ROTARY CONNECTS THE WORLD is our theme for this Rotary year.   Service in our communities and across the globe is our focus in District 5840.  Through service we build positive relationships around the world and in our communities.
 
Each Rotary Club in our District establishes their own goals and priorities to serve. With our focus on service we build relationships and have fun. As we build relationships and have fun we continue to grow.
 
Bringing POLIO TO ZERO is a major focus for Rotary this year. We will continue to raise money to rid the world of this dread disease. We are very close to the end of this effort and must not let up until polio is eradicated. Personally I will participate in the Rotary Ride To End Polio by riding my bike 100 miles in Tucson Arizona November 23, 2019.  Please join this effort!
 
We recognize our youth as the leaders of our future. In our District we have many very strong Interact programs in schools in many communities. Through Interact our future leaders learn of our commitment to service, honesty, and integrity in all we do. Our Rotary Youth Exchange program builds relationships with other countries around the world by offering an exchange opportunity for students to live abroad and our Clubs to host students from abroad.
 
Locally we continue the efforts to raise awareness of human trafficking and promote service projects that provide education and help. We see human trafficking as a huge problem that goes largely unnoticed. Many of our Rotary Clubs and Interact Club’s work together in our communities to address this very serious problem.
 
The Rotary International Foundation is recognized as one of the leading philanthropic organizations connecting people, organizations, and governments. We continue to support the Foundation and participate in many service projects with the Foundation.
 
I am honored to serve as you are District Governor this Rotary year and will do my best to help District 5840 grow in relationships, service, and fun.