Governor's Message | November

November has arrived, and that means it’s Foundation Month—the time when celebrate the Rotary Foundation, our secret sauce. It’s the magical ingredient in a family recipe: you may not always know exactly how it works, but somehow, it turns good intentions into global impact. Behind the scenes, the Foundation is that steady, reliable force turning our passions into real change, from our own communities to corners of the world we’ve yet to see.

This month, I’d like to spotlight a Foundation priority that we can all agree feels particularly urgent: peace. Now, we may not be flying around in capes, but the Foundation gives us all the power to build peace through everyday projects. Clean water, better health, mental wellness, and educational opportunities—these aren’t just “nice-to-haves.” They’re the essentials for creating peaceful, resilient communities. Every project we support with Foundation funds is another brick in the wall of peace. And let’s be honest: at this point, we might need a whole fortress!

No matter the project your club takes on this year, it’s part of the peace puzzle. When your club receives a district grant, it’s not just funding—it’s a practical investment in advocacy for a better, more connected world. Every dollar spent on these projects is like putting fuel in the Rotary peace machine. And that machine, my friends, is powered by all of you.

I know what you’re probably thinking: “What can I, a humble Rotarian, do to make a dent in the big ol’ peace problem?” Well, it turns out that every effort counts. Every dollar you contribute, every hour you volunteer, every wild idea you bring to the table—together, they’re part of a grassroots army for peace. You’re a bricklayer for a better world, one Foundation-funded project at a time. And for every dollar you contribute, nearly half will come back to our district in just three years, ready to fund the next project your club is passionate about.

So, let’s make this November a Foundation Month to remember! Consider how you and your club can contribute. Every donation not only makes a difference but also brings us closer to creating a peaceful and connected world, one community at a time. 

Thank you for all that you do. Let’s keep building a world we can all live peacefully in—and maybe even share a good laugh or two along the way. After all, peace and laughter make the perfect pair!