Camp RYLA 5170 Opens Registration for 2026—Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders

District 5170, CA — Registration is now open for Camp RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) 2026, with a limited number of spots still available for student participants and club sponsorships. This premier leadership experience empowers high school students to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and connect with peers from across the region.

Rotarians and community members are encouraged to play a direct role in shaping future leaders by sponsoring a camper. Sponsorships provide deserving students with access to a life-changing program focused on personal growth, teamwork, and service.

Opportunities Available:

• Student Participants: High school students ready to grow as leaders are invited to apply now.
• Club & Individual Sponsorships: Rotarians and supporters can sponsor a student and make a lasting impact.

Get Involved:

• Apply or Refer a Student: Share the RYLA Application with high school students who are eager to lead and make a difference.
• Sponsor a Camper: Help transform a student’s future by funding their RYLA experience.

For additional details, sponsorship opportunities, or application information, please contact: Chair@ryla5170.com

Save the Date:
Join us for the annual Dave Ditto BBQ on Thursday, June 25 in Scotts Valley—a great opportunity to connect, celebrate, and support youth leadership in our community.

About Camp RYLA 5170
Camp RYLA is Rotary’s signature youth leadership program, designed to inspire and develop young leaders through immersive experiences, mentorship, and hands-on learning.

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Rotary District 5170 is calling on community partners, businesses, and supporters to contribute sponsorships and program book advertisements for the upcoming 2026 Multi-District Conference in Reno. With an anticipated attendance of approximately 1,000 participants, the conference offers significant visibility and engagement opportunities for sponsors.

To ensure the event reaches a financial break-even point, District 5170 is seeking to raise approximately $8,000 in sponsorships and advertising support by mid-April. Contributions will directly offset conference costs and enhance the overall experience for attendees.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve already received,” said Herb Ritter, a representative of District 5170, who has personally contributed a $1,000 sponsorship. “With additional backing from our network and community, we are confident we can meet our goal and deliver an outstanding event.”

Interested sponsors can make direct contributions online at:
https://district5190.org/donate/2026-multi-district-conference-sponsorship/

The deadline for sponsorships and advertisements is the week of April 15, 2026. Promotional materials, including a conference flyer, are available to help partners share and amplify this opportunity.

For more information, to submit sponsorship details, or to ask questions, please contact Ginny Lewis of District 5190.
glewis5190@gmail.com

District Leads are: Orrin Mahoney, Dana Tom, and Lisa Lorenzo

District 5170 | Herb Ritter, District Governor 2025–26

Congratulations to all the incredible Rotarians of District 5170!

As we move into April and celebrate nine months of an amazing Rotary year 2025-26, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for the energy, leadership, and heart you continue to bring to our district.

Because of your dedication, we have now welcomed more than 360+ new members into the Rotary family this year — an outstanding achievement that reflects the strength, visibility, and impact of our 63 amazing clubs across Greater Silicon Valley.

Together, we are not only growing membership, but we are also making tremendous progress toward our Rotary Foundation goals, ensuring that our service reaches even farther into our local communities and around the world. From youth programs and clean water initiatives to community service, global grants, and fellowship events, District 5170 continues to lead with vision and serve with heart.

I am especially excited by how we have embraced new technology tools and communications platforms to help expand our reach, strengthen club connections, and amplify the message of Rotary. These innovations are helping us connect more effectively with members, prospective Rotarians, and the communities we serve.

The momentum is real, and it is because of you.

Below, you will find several important and time-sensitive district events coming up in the weeks ahead. I strongly encourage you to register early, participate, and be part of the bigger picture of Rotary. These events are wonderful opportunities to learn, connect, celebrate, and continue building the future of District 5170 together.

Thank you for everything you do to help us lead with vision, serve with heart, and leave our mark.

Register Early for the upcoming events to expand your Rotary reach.  Check out www.rotarydistrict5170.org 

With gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead,

Herb Ritter
District Governor 2025–26
Rotary District 5170

Marialisa Pursues Advanced Human Rights Studies with Rotary Support and Global Engagement

San Jose, Calif. / Dublin, Ireland — Marialisa, a graduate of Santa Clara University, holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce with a major in Finance, complemented by double minors in Creative Writing and International Business. Her academic background reflects a unique blend of analytical rigor and creative, global perspective.

With the generous support of Rotary District 5170 and the Rotary Club of San Jose East Silicon Valley, Marialisa is now pursuing a Master of Science in Human Rights, with an emphasis in Holocaust Studies, at University College Dublin. Her graduate studies are focused on understanding legal, historical, and ethical frameworks that inform justice-centered leadership and social impact.

