District Governor's Letter - November 2026

November: Celebrate the Power of Giving  

Dear Rotarians,

 “We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” John F. Kennedy

As we begin the season of giving and remembering the blessings in our lives. I wish to thank all of you. You make a difference in my life and in the lives of so many people.

November is also a special month in the Rotary calendar as we celebrate The Rotary Foundation and the extraordinary impact made possible around the world. This is a wonderful time to reflect on the power of generosity, the importance of stewardship, and the difference we can make when we connect with a common purpose.

The Rotary Foundation is at the heart of so much of what we do. Through the generosity of Rotarians and friends of Rotary, we turn our shared vision into meaningful action addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges. For those of you who have been involved in many of our District’s Global Grants, you know exactly what I am talking about.

 
But the Foundation is about more than funding projects. It is about hope, opportunity, and creating lasting change. It’s about a child who gains access to education, or a vaccination against a deadly disease. It’s about a family who receives clean drinking water, or a community that has access to essential health services, and perhaps at the root of it all, a world that becomes a little more peaceful because Rotarians chose to make a difference.
While visiting your clubs, I’ve been sharing a message of how, as Rotarians, we are entrusted with a remarkable opportunity—and a responsibility—to be good stewards of Rotary. Through thoughtful planning, and a commitment to sustainable service, we can ensure that our resources will create meaningful and lasting impact for generations to come.
 
As we reflect on giving this November, I encourage each of us to consider what giving means to us personally. Giving is not simply about money. It is also about giving of our time, sharing our talents, offering our compassion, and using our connections to bring people together around a shared purpose.
Our daily choices shape Rotary’s legacy. Every act of service, contribution, and person we inspire to join us strengthens it. Together, through The Rotary Foundation, we show what extraordinary things are possible.
 
This November especially, I encourage everyone to consider gratitude for all that we have; for each other and for the work that allows us to help those who need our help.  Let us celebrate the generosity that sustains our Foundation, and the partnerships that expand our reach.
 
Thank you for all you do for Rotary, for your communities, and for our world. Your commitment and generosity make our mission possible in Creating Lasting Impact Through The Rotary Foundation.
 
In gratitude, I wish you and those you love all of the blessings of the season.
 
Yours in Rotary,
Michele
 
       
IMPORTANT EVENT DATES:
         November 14th PrePELS 1st meeting for President’s Elect (So. Portland)
         December 5th  PrePELS  2nd meeting for President’s Elect  (Location TBD)
         December 13th Young Professionals Mix & Mingle with Service (see event flyer)
         February 5th World Peace & Foundation Dinner Event
         March 4-6th NEPELS in Framingham, MA for President’s Elect and AGs
         April 10th Opportunity Workshop, So. Portland Middle School
         April 12-22nd  Outbound Friendship Exchange to Peru
         May 8-18th Inbound Friendship Exchange Rotarians visit from Peru
         May 21-23rd District Conference in Fairlee, VT (please note the correction)
         June 26-30th Rotary International Convention, Barcelona, Spain