The beautiful leaves of fall have been falling meaning that it’s harvest time. I don’t know what makes me plant way too many seeds in the spring to end up with more zucchini than is even usable. I give a lot of it away, but every year I can’t seem to remember that two zucchini plants are plenty! I even gave plants away in the spring and I still have way too much.
Is that a metaphor for Rotary? Could be, I guess. Giving Rotary away surely could provide a new and better crop of Rotarians. If I had that magic seed, you can bet I’d plant more than I could count or even get to know. Wouldn’t that be something?
But, wait a minute….I do have that seed, and so do you! Sometimes we can only plant it, but sometimes we are given the opportunity to water it with care, nurture it with information, and watch it bloom in our clubs. Of course, as with most new plants, we need to be sure we give it lots of love and attention so it can grow!
November is a special month for Rotarians worldwide as we celebrate The Rotary Foundation—our organization’s engine for doing good in the world. The Foundation began in 1917, when then Rotary President Arch Klumph proposed setting up an endowment “for the purpose of doing good in the world.” That simple idea has grown into one of the world’s most respected and impactful charitable foundations. These funding projects have changed the lives of millions and countless communities across the globe.
The annual Epic of Day Service is a time when individual club-driven service activities may be supported and promoted by multiple clubs across the district and the US. The mission of the Epic Day of Service is to unite Rotary clubs and their community members in service and amplify the incredible work of Rotary clubs. The Epic Day event also provides an accessible online platform that allows clubs to promote their projects, elevate Rotary’s visibility, and give media and storytellers a place to source stories about local people and projects.
Peace and peacebuilding are core values of Rotary, and the Pocatello Centennial Rotary Club puts this at the forefront of their community! They placed three peace poles in Pocatello and Chubbuck, along with an interpretive sign that explained the history, the reasons for the languages, and the Peace Poem: "May Peace Prevail on Earth."
We’re proud to share that Rotary will be represented aboard the USS Idaho (SSN‑799), a Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine set to be commissioned in 2026. Through a unique partnership between Rotary Districts 5400 and 5080, a custom plaque will be installed on the vessel that features the Rotary wheel, our motto “Service Above Self,” and listing every Rotary club in the state.
The Pocatello Rotary Club is celebrating the completion of its first-ever Global Grant: Three Water Wells in Ghana! They have been working on this project with their partner club in Africa, The Accra Legon East Rotary Club in Ghana. The project has taken nearly 3 1/2 years. The three wells funded by the grant will provide clean water and WASH support for two large public boarding schools in rural Ghana. The schools are located in the villages of Somanya and Agomeda.
Rotary District 5400 Peace Fellow Hunter Levy is settling into his Master’s program in International Development Management at the University of Bradford in the UK. Now four weeks into his studies, Hunter is diving into core coursework and an elective in African Politics and Security, alongside classmates from across the globe. His cohort includes Rotary Peace Fellows, Chevening Scholars, and students from Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and South America—truly reflecting the international reach of Rotary’s peacebuilding mission.
Looking to create eye-catching materials for your Rotary club while staying true to our global brand? The Rotary Brand Center is your one-stop shop for professional, customizable assets that make it easy to promote Rotary with confidence and consistency.
Starting January 2026, Rotary Earth Network Club invites people from around the world to join District 5400’s online club.
Our signature service, Earth Talks, is a weekly one-hour presentation and networking forum where Rotarians and guests share projects, learn from global experts, and connect to protect Earth’s air, water, land, and energy. Each session leaves participants inspired with practical ways to make a difference—personally and in their communities.
We’re exploring the launch of a flexible, virtual Rotary eClub focused on international service and career development. The club will connect Idaho Rotarians, students from university African Student Associations, and professionals worldwide—all without the cost or travel of weekly in-person meetings. Interested in learning more? Contact Ben Davidson at davibenji@gmail.com or 208-244-4786.
World Polio Day 2025 – Global Voices Unite for a Polio-free Future
“In a world that often feels divided, the fight against polio reminds us what is possible when humanity stands together.”
– Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General
The beautiful leaves of fall have been falling meaning that it’s harvest time. I don’t know what makes me plant way too many seeds in the spring to end up with more zucchini than is even usable. I give a lot of it away, but every year I can’t seem to remember that two zucchini plants are plenty! I even gave plants away in the spring and I still have way too much.
