Welcome to the District 5910 Website

A Note From District Governor
Becky Mason
 
Home Page Stories
                        Rotary People of Action
                          Champions of Health
District 5910 Nominates Galveston Rotarian
 
 
For over a century, Rotary has committed itself to addressing the health needs of communities all over the world. In recognition of that commitment, Rotary will honor six members of the Rotary family - Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Rotary Peace Fellow Alumni - as Rotary People of Action: Champions of Health during Rotary Day at the World Health Organization (WHO) on 26-27 February 2021.
 
Dr. James LeDuc, from the Rotary Club of Galveston, has been selected as the nominee from District 5910 for this prestigious recognition. Here is a little about Dr. LeDuc:
 
Dr. James Le Duc is an expert in infectious diseases, public health and international biosecurity. He is the Director of the Galveston National Laboratory (GNL), one of the world’s largest biocontainment laboratories, located on the campus of the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, Texas. He is also a professor in the School of Medicine at UTMB. In his past he has been a field biologist with the Smithsonian Institution in West Africa. He served as the Associate Director for Global Health (1996-2000) in the Office of the Director, National Center for Infectious Diseases at CDC, and was a Medical Officer in charge of arboviruses and viral hemorrhagic fevers at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland (1992-1996). He also served as Director, Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases (2000-2005), coordinating research activities, prevention initiatives and outbreak investigations for viral and rickettsial pathogens of global importance, including viral hemorrhagic fevers, influenza and other respiratory infections, childhood viral diseases, and newly emerging diseases such as SARS.
 
The Galveston National Lab has improved testing to determine the presence of COVID-19, extensive antibody testing aimed at neutralizing the virus and is conducting numerous clinical trials in the hunt to find effective agents against COVID-19.  
 
District 5910 congratulates Dr. LeDuc on his nomination and thanks him for this critically important work.
                             World Polio Day
Time flies—once again it is World Polio Day. Interestingly, this year it occurs as the world is contending with another virus, COVID-19. But, while our attention is focused on the current disease, we cannot lose track of a scourge that sickened and killed millions over the course of the 20th century and which is always just one plane flight away from our children and grandchildren as long as it remains in circulation in the wild.
We are now down to just 4 countries in which polio is endemic: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Iran. Nigeria has now been without cases for 4 years. Iran, which is still on the list has not had a case for over 5 years. However, Pakistan and Afghanistan, after dipping to lows in 2017, have been rising. Pakistan’s cases grew from just 8 in 2017 to a total of 147 in 2019 and the rate has increased in 2020. Afghanistan had a total of 14 cases in 2017, but more than doubled in 2019 to 29 and is currently at 47 in 2020.1  We are so close to finishing the job that we cannot risk losing ground.
 
Those of us who are more seasoned probably knew polio survivors and may remember the fear with which parents met each summer when their children faced the possibility of infection through something as simple as swimming in the local pool or in a local river or lake. Happily, we in America no longer face that fear, but many in the world still do.
 
Polio will be just the second disease eradicated from the earth after smallpox—that took thousands of years to accomplish. If we succeed, we will rid the world of polio in less than a century.
 
If we are to be successful, it is incredibly important to keep up the pressure—support End Polio Now!
 
Yes, we are currently fighting COVID-19 and continuing the fight against polio under those circumstances is difficult, however, we must keep up the fight and the Rotary Foundation needs your dollars. To make a donation, you can make a direct gift to the foundation through your MyRotary account at www.rotary.org. Every Rotarian has a MyRotary account—if you haven’t used it, you will find a lot of good information about Rotary and its activities, as well as a detailed report of your giving, which can be useful at tax time.
 
If you prefer, you can also make a donation to the Rotary Foundation through our club.* You can make a gift at the time that you renew your club membership. Either way, it is important for every Rotarian to contribute every year.
 
