From Our District Governor

Celebrating The Rotary Foundation ... And All of You

By Cynthia Edwards

This is Rotary Foundation Month – an opportunity to celebrate the good work The Rotary Foundation (TRF) helps us to do in our local communities and around the world. You will see many examples of District 6900’s involvement and support for TRF throughout this newsletter – from the events many of you sponsored for World Polio Day … to the work being done in Ethiopia to prevent spina bifida and other serious birth defects … to the joy of Rotary Youth Exchange.

I would like to take a moment to congratulate and thank District 6900 clubs who have been recognized by The Rotary Foundation for the generosity of their giving for the 2025-26 Rotary Year.  [more]

Our Rotary Foundation

Foundation Month: Time to Celebrate "We Are Family!"

By Bob Hagan

November is Foundation month and we did some incredible work in District 6900 in 2025-26, so it’s truly time to celebrate all our achievements! First let us celebrate that We are Family - a Rotary Family doing good in the world through our Rotary Foundation. In District 6900, there's a lot to celebrate about the year ending June 2026. Our Annual Fund goal for the District was $325,353. Not only did we achieve those numbers, we blew them out. We more than doubled them with $681,823 for a 209.56% performance. In addition, 55 of 65 clubs participated in Annual Fund giving. Polio Plus numbers for the year were $270,861.10. The Endowment Fund ended the year with contributions of $233,212.30. We weren’t done yet as the “Other Funds” Category received $29,273.27 in contributions. And that doesn't even account for the amazing projects we are working on in our communities and around the world. [more]

District Conference 2027

Join Us in Asheville Next April

By Cynthia Edwards

We're headed to Asheville, NC from Thursday, April 22 to Sunday, April 25. The host hotels are the Embassy Suites and the Doubletree, located in downtown Asheville, both in the Hilton family of hotels. Asheville is a beautiful city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains - known for its creative spirit, deep roots, and steady mountain rhythms. And we'll have lots of fun and inspirational activities planned for you to enjoy!

Use this link to Register for the Conference now. Early bird registration fee ends December 31, 2026. Think about hotels and costumes too. [more]

Be the Voice

Support Be the Voice Program in Our Schools

By Debbie Cwalina

Georgia schools are entering a new chapter in student-led prevention. With the passage of HB 268, schools across our state are being asked to designate student-led clubs to sustain awareness activities related to suicide prevention and violence prevention. At Be THE Voice, this is exactly the kind of work we have been building for more than a decade. Take a look at the video - then read the rest of the story to learn more about how you and your club can help.


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GRSP

From Georgia to Europe: GRSP Friendships Last a Lifetime

By Steve Ivory

Eight countries, thousands of miles, and friendships that know no borders! One of the most rewarding parts of my recent European adventure wasn’t the incredible scenery, historic cities, or famous landmarks. It was reconnecting with former GRSP students and friends whose lives have intersected with ours through Rotary. Read on to learn more about what made my trip special ... and how you can be part of this amazing program.  [more]

From Our GRSP Executive Director

Check Out the November GRSP Connect!

By Katheryne Fields

We are pleased to share the November 2026 edition of The GRSP Connect, our quarterly newsletter designed to keep you connected to the Georgia Rotary Student Program. As the holidays approach, we embrace a wonderful opportunity to celebrate what makes GRSP so special: people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds coming together through friendship and understanding. Thank you for your continued interest and support of GRSP and our mission of World Peace Through Understanding.
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Laws of Life

Meet the Voices Behind the Story - This Wednesday, Nov. 4

By Carol Gray Walker

There's still a limited opportunity to sign up for this week's Georgia Laws of Life Founders Celebration - Wednesday, November 4, 2026 from 6:30 - 9:00 pm at the Dunwoody Country Club. Check with me at carol@georgialawsoflife.org to see if there's still a spot available for you.
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Our Rotary Foundation

Power of Matching Makes Even More of a Difference

By Lee Hollingsworth

Education is one example of Foundation power. A reading child can question. Deception is harder. Most hate is taught to a mind that lacks anything better. Education crowds outs hatred. Health is another example. Health enables education and productivity. Clean water allows children regular school attendance. They work together. And in both situations, through our Annual Fund, Polio Plus and their matching progras, a gift multiplies into many times its size. [more]

End Polio Now

A Story of Promise: Writing the Final Chapter to End Polio!

