As we near the end of this Rotary year, I reflect on our journey that began with one crucial question: "What is your why in Rotary?" Each month, Walter and I visited your clubs, encouraging you to support The Rotary Foundation and emphasizing the importance of continuity. Building strong, inclusive teams has been essential to our mission.

We urged you to share your Rotary story through social media, local media, and Rotary magazine. This year, we have focused on increasing mental health awareness and supporting Rotary International's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. We have worked towards fostering cultural awareness in our clubs, ensuring they reflect the diverse populations they serve. Being intentional, authentic, and real about diversity in our club leadership is vital.

Throughout the year, I have strived to live the Four-Way Test in my words, actions and deeds. Now, it is up to you to determine how we have measured up. How has your club performed? Have you handed off responsibilities to the incoming president and directors in a way that ensures continuity?

I am proud of our district and all that we have achieved together. You have been my inspiration and have amplified Rotary through your dedication and hard work. Your commitment has been evident, with your boots on the ground, amplifying Rotary's mission. For this, I thank you.

Let’s Measure a Few of Our Outcomes

Membership:

• We have reached 3,897 members across 67 clubs. Let’s Hold it Steady!
• We established one new club: “On the Flint.”
• We have one new Interact Club

Foundation:

• Annual Fund: $578,116
• Polio Plus: $209,716
• Other: $20,926
• Endowment: $1,565
• Total Giving to Date: $810,323
• Grants: 7 Alzheimer's grants awarded for $86,160, 1 Collaborative for $30,000, 43 Standard/Community Grants for $80,000. Total: $236,160
• Global Grants: 9 approved and initiated, 4 under review at TRF for $100,550. Total investment for Global Grants this year: $236,000

Social Media:

• Clear participation and storytelling by clubs like Albany (Platinum), Alpharetta (Bronze), Atlanta Southern Crescent (Silver), Brookhaven (Bronze), Dougherty County (Gold), Fayetteville (Silver), Henry County (Gold), La Grange (Silver), Lake Spivey/Clayton County (Silver), Marietta-Metro (Platinum), Meriwether County (Platinum), Newnan (Gold), North Cobb County (Silver), North Columbus (Bronze), Peachtree City (Gold), Pelham (Bronze), Roswell (Silver), Thomasville (Silver), and Vinings Cumberland (Platinum).
• District 6900 clubs featured in Rotary Magazine articles.

Rotary Youth Exchange:

• Active involvement, preparing for the 2025-2026 outbound exchange.

Laws of Life:

• State Champion: Duc Le (Rockdale County High School)
• First Runner-up: Fadil Karichiyil (Alpharetta High School, Rotary Club of Alpharetta)
• Second Runner-up: Nathanael Hunt (Manchester High School)
• Third Runner-up: Journey Allen (George Walton Academy)
• Fourth Runner-up: Mark Zimmer (Carrollton High School, Carrollton Dawnbreakers Rotary)
• Fifth Runner-up: Yena Barna (Columbus High School, North Columbus Rotary, Rotary Club of Columbus, GA, Muscogee Rotary)
• Founder's Award: Arik Tsfati (Lassiter High School, Rotary Club of East Cobb)
• George A. Stewart Jr. Character in Action Award: Chase Vandergriff (South Forsyth High School)

Mental Health Initiative:

• Highlighted Chris 180 Mental Health at Interact Clubs summit in collaboration with Atlanta Westend, Roswell, and Newnan Rotary Clubs.
• District Conference Focus.
• South DeKalb Rotary Club's Social Media and Mental Health Initiative in collaboration with DeKalb County.

GRSP (Georgia Rotary Student Program):

• Continued engagement with 18 students.

Human Trafficking Awareness:

• Fundraiser at the Braves Game and participation in the International Convention in Singapore.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion:

• Rotaract Club of Atlanta Metro assisted with Adult Disability Medical Health Care distributions.
• Rotary Club of Thomasville's Big Impact Project: Launch of community needs assessments and collaborative support for underrepresented communities, serving 1,000 individuals (250 households) monthly with fresh vegetables, fruit, and other healthy choices.
• Be THE Voice Reports:” One of our largest school districts (Fulton County Schools} with 28 schooling roads reported a 95% decrease in bullying incidents in the elementary schools, a 77% decrease in the middle school program, and a 91% decrease in the high school program from 2021- 2023."  All things In TheirTime!

Collaborative Projects:

• Numerous successful joint efforts.

Leadership:

• Recognized two emerging leaders: Cynthia Edwards (DGDN) and Lisa Carlise (Assistant Governor).

Final Thoughts

This is my final report as your District Governor. Have we answered the call? Have we given our very best? I believe we have, and we have done so with excellence!

Thank you for an incredible year and let us continue to Amplify Rotary in everything we do!

Yours in Rotary,

“Your Lady with a Song"