Home Page | Rotary District 5650

WELCOME TO ROTARY DISTRICT 5650

While the power of Rotary is in the local clubs, there is strength in numbers. The Rotary clubs of Eastern Nebraska and Southwest Iowa are members of District 5650, which provides leadership, representation, and direction.

Shelter Box for Nepal Flood Victims

Rotary Challenge!

Become a “ShelterBox Hero” by Helping Displaced Families in Nepal

On the morning of August 26, a glacial collapse on the Nepal-Tibet border of the Himalayas triggered a chain reaction of mass flooding, decimating villages for more than 40 miles along the Trishuli River. Nearly 1500 persons have died. More than 6000 are still missing.

It has been estimated that more than 80,000 people have been displaced, almost half of them children. These displaced families are in desperate need of shelter.

Want to help? Keep reading…

PDG Barbara Bartle Featured on Rotary Voices Podcast

District 5650's own PDG Barbara Bartle (Lincoln 14) is featured in a new episode of Rotary International's Rotary Voices podcast.

In this two-part series focused on membership attraction and engagement, Rotary leaders from across the United States share ideas, experiences, and strategies that are helping clubs and districts grow. Barbara joins Rotary Membership Growth and Engagement Specialist Taylor Evans Ghosal and fellow membership leader Julie McKinney to discuss successful approaches to welcoming, engaging, and retaining members.

As clubs across District 5650 continue to focus on belonging, member engagement, and sustainable growth, Barbara's insights offer timely ideas that can be applied in clubs of every size.

Take a few minutes to listen and discover practical membership strategies from one of Rotary's respected leaders right here in Nebraska.

🎧 Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts:
Rotary Voices Podcast featuring Barbara Bartle

Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) - Next Session - November 14

We are excited to announce that the next session for Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) Parts I and II will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026. It will be at Project Harmony, 11949 Q Street in Omaha. Cost is $50

Please register using this link: https://www.rli-heartland.org/calendar/event?calID=145

Fusion 5650: The Countdown Is On

In less than two months, Rotarians from across Nebraska and Southwest Iowa will gather at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum for Fusion 5650, our 2026 District Conference.

If you have already registered, thank you! If you've been thinking about attending, now is the time to make your plans.

District Conference is more than a weekend event. It's an opportunity to reconnect with friends, discover new ideas, celebrate Rotary's impact, and return home energized for the work ahead. Whether you're a new member, a club leader, or a long-time Rotarian, there will be something for everyone.

Rotary District 5650 Governor 2026-27 Gretchen Bren - Bio, Photo, Club Presentation Dates

Gretchen Bren of the Omaha Night Rotary Club is Governor for 2026-27 for Rotary District 5650. Her term begins July 1, 2026.

Click here for a downloadable copy of Gretchen's Bio

Click here for a downloadable copy of G retchen's Photo

Click here for Gretchen's Club Presentation Schedule

Digital Rotary Magazine, Podcast and Newsletters

Are you interested in receiving the Rotary magazine in digital format rather than paper?

Do you want to learn more about Young Leaders in Action or the End Polio Now efforts?

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards – Powered by Launch Leadership (RYLA) is back

RYLA 2026 Applications Are Now Open! Click HERE to apply!

Every Rotarian Every Year, EREY

The Rotary Foundation is the engine that drives all of Rotary’s initiatives. Without our donations to the Foundation, we Rotarians could not do all the projects we do around the world and in our communities.

Who Makes a Great Rotarian?

Rotary has always been powered by people—people who care about their communities, who believe in service above self, and who are willing to roll up their sleeves to make a difference. In the United States, where civic engagement and volunteerism are woven into the fabric of local life, the qualities that make someone a great Rotarian are both timeless and deeply relevant.

New Rotary International President Message 2026-27

As mentioned by DG Gretchen, there is a presidential message that is used to lead us through the year - Create Lasting Impact.

September is Basic Education and Literacy Month

To see the article on the District Website about the Monthly Focus for Rotary, including some resources, click here.

Rotary Focus By Month

Rotary has created a calendar that includes a monthly focus. This provides a guide for Clubs to use to help members understand the programs of Rotary and the Areas of Focus for our causes.

What is Rotary?

Listen to our District members tell their Rotary story and express how they value their membership.

District 5650 Clubs - Activities and News - Spotiight

Visit the Spotlight on Rotary Clubs page (click here) on the District Website to keep up with club activities and read news stories.

Rotary Around The World

We periodically hear about events that may be of interest to Rotarians that are not coordinated by our District or a Club in our District. These could be from anywhere in the world. We will share their invitations and ideas here. Stories without specific dates are listed at the end of the article.

We Are People of Action