Hundreds of Rotarians visited the District Youth Speech Contest (DYSC) booth at the recent Collaborative Impact Summit to grab a branded chocolate bar, check out the colorful new look, and help officially kick off the 2027 season.

Learn more below about the DYSC Committee’s focus on contest growth through Simplicity.

The committee has streamlined operations to ensure that participating is easier than ever for both students and clubs. To make that happen, we have expanded our team from our existing dynamic duo of Debi Pavlecic-Bischoff and Mark Linsky to add Bill Swartz and Char Montemayor, along with adding the new roles of Club Liaison.

At the summit, we debuted our new "Contest in a Box" approach.  We have overhauled our marketing materials, simplified the judging and hosting guidelines, and created a centralized suite of tools that gives every Rotary club exactly what they need to host a local contest effortlessly. Our goal is simple: get the contest's benefits to more students and have more clubs hosting.
 

To assist the clubs, the role of DYSC Club Liaison has been added to the team with Martha Martinez and Mike Sanchez signing up for Areas 8 and 9.  The Committee needs more Rotarians in the Liaison positions. If you are passionate about the Speech Contest and would like to share that passion with Rotary clubs in your community, please let us know. You, too, could be celebrating the success of every D5170 Club participating in the speech contest in some way.

How Rotarians Can Support the Contest
The District 5170 Richard D. King Annual Youth Speech Contest offers high school students a chance to build real-world public speaking skills, network with community leaders, and compete for a share of over $24,000 in district-wide cash prizes and over $4100 total for the winner of the District Final. 

Here is how you and your club can get involved right now:

• Any of District 5170's clubs can host a contest; it only takes one meeting (morning, afternoon, or evening), a small team, and a handful of students.
• Club registration is officially open. Secure your club's spot by submitting the Club Registration Form before the January 24 deadline.
• Start connecting with local high school teachers, principals, and Interact clubs to let them know the contest is coming.
   

Over the next several months, we will be sharing a steady stream of stories and communications about the upcoming speech contest season. Keep an eye out for updates, and let’s work together to help the youth of District 5170 have their voices be heard. For more information, check out the DYSC website.

 

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Rotary District 5170 is celebrating an exceptional 2025–2026 Rotary year at the Zone 26/27 Institute, with outstanding results in membership, Foundation giving, and support for the worldwide effort to eradicate polio.

Thanks to the dedication, generosity, and leadership of Rotarians throughout the District, District 5170 achieved:

#1 in Zone 26 for Membership Retention — 90.39%
#1 in the Big West Zone 26/26 and #3 in North America for Net Membership Growth — +90 members
#1 in Zone 26 for PolioPlus Giving — $498,521
#2 in Zone 26 for Total Rotary Foundation Giving & #12 in the World— $1,979,500
#3 in the Big West Zone 26&27 for Total Foundation Giving
#3 in Zone 26 for Paul Harris Society Membership — 220 members

A special thank-you goes to our 63 Club Presidents, 12 Area Governors, 4 Lieutenant Governors, 5 Ave of Service Chairs, District Membership Chair Camilla Boolootian and her Membership Team, and District Rotary TRF Foundation Chair & PDG  Jill Duerig and her TRF Foundation Team. Their collaboration, leadership, and commitment—along with the efforts of Rotarians throughout District 5170—demonstrate that working together brings true success.  I am confident that Governor Geeta, DGE - John and DGN - Kamal will continue to develop and grow our District with collaboration and continuing the positive momentum. 

“Thank you to every member, club president, and District leader who helped make these achievements possible. This was truly a team effort, and every Rotarian in District 5170 should be proud of the lasting impact we made together.”

Congratulations, District 5170!

Herb Ritter, Past District Governor, 2025–2026
Lead with Vision. Serve with Heart. Leave Your Mark.

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Congratulations to Rotary District 5170 Governor-Elect John Flaniken on graduating from Governor-Elect Learning Week!

John spent the week alongside more than 30 fellow Governors-Elect from Rotary Zones 26 and 27, participating in leadership sessions, exchanging ideas, and building relationships focused on growing Rotary, strengthening our clubs, and increasing Rotary’s impact in our communities and around the world.

District 5170 was well represented in supporting John and celebrating his graduation. Joining him were District Governor Geeta Kadambi, Past District Governor Greg Giusiana, Jill Duerig, Savita Vaidhyanathan, Immediate Past District Governor Herb Ritter, Governor-Nominee Kamal Della, and Cupertino Past President Padma Chari. Their presence demonstrated the strong support and fellowship surrounding District 5170’s incoming leadership.

District 5170 was also proud to have two Emerging Leaders, Brenda Swiney and Cheryl Lander, participate during the week—continuing to develop the next generation of Rotary leadership.

The week provided an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the past Rotary year while preparing, learning, and building excitement for the year ahead.

