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April is Environment Month

Rotary shares an interest in protecting our common legacy: the environment.

We are committed to supporting activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, advance ecological sustainability, and foster harmony between communities and the environment. We empower communities to access grants and other resources, embrace local solutions, and spur innovation in an effort to address the causes and reduce the effects of climate change and environmental degradation.

Learn more about Rotary's work with protecting the environment.

Governor's Message - April 2025

The environment is Rotary International’s focus for April, and our District is joining the movement by participating in the Epic Day of Service on May 17. With $5,000 allocated per Club area, this is a great opportunity to collaborate with local organizations and make a meaningful impact. From stream restoration to wildlife conservation, numerous partners are ready to join forces for a greener future. Read on to discover how your Club can get involved, apply for grants, and grow membership while making a difference!
 
      
      
What's Happening in District 5050
Dear Rotary members,
 
Over the past few months, while we visited Rotary clubs worldwide and witnessed inspiring projects that are making a tangible difference in their communities, many have approached us with concerns about the current political and economic volatility, and its potential impact on the work that we do.
 
We want to assure you that in times of uncertainty, one thing is certain - our mission and values remain unchanged. Rotary is a force for good in the world because we are deeply embedded in communities. We will continue to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace.
 
The ideals of service, fellowship, and diversity have enabled us to transcend boundaries of all kinds. We bring people of all backgrounds together, foster collaboration, and make our communities stronger.
 
For 120 years Rotary has thrived through two World Wars, through the Cold War, and through multiple deadly pandemics. We have endured and strengthened because we adhere to our mission and to our values. In times like these, we are once again reminded of the strength of Rotary and the importance of supporting our organization.
 
As a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, we've helped reduce polio cases by 99.9 percent since our first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979. Regardless of what lies ahead, we will stay the course and keep our commitment to the world's children by ending polio forever. At present, we're coordinating with our global partners to closely monitor and assess the fast-evolving situation, proactively working with many governments to sustain their financial support and seek alternative funding sources. Now more than ever, your financial support of PolioPlus is critical.
 
We will continue to support our Areas of Focus to forge solutions and fulfill long-term goals. Through our programs, grants, and people-to-people diplomacy, we address the underlying causes of conflicts, creating an environment conducive to peace. We work with our partners to engage in sustainable projects that tackle poverty, inequality, and lack of access to education in our own communities and those around the world. Rotary's recent peace conference in Istanbul, which attracted more than 1,000 Rotary members, peace builders, and scholars around the world is testimony to our commitment.
 
At this moment, it is ever more important that we channel our concerns and uncertainties into action and share that vision of hope with others.
 
Sincerely,
 
Stephanie A. Urchick
President, Rotary International
 
Mark Daniel Maloney
Chair, The Rotary Foundation
 
John Hewko
General Secretary
Nov 01, 2024
Shawn O'Donnell Sr., a dedicated Rotarian since 1993, has been selected as Rotary District 5050’s Governor for 2027-2028. With a history of service, including terms as Everett-Port Gardner Rotary Club President and Assistant Governor, Shawn has been active in training and committee roles across the district. He and his family, who manage their restaurant group in Washington and Montana, have been involved in numerous community projects and hosted Rotary events. A longtime wrestling official and avid mountain biker, Shawn is also recognized as Mukilteo’s 2024 Citizen of the Year. Shawn and his wife Tina reside in Mukilteo.
 

Rotary's PolioPlus program has faced many challenges, much like Miss Vicky’s journey. From raising an ambitious $100 million to a staggering $10.4 billion with partners like WHO and UNICEF, our commitment has only grown. Over the past decade, we’ve reached over 3 billion children, delivering more than 10 billion vaccine doses.

Despite setbacks, including a surge in cases in 2008 and recent vaccination hurdles in Afghanistan, hope remains. Wild polio cases dropped to just 10 in 2023, and new strategies, including the injectable vaccine, are enhancing our efforts.

Recent conferences reaffirmed our resolve, with 87% of Gaza's children vaccinated in the latest campaign. As Rotarians, we must remain focused on achieving a polio-free world by 2029. Together, we can overcome obstacles and continue this vital mission!