PDF Version

District 6900 News for June, 2025


Magic of Rotary

Thank You District 6900

By Gordon Owens

We do so many great things in our district and it has been fun to witness a good bit of it first hand. From spending time in your communities, doing service projects and supporting your fundraisers we have certainly seen the Magic of Rotary in action this year. Thank you for your hospitality as we visited your clubs. We shared some wonderful meals together and you always helped us find a good local beer after the hard work of Rotary was done for the day. While we are looking forward to a less hectic schedule next year, don’t hesitate to continue to invite us to come serve with you. On behalf of Ashley and me, thank you again for an irresistible year in Rotary!
[more]


Congratulations!

Sheffield Award Winners

By Gordon Owens

The single hardest task a governor in our district has may be picking the Sheffield Award winner. We have 67 clubs that do amazing work in their communities that are all lead by great Rotarians. So, picking just one person in each category takes a lot of careful consideration. This year we had a scoreboard to drive the decision on Club of the Year but The Sheffield Leadership Award has much more to do with an individual effort in setting a club up for success today and carry that club well into the future. Congratulations to Rick Perry of Henry County (Cat I), Rick Clark of North Fulton (Cat II), Dudley Larus of Decatur (Cat III) and Nancy Alterman of Roswell (Cat IV) on being named this year's Sheffield Leadership Society inductees.
[more]


Public Image

Congratulations to Our 2024-25 EPIC Award Winners!

By Mandy Timmons

We are proud to recognize and celebrate the 12 Rotary Clubs across District 6900 that have earned the Zone 33/34 Excellence in Public Image Coordination (EPIC) for 2024-25!

  • Platinum: Dougherty County, Marietta Metro, Meriwether County, Moultrie, Newnan, North Fulton, Peachtree City, Roswell
  • Gold: LaGrange, Vinings Cumberland
  • Silver: Henry County
  • Bronze: Albany
  • [more]

Check Out What's New

2025 Council on Legislation

By Blake McBurney

Rotarians from all over the world met in Chicago, Illinois, USA, on 13-17 April to vote on proposed changes to the legislation that governs Rotary clubs. The representatives considered 78 proposals, such as:

  • Increasing the dues that all members pay to Rotary International
  • Allowing clubs to charter with as few as 15 members
  • Allowing districts the option not to hold a district conference
  • Allowing more governance model pilots beyond those being tested in districts in RIBI, New Zealand, and Australia

Read about this year’s decisions and view the vote totals.
[more]


Respite For All

Start A Respite Program In Your Community

By Charlie Augello

If you were at the Georgia United District Conference, you had the opportunity to learn more about our growing partnership with Respite for All. If you missed it or attended our breakout session and want to learn more...

Check out this inspiring documentary that tells the story of a care partner and participant; highlights the joy of respite; and shows the impact the RFA social model of care is having in so many lives.
[more]


Monday, June 9 | 5:30PM

Kickstart Your Membership

By Dave Schwickerath

Want to finish strong by adding a few new members or set your club up with a great plan for the 2025-2026 Rotary year? The last Membership Action Plan (MAP) webinar will go through the greatest hits from all the calls this year. Think of this like the cliff notes version of the best ways to engage your existing members and attract new one. We hope you will JOIN THE WEBINAR.
[more]


Thursday, June 19 | 6:00PM

Learn More About Our Foundation

By Bob Hagan

The “Foundation Matters” Webinar Series was developed especially for Club Presidents and Club Foundation Chairs. These monthly webinars will provide “bite-sized chunks” of valuable insights and actionable strategies that really work to increase club engagement in The Rotary Foundation. If you will be taking over as your club foundation chair for the next Rotary year, this is a great place to start to learn more. Register for the webinar.
[more]


Tuesday, July 22 | 6PM

Meet The Public Image Team

By Mandy Timmons

Join us for our first live virtual event of the 25/26 Rotary Year! This is your chance to meet the zone PI team, hear what they have planned for the year ahead, and learn how they can support your club’s public image success! All our new club public image chairs should register for this event and jump start their club's PI for our next Rotary year.
[more]


Our Rotary Foundation

It’s Not Too Late for the Rotary Year!