By Bob Hagan

As all of you know, October was Polio Month and as I write this article, fresh in my mind is the incredible experience I had being a part of the Cornhole Tournament with my own Rotary Club of Roswell.  Now to turn to the title of this month’s article. It is a paraphrase of a flyer I received from the Rotary Foundation titled “The Story of a Promise,” with the subtitle, “Help write the final chapter to end polio.” It has a message for each one of us, about the importance of continuing this 40+ year commitment, to keep polio from again paralyzing the children of the world. [more]

Rotary Means Business

Connect & Grow: Upcoming D6900 Rotary Means Business Events

By Carter Stout

Rotary Means Business (RMB) continues its district-wide momentum, bringing Rotarians together to support one another’s vocations under the philosophy of "Empowering your business by the Power of the Pin." Whether you're looking to expand your professional network, mentor young leaders, or exchange business referrals within our Rotary community, join us at one of our upcoming events: November 5 in Avondale Estates and/or Vinings Cumberland & Smyrna on November 12. See the details.
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Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust

Get Up To $5000 In Grant Funding

By Gordon Owens

The district has close to $100,000 from the Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust to use for related projects this Rotary year. Each club is eligible for up to $5000 in funding. In addition to the safe disposal kiosk and emergency kit projects we did last year, we now have some training the trainer and school awareness programs available. If your club is so inclined you can also write a custom grant request. For more information visit the opioid grant page on the district website.
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Rotary Youth Exchange

RYE Students Enjoy Behind-the-Scenes Look at Delta Air Lines

By Bob MacDonald

Rotary Youth Exchange students recently enjoyed a truly unforgettable day, gaining rare access to areas of Delta Air Lines that few people ever see. Joined by representatives from their host Rotary clubs, the students spent the day learning firsthand how one of the world's largest airlines maintains its commitment to safety, reliability, and customer service.
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RLI

Grow Yourself, Grow Your Club

By Walter Marria, Jr.

Here’s a little secret about leadership: nobody starts out knowing how to do it. Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) helps turn your desire to make a difference into skills you can use. Check out the opportunities at the RLI website. And think about joining us in person in Thomasville, GA on Saturday, January 30; you can sign up at the website. [more]

Our Rotary Foundation at Work

Multiple Partners Sustain & Enhance a Global Grant Project

By Jon Yaeger

District 6900 Rotary Clubs and one from District 6450 have made generous and significant financial commitments to the Rotary Club of North Atlanta’s (RCNA) ongoing global grant project in Ethiopia to prevent serious birth defects such as spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and anencephaly with vitamin B9. District 6900 partners include the Rotary Clubs of North Fulton, Atlanta Midtown, and North Cobb. The District 6450 Club of Naperville, Illinois contributed their own DDF (District Designated Funds) to the project.  [more]
Rotary Club of Americus participates in local food bank

Rotary Club of Americus participates in local food bank

A Focus on Peace

Charity Meets the Need. Equity Asks Why.

From Our District Community Service Chair

By Laura McConatha

Last month I shared a concept that has stayed with me since my Positive Peace Activator training: “Every Act of Service is an Act of Peace.” I promised that each month we would take a closer look at one of the Eight Pillars of Peace. So, let’s start with a pillar that touches nearly every project Rotarians undertake: Equitable Distribution of Resources.

The Institute for Economics and Peace tells us that peaceful societies tend to ensure equity in access to resources such as education and health care, and to a lesser degree, income. Notice the key word: access. Equity is not the same as equality. Equality gives everyone the same thing. Equity asks what is keeping some of our neighbors from the basics the rest of us take for granted, and then works to remove those barriers. [more]

District 6900 Disaster Relief

Ready to Serve - A New Way to Provide Financial Support for Disasters

By Cynthia Edwards

Disasters across our region and around the world are becoming more frequent and severe. As people of action, District 6900 Rotarians are ready to respond with compassion, practical help, and hands-on service. We have identified a new way for individuals to make donations for disaster relief directly to the Rotary District 6900 Charitable Fund. Learn more.
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Club News

Newnan Learning Moments: Five Minutes Before the Speaker

By Kevin Barbee

We recite the Four-Way Test at every meeting. But how many of us know where those 24 words came from?

