90 Days of Impact: Together, We’re Making a Difference in Southern Connecticut

Welcome, Southern Connecticut! As we head into the homestretch of this 2024-2025 Rotary year, Something extraordinary is happening across Southern Connecticut—and you’re part of it. 

With just 90 days remaining in the Rotary year, Rotary clubs across our region are moving full speed ahead—bringing people together, delivering hands-on service, and turning purpose into action. From local parks to city streets, schools to senior centers, our volunteers are showing what it means to live Rotary’s core value: Service Above Self.

Whether through fundraisers, food drives, youth programs, or global grant initiatives, the people of Rotary are making measurable, lasting change. And it’s not just Rotarians—it’s community members, local leaders, neighbors, and families stepping up to serve alongside us. That’s the true power of Rotary: shared leadership and collective impact.

This year, we’ve welcomed over 185 new members into our Rotary family—and we’re still growing. We’ve launched bold projects, raised critical funds, and deepened our commitment to Positive Peace through our transformative Opus for Peace initiative, which continues to spark healing, unity, and creative collaboration across the district.

We are proud to celebrate global partnerships like the Biwindi Hospital Clinics in Uganda, our Rwanda Training Grant, and the groundbreaking Uganda Opus for Peace & Water Project—a $230,000 initiative in partnership with Call to Care Uganda to provide clean water to more than 32,000 villagers through 25 new freshwater wells, all while weaving in the arts and peacebuilding. This is what Rotary looks like at its best: local energy with global reach.

And still, there’s more work to do.

Here’s how you can be part of it:

🌟 EPIC Day of Service – This spring, our district is launching dozens of high-impact projects open to community volunteers like you. Whether you’re a student, neighbor, business owner, or local leader, this is your invitation to step in and serve with us. Help us make May unforgettable.

🎶 Celebrate with Us – In just 60 days, we’ll gather with our neighbors in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts for the Magical Mystery Tour District Conference. Among the highlights: a keynote from Rotary Peace Fellow and artist David LaMotte, who will move you with his powerful message of peace through action. [Watch his message here.]

🤝 Get Involved – Rotary is powered by people just like you—curious, compassionate, community-minded. Whether you’re looking to join, volunteer, partner, or simply learn more, there’s a place for you in our movement.

These final 90 days are more than a countdown—they’re a call to action. Let’s show what’s possible when people of purpose come together. Let’s continue building peace, spreading hope, and creating a better world for all.

With passion and purpose,

Robert B. Friend
District Governor, 2024-2025
Rotary Southern Connecticut
District 7980