By Bob Hagan

Make your Foundation donation before June 15 so your contributions can be counted for the 2024-25 Rotary Year. We have had a very positive year, so let’s continue this upward trend. Remember, 50% of all the funds contributed come back to the District as District Designated Funds (DDF) in three years - making our global and community grants possible.Our Global and District Grants have been phenomenal this year because of the Rotary dollars you contributed three years ago.
[more]


August 16 | 9AM-2PM

Strengthening Rotary: Don’t Miss the D6900 Membership Summit

By Mandy Timmons

Membership is the heartbeat of Rotary - and this August, Rotarians from across District 6900 will come together to energize, innovate and strengthen our clubs at the 2025 Membership Summit. Whether you’re a Membership Chair, club officer, or simply passionate about growing Rotary, this interactive workshop is for you - featuring a dynamic lineup of local and international speakers who will dive into the latest tools, strategies and models for building and sustaining vibrant clubs.

  • Location: Fellowship Hall at Jonesboro Baptist Church
  • Date and Time: Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
  • Includes lunch, coffee breaks and free parking

RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY [more]


Our Rotary Foundation

Oh What the Bequest Society Delivers!

By Lee Hollingsworth

At District Conference, DG Gordon Owens made a surprise announcement to his wife Ashley and her parents, Amy and George Stewart. Gordon revealed that his Bequest Society endowment will be named after Ashley’s beloved grandmother - the Jane Stewart Memorial Fund. By joining the Society and committing to include the Rotary Foundation in his estate plan at the $25,000 level, Gordon can name the perpetual endowment that’s created.

You can become a member of the Bequest Society too - by committing $10,000 or more in your estate planning to The Rotary Foundation. Anyone who is interested can contact District Major Gifts Officer Lee Hollingsworth at Lee@leehollingsworth.com. [more]


Schedule DG Steve for Your Club Events!

By Mandy Timmons

District Governor Steve Ivory is looking forward to connecting with every club during his year of service - and that includes your meetings, service projects and fundraisers!

To help plan his calendar efficiently, we’re asking each club to use the link below to schedule time with DG Steve. Whether it is a club meeting, hands-on project, or a signature fundraiser, he wants to be there to support and celebrate your impact. 

Visit to https://forms.gle/rVLEGZ9vZavkpETv8 to make your requests. Let’s make sure your club is on his calendar! [more]


August 15-17 | Athens

Join Us For GRSP Conclave

By Katheryne Fields

Rotarians and guests are invited to Conclave to welcome the Georgia Rotary Student Program Class of 2025-26 in Athens - August 15-17. Conclave is hosted this year by District 6910 and under the direction of the Athens, Oconee County and The Classic City of Athens Rotary Clubs. This is the kickoff event for the GRSP year and allows the international college scholarship students to interact with one another as well as Georgia Rotarians. Highlights include a keynote address by Dr. Anna Westerstahl Stenport, Dean and UGA Foundation Professor of Arts and Sciences, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences - a native of Sweden who spent her first year of college as a GRSP scholar at UGA, and Saturday evening’s GRSP Cabaret, where we will be entertained by our new GRSP students. There are many more opportunities for fun and fellowship

Registration is now open for Conclave. The UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel has a block of rooms set aside for Conclave participants - with a special GRSP limited availability rate for those registering by July 2. Please visit the GRSP website at www.grsp.org to register for Conclave and to link to hotel registration.  [more]


RYLA Updaate

Thank You for Your RYLA Support!

By Jaclyn Donovan

By the time you read this, RYLA 2025 will be about to get underway and go full speed ahead. THANK YOU for believing in this program and sending your students to us. We are so grateful for the opportunity to invest a little bit of ourselves in these young leaders. You wouldn’t believe how much we can accomplish in jut five short days - sometimes it is just WOW amazing. It is our hope that you will invite them to visit your clubs upon their return from camp so you can hear their stories and see the impact your support has made on their lives. You are helping us grow some pretty awesome young leaders, and your communities will be better for it! From all the RYLA Family, thank you! [more]


Club News

Roswell: Turning 20% into 84%

By Kathryn Igou

Getting all your Rotary Club members to engage has always been a struggle. The saying goes that usually 20% of your members do 80% of the work. When 2024-25 Roswell Club President Nancy Alterman was planning for her year, she specifically focused on engaging the entire the entire club in service. Was it the bunny shirts? The diversity of projects? The fun factor? The flexibility? It was all that and more, and the club has moved that 20% to 84% participation this Rotary year. [more]


