(Rotary District 6250 Leaders - left to right: District Governor Nominee Scott Ryan, District Governor Todd Restel, District Governor-Elect Mike Kloss and District Governor Nominee Designate Martha Klatt).
In Rotary Magazine’s December 2024 edition, the editor in chief (Wen Huang) wrote a beautiful article about getting out to not only see the world, but to also experience the world. He referenced Lao-tzu’s fable of the frog in the well. After reading this previously unknown fable to me, I was inspired to read the re-read Plato’s allegory of the cave. The messages that come from these two philosophers’ (one Chinese and the other Greek) continue to be relevant today and are worth exploring again (or reading for the first time.)
As Rotarians, we are actively seeing and experiencing the world. In fact, Rotary is thriving as a direct result of its 1.2 million Rotarians being directly involved in our communities around the world at the local, national and international levels. Moreover, as “people of action”, we have literally spent billions of dollars via ‘The Rotary Foundation’ and as a group we have invested millions of hours to tackle problems that fall within Rotary’s seven areas of focus, which are:
Promoting peace
Fighting disease
Providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
Saving mothers and children
Supporting education
Growing local economies
Protecting the environment
In today’s world where technical degrees and trade schools offer amazing opportunities to our young people, I feel blessed that I received a liberal arts degree replete with sociology, history, literature, arts and other non-technical classes that helped me learn to think and prepared me to live in our world.
Experiencing these concepts in-person will be easy for you if you come to our TriCon conference on April 25th and 26th in Brookfield, WI. One of General Session speakers will be Richard Kyte. Rick is Director of the D. B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership and Endowed Professor of Ethics at Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI where he teaches a variety of courses dealing with ethical issues in business, health care, law, politics, and the environment. He has published and lectured widely on topics related to justice, forgiveness, virtue, and the meaning of life.
I just finished reading Rick’s new book “Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)”. Rick is a world class speaker that you will not want to miss. The entire agenda and speaker line up for TriCon 2025 can be found at the following link: https://rotarytricon.org
I hope to see you all in Brookfield in a few months.
By: Michelle Skemp, TriCon Marketing Committee Member
If you haven’t registered for TriCon 2025 yet, now is the time to do it while the conference and hotel discounts are available. Clickhere for an opportunity to grow, connect and get inspired!
This year, we have world-class speakers sharing their Rotary journey, offering insights on belonging and the value of connection, and inspirational stories of how to dig deeper in your Rotarian journey.
Our interactive workshops will inspire you to get involved in an international project, create change in your local community, protect your environment, and learn how you can become a peacemaker. Check your inbox (possibly in promotions) for weekly emails with news and updates on what’s happening at TriCon 2025!
We are members of Rotary International, the world’s largest service organization. Choose to invest in yourself and come and grow with us at TriCon2025. Don’t miss the savings, get registered today!
Early Bird ends on February 15th and Advanced Registration ends on March 15th
This month, during the International Assembly and Presidential Peace Conference, we celebrate The Magic of Rotary, emphasizing global connections that foster change. The Rotary Peace Fellowship program has educated over 1,800 fellows in conflict resolution and peacebuilding for over 23 years in 140 countries. A new peace center in Istanbul will enhance training for leaders addressing Middle Eastern and North African challenges, focusing on refugee resettlement and youth empowerment. We honor the achievements of peace fellows and the efforts of Rotary's 1.2 million members in promoting service and a peaceful future, inspiring new leaders and amplifying our impact.
The Vibrant Club Workshop, held in Madison on January 11th, attracted a large crowd, with the conference room at First Supply reaching full capacity with over 50 participants. Read more...
GLOBAL GRANT SCHOLAR REIKA YOSHIDA
By: Erin Luken, District Foundation Committee Chair
My name is Reika Yoshida, and I am deeply honored to be the recipient of a Rotary Global Scholar Grant. I am currently an international graduate student from Chiba, Japan (D2790), pursuing a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, with a focus on Higher Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Read more...
GRANT MANAGEMENT SEMINAR
By: Erin Luken, District Foundation Committee Chair
The annual Grant Management Seminar will occur on Wednesday, February 12th from 6:30- 8:00 pm on Zoom. Any Rotarian in D6250 that is interested in learning about District Grants and Global Grants is encouraged to attend. There will be content relevant to your experience level whether you are brand new to the grant process or have led grant projects in the past. Read more...
Membership Report -February 2025
By: AG Marc Augsburger, D6250 Membership Chair
Rotarians, we continue with a slight decrease in District Membership for the year. However and with that said, we remain strong at 2,255 members, -9 members since the start of this Rotary year on July 1, 2024. Clubs, keep up your great work! Read more...
In The Things We Think, Say, and Do
By: Michelle Skemp, Club of La Crosse, District Public Image Chair
Many of you recite the Four Way Test at every meeting, so the phrase, “In the things we think, say and do” is very familiar. Today, I encourage you to pause and reflect on how this phrase pertains to you and your role within your club. How you THINK, SAY and DO for your club is instrumental in shaping its Public Image. Read more...
India Croatia and Tanzania Await International Partnerships
By: Edwin Bos, DG 2019-2020
We are excited to present the following International Project Opportunities available for clubs in our District. These projects have been preliminary vetted, and initial agreements have been made with the host Rotary Clubs overseas. Read more...
A September Friendship Exchange to Newfoundland
By: Dave Clemens
Rotarians in Newfoundland are excited to host American friends from September 15-25, 2025, for a Friendship Exchange. Read more...
Rotary’s Action Plan
By: Gov. Todd Restel
Rotary International’s vision:
Rotarians share a common bond, which is reflected in our vision statement:
“Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.” Read more...
Join the Movement to Fight Hunger
By: Marissa Dickinson, iFeed Committee
Seven local Interact Clubs, alongside their dedicated Rotarian advisors, are gearing up for the 9th Annual iFeed event on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 8 AM to Noon at Logan High School in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Read more...
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Changemakers Visits The Little French Bakery For A Sweet Lesson!
By: Sharon Bradish, President of Changemakers
Sharon Bradish, president of Changemakers, the first and only virtual club in District 6250, is inviting you to jump in any time and attend a virtual meeting. She has amazing guests and it’s a perfect make-up if you can’t attend your regular club’s meeting. Or better yet, become a member! This is the perfect club for those who can’t get away to attend regularly-scheduled on-location meetings! Read more...
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Invitation to Rotary International Impact Opportunities