On September 23, I spent five minutes telling the Rotary Club of Newnan the story of Herbert J. Taylor, a Chicago businessman who wrote four questions in 1932 to steer a company facing bankruptcy. It was one of our learning moments, and the district has asked us to share how they work so other clubs can try them. I’m the club’s Learning Facilitator. About once a month, at the start of a meeting and before the program speaker, I take five minutes to teach one thing every member can use. And then ... [more]

Club News

NAPA's Royal International Ball Returns, Bigger Than Ever

By Eryn Hopkins

Last year, NAPA Rotary hosted our first K-Pop Dance Party, and it turned out to be one of the most meaningful nights our club has ever put on. This November, that same event returns with a new name and an even bigger vision: NAPA's Royal International Ball: A Ball for All. NAPA's Royal International Ball is a sensory-friendly celebration built for students. We are actively seeking sponsors to help make this night possible for every student and family who walks through the door.  [more]

Club News

Dougherty County Brings Books to Community Center

By Rebecca McCathern

Dougherty County Rotarians just invested in the Driskell Community Center in Albany - donating books, a new bookcase, and their time to create a reading space for the neighborhood. The Driskell Community Center serves children, families, and adults in the surrounding community with programs throughout the year. And that's just the start.
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Club News

North Fulton Raises the Roof with Habitat for Humanity!

By Lisa Gelber

The Rotary Club of North Fulton has been proud to roll up our sleeves in support of Habitat for Humanity of North Central Georgia, participating in two service days that reminded us of the difference a safe, affordable home can make for a family.  Thanks to our fellow Rotarian Amie Blanton, who works with Habitat for Humanity of North Central Georgia, we had the wonderful opportunity to welcome the future homeowners to one of our lunch meetings.
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World Polio Day

North Columbus Hosts Dine to Donate Event

By Shamim Khan

On World Polio Day, the Rotary Club of North Columbus organized a very successful event to raise awareness about the Rotary polio eradication campaign and raise funds for the Rotary Foundation's Polio Plus fund. Our "Dine to Donate" event was hosted and generously sponsored by the Big Mama Vietnam Kitchen restaurant in Columbus, which donated part of their proceeds on that day to the Polio Plus fund. There were cards placed at each table informing the public about Rotary's polio campaign and how successful it has been in bringing the world on the verge of total eradication of polio.
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Club News

Peachtree City Wins 2026 Citizens Choice Award

By Mandy Timmons

We are honored that the Rotary Club of Peachtree City has been name d a 2026 Citizen’s Choice Award Winner in the category “Who helps create a stronger, more connected community?”  One of the many projects that displays the Club's dedication to the community is the recent dedication of a new transportation van for Fayette Senior Services, funded in part by a club grant.
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Club News

Tyrone Founders Day 5K Supports Local Community!

By Jin Hopson

The Rotary Club of Tyrone recently held the Tyrone Founders Day 5K - with more than 150 participants. Special thanks to the Rotary Club of Peachtree City for being a Platinum Sponsor and helping out at the Finish Line. We delivered a fun day for the community and raised money for projects right here in the community.
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Club News

NAPA Rowtarians Take on the Atlanta Dragon Boat Race

By Eryn Hopkins

At the North Atlanta Professional Alliance (NAPA) Rotary Club , Service Above Self doesn't take a rain check. Our NAPA “Rowtarians” proved it at this year's Atlanta Dragon Boat Race and Family Day, paddling hard against a full field of 70 other competing boats, rain and all.
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Club News

Generations Gather in Henry County to Celebrate Peace, Unity and Community

By Debbie Donaldson

In mid-October, the Rotary Club of Henry County, Girl Scouts, Veterans and Master Gardeners gathered beneath the branches of a majestic 300-year-old oak tree to dedicate Serenity Garden and Peace Pole at historic Heritage Park in McDonough - the culmination of a three-year collaborative project led by the Rotary Club. Located behind the historic Nolan House at Heritage Park in McDonough, the garden offers a peaceful setting for reflection and a lasting reminder of the message engraved on the Peace Pole: May Peace Prevail On Earth.
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Club News