Please help Rotary to prevent and eliminate this debilitating disease.
1. Lancia, Floyd. “Polio Headlines, 6 October”
 
*If you prefer to make a donation to End Polio Now by credit card through the Beaumont Rotary Foundation, you can use this link: https://www.sagepayments.net/eftcart/forms/donate.asp?M_id=481429125731.
                     Rotary Youth Exchange
                      Informational Meeting
Posted on Oct 16, 2020
 
Rotary Youth Exchange Informational Meeting
 
Rotary Youth Exchange will be hosting an informational meeting for students interested in going on a
Long-Term Exchange (2021-22 School Year) or a Short-Term Exchange (2021 Summer). 
 
Please encourage anyone that wants more information on this program to attend. Applications for these programs are due this fall.  
 
If your club would like a program about Rotary Youth Exchange or for more information, contact Carol Mattingly at 936-295-6606 or 5910rye@gmail.com
 
                          Rotary October Theme
Posted on Oct 07, 2020
 
 
Rotary supports investments in people to create measurable and enduring economic improvement in their lives and communities.
 
The Rotary Foundation enables Rotarians to invest in people by creating sustainable, measurable and long term economic improvements in their communities and livelihoods by :
 
1. Building the capacity of entrepreneurs, community leaders, local organizations, and community networks to support economic development in impoverished communities;
2. Developing opportunities for productive work;
3. Reducing poverty in under-served communities;
4. Supporting studies for career-minded professionals related to economic and community development.
 
 
                             World Polio Day 2020
Posted on Oct 07, 2020
 
 
 
 
During 2019-20, for the second year in a row, Rotarians from District 5910 led all other districts in Zone 25b in PolioPlus contributions.
Now, in celebration of what Rotary has already accomplished in Polio Eradication, but more importantly, in anticipation of finishing the job, join Rotarians and Rotaractors from around the world for World Polio Day. If we stay committed, polio will be only the second human disease ever to be eradicated.
 
Plan an event for your community.
Join the effort to ensure every child receives the polio vaccine and end polio by organizing a World Polio Day event. In 2019, Rotary members held more than 5,900 events in 136 countries. This year, online events and activities will allow us to expand our reach even more and inspire others to join with Rotary.

Not sure how to take action for World Polio Day?
From virtual event ideas to social media posts and photos, the World Polio Day Toolkit at www.EndPolio.Org can help you start planning and promoting your activities now.
 
World Polio Day Online Global Update
Mark your calendars to watch Rotary’s World Polio Day Online Global Update on October 24 on Facebook  (https://www.facebook.com/rotary) or at www.EndPolio.Org
 
Those who register planned World Polio Day events by 15 October can download the global update program early – a week before World Polio Day.
 
For further information, contact:
Chuck Mason, End Polio Now Coordinator, Zone 25b:  chuckmason@mac.com
 
 
                              Going Hybrid!
Posted on Sep 15, 2020
 
 
In-Person/Zoom Meeting Training, Small and Large Meeting 
Tech Set-up Videos and Support Documents
 
 
District 5950 held an in depth, one-hour Going Hybrid Training in in-person/Zoom hybrid meeting to teach, train and model the hybrid approach to running effective meetings. We’ve created support documents and an equipment Buying Guide to download along with several short, comprehensive “How to do the Tech Set-Up” videos for both small and large meetings. Links for all these resources are on this page! Gain the confidence, knowledge and technical resources to jump-start your hybrid meetings.
 
In the Going Hybrid Training, join trainers John Crudele (2019-20 Past President, Eden Prairie AM), Bridget Hallstrom (Membership Director, Rotary Club of Edina & Certified Dale Carnegie Trainer) and Jewelie Grape (5950 District Trainer & 2019-20 Past President, Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary Club) along with a panel of three Club Presidents who are running successful Hybrid meetings. See and experience how to conduct an effective Zoom/in-person hybrid meeting. The training resources include:
 
- The “why and how” of hybrid meetings
- A clear overview of the technical requirements to host your club's hybrid meetings
- Counsel from a panel of three Club Presidents who have adopted hybrid meetings
- Q&A Notes from live training session
- Going Hybrid Buying Guide
 
