VOLUNTEERS ARE READY TO SERVE.

Hunger2Hope now needs Sponsors!

Your club can support this District-wide celebration of service and impact.

Sponsorships begin at just $250.
(See details below.)

SPARK HOPE. SUPPORT HUNGER2HOPE.

Clubs • Businesses • Organizations • Individuals

Foundation Celebration Details

Foundation Celebration Support!

District‑Wide Food Drive: Help Nourish Up Feed Families This Thanksgiving

As we prepare for our upcoming Hunger2Hope Service Project and the District 7680 Foundation Celebration, we invite all Rotary clubs to join a district‑wide effort to support Nourish Up’s Thanksgiving food distribution.

Nourish Up has requested canned meat and canned fruit to help fill their 7‑Day food boxes for families experiencing food insecurity. Your club’s participation will make a meaningful difference.

How Clubs Can Participate

• Host a Food Drive within your club or community
• Collect canned meat (tuna, chicken, beef, etc.)
• Collect canned fruit (in juice or light syrup preferred)
• Encourage members to bring donations to your next meeting
• Spread the word and invite community partners to join in

Where to Bring Donations

You may drop off all collected items at either of the following:

• Hunger2Hope Service Project
• District 7680 Foundation Celebration

Every can helps Nourish Up provide stability, nourishment, and hope to families across our region.

Let’s come together as People of Action to ensure no family goes without this holiday season. Serve today. Change lives. Spread hope.

The Need Is Now: Help Nourish Up Restock Its Shelves

As summer comes to a close, Nourish Up’s pantry shelves are running low — and District 7680 Rotarians can help.

Financial donations allow Nourish Up to purchase staple foods in bulk, but donated food provides something equally important: variety and choice. A well-stocked pantry gives neighbors the opportunity to select foods that work best for their families, an important part of serving our community with dignity and compassion.

As District 7680 continues our Hunger2Hope focus on food insecurity, this is another simple way Rotarians and Rotary clubs can make an immediate difference.

Here’s How You Can Help

Donate Food
Nourish Up is accepting non-perishable food donations at its Hunger Hub:

901 Carrier Drive, Charlotte, NC 28216
Monday–Friday | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Clubs can also consider hosting a food drive at an upcoming meeting or inviting members, businesses, and community partners to participate.

Shop the Amazon Wishlist
Looking for an easy way to help? Nourish Up’s Amazon Wishlist allows you to purchase needed grocery items online and have them shipped directly to Nourish Up.

Make a Financial Gift
Financial contributions help Nourish Up purchase fresh meat, dairy, produce, and other needed foods. And those dollars go a long way — $1 can provide four pounds of food.

Every can, every grocery item and every dollar helps Nourish Up provide more food — and more choices — for our neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

Together, District 7680 Rotarians can help keep the shelves stocked and turn hunger into hope.

Learn more about food donations, current priority needs, the Amazon Wishlist and other ways to help at NourishUp.org.

It’s Not Too Late to Celebrate Peace!

Submitted by Ashmi Trivedi, Chair of District Peace Committee

Greetings from your District 7680 Peace Conflict Prevention and Conflict Resolution (PCPR) Committee!

Each year on September 21, the world observes the International Day of Peace—a meaningful opportunity to reflect on how each of us can help build stronger, more peaceful communities.

This year, we invite you to learn more about spotting needs within your community through the 8 Pillars of Peace. By understanding these pillars, we can better recognize opportunities to strengthen relationships, address challenges, and create conditions where peace can thrive.

Click the video link to learn how the 8 Pillars of Peace can help you identify community needs and inspire meaningful action.

Link to video: https://canva.link/u21y1e3aigutxhp

Together, we can turn awareness into action and help create more peaceful, resilient communities.

In Peace and Service!

22 District 7680 Clubs Recognized for Membership Growth

Rotary District 7680 has plenty to celebrate when it comes to growing Rotary. Twenty-two clubs across the district have been recognized by Rotary Zone 33 for membership growth during the 2025-2026 Rotary year. The awards recognize clubs that welcomed new members and, in many cases, sustained that growth over multiple years.