Coffee, Conversation and Community Connections

By Thomas House

A cup of coffee can be a great way to start a connection. The Rotary Club of Vinings Cumberland ’s recent Friday Networking gathering at Panera Bread brought together Rotarians, visitors and prospective members to get acquainted, exchange ideas and learn more about one another.
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World Polio Day

Peace Pole Dedication at Warm Springs on World Polio Day

By Sheila Hines

North Cobb Rotary partnered with the Rotary Club of Meriwether County to dedicate a peace pole at the Warm Springs Welcome Center on World Polio Day — a District 6900 celebration in the community where President Franklin D. Roosevelt sought healing after contracting polio, and which became a worldwide symbol of hope in the fight against the disease.
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Club News

Columbus Welcomes Muscogee Nation Leader

Reconnecting History, Culture, and Community

By LeighAnn DiCesaris

The Rotary Club of Columbus recently welcomed Tracie Revis, Chief Executive Officer of The Muscogee Nation, for a fascinating program exploring the history, cultural heritage, and future of the Muscogee people.
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Service, Leadership and the West End

A Conversation with Club President Chris Hempfling

By CJ Stewart

As President of the Rotary Club of Atlanta West End, Chris Hempfling believes service must remain at the heart of our club because it is at the heart of Rotary: Service Above Self.  Service does not always require a grand gesture. Often, it is simply about showing up for a community need, a person or a population that could use support, and believing that your time, effort and presence can make a difference.  Atlanta Streets Alive is a great example.
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RI Convention 2027

Don't Wait - Join Us in Barcelona!

By André Marria

District 6900 Is Still Looking for More Rotarians to Fly With Us!

Barcelona is calling! District 6900 is still looking for more Rotarians, family members, and friends to join us for the 2027 Rotary International Convention, June 26–30, 2027!  Now is the time to make your commitment. Registration is currently $795 through March 31, 2027. Beginning April 1, 2027, the registration cost increases to $895 for members and guests ages 31 and older.  Don't wait until it's too late! Register today at https://convention.rotary.org. [more]

Rotary Friendship Exchange

Wishing Our India Ambassadors Safe Travel

By Ada Wikina

THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN! Can you believe that our District 6900 team is now just 30 DAYS away from our Rotary Friendship Exchange adventure to India? Time flies by so fast. Before we know it, we'll be saying, “Namaste, India!” and beginning an unforgettable journey filled with friendship, fellowship, culture, food, adventure, and lots of wonderful memories.  We can't wait to share this amazing journey with all of you when we get back. [more]

Club News

Peachtree City Celebrates Miss Georgia 2026 and Her Service Initiatives

By Mandy Timmons

The Rotary Club of Peachtree City was thrilled to welcome Miss Georgia 2026 Sophia Wootten, a hometown girl making a difference across Georgia and beyond! Having endured 20 surgeries in 20 years, Sophia has transformed her personal challenges into a mission of advocacy and inclusion. Read about her work for AccessAbility Georgia and SmileTrain.
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Club News

North Cobb Sponsors The Extension's Lucky Dog Race for Recovery

By Sheila Hines

North Cobb Rotary deepened its long-standing partnership with The Extension by sponsoring the Lucky Dog Race for Recovery 5K with a $500 contribution. Hosted by The Extension Alumni, this fun, family-friendly (and dog-friendly!) run/walk supports alumni of the recovery program as they rebuild their lives from homelessness and substance abuse. Social Chair Sandra Glenn and Service Projects Chair and President-Elect Stephen Whittier laced up to represent the club on race day, building on North Cobb’s monthly dinner tradition with the men and women of the program.
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World Polio Day

NAPA Shares the Rotary Story on World Polio Day

By Eryn Hopkins

On October 22, North Atlanta Professional Alliance members marked World Polio Day together at OCA-Georgia's Autumn Gala, “Leadership in Action,” at Oriental Pearl Restaurant in Chamblee. With our NAPA World Polio Day sign at our tables, members shared Rotary's story with fellow guests and gathered for a group photo to celebrate the fight to end polio. NAPA members came together for a group donation to the PolioPlus Fund.
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