District Newsletter

Our Rotary Foundation

The Ides of June ... 2026!

By Bob Hagan

While the Ides of March have an ominous ring in ancient history - marking the March 15 assassination of Julius Caesar, it also marks the middle of a month - a time to look back at what we've accomplished and ahead to our goals for the future. This June, the 15th marked the end of the Rotary International Convention in the beautiful city of Taipei, Taiwan - with more than 37,000 Rotary friends.  Rotary Foundation Chair Holger Knaack inspired us with all The Rotary Foundation has accomplished and can be - based on the support of all of us. I want to share some of this with you ... along with my favorite photo from the convention. [more]

GRSP Update

GRSP Conclave Slated Aug. 21–23 in Savannah, Georgia!

By Katheryne Fields

Rotarians and guests are warmly invited to a very special Conclave to welcome the Georgia Rotary Student Program Class of 2026–2027 and celebrate a historic milestone—our 80th Anniversary! This commemorative kickoff event will take place August 21–23, 2026, at The DeSoto Hotel in historic Savannah, Georgia. Learn more by reading the rest of this article, then register at: https://www.grsp.org/conclave2026/
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RYLA

RYLA 2026 - A Rave Review

By Jaclyn Donovan

Summertime in District 6900 mean it’s time for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, better known as RYLA!! RYLA is designed for young adults with proven leadership ability and a commitment to community service. The District 6900 RYLA camp was hosted by the Rotary Club of Americus and held June 6-10 on the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University and included 104 high school students sponsored by 33 clubs.
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July 19, 2026 | Piedmont Park

Atlanta Is Making History — And We Need YOU There

By Dave McCleary

When the world gathers, Rotary shows up. As the FIFA World Cup closes out in Atlanta, District 6900 has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to stand on a global stage and declare: human trafficking will not be tolerated in our city. On Sunday, July 19, we are calling on every Rotarian in our district to roll up their sleeves, light a candle, and be part of something that will echo far beyond the final whistle.

Sign Up for the Day of Service
Sign Up for the Candlelight Vigil
[more]

Rotary Youth Exchange

D6900 Rotary Youth Exchange Students Ready for a Year Abroad

By Kelly Caudle

After many hours of training and preparation, including new language learning, our outbound Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) students officially “graduated.” These high school students will spend the 2026-2027 school year in Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Slovakia, and Sweden.  The Rotary Clubs of Columbus, Decatur, Marietta Metro, Newnan, and Roswell are sponsoring this year’s outbound students.
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actual students benefiting from the “mBots Robots for Primary Schools” project, funded by the Foundation, Districts in Serbia, US, USAID

Our Rotary Foundation

Why Rotary Foundation Giving Matters

By Lee Hollingsworth

Look at these faces. Children and a teacher, at a desk absorbed in a laptop, a big a small thing. It is the beginning of everything we say we care about. Education is the one of the quietest and most powerful tool The Rotary Foundation funds. It's a new Rotary year and a great time to join the fellowship of Foundation donors. [more]

End Polio Now

Polio at the Start of the Second Quarter of the 21st Century!

By Bob Hagan

Let the title of this month’s Polio article sit with you for a moment. Can you believe that we have already traveled one quarter of the way through the 21 ^st century? It seems like just yesterday the world was petrified about the potential effects of Y2K and now we have already moved 25 years past it.
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Laws of Life

Registration Open for the Teacher & Rotarian Workshop Luncheon

By Carol Gray Walker

Registration is now open for the annual character education and partnership luncheon on Friday, August 21, from 11:30 AM-1:15 PM at the Emory Conference Center Hotel in Atlanta. The Teacher & Rotarian Workshop Luncheon is the Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest's annual gathering for inspiration, professional learning, and connection. Educators, Rotarians, volunteers, and community partners come together to explore the impact of character education and reflective writing, hear powerful student and alumni stories, and strengthen partnerships that help students thrive.  Register for the Teacher & Rotarian Workshop Luncheon here. [more]

Monday, July 27, 2026

Hear Tim Tebow Speak at The Rotary Human Trafficking Summit

By Dave McCleary

Rotary District 6900 members are encouraged to join fellow Rotarians from across the region at the Rotary Human Trafficking Summit — a powerful, one-day event dedicated to awareness, education, and prevention of human trafficking. The summit will be held on Monday, July 27, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Marriott Meadowview Resort & Convention Center, 1901 Meadowview Pkwy, Kingsport, TN 37660. [more]

Peace Pole At The King Center

By Gordon Owens

On Saturday, June 20, Rotary District 6900 made history in one of the most meaningful locations in America — planting a permanent Peace Pole at the entrance to the Peace & Meditation Garden at The King Center in Atlanta, just steps from the tomb of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Eternal Flame that bears his legacy. The dedication ceremony was led by Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo, who joined district members, representatives from the City of Atlanta, and The King Center for the unveiling. The gathering was a testament to what Rotary looks like when it operates at its best — local commitment backed by global leadership, united around a single, powerful message. [more]

Club News

District Investment Helps Transform Law Enforcement’s Fight Against Human Trafficking

By LeighAnn DiCesaris

The Rotary Club of Columbus welcomed an important and timely program last week focused on the ongoing fight against human trafficking and the role specialized law enforcement training plays in protecting vulnerable individuals. The club heard from a panel of local law enforcement individuals who benefited from special training offered through a $15,000 grant available through the District’s End Human Trafficking Committee. The Rotary Club of Columbus partnered in the effort by providing the venue and hospitality for the training event.
[more]

Our Rotary Foundation at Work

Update on Global Grant to End Spina Bifida

By Jon Yaeger

The Rotary Club of North Atlanta (RCNA) and their partners are in the third year of a planned five-year global grant project to reduce severe birth defects in Ethiopia, supported by District 6900 and The Rotary Foundation. Collaborators include Emory University, two other U.S. Rotary clubs, the Rotary Club of Addis Ababa Central Mella and the ReachAnother Foundation. The preliminary results are encouraging.
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Club News

Roswell Rotary Continues Tradition of Leadership and Fellowship

By Trummie Patrick, III

In June, the Roswell Rotary Club proudly continued one of its longest-standing traditions by hosting its annual Past Presidents’ Dinner — a gathering that has brought together club leadership for more than 30 years. The evening serves as an opportunity for past presidents and the current Board of Directors to come together for fellowship, reflection, and leadership transition as the club prepares for a new Rotary year. More importantly, it provides an opportunity for incoming leadership to receive wisdom, encouragement, and perspective from those who have previously served in the role of club president. Amazingly, of the 29 living past Presidents of Roswell Rotary, 25 of them were in attendance!
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