Leading the way is the Rotary Club of Ashe County, which earned a Momentum Award for an impressive five consecutive years of membership growth. The Rotary Club of Union West (Indian Trail) was recognized for four consecutive years of growth, another significant accomplishment.

Eight additional clubs received Momentum Awards for consecutive years of membership growth. The Rotary Clubs of Belmont, Boiling Springs Area, Charlotte International, Monroe-Union Breakfast, Mooresville/Lake Norman, North Wilkesboro, Statesville/Fourth Creek, and Taylorsville were recognized for two consecutive years of growth.

Twelve District 7680 clubs earned Milestone Awards for growing their membership during the 2025-2026 Rotary year. They are the Rotary Clubs of Albemarle, Charlotte South Park, Cherryville, China Grove, Greater Statesville, Harrisburg, Huntersville Happy Hour, Kings Mountain, Lake Norman/Huntersville, Salisbury, and Top of the Lake – Mooresville.

Together, these clubs show that membership growth is happening throughout District 7680, in communities large and small. Their success reflects the work of club leaders and members who are inviting people into Rotary, providing meaningful opportunities for service and fellowship, and creating clubs where people want to belong.

Congratulations to all 22 clubs and their members. Growing Rotary means more people serving our communities, more ideas and energy in our clubs, and a stronger District 7680.

District 7680 is a TOP GUN in Zones 33-34!

Submitted by Kam Chandan, Rotary Foundation Chair

Congratulations to all in the District who helped us achieve 100% club participation in both Annual Fund and Polio Plus categories!

Essay Contest on Peace

Submitted by DG Jerry Coughter

DG Jerry received this information from an associate in Turkiye:

Dear Governor,

I hope this message finds you well.

We are pleased to share the launch of the 3rd Istanbul Rotary Club’s annual Essay Competition on International Peace. With the full endorsement and support of our District 2420 Governor, Mr. Erden Gökmen, we are reaching out to governors worldwide to help promote the competition and encourage participation by young essayists.

Started in 2024, the Competition aims to inspire thoughtful dialogue, critical thinking, and meaningful reflection among high school students aged between 14–19. The previous two competitions resulted in a combined 952 submissions from 51 countries.

Your support is especially important at this stage, as broad and diverse participation will significantly enhance the quality and impact of the competition.

In the attachments (click on the documents below), kindly find detailed guidelines regarding the competition, a presentation, and an informative flyer for your perusal.

We would be extremely grateful if you could announce this competition in your District and distribute the attached documents to the local Rotary and Interact Clubs. We would be pleased to provide additional information to your District Interact Representative.

Feel free to contact me for further details.

Kind regards,

Eren KURANER
Term President 2026-2027
Istanbul Rotary Club

THE BIG PINK YOUTH DIALOGUE
ONLINE EVENT from Washington, D.C., USA | October 17, 2026

______________________________________________

Presented by the Georgetown University Rotaract Club

Join young people, advocates, and internationally recognized speakers for the first U.S.-based Big Pink Youth Dialogue, an open, inclusive forum for conversation, education, and inspiration.

Big Pink Youth Dialogue is a Rotary Action Group for Reproductive and Maternal and Child Health (RMCH) Initiative that began in India and expanded to Australia in 2023. From 2024 through 2025, youth dialogues were held in Costa Rica, Panama, Bolivia, and Serbia. Participants have come from nine countries: Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Serbia, and Venezuela. Rotaract clubs and international partners, including RMCH, PMNCH, and the Apollo Shine Foundation,  support the initiative.

This year’s dialogue will explore:

• Nurturing Conversations on Mental Health
• The Economic Implications of Demographic Change, and What They Mean for Young People

Local and international speakers will share expert perspectives, highlight urgent issues, inspire action, and encourage interactive learning, networking, and collaboration. Together, participants will consider how young people can help shape more equitable and responsive approaches to youth’s health and well-being.

