October includes World Mental Health Day, and it has me thinking about something pretty basic: Do we notice people?
As I've traveled around District 5400, I've been asking clubs what people feel when they experience Rotary. Do they feel welcomed? Connected? Useful? Appreciated? Do they leave with more energy than when they arrived?
I'm beginning to think those are leadership questions as well as membership questions. Good leadership starts with paying attention.
Every year the World Health Organization recognizes World Mental Health Day on October 10 to raise awareness of mental health issues worldwide, challenge stigma, and mobilize support for people who need care.
In Idaho, nearly one in four live with a mental illness, impacting not only their lives, but their families, workplaces and communities. Recovery is possible, but stigma often keeps people from getting the help they need.
How will your club raise awareness for Rotary's work to End Polio Now?
Our District goal is for every Rotary member to donate at least $10 to PolioPlus. If every member participates, District 5400 will contribute $13,590 toward polio eradication. Thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation match of 2-to-1, every dollar donated goes even further in helping eliminate this disease worldwide.
Many of our members already support this effort through club assessments or personal giving. Thank you! Now let's make it a goal to have 100% member participation.
The Rotary Brand Center offers several short, impactful videos that can be shown at your weekly meetings to highlight Rotary's ongoing work to eradicate polio. Consider showing at least one video this month, or even one each week in October. Keeping this important cause in front of our members helps maintain momentum until polio is fully eradicated.
The Idaho Community Foundation will soon recognize two outstanding Rotarians whose lives of service have made a lasting impact across Idaho.
AJ Balukoff, a member of the Boise Sunrise Rotary Club, and Park Price, a member of the Rotary Club of Idaho Falls, have been named to the 2026 Idaho Philanthropy Hall of Fame, one of the state's highest honors for community leadership and generosity. According to the Idaho Community Foundation, the award recognizes individuals and families whose lifetime contributions have helped shape Idaho communities through volunteer service, civic leadership, and philanthropy.
District 5400 is a recognized as a Global Peacebuilder District and you're invited to participate in the D5400 Peace Force meetings hosted quarterly.
The purpose of the meetings is to support peace building activities, bringing discussions about peace from theory to tangible activities. Topics include how to nominate a Peace Fellow, service projects and activities for clubs, why become a peace club, and more. When people work to create peace in their communities locally, it will have a global effect. The meetings are hosted via Zoom and everyone is welcome. Bring your ideas, questions and curiosity!
Rotary District 5400 is pleased to launch Ignite, its inaugural leadership program. Applications are open through November 1. This immersive eight-week experience will help participants inspire others, foster growth, and increase their impact within Rotary and beyond.
The Process:
The program is limited to 25 participants. Clubs may nominate members or encourage them to apply, and each sponsoring club must be prepared to cover the $235 program fee. The program fee covers food, materials, and training.
When fire, flood, or drought hits a community, who shows up first? Rotarians do. Former RI President Barry Rassin drew 194 registrants and 97 live participants from every continent but Antarctica to hear how Rotary put more than $7 million into rebuilding The Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian. His challenge: start local, partner with business, let young leaders lead. "When Rotary dreams about something, we make it happen." Read the full story about District 5400's Earth Network Rotary Club's October 1 meeting.
For many Rotarians, service extends far beyond weekly meetings and community projects. It is a lifelong commitment to making a difference wherever opportunities arise.
That spirit is reflected in David Bishop of the Meridian Rotary Club, who has stepped forward to serve his community as a candidate for the College of Western Idaho Board of Trustees representing Zone 4.
Throughout Rotary, we often talk about the importance of leadership, civic engagement, and giving back. Communities depend on individuals who are willing to contribute their time, experience, and talents to help guide important institutions. Whether through Rotary service, volunteer leadership, or public service, these roles require dedication and a genuine commitment to the people they serve.
October includes World Mental Health Day, and it has me thinking about something pretty basic: Do we notice people?
The Idaho Community Foundation will soon recognize two outstanding Rotarians whose lives of service have made a lasting impact across Idaho.
Rotary District 5400 is pleased to launch Ignite, its inaugural leadership program. 
When fire, flood, or drought hits a community, who shows up first? Rotarians do. Former RI President Barry Rassin drew 194 registrants and 97 live participants from every continent but Antarctica to hear how Rotary put more than $7 million into rebuilding The Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian. His challenge: start local, partner with business, let young leaders lead. "When Rotary dreams about something, we make it happen." 
or many Rotarians, service extends far beyond weekly meetings and community projects. It is a lifelong commitment to making a difference wherever opportunities arise.
