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Governor Gretchen's October Message

October is going to be a special month in District 5650, and I hope one of the highlights will be seeing many of you at Fusion 5650, our District Conference, October 23-24 in Ashland!

Our District Conference is more than an event on the calendar. It’s a chance to reconnect with Rotary friends, meet new ones, share ideas, celebrate what our clubs are accomplishing, and return home energized about what comes next. After spending the past several months visiting clubs throughout our District, I can tell you there is a lot worth celebrating!

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2026 Polio Update 
2026 Polio Update 

October 24 is World Polio Day, and it’s an important opportunity to tell one of Rotary’s most powerful stories: our promise to the children of the world to eradicate polio. That promise is still being fulfilled. There is encouraging progress, but there are also significant challenges ahead. District Polio Chair Gary Bren takes us beyond the headlines with a closer look at where eradication efforts stand today. Read on, learn the latest, and then help us share the story of why ending polio still matters.

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Setting Club Goals: Service Participation
Setting Club Goals: Service Participation

Service is at the heart of who we are as Rotarians, but the real magic happens when more of our members get involved. One of Rotary International’s priority goals this year focuses not on how many service projects we complete, but on how many of our members participate in them. District Action Plan Champion Bill Harvey explains what the Service Participation goal means, why it matters, and how your club can help District 5650 reach our goal.

 

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PDG Barbara Bartle Featured on Rotary Voices Podcast
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

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Fusion 5650: The Countdown Is On
Fusion 5650: The Countdown Is On

This month, 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.

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Important Security Alert: Fraudulent emails Impersonating District Leadership
Beware of Emails That Look Like They Came From District Leadership
Cybercriminals sometimes send phishing emails that appear to come from a trusted person, such as a friend, colleague, or Rotary leader. They may even use my name in the "From" line. However, the email is not actually from me.
Here is the easiest way to protect yourself:
Always check the email address, not just the name.
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The Steaks Are High! AG Area Attendance Challenge
The Steaks Are High! AG Area Attendance Challenge

Think your AG Area has what it takes to come out on top?

We're tracking AG Area participation in the District 5650 Conference, and the competition is officially on! The winning AG Area, based on the highest percentage of members registered, will earn an exclusive dinner at the Bren House featuring premium steak, fine wine, and Gary's Famous Crème Brûlée.

Update 8/30/2026:

The leaderboard is tightening! New registrations from Lincoln South have shaken up the standings, and several AG areas are making a strong push toward the top. With 35 Rotarians already registered, every new registration can make a difference. Register today and help your AG area climb the leaderboard!
 

Every Rotarian Counts. Every Point Matters. Every Registration Helps. The steaks are high, and this race is just getting started! 🥩🏆🍷

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