Why the Big Pink Youth Dialogue Matters

______________________________________________

Open and constructive dialogue about women’s reproductive health is important for several reasons:

1. Addressing taboos and stigma: Many societies discourage open discussion of reproductive health. The initiative helps break down those barriers, raise awareness, and correct misconceptions.
2. Creating educational opportunities: Youth gain access to accurate information about reproductive health, contraception, family planning, and related topics—knowledge that supports informed decisions and better health outcomes.
3. Empowering women and youth: Open dialogue supports women and youth in making informed decisions about their bodies, pregnancies, health, and overall well-being.
4. Encouraging global collaboration and knowledge-sharing: The initiative connects regions and countries so participants can exchange experiences, understand distinct challenges, and identify effective approaches.
5. Engaging youth: Young people are future leaders and advocates. Engaging them now can shape their perspectives and strengthen their commitment to advancing women’s health.
6. Advancing policy and advocacy: The dialogue can inform advocacy for stronger reproductive health services, improved access to care, and more responsive health systems.
7. Reducing health disparities: Accurate information and quality care should be available to all women, regardless of socioeconomic background or geographic location.
8. Promoting equality and inclusion: An inclusive forum helps ensure that diverse voices contribute to the policies and actions that affect women’s health.

At its core, the Big Pink Youth Dialogue provides a safe and inclusive space for young people from diverse backgrounds to speak candidly, deepen their understanding of the challenges affecting women’s health, and work together toward meaningful solutions.

______________________________________________ 

President’s Message
By Jimmie Williamson

One Mission. Together.

It is a true honor to begin my two-year term as President of the Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust (CART). I am especially mindful of the journey that brought us here. More than 30 years ago, Roger Ackerman had one simple idea: if enough people each gave a little, together we could make a difference. That idea has become a remarkable movement—and millions of dollars invested in the search for better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

Over the next two years, I hope we can build on that legacy by expanding CART to all 50 states, raising more money for research, and putting every dollar we raise to work. But this is about much more than numbers. It is about the families who are waiting for answers, the caregivers who are carrying tremendous burdens, and the hope that research can bring to all of them. “Stand With CART” is our invitation to everyone touched by this disease to join us.

Roger Ackerman showed us what one person with one idea could accomplish. Now it’s our turn. Together, let’s stand with those affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementias—and together, let’s help create a future without this devastating disease.

See link for additional news.

News – The CART Fund

Thinking of going to Barcelona with so many of your favorite people?

See the attached for registration information and more!

Leadership in Action Summary

Submitted by Marcia Scheideman, District Learning Facilitator

Leadership in Action — And  

What a Ride It Was! 

The inaugural District 7680 Leadership in Action pilot is officially in the books—and those who were there know they were part of something special.

Across two high-energy sessions on August 29 and September 19, 2026  participants did far more than sit through another leadership program. They  connected. They laughed. They challenged their thinking. They practiced  new skills. And they walked away with practical leadership tools they can  use in Rotary, at work and in everyday life. 

The room itself told the story. Participants came from across District 7680 and  represented just about every stage of the Rotary journey—Past District  Governors, current district and club leaders, seasoned Rotarians, brand-new  members…and even a high school Interactor! Different ages, experiences and  perspectives came together with one thing in common: a desire to become  stronger, more effective leaders. 

The result? Two sessions filled with lively conversation, hands-on learning,  new connections and plenty of fun along the way.

If you missed Leadership in Action this time around, these photos may leave you wishing you hadn’t. 

And we’re already looking ahead. As Leadership in Action grows, so will its reach. Future programs will create opportunities to invite non-Rotarians to join us, extending the value of practical leadership development beyond Rotary.

Here’s a glimpse of what happened when people from across our district came together to learn, connect, and lead. 

And if you’re already wondering, “When is the next Leadership in Action?” — stay tuned. We’re just getting started.

Leadership in Action Outcomes and Next Steps

Submitted by Marcia Scheidemann, District Learning Facilitator

Polio Update: Progress, Challenges, and a Call to Action

August 31, 2026

Summer marks the peak of polio transmission season, when warm temperatures and increased outdoor activity can raise the risk of exposure for children. As of August 26, 2026, there have been 22 cases of wild polio compared with 24 at this time last year, and 130 cases of variant polio compared with 129 last year.

Among this year’s wild type 1 polio cases, Afghanistan has reported 19 and Pakistan has reported 4. Pakistan’s case count is down significantly, suggesting that vaccination campaigns are making meaningful progress. Afghanistan, however, has seen a substantial increase, signaling continued challenges and the need for sustained attention and support.