Club News

Douglas County Feeds the Homeless

By Nell Boggs

The Rotary Club of Douglas County had wonderful weather and a great time at the annual Rotary cookout for residents of Sanctuary Village and the homeless camp behind the courthouse. In addition to a delicious meal of grilled chicken, hamburgers and sides, all guests left with a goodie bag of snacks and toiletries. [more]


Club News

Stone Mountain Busy Supporting the Community for 60 Years

By Darlene Daly

As they celebrate 60 years of service to the community, Stone Mountain Rotarians have been busy! Highlights include hearing from Redan High School students who participated in the Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest, volunteering at The Smart Place ( a unique community-based educational and training program for adults and children with developmental disabilities, participating in a 5Kwalk/run for dementia, and supporting the Foster Children & a Suitcase Project. Get all the details! [more]


Club News

From Combat to Classroom: PTC Rotary Helps Camp Southern Ground Prepare for Warrior Programs

By Mandy Timmons

Peachtree City Rotarians rolled up their sleeves for a powerful service project at Camp Southern Ground, helping set up the veterans’ classrooms for two life changing programs: Warrior PATHH and Warrior Week. Both programs focus on helping our military Heroes create a positive future in civilian life. [more]


Club News

Atlanta Airport Rotary Celebrates Courage

By Kathy Ware

The Atlanta Airport Rotary Club honored first responders in College Park, East Point, Forest Park, Hapeville, and the Atlanta AirPort this May, with a luncheon recognizing ten honorees who exhibited courage commitment and compassion. President Kathy Ware said, “These are men and women who head toward a crisis rather than away from one. They are firefighters and police who protect and serve.” [more]


Club News

Lake Spivey Clayton County Supports Veterans with SMGA Georgia

By Trina Kolawole

The Rotary Club of Lake Spivey/Clayton County proudly presented a Bushnell Golf Launch Pro Monitor to SMGA Georgia earlier this year, reinforcing our commitment to support post-9/11 veterans through meaningful partnerships. The Bushnell Golf Launch Pro includes advanced technology that provides precise swing data, helping veterans build skills and confidence. [more]


Our Rotary Foundation at Work

Thomasville Joins with International Clubs for Life-Changing Water Project in Kenya

By Sally Bowman

Partnering with Rotary Clubs in Ireland and Kenya, the Rotary Club of Thomasville is undertaking a water sanitation and hygiene project at the Olmapinu Comprehensive School in Rombo, Kenya. The school supports 424 Maasai tribe students and staffers, and complies with all Kenyan and tribal guidelines. Included in the build are 12 toilets for girls, five toilets and five urinals for boys, and additional facilities for staff, and younger and handicapped children. The project also includes handwashing stations , sanitation and hygiene education for children, females and staff, and funding for sustainability of the facilities. [more]


Our Foundation at Work

Griffin’s Community Grant Buys Playground Equipment

By Janice Wallace

The Rotary Club of Griffin’s District Grant was used to purchase playground equipment for New Horizons New Directions Preparatory Academy in Griffin. New Horizons is a private school whose founder was inspired by a strong desire to not only help students succeed academically but also to help students become champions for life. NHND Prep … [more]


Club News

GRPA Fosters Financial Success in Asian American Community

By Christopher Chan

This May, the Georgia Rotary Professional Alliance (GRPA), a satellite of the Johns Creek North Fulton Rotary Club, hosted its first signature event - GRPA Financial Wellness Summit. This free community service event was designed to empower Asian Americans through protecting their personal information and increasing their financial security. The summit featured two moderated panels of experienced industry professionals providing practical advice that attendees could immediately implement in their busy lives. Nearly 100 attendees filled the spacious Arrow Creek Community Room above the municipal offices of the City of Chamblee to hear speakers from seven different companies and organizations, including two officers from the City of Chamblee Police Department. [more]


Club News

Carrollton Grant Funds Student Meals

By Nichole Fannin

Earlier this year, the Rotary Club of Carrollton was honored to engage in a service project - partnering with Giving Hearts, Inc. to prepare meals for student backpacks. The club - and our GRSP student Jasmine Tasman (pictured with Carrollton Rotarian Lynn Kress and Club President Ed Ward) - turned out to help pack meals. [more]