Congratulations, John! We look forward to your leadership as you prepare to follow Governor Geeta and lead District 5170 in 2027–2028. The future of Rotary District 5170 is bright!

The final numbers are in!

Congratulations to all the Rotary clubs earning the 2025–26 Governor’s Trophy Award!

These outstanding clubs demonstrated excellence through membership growth, Rotary Foundation giving, strong leadership, and active participation throughout the year.

Thank you to every club, president, and Rotarian whose dedication made these achievements possible. Your commitment to Service Above Self is making a meaningful difference in our communities and around the world.

Congratulations to our award-winning clubs—and thank you for doing the fantastic work of Rotary!

Click Here for Summary Spreadsheet update 8-12-26

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The Rotary Club of Silicon Valley Rainbow welcomed District Governor Dr. Geeta Kadambi for her official visit on July 1, 2026. Members shared the club's impactful service projects, including the Jalisco Safe House Project and its partnership with the Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center's Vintage Program. District Governor Geeta praised the club's dedication to Service Above Self, active district involvement, and commitment to creating meaningful change. The evening celebrated Rotary fellowship, collaboration, and the shared mission of Creating Lasting Impact throughout District 5170.

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 D5170 Makes Rotary History!

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As the 2025–2026 Rotary year draws to a close, I am filled with gratitude for the thousands of Rotarians across District 5170 who have made this one of the most successful years in our district's history.

Together, we demonstrated what is possible when dedicated volunteers unite around a common purpose: serving others and creating lasting change in our communities and around the world. 

Highlights of the 2025–2026 Rotary Year

• Strong membership growth expecting over 40 of 63 clubs expecting "Positive Net Growth", making District 5170 a leader in Rotary Zone 26/27.
• Welcomed over 400+ new Rotarians into our Rotary family.
• Elevated the "Area Governor" role and achieved 100% goal-setting, expecting 63 clubs earning "Club Excellence Awards"! 
• Increased support for The Rotary Foundation (EREY $25), expecting over 16 clubs earning the 100%  Giving Foundation Banner Award. 
• Implemented new TECHNOLOGY platforms to improve communication and collaboration save clubs money.
• Introduced innovative club models and flexible membership pathways. (Satelite and Companion)
• Introduction of the 1st District 5170 Impact Companion Club. (Retain and Attract Strategy) 
• Expanded engagement, and area-focused collaboration across the district. (Leadership Fellowship Events)
• Increased participation in club/district "in person" events, training programs, and area service projects. (Personalized D5170 Rotary Hats) 
• Enhanced Rotary's visibility and impact through expanded social media using Virtual Assistance outreach across the region. NorCalRotary.org, URneeded.org, Facebook, Instagram, X, Meet Up and soon Tik Tok. 

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Rotary District 5170 is proud to introduce the District 5170 Impact Companion Club, an innovative new membership option designed to help Rotarians stay connected during life's changing seasons.

The Impact Companion Club provides a "Rotary bridge" for members who may be facing health, family, work, financial, or scheduling challenges that make participation in their current club difficult. Instead of leaving Rotary, members can remain active, connected, and engaged while maintaining ties to their home club and the Rotary family.

This new option may be ideal for:

• Members unable to regularly attend meetings or events
• Members facing temporary family, health, or work obligations
• Rotarians who value Rotary friendships but need greater flexibility
• Former members interested in returning to Rotary through a more adaptable membership model

"Rotary should adapt to the needs of our members, not the other way around," said District Governor Herb Ritter. "The Impact Companion Club gives us another way to retain great people and keep them connected to Rotary until they are ready for their next chapter."

District 5170 now has a new opportunity: Don't lose a Rotarian—help them stay connected. Only $20/month. 

Mission San Jose. Rotary is proud to announce a wine tasting event to benefit the wheelchair foundation.
Saturday, November 7.  4:00 PM. 

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On August 7, the students and families of Marylin Avenue School were welcomed back with a BBQ dinner! The Rotary Club of Livermore has been doing this for more than 20 years. It began with a request from the Principal at that time, who was having trouble getting parents to attend Back to School Night. Since the beginning, it has been a successful event, with parents and children enjoying hot dogs, chips, cookies, juice and watermelon. Families meet with teachers in their classrooms and then have dinner together. All members of the families are invited, and it is wonderful to engage with our community by sharing a meal. 

Over the years, the club has served more than 14,000 meals! We are already looking forward to next year.

The Rotary Club of Newark welcomed District Governor Dr. Geeta Kadambi on July 7 for an afternoon of fellowship, recognition, and inspiration. During President Steven Turner’s first meeting of the Rotary year, the club honored two longtime members, celebrated its tradition of service, and renewed its commitment to making Rotary more visible and indispensable throughout the community.
 

The Rotary Club of Newark proudly welcomed Rotary District 5170 Governor Dr. Geeta Kadambi on Tuesday, July 7, for an afternoon filled with fellowship, recognition, and inspiration.