Polio Today: Reaching Children Wherever They Are

The current issue of Polio Today is attached for your review. Please share it with your club members. One featured story highlights Khalida Nasreen, who travels by ATV to reach remote nomadic groups in southern Pakistan and ensure their children receive polio vaccinations. Because these families have no fixed address, their children are often missed during traditional house-to-house campaigns.

Why Our Support Still Matters

To protect children and continue moving toward eradication, we must keep vaccinating 390 million children each year. Your continued support is essential. If every Rotarian gave something, we could easily reach our district goal of $110,000.

Last year, 19% of our district members contributed to the PolioPlus Fund. By comparison, the district that includes Puerto Rico saw 90% of its members contribute. Every Rotarian has the ability to give some amount, and every club should support PolioPlus in a meaningful way. Rotary encourages clubs to give $1,500 or $45 per capita.

Please make polio eradication a priority this Rotary year. Set a goal for giving, work to exceed it, and encourage every member to participate. Currently, only 27 clubs have entered PolioPlus goals for this Rotary year, and 26 clubs have not yet donated. Together, we can help ensure eradication efforts are fully funded. Remember: every gift is matched 2-to-1 by the Gates Foundation. Lead by example and donate today at myrotary.org/donate or through End Polio Now.

Thank You to Our Early Leaders

Thank you to the clubs that have already set goals and made contributions this year. Your leadership helps set the pace for the entire district. The Giving Report, PolioPlus Society form, and Kennel Klub forms are attached for your reference.

Join Us for the District Polio Party

The District Polio Party will be held again this year at our home on October 17 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at 1840 Tanglebriar Court, Matthews, NC 28104. Registration is available in DACdb at no cost, though donations to the PolioPlus Fund are appreciated. We will provide the food and drinks; please bring the fun and fellowship.

For a club presentation, please contact me at tjsdg7680@gmail.com.

Yours in Rotary Service,

Past District Governor Tom Smith

The District 7680 PolioPlus Society

Although the PolioPlus Society was rolled out on September 1st of 2020, many Rotarians are still asking…”PolioPlus Society?  What’s that?”

The PolioPlus Society is a group of individuals who are passionate about Rotary’s #1 Priority…the elimination of the poliovirus from the face of the earth.

The PolioPlus Society, or PPS, operates much like the Paul Harris Society, whereby a Rotarian or friend makes a commitment to donate $1,000 per year or more to The Rotary Foundation.  Except the PolioPlus Society requires you to donate only a minimum of $100, and to continue to do so annually until the World Health Organization declares the world free of the poliovirus.

PolioPlus Society members will receive a special pin depicting a child receiving the two precious drops, an “End Polio Now” wristband to wear until polio is eliminated from the planet (Both depicted here), and a PolioPlus Certificate proclaiming your membership in this unique Society.  Plus the knowledge that you are doing good in the world and are in this fight to the end.  Joining the District 7680 Polio Plus Society is a two-step process:

Step #1 – Please fill out the below “commitment statement” and email to Polio Chair PDG Tom Smith at tjsdg7680@gmail.com or mail to 1840 Tanglebriar Ct., Matthews, NC 28104.

I hereby commit to making an annual donation to the PolioPlus Fund of The Rotary Foundation as follows (select one):

• ✔ $100 USD per year (minimum amount to become a society member)
• ✔ A contribution of $_______ per year to PolioPlus (more than $100)

I pledge to help Rotary make history by continuing to contribute the above amount each year until the World Health Organization certifies that polio has been fully eradicated because …Until the world is polio-free, every child is at risk.

Step #2 – To make your tax-deductible donation go to myrotary.org/donate , sign in and click on “Polio Fund”.  You can choose a one-time donation of $100 or more, or a recurring donation in the amount and frequency of your choice (We suggest $10/month as the “easy way” to become a PolioPlus Society member.)  Of course, you can also write a check payable to “The Rotary Foundation”, with PolioPlus in the memo section, and give to your club’s Foundation Chair.

Name__________________________________________Date_______

Email_________________________________

Club name_____________________________

Ashe County Rotarian Supporting Rotary!

