Rotary District 5170 is taking over Taipei! 

•  New ideas
•  New friendships
•  New opportunities to make a difference

What an incredible experience joining the Rotary Club of Sunnyvale’s Sister City gathering in Taipei during the Rotary International Convention!

Rotarians from around the globe came together to share ideas, build friendships, celebrate our cultures, and strengthen the connections that make Rotary so special. From Silicon Valley to Taiwan and beyond, it was a wonderful reminder that service truly knows no borders.

While we may speak different languages and come from different countries, we are united by a common purpose: creating hope, making a difference, and serving others.

Fun fellowship, lasting friendships, and global connections—all under one Rotary flag. 

Sunnyvale Sister City Social Media Post

Only 1 Months Left to Make D5170 Rotary History!

Rotary District 5170 is entering the final stretch of the Rotary year with incredible momentum toward one of the strongest Annual Fund years in District history!

As of May 31, District 5170 has broken the $1 Million level for The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund — leaving just over $200,000 needed to surpass recent year's record-breaking total and continue the District’s remarkable tradition of setting new fundraising records year after year.

District leaders are encouraging every Rotary club and member to finish strong and help push the District across the finish line in record-setting fashion before June 30.

Congratulations to the 13 Club Presidents!
(reaching 100% TRF Giving as of May 31, 2026)


>>Click Here<< to see where your Club Stands

What Clubs Can Do Right Now

• Review your club’s Annual Fund Goal progress
• Encourage every member to participate in EREY (Every Rotarian Every Year)
• Ask each member to contribute at least $25 to the Annual Fund
• Contact members who may still want to become Paul Harris Fellows this year
• