FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rotary District 5170 Announces Membership & Tech Workshop

Hybrid Event with Live Demos & Table Talks

Milpitas, CA – November 2, 2025 — Rotary District 5170, home to nearly 3,800 Rotarians across 63 clubs in the Greater Silicon Valley, will host its Membership & Tech Symposium on Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Silicon Andhara University, 1521 California Cir, Milpitas, CA.

The symposium will bring together Rotary leaders and members to explore innovative ways to grow membership and strengthen clubs through technology. Highlights include:

• Keynote Insights from Rotary leaders on New Club Builders, companion & satellite clubs, DACdb integration, and culture for growth.

• Live Tech Demos — hands-on with DACdb, the Ignite App, and social media tools. (Bring Your Own Computer encouraged!)

• Table Talks & Peer Learning on membership growth, public image, event planning, and fundraising strategies.

• Networking & Collaboration with District and Zone leaders.

Who Should Attend: Club Presidents, President-Elects, Membership Chairs, Public Image Chairs, Community Service leaders, Event & Fundraising Chairs — and any Rotarian eager to learn how tech can fuel club growth.

REGISTER HERE  << FREE

AGENDA HERE  << Event Details

Snacks and drinks will be provided. Hybrid participation is available online, but in-person attendees will have access to personalized tech support.

“By uniting membership strategies with practical technology, we’re giving clubs the tools to grow stronger and make a bigger impact,” said Herb Ritter, District Governor 2025–26.

District Governor’s Message – October 2025

Rotary District 5170 | Almost 3,800 Members Strong

October is Rotary’s Community Economic Development Month — a perfect time to highlight how we, as Rotarians, create opportunity, foster leadership, and strengthen local economies here at home and around the world.

Key Takeaways for District 5170 Members:

Leadership in Action

• Economic development isn’t about charity — it’s about empowerment.
• Rotary projects succeed when we equip people with skills, resources, and dignity to build their own future.
• Global Inspiration, Local Application

  • Lesson for us: Our District clubs can also partner locally with vocational schools, small businesses, and nonprofits to provide tools, training, and mentorship that unlock potential.

District 5170 Opportunities

• Support entrepreneurship programs, vocational training, and job-readiness workshops in our own Bay Area communities.
• Explore microfinance partnerships or small business incubators where Rotary can bridge gaps for underserved populations.
• Invite guest speakers and community leaders to your clubs to identify opportunities where Rotary can ignite growth.

Membership & Leadership Go Hand in Hand

• Every new member brings new skills, professions, and connections that can fuel community economic projects.
• Growing membership = growing leadership capacity for long-lasting impact.

How You Can Engage This Month

• Ask: Who in my community needs opportunity, and how can Rotary provide the spark?
• Partner: with local chambers, schools, or nonprofits to expand our impact.
• Share: Post stories of your club’s community projects on social media using #Rotary5170 #PeopleOfAction.

Remember: Leadership isn’t always about standing in the spotlight. Sometimes it’s about listening, collaborating, and amplifying the voices of others.

Together, District 5170 can ignite sustainable economic growth, empower families, and model “Service Above Self” in action.

Let’s continue to Lead with Vision, Serve with Heart, and Leave Our Mark.

The Rotary Revolution has begun in District 5170

Be part of the movement!

Download your copy of the Rotary Revolution Rap video and help us ignite a new Rotary Revolution by sharing it with friends, clubs, and communities around the world. The more voices and screens we reach, the stronger our message of service, unity, and innovation becomes.

Together, we can amplify Rotary’s story—spreading inspiration, energy, and impact across every corner of the globe.

PRESS RELEASE

Rotary District 5170 Avenue of Service Dinner to Feature Former NFL Player Dave DesRochers as Keynote Speaker

Oakland, CA — October 16, 2025 — Rotary District 5170 invites you to one of the most inspiring evenings of the year: the Avenue of Service Dinner at the historic Colombo Club in Oakland. This annual tradition celebrates Rotary’s impact across our communities while featuring an unforgettable keynote address from Dave DesRochers — former NFL player with the Seattle Seahawks and a national leader in philanthropy and player engagement.

DesRochers is a powerhouse of service. He currently serves as President of the NFLPA Orange County Chapter, sits on the Former Players Advisory Board representing all four California chapters, and leads as Founder & CEO of The 1st & Goal Project.

As Ambassador for Super Baskets of Hope—a Super Bowl–linked initiative—he’s joining forces with Hall of Fame Coach Tony Dungy and the San Francisco 49ers to deliver care packages and encouragement to children facing medical challenges.
 

“Dave embodies the very essence of Rotary—service above self,” said District Governor Herb Ritter. “This partnership allows Rotary to stand side by side with the NFL community, ensuring children in Bay Area hospitals receive not just baskets, but hope.”

REGISTER EARLY & WIN!

• Register before October 8th (extended 1 week!) and your name goes into a special $100 drawing.
• REGISTER ASAP by clicking HERE
• Table Registration Form: CLICK HERE.

Seating is limited and this event will sell out — first come, first served.

This is more than just dinner — it’s your chance to connect with a NFL leaders, Columbo Club community champions, and Rotarians from across the Bay Area while celebrating service that truly changes lives.