Submitted by Kelly Diamond, Ashe County Rotary  

Past President John Morrow of the Ashe County Rotary Club has been entertaining guests at Hatchet West Coffee Shop in West Jefferson with his guitar while accepting donations for PolioPlus. What began as an opportunity to share some good music has also become a way to raise awareness and support Rotary International’s continuing effort to eradicate polio worldwide.

John’s efforts are a great example of how Rotarians can use their individual talents to make a difference. A guitar, a local coffee shop, and the generosity of the community are helping support one of Rotary’s most important and enduring causes.

The Rotary Club of Ashe County is proud of John for demonstrating Service Above Self and helping keep the promise of a polio-free world alive—one song at a time.

Voices of Hope – Features Ballantyne Rotary President-Elect Nish Hartman

Submitted by Robin Woodrum, Ballantyne

Nish Hartman, President-Elect of Ballantyne Rotary, was recently featured on Voices of Hope, a Rotary storytelling initiative hosted by Tynisha Astrel. The podcast preserves and shares stories of resilience, service, leadership, and hope while helping create a sustainable funding source for future humanitarian projects.

Tynisha brings more than 20 years of leadership experience to Voices of Hope. A global entrepreneur with expertise in government contracting, financial strategy, and business transformation, she has held leadership positions in major corporations and with the U.S. Departments of Defense and Commerce. She currently serves as Treasurer of the Rotary Club Cosmopolitan in Marbella, Spain.

During the conversation, Nish shared that she discovered Rotary after retiring from a technology career that included work with Microsoft and Oracle. Inspired by the belief that a life is measured by the “souls” it touches, Nish found in Rotary a meaningful way to serve others and create lasting change locally and globally.

Nish highlighted Ballantyne Rotary’s inaugural Ballantyne 250 celebration, which brought hundreds of residents together to commemorate America’s 250th birthday. The event featured patriotic music, military speakers, children’s activities, and opportunities to connect with local community organizations.

The club is preparing to serve about 100 area veterans at its Veterans Day luncheon on November 11, 2026, in Ballantyne’s Backyard. Veterans will receive a complimentary meal, and the program will feature speaker Lieutenant General Michael Tucker, a color guard, and a bagpipe performance.

Looking ahead, Ballantyne Rotary will focus on three local service priorities: mentoring youth, addressing food insecurity, and helping seniors build stronger social connections. Nish said the shared desire of Ballantyne residents and Rotarians to serve others gives her great hope for the community’s future—and reflects Rotary’s enduring commitment to “Service Above Self.”

Listen to the full Voices of Hope conversation with Nish Hartman here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2631303/episodes/19833993-leading-with-hope-nish-hartman-and-the-power-of-service

Dilworth Club Joins Chamber

Submitted by Doyle George, Charlotte Dilworth

On September 16th, the Charlotte Dilworth South End Rotary Club approved a membership application to join the Charlotte Area Chamber, an organization that provides opportunities for networking, educational workshops, business expos and other resources for its 950 nonprofit and for-profit entities. These events are organized to expand professional networks, and engage members within the Charlotte community. Annual events include the Community Impact Summit and a Business Expo that our Rotary Club recently attended together with the Charlotte Rotary Club. As a member of the chamber, we will have many opportunities for interaction.

These are committees that may have some connectivity to our club:

• Ambassadors Committee: This committee focuses on member retention, attending ribbon cuttings, and welcoming new members. It’s a great way to connect with new members and help them understand how to get involved.
• Membership Committee: This committee is responsible for bringing in new members and promoting the benefits of the Chamber. They provide valuable information to prospective members.
• Programs Committee: This committee develops content for Chamber programs and large-scale events. They also test new technology and come up with ideas for member engagement and education.
• Public Policy Committee: This committee discusses and develops the Chamber’s legislative agenda, focusing on local issues important to the business community.
• Women in Business Committee: This committee provides educational, volunteer, and social events for women in the organization, aiming to inspire and motivate them both personally and professionally.
• Young Professionals Group Committee: This committee supports the Chamber and the Young Professionals Group by helping with events and providing support to young professionals in the area.

