A Message from the District Governor
Dear Fellow Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Friends of Rotary in District 7080,
Happy New Year to all of you! As we turn the calendar page to 2026, we can continue with any successful endeavours we may have had in 2025. Or, we can begin a new chapter that has the potential to create lasting change in our communities and in ourselves. But this new year is more than a simple change of date, it can be a moment to renew our shared promise of service and to look toward to future with hope. I found a beautiful quote by Edith Lovejoy Pierce that says, "We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity." This year, let us write a story of resilience, compassion, and united actions. As we Unite for Good we can turn our resolutions into results that will last for many years to come.
In January, Rotary International and our District 7080 are putting the focus on the very foundation of the Rotary movement: Vocational Service. While we often think of service in terms of hands-on projects or financial donations, January reminds us that our most powerful tool for change is often the one we carry with us every day—our professional expertise. Whether you are a retired educator, a practicing lawyer, a tradesperson, or a tech entrepreneur, your unique skills are the "hidden gems" of our District.
How Can You Promote Vocational Service This Month?
In District 7080, we take pride in the diversity of our classifications. This month, we challenge every member to bridge the gap between their workplace and their community:
Share Your Story: If you haven’t given a "Classification Talk" recently, offer to speak at your next meeting. Share how the Four-Way Test guides your professional decisions.
Empower the Next Generation: Reach out to your local Rotaractors or Interactors. Offer a "coffee chat" to provide career guidance or mentorship to a young professional in your field.
Recognize Excellence: Does your community have a business leader who operates with exceptional integrity? Consider nominating them for a vocational award to show that Rotary values ethical leadership.
The Power of the Four-Way Test
In a rapidly changing world, our commitment to the Four-Way Test remains our guiding principle. In every transaction and professional interaction this month, let us ask: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Does it build goodwill and better friendships? Is it beneficial to all concerned?
By bringing these values into our offices, shops, and boardrooms, we don't just "do" Rotary—we live Rotary.
Let’s make January a month where our vocations shine!
Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2026!
And keep spreading ALOHA!
Yours in Rotary,
Susanne Zbinden
District Governor 2025-26
District 7080
Million-Dollar-Campaign Update
As many of you are already aware, the Foundation Committee under the leadership of Chair Tom Mennill and the District’s Endowment and Major Gifts Chair (DEMC) Richard Delongte, have formed a committee to spearhead our Million-Dollar-Campaign, a bold initiative to elevate our District’s impact to new heights.
While our annual giving fuels the life-changing projects we see today, the Endowment Fund serves as the cornerstone of Rotary’s future. Often called our "permanent fund," the Endowment is invested in perpetuity, ensuring that only a portion of the earnings is spent each year. This unique financial model means that a gift made today becomes a legacy that never stops giving—growing over time to provide a steady, reliable stream of funding for generations of Rotarians to come. By reaching our million-dollar goal, we aren't just hitting a number; we are securing the "promise of Rotary" and ensuring that our work in peace, health, and community development will continue long after we have finished our own years of service.
DEMC Richard Delongte has developed a presentation which focuses on the Endowment Fund, either in form of a bequest or cash donations, and is offering to present this to any clubs that are interested. Please reach out to Richard directly or contact me to find out more. By simply talking about this option to contribute to the Endowment Fund, the district was able to raise over $100,000 in the first six months of this Rotary year, which is an amount more than double the amount that was contributed in the Rotary years 2021-25!
The celebration of the completion of a successful Million-Dollar-Campaign is planned for late April or mid-May. There will be continuous updates in the coming months.
Upcoming District Events
For a full list of upcoming events, please visit the District 7080 website events calendar.
Stay Connected
We encourage all members to stay engaged with District 7080!
Visit our website: www.rotary7080.org
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