Club News

Paulding County Prepares Lunch for Wellstar Paulding Nursing Center

By James Ransom

In May, the Rotary Club of Paulding County completed its annual service project to prepare over 300 meals for the Wellstar Paulding Nursing Center in Dallas, GA. This is one of our largest service projects of the year, as we show our appreciation for the 150+ seniors residing in this facility and serve the loving staff. Projects such as these are funded by our annual fundraisers - our Annual Charity Golf Tournament each October and the Annual Invitationalal Dallas Christmas Parade in December. [more]


Club News

Columbus Hosts Private Leadership Reception Supporting Micah’s Promis and Advance Anti-Trafficking

By LeighAnn Dicesaris

In May, the Rotary Club of Columbus partnered with End Human Trafficking Now (EHTN) to host a private reception focused on strengthening community and legislative collaboration in the fight against child sex trafficking. This invitation-only event welcomed approximately 20 attendees, including state and local legislative representatives, Rotary leadership and advocates dedicated to ending human trafficking. [more]


Club News

South Cobb Honors Public Safety; Tees Up Successful Fundraiser

By Pamela Kramer

In April, the South Cobb Rotary Club hosted its annual Public Safety Appreciation Day at the Cobb Police Training Center in Austell - honoring several local fire, police, 911 and EMS organizations. A highlight was the presentation of $1,00 grand to Israa Winston of the Cobb Police Department, in recognition of her service and dedication.

The club followed in May with its 44th Annual Golf Tournament - an event that celebrates community partnership and collaboration - and provides funding for a wide variety of programs that have lasting impact on the community. [more]


Club News

Peachtree City Funds New Signage at NeSmith Preserve

By Mandy Timmons

Thanks to a community grant from the Rotary Club of Peachtree City and Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Georgia DNR’s Wildlife Viewing Grants Program, Southern Conservation Trust was able to install a new educational sign at NeSmith Preserve and redesign the end of the boardwalk to better accommodate the sign and make the space more accessible and useful for all visitors. “NeSmith Preserve” A 100 Years in the Making” shares how this landscape transformed from Piedmont bottomland forest to thriving welland shaped by beavers over decades. [more]


Club News

Rotary Community Core - Peachtree City Packs 29,000 Toothbrushes

By Mandy Timmons

The Rotary Community Core of Peachtree City - a dynamic group of adults with special needs - completed its annual service project at Midwest Food Bank, packing over 29,000 toothbrushes to be distributed to those in need. Their commitment to helping others is a powerful reminder of what it means to live by Rotary’s motto: Service Above Self. RCC now stands at 43 members - showing remarkable growth from just 17 members when RCC began 10 years ago. [more]


Club News

Harris County Hosts US Fellowship of Rotarians Golf Championship

By Tom Shaver

The Rotary Club of Harris County will be hosting the US-Canada Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians Golf Championship this September 14-18. This is an annual event hosting Rotarians from across the US and Canada. It will take place at Callaway Resort & Gardens at Pine Mountain. For more information, contact Tom Shaver at 540-315-2283 or by … [more]


LEADERBOARD

Check out the full district scoreboard
Here are the clubs that are leading the way in our district for membership, annual fund and polio plus.
Category NET MEMBERSHIP ANNUAL FUND POLIO PLUS
I Henry County North Atlanta Meriwether County (Warm Springs)
II Johns Creek North Fulton Vinings Cumberland Vinings Cumberland
III Decatur Dunwoody Carrollton Dawnbreakers
IV Buckhead Peachtree City Columbus

Upcoming Key Dates

Thursday, June 5th, 2025 Official Visit - Atlanta Brasil
Friday, June 6th, 2025 Rotary Youth Exchange Outbound Orientation 2/Graduation
Saturday, June 7th, 2025 District 6900 RYLA Camp
Tuesday, June 10th, 2025 District 6900 RYE District 6900 Monthly YEO and Counselor Meeting
Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Official Visit - Atlanta Airport
Thursday, June 19th, 2025 Official Visit - Breman
Sunday, June 22nd, 2025 Rotary International Convention
{{footer}}