By participating in these committees, our Club may have opportunities to recruit speakers for our weekly meetings. The Chamber also hosts other events such as Coffee, Connect After 5, or Lunch meetings. This is intended to showcase member businesses and connect with other members.

As an Advantage Member, our Rotary Club will be listed in both a private and public directory, and have access to the Chamber’s website and Info Hub, including adding links to social media, videos, pictures, and contact information. On the Info Hub, Our Rotary Club will be able to post News Articles, Blogs, Podcast (including being a guest on our Podcast) and post events we are hosting, such as our Discover Rotary Event scheduled for October 27th, and fundraisers we will host.

Monroe-Union Breakfast Rotary: Service, Fellowship, and Growth 

Submitted by Christian Lofton, Monroe Union 

The Monroe-Union Breakfast Rotary Club has been busy putting Service Above Self into action while also building new connections, welcoming new faces, and continuing to grow.

Recently, club members participated in the United Way Day of Caring, spending the day helping a local homeowner reclaim and clean up her yard. What began as a service project quickly became something more meaningful. Members not only completed the work but also had the opportunity to spend time with the homeowner, hear her story, and make a new friend along the way.

It was a reminder that some of Rotary’s greatest impact is not measured simply by the amount of work completed, but by the relationships created in the process.

The club also recently joined forces with the South Piedmont Community College Rotaract Club for a roadside cleanup project. Working side by side gave Rotary and Rotaract members an opportunity to improve the community while strengthening the connection between generations of service-minded leaders.

Projects like these demonstrate the value of partnership within the Rotary family. When Rotarians and Rotaractors work together, service becomes an opportunity not only to improve the community, but also to build friendships, mentor future leaders, and introduce more people to what Rotary is all about.

At the same time, Monroe-Union Breakfast Rotary is experiencing an exciting season of change and growth.

The club recently moved its weekly meetings to Jamz Pizza, providing a fresh setting for fellowship and conversation. The new location has quickly become home as the club continues to welcome new speakers, community leaders, prospective members, and guests nearly every week.

Each meeting brings another opportunity to learn something new about Union County, connect with someone making a difference, and introduce visitors to the fellowship and service that make Rotary unique.

The combination of community service, collaboration with Rotaract, engaging programs, and new guests has created tremendous energy within the club.

For Monroe-Union Breakfast Rotary, growth is not simply about adding names to a membership roster. It is about bringing more people together who want to serve, build relationships, strengthen their community, and make a meaningful difference.

Whether cleaning up a neighbor’s yard, picking up litter along a roadway, listening to a local leader share their story, or simply welcoming someone new to breakfast, the club continues to demonstrate that Rotary works best when service and fellowship happen together.

The Monroe-Union Breakfast Rotary Club is excited about where that momentum will lead next.

Phoenix Montessori Interact Club!

Submitted by Lorena Prince, Queen City Impact Club

September 15, 2026

The Queen City Impact and Charlotte Dilworth South End Rotary Club are thrilled to announce the formation of a new Interact Club at Phoenix Montessori Academy in Huntersville!

Lorena Prince of the Queen City Impact Club and Enrollment Director at Phoenix, organized this group and today, with Miss Lauren, helped the club elect a slate of officers including a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary and a Treasurer, for the upcoming year.

The members discussed project ideas they could engage with in Huntersville, Charlotte and in other communities.

Fighting Food Insecurity, One Family at a Time

Submitted by Shirley Helms, Union West 

 The Union West Rotary Club continues to demonstrate the strength and importance of community partnerships by joining Food for Families to address food insecurity by sponsoring a Free Mobile Food Pantry at Indian Trail Elementary School on Saturday, September 19.

At this distribution event, 197 families (844 Individuals) were served. Recipients lined up in their vehicles in front of the school, where volunteers loaded cars with non-perishable pantry staples, eggs, chicken, watermelon, sweet potatoes, corn, snacks, and more. Food for Families is a proud partnering agency of Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. 

Union West Rotary Club members partnered with Food for Families and the Young Men’s Service League of Waxhaw to bring the event to life. Volunteers dedicated several hours to organizing, assigning duties, and distributing food with compassion and a shared commitment to service. This was a fantastic opportunity for Union West Rotary to give back to the community and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to creating a lasting impact for those families in our community facing Hunger.