District Governor Dr. Geeta Kadambi Speaking to Newark Rotary Club Members

The visit coincided with President Steven Turner’s first meeting of the 2026–2027 Rotary year. President Turner opened his term in memorable fashion by embracing a Big Lebowski theme, complete with the Dude’s iconic Pendleton Westerley cardigan and tumbler. The lighthearted atmosphere reflected one of Newark Rotary’s greatest strengths: combining meaningful service with friendship, warmth, and fun.


President Steven Turner in his Big Lebowski cardigan

During the meeting, Dr. John Bernard and Nancy Thomas were recognized with Rotary International Avenue of Service Awards for their longstanding dedication to Rotary and the Newark community. The club also welcomed guests and prospective members, reflecting its continued focus on building membership and expanding Rotary’s impact.

This marked Dr. Kadambi’s third visit to the Rotary Club of Newark. During an earlier visit as District Governor-Elect, she shared stories of international service that helped inspire Newark Rotarian Sheena Raj to lead a community book drive. Newark Rotarians and community members collected approximately 300 to 400 new and gently used books for students.


Assistant Governor Ed Miranda and Saratoga Club Rotarian Terrie Creamer with books for donation

Although international shipping costs prevented the books from being delivered to the originally intended recipients in Ghana, Dr. Kadambi helped connect the club with an alternative distribution network. The books were ultimately redirected to Little Free Libraries and literacy programs serving communities throughout Santa Clara, Monterey, Santa Cruz and Marin counties, as well as California’s Central Valley. The project demonstrated Rotary’s ability to adapt, collaborate, and ensure that generosity reaches those who need it.

Dr. Kadambi also recognized Newark Rotary’s rich tradition of local and international service. Founded in 1961, the club recently celebrated 65 years of strengthening the Newark community through scholarships, youth programs, nonprofit partnerships, humanitarian projects, and its signature Annual Crab Feed. The record-breaking 2026 Crab Feed raised more than $86,000, enabling the Newark Rotary Foundation to award more than $50,000 to local nonprofit organizations. An additional $9,625 was raised through the Fund-a-Need auction for the International Wheelchair Project.

In introducing the District Governor, Area 2 Assistant Governor and Newark Past President Ed Miranda thanked her for assembling a leadership team that reflects the full strength and diversity of District 5170. He noted that Rotary leadership and service are found not only in the District’s largest clubs, but also in smaller clubs such as Newark, where Rotarians are equally committed to Service Above Self.

Dr. Kadambi encouraged members to help move Rotary from being “quietly respected to visibly indispensable.” Her message challenged the club to share its story, invite others into service, and continue creating meaningful and lasting impact throughout Newark and beyond.

As Newark Rotarians celebrated the beginning of a new year, the afternoon served as a reminder that Rotary’s greatest strength is its people—friends and neighbors working together to serve their community and change lives around the world.


 

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CLICK HERE to Donate

Silicon Valley, CA — Rotary District 5170 is proud to announce the launch of Rock ’N Roll for Wheelchairs, a high-impact Governor’s Project dedicated to restoring mobility, independence, and hope to children, teens, and adults who need wheelchairs but cannot afford them.

Led by District Governor Herb Ritter as part of the 2025–26 Rotary theme, Lead with Vision. Serve with Heart. Leave Your Mark., this ambitious initiative aims to raise $50,000 to fund wheelchairs that will be personally delivered by Rotary volunteers during a humanitarian mission trip to Cabo Mexico in 2027 or 2028. (TBD once goals are met)

Through a powerful partnership with the Wheelchair Foundation, every dollar raised will be matched — effectively doubling the impact of every contribution.

Click here for the Fundraising Flyer

Click Here to listen to the D5170 Rock 'n Roll for Wheelchair Song

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Rotary District 5170 DACdb Club ezStory Guidelines
(For email broadcast and posting on the 15^th of every month)

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Rotary District 5170  “Club News Spotlight” to Amplify Local Impact Across the District

Rotary District 5170 is excited to announce the launch of the District 5170 "Club News Spotlight" — a new initiative designed to shine a light on the incredible service, events, and achievements of our local Rotary clubs.

Through the ezStory tool in DACdb, clubs can now easily share their stories and events with the district. Each month on the 15th, selected submissions will be spotlighted in a district wide broadcast email reaching more than 3,800+ Rotarians across our communities.

“This is an opportunity for every club to showcase the heart of Rotary,” said District Governor Herb Ritter. “By telling your story, you not only celebrate the impact your club is making, but you also inspire others to join us in service, leadership, and fellowship. Together, we can attract new members, strengthen our commitment to the environment, and continue to unite for good.”

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Go READ/WRITE in DACdb & Say Goodbye to ClubRunner Fees
– Book Your Zoom Demo Today!

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