"Unite for Good is more than a slogan. It is a call for Rotarians to strengthen our collective power through collaboration, compassion, and action." Michael Kloss
Fellow Rotarians,
My message for this month reflects on the passing of Past District Governor, Dave Anderson, and honoring his legacy of friendship, mentorship, and service. As Dave lived his life, may be all embrace Rotary International’s 2025–2026 theme, Unite for Good, which calls members to strengthen impact through collaboration, innovation, and lasting change. Of course, I must also share my travels with Victor to several clubs across the district, showcasing local service and community spirit. Lastly, September highlights Rotary’s focus on Basic Education and Literacy—a cornerstone for reducing poverty, improving health, fostering peace, and advancing gender equality.
Our hearts in Rotary District 6250 are heavy with the news of Past District Governor Dave Anderson's passing. Dave, one of our fellow Rotarians in District 6220, was more than just a colleague; he was a true friend and mentor to many of us for more than three decades. His gentle nature and sincere dedication to Rotary inspired us all. We will never forget the impact he had on our lives. We will forever remember his incredible legacy of service and leadership. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and the entire Rotary community of District 6220.
As we carry his memory with us, we look to the season of fall and the work ahead.
As you know, "Unite for Good", the overarching theme for Rotary International for the 2025-2026 year, serves as a strategic call to action for our global network of members. Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo champions this message, emphasizing unity and collaboration as essential for our organization's continued success in a divided world. But it is much more than a simple slogan. "Unite for Good" is a foundational principle guiding Rotary's mission. It is a directive for Rotarians to strengthen our collective power through collaboration, compassion, and action. The theme is built on four key principles:
Unity and Collaboration: Work together, both within the organization and with external partners. By building bridges with corporations, governments, and other non-profits, Rotary will amplify the impact of its service projects.
Membership Growth and Engagement: Focus on creating a more dynamic and relevant club experience to attract and retain members. Rotarians are encouraged to embrace flexible club models, such as cause-based or satellite clubs, to meet potential members where they are.
Innovation and Continuity: "Unite for Good" calls to all Rotarians to adapt to a changing world by embracing new technologies and social expectations. At the same time, emphasize the importance of building upon and sustaining successful programs for long-term impact.
Lasting Impact: The ultimate goal is to create enduring change on a global scale in the seven areas of focus supported by the Rotary Foundation: peace, disease prevention, clean water, maternal and child health, education, economic development, and environmental protection.
District Duck Gets Up Close To More Clubs in August: Before the District Duck and I dive into September, we I want to share where we’ve been in August, and it was wonderful to see so many of you in action!
August 6th, I attended the Rotary Club of Madison (https://rotarymadison.org/) at the beautiful Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Thank you to President Anthony Gray and all the club members for a fantastic visit! I spoke with a group of prospective new members about their passion for Rotary and their future plans—they'll all make great Rotarians! It was special to hear the stories and learn more about the club's extensive and meaningful history. I encourage everyone to visit if you get the chance.
On the 13th, I had the honor of attending the Annual Avenues of Service awards ceremony in La Crosse. This event celebrates the outstanding projects and individuals from nine local clubs. What a great event to honor our collective efforts and achievements.
My travels also took me to the Rotary Club of Edgerton’s annual picnic on the 20th (https://www.facebook.com/p/Edgerton-Wi-Rotary-Club-100069272053004/) . The weather was perfect, attendance was excellent, and the Rotarians were a pleasure to visit. Thank you to President Marc Augsburger for the invitation! I had the pleasure of presenting Marc with his Diamond Paul Harris award and Past-President Cathy Engler with the Rotary Club Award of Excellence. This club does so much for its small community!
After some late night driving through the fog, the next morning on the 21st I attended the Rotary Club of Wisconsin Rapids Sunshine (https://wisconsinrapidsrotary.org/), where President Phil Hartley was there to welcome me for a bright and early start for the day. Among the many projects and activities they talked about is the Big Miniature golf event, which sounds like big fun- good luck and hope to visit sometime!
Lunchtime took me back toward Madison to the one and only city in the world named Waunakee. The Rotary Club of Waunakee (https://www.waunakeerotary.org/) welcomed me with lots of energy, friendship and fun! I had the opportunity to speak with a number of Rotarians there who have been members for more than three decades and are still very active, along with newer members who share their energy and passion. I took a few minutes afterwards to see their Peace Pole located at the Waunakee Neighborhood Connection (WNC) and Waunakee Food Pantry site on South Street. They said the placement was part of a larger landscaping improvement project for the site and was dedicated this past July 29th. The Message on the pole says- "May Peace Prevail on Earth." It is inscribed on the pole in multiple languages, reflecting the diversity of the community; such as, German, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Turkish, Arabic, Ho-Chunk, and Hmong.
The final club visit for the month took my web-footed friend and I on a trip along the Mississippi River down to the Rotary Club of Prairie du Chien on the 22nd (https://www.facebook.com/PdCRotary/), where I was warmly welcomed by President Sarah Fuelling and met many club Rotarians. They hadrecently finished with their Mississippi River Adventure Day event on August 4th at Lawler Park on St. Feriole Island there in Prairie du Chien. It’s a free educational event for children ages 5-13, which allows children a unique chance to learn about river plants and animals, identify fish, mussels, and other aquatic life, as well as about important historic events. This Adventure takes place each year along the mighty Mississippi River.
Now for the work at hand: September is Rotary's Basic Education and Literacy Month.
This theme reflects one of Rotary International's seven areas of focus and highlights RI’s commitment to improving education and literacy worldwide. We Rotarians believe that these are fundamental to building a more prosperous and peaceful world. The inclusion of Basic Education and Literacy as a Rotary Focus area is rooted in Rotary's dedication to and understanding of the far-reaching impact of education. Here's why it's so pivotal:
Poverty Reduction: Education is a powerful tool for economic empowerment, equipping individuals with the skills needed for better jobs and higher incomes, thereby breaking the cycle of poverty.
Health and Wellness: Educated individuals are more likely to make informed health decisions, leading to improved well-being for themselves and their families. This can result in lower rates of maternal and child mortality.
Peace and Development: Education promotes tolerance and understanding among people from diverse backgrounds, essential for conflict resolution and fostering peaceful communities.
Gender Equality: Improving access to education for girls and women helps reduce gender disparity and create more equitable societies.
How can our Rotary clubs take action? Throughout September, and all year long, Rotary clubs around the world embrace various projects to support basic education and literacy. These initiatives are often tailored to the specific needs of their local or international communities.
Typical projects include:
Building and renovating schools: Creating safe and functional learning environments.
Providing educational resources: Donating books, computers, and school supplies to students and schools in need.
Adult literacy programs: Offering classes and resources to help adults learn to read and write.
Teacher training: Empowering educators with the skills and knowledge needed to provide quality instruction.
Scholarships and mentorship: Supporting students at all levels, from primary school to university.
Rotary members can support all of these efforts through volunteering, making donations to The Rotary Foundation, and raising awareness in their communities.
Thank you for all that you do for Rotary, your communities, and the world!