has appointed Bob MacDonald (Rotary Club of Johns Creek North Fulton) to serve as the new District 6900 Chair. RYE has added new Inbound and Outbound Coordinators to its board.
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CART Contribution Update

Small Change Making a Big Difference

By Nancy Alterman

The mission of the CART (Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust) Fund is to raise seed money for bold, early-stage Alzheimer’s research—ideas that might otherwise go unfunded but have the potential to unlock breakthroughs in prevention, treatment, and ultimately, a cure. CART is unique in that 100% of all donations go directly to Alzheimer’s research, empowering scientists to gather the initial data needed to secure major grants and advance innovative discoveries. In June 2025, the CART Fund announced six grant recipients were awarded a total of $2 million in funds for Alzheimer’s research.

What began as Rotarians contributing pocket change at weekly meetings has grown into a powerful grassroots movement. And once again, our clubs are showing how small acts of generosity can create big impact. This year, we've already collected more than $4,500 and there's time to do so much more. [more]

Our Rotary Foundation

Make the Season of Giving Last All Year Long with the Paul Harris Society

By Lauri Young

With the holidays upon us, thoughts turn to gift giving, entertaining and New Year’s Resolutions. We can’t help with your gift list or holiday entertaining, but we CAN help with those resolutions.

In 2026, why not resolve to help those less fortunate here at home and around the world? A commitment to the Paul Harris Society (PHS) can make that an easy resolution to keep. Members of the Paul Harris Society commit to giving $1,000 annually to further the humanitarian, educational and cultural work of our Rotary Foundation. [more]

RYLA Update

Give the Gift of RYLA

By Jaclyn Donovan

‘Tis the season to be jolly and joyful and merry and to enjoy all the fun things that come with the holidays. And if you are in the gift-giving mood and can’t decide what to get for that future leader teenager in your life… give the gift of RYLA!! RYLA 2026 will be held June 6-10 on the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University. Find out more about how to sponsor a student. [more]

Rotary Friendship Exchange

Why You Might Benefit from Participating in RFE

By Ada Wikina

Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE) is one of Rotary International’s oldest but often lesser-known programs. It’s essentially a reciprocal exchange program where Rotarians (and often their families) from one country visit Rotarians in another country or region, and then host them in return.  Learn more about the resolution signed by District 6900 and Rotarians in Serbia and Montenegro, and the opportunities you might have for global grant partnrships, cultural exchange and more.
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RLI

Celebrating Excellence in Leadership and Learning at RLI

By Tracy Van Norman

On November 8, Columbus Technical College in Columbus, GA became the center of Rotary learning and leadership development during the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) event. This impactful gathering brought together Rotary members eager to expand their skills and knowledge, culminating in a day of achievement and celebration. Read on to learn more about the day and learn how to sign up for coming events - January 10, 2026 in Thomasville and February 21, 2026 in Marietta. You can also visit www.rlisunshine.org [more]

Rotary Means Business

Hope to See You in 2026

By Carter Stout

Rotary Means Business plans to be back in 2026 - with opportunities to make business connections while enjoying fellowship one evening a month. Carter Stout leads this initiative, and is still looking for four or five additional people to help with planning our activities. If you’re interested, please contact Carter at cstout@stoutkaiser.com [more]

Club News

Congratulations and Thanks to Bob Evans - 50 Years of Rotary Service!

By Caroline Fielding

Congratulations to Bob Evans of the Rotary Club of Cordele on his December 1, 50th anniversary of joining Rotary! Bob exemplifies Service Above Self in his commitment to community, family, banking, and Rotary! Bob is shown here serving on the kitchen crew at Back to School Days last August. He has served as Club Foundation Chair for the last several years. Join us in congratulating Bob for 50 years of service!
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Our Rotary Foundation

Celebrating North Fulton's Foundation Giving

By Lee Hollingsworth

This incredible under-50 member club that started in 2000 continues to excel, inspiring generosity like few others. Foundation giving is a vital, self-less, and often difficult task that makes our grants possible.  And North Fulton Rotarians have donated more than $900,000 to the Annual Fund in just 25 years as a club!