To watch the full training videos and view documents CLICK HERE
              How Can You Help With
           Hurricane Laura Recovery?
Posted on Sep 02, 2020
 
Many of you have inquired about how to assist the areas that were impacted by Hurricane Laura. Our neighbors in Southwest Louisiana were severely impacted, and to donate to their disaster assistance fund
go to the Rotary District 6200 website:
 
 
or
 
To make donations to assist areas in both
Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana
that were impacted by the storm:
 
Jefferson Co. Long Term Recovery
 
 
Both of these organizations are led by Rotarians and are proven and highly trusted to provide disaster relief
from damage caused by Hurricane Laura.
________________________________________________________________
 
Other Opportunities to Serve
 
Rotarian contacts in the Lake Charles area indicate that there is a need for volunteers to help with the preparation and serving of meals, especially with the BBQ Relief Team that is in the area and providing 25,000 to 30,000 meals a day to the Lake Charles, Sulphur, and Westlake communities. If you have members who are looking for ways to help, this would be a great way.  Copy and paste this link to sign up to work:
 
 
Also, The Rotary Club of Abbeville brought in their “shower trailer” to the Lake Charles area so that first responders helping with Hurricane Laura cleanup efforts could take a hot shower. With the challenges of no electricity and minimal availability of water, this unit has not been able to keep up with the needs for its use.
If your club has a similar shower trailer, or if you or one of your members knows where we can obtain an additional unit if you could let either Jake Cavanaugh in Lake Charles/Sulphur (337-842-3074) or Frank Bradshaw at the District Office (337-237-0628) know in order that we can make arrangements to get it to Lake Charles so that we can help.
 
                                RYLA Update
Posted on Aug 24, 2020
Below is our most recent update on RYLA 2020, via a letter from our RYLA Registrar, Birda Gaskin, to Club Presidents.
 
Dear Club Presidents,
 
Because of the COVID-19 crisis, we have all had to adapt to different situations. The last few months have left our future plans for RYLA in a cloud of uncertainty. At this point in the year, we would like to give you concrete plans, and we request your club’s corresponding plans in return. Unfortunately, it is impossible to forecast how the next few months will play out.
 
Here is what we are able to tell you:
  • We are resolved to do everything in our power to hold a successful RYLA if at all possible.
  • RYLA in 2021 will only take place if we can maintain the normal culture and energy that make it so impactful. We are not considering a virtual format at this time, and we hope to maintain our normal participation numbers if RYLA takes place.
  • We are aware that the COVID situation has affected club fundraisers and membership, and your budgets, consequently, may be under duress. If RYLA moves forward, we will examine the necessity of scholarships or reduced fees. We have sufficient funds at our disposal to ensure that RYLA is not threatened by a lack of funding.
  • We may have to consider a RYLA that takes place in the summer or late spring.
  • We will keep you informed of our progress.
We are asking each club in our district to send us the following information:
 
1). Contact information for your club president and RYLA coordinator (should be a Rotarian, not a school counselor or Interact sponsor).
2). Have you placed RYLA in your 2020–21 budget, and to what extent?
 
Please e-mail me this information at your earliest convenience.
 
Yours in Rotary,
Birda Gaskin
RYLA 2021 Registrar
gaskinbirda@gmail.com
 
 
                 Congratulations Jennifer Jones!
Posted on Aug 06, 2020
Jennifer Jones has been a longtime supporter and friend of District 5910. We would like to congratulate Jennifer on her historic nomination and express our support for her on her journey ahead.
 
 
 
Jennifer E. Jones, a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, has been nominated to become Rotary International’s president for 2022-23, a selection that will make her the first woman to hold that office in the organization’s 115-year history. A current Rotary Foundation trustee, Jones has been a member since 1997 and has served Rotary as vice president, director, training leader, committee chair, moderator, and district governor. Read more on the nomination: https://on.rotary.org/2DDj58H
                 District 5910- People of Action
Posted on Aug 01, 2020
Rotarians are "People of Action", and each of the clubs in District 5910, make an impact in their community. Together, they're making a difference by working together as a team to solve issues, make changes, and partner with like minded individuals and organizations. 
 