Recently, Marialisa was invited by Ireland’s Rotary District Governor to attend the national Rotary conference. During the visit, she connected with fellow scholars and Rotarians from diverse backgrounds, attended inspiring presentations, explored Ireland’s iconic Giant’s Causeway, and even learned the traditional Walls of Limerick dance for the Governor’s Ball. The experience highlighted Rotary’s global reach, fellowship, and shared commitment to service.

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360+ New Rotarians Invited to Experience the Energy of Rotary at Far West Fest 2026 in Reno

District 5170 Welcomes New Members with a One-of-a-Kind Conference Experience Just Hours Away

Reno, NV – May 2, 2026 — Rotary District 5170 is rolling out the red carpet for the 360+ new Rotarians who have joined since July 1st, 2025 inviting them to take their Rotary journey to the next level at the Far West Fest Multi-District Conference in Reno.

Grab It While It Lasts! $100 Bonus Reimbursement for the First 50 Submissions!

This year’s conference promises to be an unforgettable introduction to the power, scale, and spirit of Rotary—bringing together leaders and members from 5 districts for what can best be described as a “mini Rotary International Convention” just 3–4 hours from home.

** Why New Members Should Attend:  [CLICK HERE for the Flyer]

• House of Friendship & Project Fair: Explore dozens of inspiring Rotary service projects and discover how you can plug in and make an immediate impact
• World-Class Keynote Speakers: Hear from dynamic leaders across multiple districts who will energize and inspire your Rotary journey
• Unmatched Networking: Build friendships and connections with Rotarians from across the region
• Fun, Fellowship & Celebration: Experience the heart of Rotary in a high-energy, welcoming environment

Is Your Club Showing Up? See Who’s Registered & Join the Fun   
Updated 4-6-26  >>CLICK HERE<<

>> Important Registration Details:

• Register by April 20th before Registration Closes 
• Event Date: May 1, 2026
• Location: Reno, Nevada

>>>> $100 Reimbursement Opportunity: (Rotarians that Joined after 7-1-25) 
New members are encouraged to take advantage of available support—simply submit your check request rebate form along with your receipt after registering to Admin@Rotarydistrict5170.org  

* Register Now & Learn More: [CLICK HERE Event Registration Link]
* Submit $100 Check Reimbursement Form: [CLICK HERE for the Form]

Don’t miss this chance to jump start your Rotary experience with inspiration, connection, and impact. If you’ve been looking for a way to dive deeper into Rotary—this is it.

Join us in Reno and be part of something bigger.

Herb Ritter - District Governor 2025-26
John Flaniken - D5170 Far West Fest District 5170  Conference Chair
Camilla Boolootian - D5170 Membership Chair

—
Rotary District 5170
Lead with Vision. Serve with Heart. Leave Your Mark.

Register for Dinner Here


Register for Breakfast Here

Pleasanton, CA — January 2026 — Rotary District 5170 is shifting from planning to purposeful execution, reinforcing its commitment to elevating club activities and service projects across the district. District leadership emphasizes that the foundation is already in place; the next step is consistent club-level engagement that allows the District to amplify what clubs are doing best—serving their communities.

“We don’t need more analysis—we need more shared stories,” said District Governor Herb Ritter. “When clubs provide content, the District can extend the reach, celebrate impact, and strengthen Rotary’s public image.”

To support clubs, the District Leadership Team has outlined four clear, simple tools and objectives designed to increase visibility and engagement:

1. Create and share an ezStory in DACdb so the District can amplify it through district-wide channels, including the Monthly News Bulletin.

2. Enter Club Service Projects in DACdb to enable broader sharing via platforms such as URNeeded.org and the new District 5170 "Meetup" page.

3. Tag @rotarydistrict5170 on social media posts featuring club activities, allowing the District to reshare and expand reach.

4. Encourage consistent participation: Club Presidents and Assistant Governors are asking club leaders to post at least one ezStory and one social media post per month, shared with the District for amplification.

While the District’s Public Image Team has conducted multiple outreach efforts to Club Public Image Directors—with some successes—overall engagement has remained limited. To better support clubs and strengthen district-wide visibility, the District has made the strategic decision to hire a social media virtual assistant to help us amplify our District's and clubs' social media presence, an investment included in the approved budget.

“Many districts commit significant resources to public image,” Kristen Fabo, District PI Chair added. “District 5170 has been thoughtful and conservative until now. This step ensures our clubs receive the support they need to tell their stories—and be seen.”

We will be having monthly (3rd Friday) at 12 noon Zoom calls for Club PI Chairs and anyone interested is sharing and learning.   Check out the District Calendar for Zoom Link and dates.  

For more information and resources, visit Rotary District 5170 PI Committee and DACdb tools.