Rotary District 5240 is made up of over 3,300 members, from 72 clubs, in 4 different counties within California, United States. We meet regularly to not only form bonds and friendships, but we also strive to improve lives locally and around the world.
District Governor's Message
The Rotary theme for August is Membership and Extension. Focusing on this early in the Rotary year is very strategic. It is imperative that membership in your club, our District, and our Zone remain a priority in order to ensure that future generations receive the benefit of the good work we do around the world. Which other organization would tackle the crippling disease Polio and virtually wipe it off the face of this planet? We Rotarians have so much to offer, and by inviting others to join us we enhance our efforts with even more talent and energy.
We are all Rotary’s best ambassadors. Think of how much more your Rotary Club could accomplish with one more active member. Consider your club and make your current members a priority. Is there a member who hasn’t been to a meeting lately? Does anyone check on those who are absent? Everyone wants to feel needed and appreciated. When someone does a nice thing, do you say thank you? We need to make sure our members feel valued. Every member needs a job in
Rotary. Those who enter and leave within five years typically leave because they don’t have that “Aha!” moment that comes from participating in a project or receiving appreciation for a job well done. Make sure your club has a mentor program for new members. Consider scheduling “fireside chats” to give members a chance to share what Rotary means to them. Take the time to make sure your new members are well cared for and feel valued.
Someone has given you the gift of Rotary. During this membership month, take a look at your club. Is it inviting and a club someone would want to join? If not, why not? Take a look around and connect with members who have been absent. Add a social to your meeting schedule where each member brings a friend. Have an offsite at the business of one of your members, and encourage that Rotarian to invite his or her customers to attend that meeting and meet your club members. You never know how you might spark that interest each of us had when we joined.
Sandi Schwartz
District Governor 2018-19
Official District Governor Visit Moments
Solvang 4th of July Parade wth Solvang Rotary Club President Larry Edwards and "first lady" Janice Edwards and... me!
Gabe Limotta, son of Rotarians Mike and Sherri from Santa Ynez Rotary Club received the "People of Action Award" for his work to upgrade the club's social media and website.
Restoration work at The Botanical Gardens in Ventura after the devastating Thomas Fire. Rotary Clubs in Ventura are investing their money and time in the restoration.
Special prices for Rotaract and Interact Collaboration. Show off your artistic abilities by working together to create your best Tee-Shirt design! The winners will be revealed at the District Conference.
Start collecting hotel-sized hygiene products for a very special service project lead by New Generations during the 2018-19 District Conference! More details will come soon.
Rotary 5240 Business Networking Site
Discover and connect with great local businesses in your local neighborhood like dentists, hair stylists and more. Support fellow Rotarians.
The Rancho El Chorro Outdoor School in San Luis Obispo recently had their official opening. District Governor, Sandi Schwartz was there to participate in the ribbon cutting event! The school provides hands-on learning opportunities for students to study science and ecology in a natural setting. The school has been providing outdoor education to students for over 40 years and more than 250,000 school children have participated in the school’s residential, summer, and day programs.
Shoes for Little Souls, is a community service project, put on by the Rotary Club of Simi Sunset in partnership with The Samaritan Center of Simi Valley and Kohl's Department Store in Simi Valley. The goal is to help homeless (or at risk) families get back-to-school clothes for their children; this project builds incredible confidence in these kids. Imagine when they show up on their first day of school. The community also comes together to support parents in difficult times. On Wednesday, July 18, 2018, we had our 16th annual shopping spree. One of the best organized in years!
The Rotary Club of Carpenteria Morning has a satellite club in Antigua Guatamala that runs a video conference every Friday Morning as their regular Rotary Meeting. By using computers and video chat, they are able to communicate with several clubs in the area. Common tasks such as ringing the bell, invocation, introducing guests, and guest speakers are all capable while utilizing this technology. Read more to see that notes on one particular meeting, the hope to be the INSPIRATION to all Rotarians.
Rotary District 5240 encourages clubs within the District to submit short articles, "Club Stories," to be published on the District Website and in the District Newsletter. Take advantage of this FREE opportunity to showcase your club's accomplishments. Guidelines can be found on the district website.
