Rotary E-Club of Central Texas eBulletin - August 2026
President's Message
Rotary Membership Month: Inspiring Growth, Connection, and Lasting Impact
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
As we enter August—our Rotary Membership Month—I am looking forward to the impact we make together. This year’s theme, "Create Lasting Impact," calls us to reflect on why we joined Rotary and how we can ensure our service leaves a lasting mark on our communities.
This month, I am honored to be your speaker as we unveil our goals for 2026-2027. Guided by our theme, we will focus on expanding our reach, deepening our connections, and ensuring each member feels empowered to help create an enduring legacy of service.
Let us all act as ambassadors for membership by inviting a friend, sharing a story, and helping to grow our vibrant circle. I look forward to working with each of you as we create a lasting impact together.
July’s speakers were Rotarians David Weaver and Kerry Quinn of United by Friendship, who delivered an excellent presentation highlighting the powerful impact of investments from Rotary Global Grants and United by Friendship in Guatemala.
During the meeting, the E‑Club contributed $500 to help construct a water catchment system in Guatemala, modeled after the one shown below.
United by Friendship is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2004, dedicated to working with Latin American Communities to improve access to education, health resources, economic development, clean water and sanitation. They do this in partnership with the local communities and other non-profit organizations.
Members of the E-Club serve meals at RYLA 2026. The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive five-day leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where young people can develop leadership skills while having fun and making connections. This year's event was held at the Twin Lakes Family YMCA in Cedar Park, Texas, from June 28 - July 3, 2026.
The E‑Club of Central Texas joined fellow Rotary clubs across the region on July 25, 2026, to deliver 420 box fans to the Killeen Fire Department. These fans will be distributed to senior citizens throughout Central Texas, providing much‑needed relief during the intense summer heat.
On Earth Day 2024, members of the Rotary E-Club of Central Texas installed a Peace Pole and butterfly garden at Miguel F. Martinez Elementary School in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, with the support of a DAP Grant.
Since then, Rotarians have been actively involved in providing much-needed resources for that school. Last year, school supplies were delivered to the school to start the year. In October, Literacy Month, library books were provided for a 6th-grade classroom. In the spring, playground equipment was installed.
This July, Rotary trophies were provided for the top 3 academically ranked 6th-grade students.
This ongoing collaboration reflects Rotary’s dedication to education, peacebuilding, and community service. Members of the Rotary E‑Club of Central Texas look forward to continuing their relationship with Miguel F. Martinez Elementary—creating lasting connections with students and ensuring teachers have the resources they need to help every child thrive.
Green Steps offers Rotarians meaningful ways to serve by supporting Rotary’s newest Area of Focus—the environment. For the Rotary E‑Club of Central Texas, these steps allow members to participate in service individually while still creating collective impact. Every small action counts, and together they add up to real change.
Green Step #1: Reduce plastic waste by carrying a reusable water bottle and shopping bag.
Green Step #2: Observe Meatless Monday to lessen the environmental impact of meat production.
Green Step #3: Plant pollinator‑friendly plants. Replacing grass reduces mowing, watering, fertilizing, and pesticide use—great news for bees.
Green Step #4: Practice mindful mowing by waiting until wildflowers have gone to seed.
Green Step #5: Leave the leaves on the ground to support soil health and wildlife habitat.
Green Step #6: Show respect and reverence for Mother Earth—walk softly, leave no trace, feast responsibly, and consider the impact on future generations.
Green Step #7: Plant a tree.
Green Step #8: “Lunch Local for Love”—support local farmers’ markets and small growers.
Green Step #9: Turn lights off at night to protect migrating birds.
Bonus Step: Be kind to bees!
Green Steps is how members of the Rotary E‑Club of Central Texas serve the environment from wherever they live. By taking small, intentional actions, Rotarians can make a big difference—together.
The District 5870 Annual FundCampaign kicks off August 1, and District 5870 is once again offering a special 1:1 match in Rotary Foundation Recognition Points for $250–$500 contributions to the Annual Fund–SHARE. This opportunity is open to all active Rotarians and Rotaractors in the district who have not yet reached PHF+8.
Match Window:August 1 – October 31 at 5:00 p.m. Matches are one per donor, first-come, first-served, and may close early if the pool is exhausted.
Your annual contribution to The Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund–SHARE is what empowers District 5870 to deliver meaningful impact across Central Texas and around the world.
Because of your generosity, our district is able to fund community DAP Grants, career and technology scholarships, district-wide service initiatives, and international humanitarian projects. None of this happens without you.
Last year, 194 Rotarians from 36 clubs contributed more than $169,604. Let’s support DG Jeff and aim even higher this year.
How to Participate:
Email PDG Rich Kaye at richkaye@hot.rr.com before making your contribution.
Donate directly to The Rotary Foundation at my.rotary.org/en/donate (be sure to sign in first so the Eclub can be recognized).
Not Eligible for Matching:
Donors already at $8,501+ recognition
Amounts exceeding what’s needed to reach PHF+8
Contributions to funds other than Annual Fund–SHARE
Recognition point transfers
Don't hesitate to get in touch with the E-club's Foundation Chair, Twyla Weaver, if you have any questions.
August is Rotary’s Membership and New Club Development Month, a time when clubs across the world refocus on the heart of Rotary — our members. Strong membership isn’t just about numbers; it’s about building a vibrant, diverse, and engaged community of people who are committed to service.
This month, we celebrate the members who make our club thrive, welcome new faces who bring fresh energy and ideas, and explore innovative ways to grow Rotary’s presence in our community.
What This Month Means for Us
Engage: Reconnect with members, check in on their Rotary experience, and ensure everyone feels valued and involved.
Invite: Think of someone in your network who embodies the spirit of service. A simple invitation can change a life.
Grow: Consider new club models — satellite clubs, cause-based clubs, hybrid formats — that make Rotary accessible to more people.
Celebrate: Highlight member milestones, anniversaries, and contributions throughout the month.
How Our Club Is Participating
Hosting a Membership Spotlight at upcoming meetings
Launching a Bring a Friend initiative
Sharing stories from members about why they joined Rotary
Reviewing club health and engagement opportunities
Exploring potential partnerships that could lead to new club development
Your Role This Month
Every member is part of our club’s growth story. Whether you invite a guest, mentor a new member, or share your Rotary journey, you help strengthen our foundation and expand our reach.
Together, we can ensure our club remains vibrant, welcoming, and ready to serve.
Go to My Rotary. Sign in (your sign in is your e-mail plus password) Donate to the Annual Fund either set up monthly of $10 a month or give one time at least $100.
The flexible, friendly, fun Rotary family! We meet on the third Tuesday of each Month at 6:30 PM CST on zoom. Join us! Click Here To Join Us Online Passcode: Rotary or email Joan9e@gmail.com for the link to join a meeting.