September 2025 Message from the DG

September: Rotary's Focus on Basic Education & Literacy

A Message from the District Governor

Dear Rotarians, Rotaractors and all Friends of Rotary,

Welcome to September! The days are getting shorter, nights are getting cooler and it seems everyone is back to their regular routine after an extended summer break. Most clubs are back to their regular meeting schedules and for me that means that I am getting a lot busier as well. I have more club visits in September than I had in July and August combined, but I am looking forward to each meeting and to each opportunity to serve as your district team leader. I have been enjoying getting to know so many of our district’s members and learning about what the different clubs are doing. I can’t tell you enough how grateful I am for this opportunity to be your District Governor.
 
As a recap for August, I had five official club visits, attended one Changeover and Club Celebration event, volunteered at a Duck Race, hosted my first District Council and Presidents' Meetings, and attended a few other Rotary events in the District. Plus, I had the great opportunity to attend a Pirates vs. Blue Jays baseball game in Pittsburgh following an invitation by Past RI President Stephanie Urchick. 
 
I enjoyed every day in August and I am looking forward to the next few months.
 
Check out this short reel to see what I was up to in August! (and please keep reading below the video...)
 

Rotary Theme for September: Rotary's Focus on Basic Education and Literacy

September is Rotary's Basic Education and Literacy Month, a time when Rotarians worldwide focus on supporting initiatives that promote literacy, improve access to quality education, and help communities thrive. Education is a cornerstone of individual and community development, yet millions of people, particularly women and girls, lack the basic skills to read and write. Rotary clubs address this by funding teacher training, providing scholarships, building schools, and donating books and educational materials. The goal is to not only reduce illiteracy but also to empower people with the knowledge and skills they need to escape poverty, improve health, and participate fully in society.
 
Literacy is a fundamental human right and a critical tool for building a peaceful world. Rotary's commitment to Basic Education and Literacy is one of its six areas of focus, reflecting the organization's belief that an educated populace is essential for creating lasting change. Through projects ranging from local tutoring programs to large-scale international school construction, Rotarians are working to ensure that more children and adults have the opportunity to learn. By investing in education, Rotary is helping to create a more informed and equitable global community, fostering peace and understanding one lesson at a time.
 
Rotary clubs within District 7080 support a variety of projects that address different aspects of education and literacy. Some projects are global in scale, often executed through partnerships and Rotary Global Grants. For example, the Rotary Club of Brampton has supported a Digital Literacy for Schools Project in Kenya, which involves installing computer labs and training teachers to improve access to technology and close the digital divide for rural students. Similarly, the Rotary Club of Caledon (formerly Palgrave) has been involved in a Basic Education and Literacy Project in Pakistan, which focuses on renovating schools, providing classroom furniture, and training teachers in underserved areas.   
 
On a more local level, Rotary clubs in District 7080 also focus on supporting Indigenous education initiatives in Canada. The Rotary Indigenous Scholarship established by the Rotary Club of Oakville in 2019, helps Indigenous students with financial needs to pursue post-secondary education. 
 
To find out more about past projects or if you have an idea for a new project focusing on Basic Education and Literacy, please contact the club or district’s Community and International Service chair to learn about opportunities.

District Conference – Register now to Secure your Spot

As you are aware already, registrations for this year’s District Conference with the Motto “Spread a little Aloha… and Gratitude” are now open and I am happy to report that we have already well over 100 registered attendees. Don’t miss out on a great day of inspiration, fellowship and fun.
 
“Spreading Aloha” means we can share what it means to be “Living Aloha”. Living Aloha is a way of life that extends beyond the shores of Hawaii, offering a universal guideline for fostering meaningful connections and enriching one’s existence. Aloha for me signifies the following: Love, Peace, Compassion and a mutual understanding of respect. Living Aloha means living in harmony with the people and land around you with sympathy, grace and kindness. “And Gratitude” of course is just that, being grateful for what we have, for where we live and for how we can help others. For all of you who have heard my club presentation, you know what I mean!
 
We have an amazing day planned with outstanding and inspiring speakers, fellowship, a House of Friendship and so much more.

This year’s speakers include:
  • Joe Dittmar – Survived the 9/11 attack on the 105th floor of the World Trade Center in New York City.
  • DG Ramesh Ferris – Polio Survivor and Polio Plus Activist who will tell us about his journey.
  • David Nairn – Artistic Director from Theatre Orangeville speaking about a theatre program for neuro-diverse people
  • Natalija Vojno – Rotary Peace Fellow

Please register through the following link: discon7080.com

Upcoming District Events

Mark your calendars for these important District 7080 events in September and beyond:.
For a full list of upcoming events, please visit the District 7080 events calendar.

Stay Connected

We encourage all members to stay engaged with District 7080!
I want to again thank you all for your dedication, energy, and efforts you put into your Rotary Clubs and District. And above all, thank you for your support during this coming year. Thanks to Rotarians and Rotaractors like you we can continue to do what we do best.
 
Let us work together, and Unite for Good!
Susanne Zbinden
District Governor 2025-26,
Rotary District 7080