Don’t miss it. Be part of the movement. Register today.

EVENT DETAILS Thursday, October 16, 2025 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM Colombo Club, 5321 Claremont Avenue, Oakland, CA Italian family-style dinner with wine included This House of Friendship–style event will showcase the incredible service projects of over 60 Rotary clubs, shining a light on how we are Serving, Growing, and Uniting for Good. EVENING HIGHLIGHTS Opening remarks by District Governor Herb Ritter and leaders of the Colombo Club Keynote from Dave DesRochers a sharing stories of grit, teamwork, and giving back working with the NFL and NFL and Rotary  Service Opportunities with San Francisco 49er Stadium hosting the Superbowl in 2026.   A project fair and fellowship with Rotarians and community partners Minute-by-Minute Program 5:30– 6:15 PM | Avenue of Service Project Fair & Cocktails Guests arrive and check in No Host cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres Walk through Avenue of Service tables (Club and District projects highlighted across: Community, International, Youth, Vocational, Club Service, and The Rotary Foundation) Rotarians engage Columbo Club guests in one-on-one conversations about service impact. 6:15 – 7:00 PM | Seating Downstairs & Welcome Emcee calls guests to dinner tables Italian Family Style Dinner including Wine (Corkage fee is $10 if you bring your own)  Introduction of dignitaries, visiting guests, and purpose of the evening 7:00 – 7:10 PM | Opening Remarks Emcee Event Chair Shannon Hackley, Moment of reflection or invocation and Flag Salute Welcome and toast Dinner Program: 7:10 – 8:30 PM 7:10 – 7:20 PM | Rotary District Update – “What Rotary Does” Speaker: District Governor Herb Ritter Inspiring message on Rotary's mission, community impact, and partnership potential Call to action: Engage, Serve, Lead Regional Updates — Collaboration & Community Impact 7:20 – 7:30 PM | Colombo Club President Welcome & Message Speaker: Colombo Club President Joe Ianora Brief history and vision of the club Appreciation for the collaboration with Rotary (Focus on challenges, creative solutions, and opportunities) 7:30 – 7:50 PM | District Committee Spotlights (2-3 minutes each) “Rotary in Action: District-Level Service & Support” Membership – Camilla Boolootian The Rotary Foundation – PDG Jill Duerig Public Image – Kristin Fabos Community Service – Darcy DeCoite International Service – Mauri Okamoto Kearney Youth Service – Chris Miller Vocational Service – Shyamoli Banerjee Club Service – Jim Bell 7:50 - 7:55PM - Introduction of Keynote 7:55 – 8:15 PM | Keynote by Dave DesRochers, former NFL Seattle Seahawks player and leader in philanthropy and player engagement  President, NFLPA Orange County Chapter Member, Former Players Advisory Board (representing all 4 California chapters) Founder & CEO, The 1st & Goal Project Director of Former Player Engagement, Ambassadors of Compassion Ambassador, Super Baskets of Hope (Super Bowl initiative) Working with all 32 NFL teams, especially the San Francisco 49ers, through Hall of Fame Coach Tony Dungy Rotary Clubs invited to partner in delivering Super Baskets of Hope to chronically ill children in Bay Area hospitals An evening of fellowship, recognition, and inspiration for Rotarians, community leaders, and partners   8:15 – 9:40 PM | Social Hour & Fellowship No Host bar and music Continued conversations between Rotary and Colombo Club members Group photos, thank-you table, and follow-up invites for guests

Shannon Hackley,  Co-Chair AOS2025, Operations & Emcee Rotary Club of Oak #3, SHANNONHACKLEY@COMCAST.NET PLEASE REGISTER ASAP by clicking HERE Kamal Della, Co-Chair AOS2025, Project Fair Rotary Club of Dublin, kamaldistrict5170@gmail.com Table Registration Form: CLICK HERE.

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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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The future leadership of our District depends upon having the best candidates each year for nomination as District Governor.  This fall we will be nominating a Rotarian to be District Governor for the Rotary Year 2028-2029.  That person may be a member of your Club! 

The role of a District Governor is to lead, encourage, and equip other Rotarians in their leadership roles, and to provide inspiration and motivation to the clubs in the district. The District Governor Nominee Designate will train with Rotary International leaders, travel to Rotary International conventions, and as District Governor, visit with each one of the clubs in the District. This is an excellent opportunity for a member of your club to enrich his or her leadership skills; to encourage and be encouraged; to develop relationships with individuals throughout the District and throughout the world, and to exemplify the Rotary spirit of Service above Self.

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What amazing speakers we had at the 2025 District Speech Contest Finals this past year. But this is not unique.  Every year, we are so impressed with the ideas and voices of the students who choose to participate in this annual program.  However, it only happens because Clubs support the contest by either conducting a club contest and/or hosting an Area or Regional Contest.  Additional funding is provided by businesses, clubs, and individuals who participate in the District Speech Contest Sponsorship Program with their generous contributions that enable the leading cash awards for the Area, Regional, and Finals participants.

Please read more below to understand how to help your club plan a contest and to learn more about becoming a sponsor.

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Rotary District 5170 Launches “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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