 
CLICK HERE for more information on how to join a Rotary club!
    Why Should I Set Up A Rotary.org Account?
Posted on Jul 27, 2020
Rotary’s official website, Rotary.org, offers information about membership, scholarships, Rotary events, online giving opportunities, the latest Rotary news, and stories of Rotary service and other activities all over the globe. When you register for an account, you gain access to a variety of resources:
 
  • Brand Center — Find messaging and visual guidelines along with customizable materials you can use to promote your club, projects, and programs
  • Discussion Groups — Exchange ideas with members of the Rotary family from around the world on hundreds of topics
  • Grant Center — Apply for and manage your club’s grants
  • Learning Center — Find online courses about Rotary and professional development topics
  • Rotary Club Central — See your club’s profile and goals
  • Rotary Global Rewards — Explore our member benefits program to get discounts on travel, hotels, dining, and entertainment
  • Rotary Ideas — Find funds, partners, materials, and volunteers for service projects
  • Rotary Showcase — Post your finished projects and browse others’ projects to get new ideas for your next one 
 
With an account on Rotary.org, you can also register for international events and network with other professionals.
 
To learn how to create an account, click HERE
               Rotary Adds 7th Area of Focus
Posted on Jul 15, 2020
 
 

The Rotary Foundation Trustees and Rotary International Board of Directors have both unanimously approved adding a new area of focus: supporting the environment.

More than $18 million in Foundation global grant funding has been allocated to environment-related projects over the past five years. Creating a distinct area of focus to support the environment will give Rotary members even more ways to bring about positive change in the world and increase our impact.

Read more...
                       We are Better Together
 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

As a global network that strives to build a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

A top priority for Rotary is growing and diversifying our membership to make sure we reflect the communities we serve.

We're creating an organization that is more open and inclusive, fair to all, builds goodwill, and benefits our communities. We want people with differing perspectives and ideas who will help Rotary take action to create lasting change in communities around the world.

 

                        Re-Convening Meetings
Rotary Monitors COVID-19
 
For the health and safety of all participants, District 5910 will conduct all district level events virtually in place of in-person meetings, at least through the end of December.  Rotary International strongly encourages clubs to consider virtual meetings as well, but leaves the final choice to the individual club based upon local conditions and health advisories.  Rotary is monitoring updates and recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure the safest and most appropriate actions are taken for our members.  Read the latest RI response to COVID-19:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As your Club begins to consider transitioning back to in-person meetings, a document with professional expertise and opinions will be
helpful.  It is shared with District 5910 Clubs by the Rotary Club of Galveston.
 
 
 
*  *  *  *  *  *  *
                                Zooming!
In this time of COVID-19, Rotarians have become frequent users of the communication tool called Zoom.  Use this brief PowerPoint to make sure you know how to use Zoom easily and properly for your meetings.
 
(click on image to open)
 
* * * * * * *
Upcoming Events
District Directory
PLEASE NOTE:
District Directory
is Members Only 
information. 
You must log-in to view.
 
 
 
 
 
District Info
Image
Rotary Links
 
CLICK HERE for Information
on Rotary Leadership Training
James LeDuc
The Rotary Club of Galveston
For the health and safety of all participants, District 5910 will conduct all district level events virtually in place of in-person meetings, at least through the end of December.  Rotary International strongly encourages clubs to consider virtual meetings as well, but leaves the final choice to the individual club based upon local conditions and health advisories.  Rotary is monitoring updates and recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure the safest and most appropriate actions are taken for our members.  Read the latest RI response to COVID-19:
 
 
5910 Tech Team
 
 District 5910 is looking for some tech savvy Rotarians who would be willing to work with and mentor clubs and individual Rotarians who are struggling to transition to virtual meetings.
 
If you would be willing to serve on the first ever
5910 Tech Team,
let Assistant Governor Coordinator
Tim Andrews know
tjandrews1956@gmail.com
 
Forms & Important Documents to Download