Foundation Chair Doug Higgins, President Erik Bykat, and District Grants Chair Mike Mudd recently announced two new members of the Bequest Society: Club President Elect Dan Jenkins (his $50,000 Bequest leads the District) and Past President and Assistant Governor Joy Manbeck. This is after North Fulton Past President Richard Matherly committed the District’s largest Bequest last year at $50,000. [more]

Club News

Roswell Honors Veterans

By Becky Nelson

Without a doubt, Roswell Rotary Club loves celebrating our local and remote hometown heroes. With November being National Veterans and Military Families Month, and DG Steve Ivory focusing on services for Veterans, RRC President Trummie Lee Patrick III saw an opportunity to coordinate a three-peat service project. We packed 100 boxes for Naval personnel on ships around the world the first week of November, honored an amazing veteran with an entrepreneurial spirit the second week of November and the third week we stuffed backpacks for local homeless veterans.
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Club News

East Cobb Club Puts "Service Above Self" into Action with Inaugural Day of Service

By Whitney Higdon

The Rotary Club of East Cobb recently showcased the transformative power of community action during its inaugural Day of Service on Saturday, October 25. Living out Rotary’s core value of "Service Above Self," club members came together to lead a variety of impactful projects and make a meaningful difference in their own backyard - revitalizing gardens at East Cobb Park, painting signs for Kidz2Leaders, planting edible gardens at the Center for Children & Young Adults, and preparing more than 200 lunches for The Table on Delk. It's a day to be remembered ... and repeated.
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Club News

Honoring Polio Eradication Champions

By Claudia Mertl

In honor of World Polio Day, the Rotary Clubs of Atlanta Southern Cresent/Clifton Emory held a dinner at Chai Pani in honor of polio champions who have dedicated their lives to eradicating polio as part of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). The Club was humbled and honored to be in the presence of several global polio champions who were in town for high level strategy meetings, including Dr. Hemant Shukla and Dr. Mufti Zubair Wadood. They shared their experiences on the frontlines of polio eradication in the most remote parts of the world and the immense efforts and dedication that polio workers share globally towards a polio-free world.
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Club News

Brookhaven Works Local Farmers Market

By Judith Fuller

This fall, the Brookhaven Rotary Club was proud to be a part of the Brookhaven Farmers Market, where members dedicated their time to man a booth focused on collecting food donations for a great cause. The Brookhaven Rotary Club invited market-goers and community members to stop by, donate, and learn more about the important work being done at the Suther’s Center Food Pantry and the Rotary Club. Visitors to the market found Rotary Club volunteers on hand, ready to accept non-perishable food items and monetary contributions to benefit the Suther’s Center Food Pantry, a vital resource for families in need within Brookhaven. [more]

Club News

Americus Holds Successful Unity in Community Peace Day

By Angela Smith

On Saturday, October 25, the Americus Rotary Club kicked off its first Unity in Community Peace Day - a day of celebration, reflection, and creativity. The free, family-friendly event invited the entire community to gather under the theme: “One Community, Many Voices, Shared Peace.” The event was the brainchild of the club’s Peace Committee, and the planning team was hopeful that the theme would resonate with community members. Not only were these hopes met, but they were greatly surpassed, as over 275 people poured into Rylander Park to spend the afternoon together with people they knew, and people they had never met before.
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Club News

Dunwoody Gives New Meaning to Turkey Trot

By Jackie Cuthbert

Partnering with others in the Dunwoody community, the Rotary Club of Dunwoody once again supported the creation of Harvest Baskets for 85 needy families at a local elementary school. Our participation includes some funding AND being on-hand to load baskets for recipients on distribution day. But perhaps the highlight is the "turkey trot" - not a 5K race but rather a run through the local Publix to buy holiday turkeys - because there's a two-turkey limit for any one buyer. Our "runners" are pictured here, but check out the rest of the story.
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Bainbridge Shares Information on Georgia HEART Tax Credit

By Jamie Sinko

It is not often that we get to decide how our tax dollars are spent. Did you know your Georgia state income taxes can be sent back to hospitals in need? Through the Georgia HEART Hospital Program, you can Help Enhance Access to Rural Treatment by directing your state tax dollars to support a hospital’s mission.  Georgia is the only state that empowers its residents to transform tax payments into direct support for rural healthcare. Why Choose the HEART Tax Credit? The support it provides for rural healthcare has strengthened our ability to deliver critical services to our community and boost local healthcare resources [more]

Club News

Peachtree City Completes Sensory Path in Record Time

By Jason Aldrich

The Rotary Club of Peachtree City is proud to announce the successful completion of a new Sensory Path for its grant recipient, Camp Southern Ground. The project, aimed at enhancing the therapeutic amenities of the campus, will serve veterans, campers, and families who utilize the facility. The projected six hours of labor turned into just two ... so veterans and their families were able to enjoy the path the same day!
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Club News

South Cobb Spreads Holiday Cheer for Sanders Elementary Kids

By Connie Bullock

The Rotary Club of South Cobb is excited to host its Annual Sanders Elementary Christmas Party on Saturday, December 11! This cherished tradition brings joy to underserved children in our community with a day full of holiday magic. They have lunch, meet Santa and leave with a bag filled with Christmas gifts generously provided by Rotarians.
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Club News

Fayetteville Rotarians Win Main Street Scarecrow Competition!

By Laura Weishaar

The Rotary Club of Fayetteville brought home a big win this month after being voted the First-Place Winner in the Main Street Fayetteville Pop-Up Scarecrow Contest! A team of enthusiastic and crafty Rotarians, Michelle Bennet-Copeland, Dr. Alvetta Thomas, Shawn Elzie, Vickie Butler, and Tish Williams worked together to design and build our Rotary-themed scarecrow at the Fayette County Public Library.
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Club News

Buckhead Rotarians Shine This Holiday Season

By Shelley Hammell

Buckhead Rotary truly shines when we pair our fundraising efforts with hands-on service. Thanks to our members’ generosity, we funded 50 Elf on the Shelf Plushee Pals® and with a one-for-one match from The Lumistella Company (The Elf on the Shelf ® ), we were able to provide every student and teacher at the Boyce Ansley School with a toy.
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Club News

North Cobb: Serving Community, Welcoming Members

By Dr. Jose Gonzalez

The North Cobb Rotary Club has been busy on many fronts during the last month with several projects benefiting the local community and one for the women and children of Nigeria. Several activities benefited the hungry in the Kennesaw, Georgia area, and some honored veterans. District grant money was used to provide an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for the City of Kennesaw. And the club took time to welcome new members and a special visitor from across the pond.
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Club News

Roswell Rotarians Jump into Action on Student Meals and More

By Becky Nelson

When a Roswell Rotarian (who wishes to remain anonymous) learned there are students in North Fulton County (an affluent Atlanta suburb) eating a “cheese sandwich” because their cafeteria student account stood in arrears, that Rotarian and the club jumped into action at the nine schools where Roswell sponsors an Interact Club. Read more about how Rotarians jumped in to adopt schools, provide gift cards to help families buy food at home and address other financial concerns.  [more]

Club News

Columbus Packs Food for 5,000+

By LeighAnn DiCesaris

The Rotary Club of Columbus recently partnered with Feeding the Valley Food Bank for a community service project that delivered big impact. In just one morning, club members and their families packed 358 food boxes, providing meals for an estimated 5,000 people across the Chattahoochee Valley.
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Club News

Buckhead Seeks New Club Administrator

By Jeff Clark, Jr.

The Rotary Club of Buckhead  seeks a part-time Club Administrator (20–25 hrs/week) to manage bookkeeping, dues, invoicing, and provide administrative support for Club and Foundation operations, including membership and weekly meeting coordination. The role is primarily remote with meetings in Buckhead. Click to see the Job Description. If you know any prospective candidates, please contact Jeff Clark at 404-697-1644 or jeffclark@buckheadrotary.org
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