In October, I urged district Rotary members to join the PolioPlus Society by pledging at least $100 annually to The Rotary Foundation's (TRF) PolioPlus Fund until polio is eradicated. As November is Foundation Month, I now encourage annual contributions to both the PolioPlus and Annual Funds. TRF supports global projects promoting peace, health, education, and economic growth. To focus resources on giving, the District opted out of a Foundation Dinner this year. TRF’s “Every Rotarian, Every Year” (EREY) initiative also aims for 100% member participation in donations and service. Sign up on MyRotary.org and make your pledge today!
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March is Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Month
Through water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs, Rotary’s people of action mobilize resources, form partnerships, and invest in infrastructure and training that yield long-term change.
Learn more about Rotary's work with Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene.
Governor's Message - February 2025
Promoting peace is one of our areas of focus, and the theme for February. The Clubs in our District work with other clubs all over the world, with the help of Global Grants, to address the root causes of conflict, such as poverty and lack of access to education or obstacles to going to school like the need for girls to gather wood and water for cooking.
Other examples of Rotary’s focus include peace fellowships and scholarships. Over 1,700 peace fellows have been trained at Rotary Peace Centers in various fields to promote peace. Another program is the Rotary Global Grant Scholarship that provides funding for outstanding graduate students to study abroad involving an area of Rotary Focus. In 2013 the program replaced the Rotary Ambassadorial scholarship.
One of our speakers at the upcoming District Conference will be a former ambassadorial scholar who was featured in the August Rotary magazine, Paul Shmotolokha. Paul, who now lives in Bellingham, will reflect on his experience in Chile and tell us about the current work of his company bringing renewable energy to hospitals and communities in Ukraine.
Clubs in our District have also been involved in planting Peace Poles, internationally recognized symbols of the hopes and dreams of the human family, bearing the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in multiple languages. Rotary District 5050 members have planted these poles in various communities, bringing people together to inspire and uplift the human consciousness.
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!
Rotary International District 5050 is enhancing youth protection by introducing a new volunteer application process. This includes online training, references, and background checks to ensure a safe environment for youth. Adhering to these steps upholds our commitment to safeguarding children and promoting Rotary's values of integrity and service.
Rotary International's President-elect Stephanie Urchick unveiled the 2024-25 presidential theme, "The Magic of Rotary," during a recent address. Urchick stressed that this magic isn't about fanciful tricks but resides in every Rotarian's ability to make a positive impact. She recounted a poignant experience in the Dominican Republic that showcased Rotary's magic—providing clean water that changed lives.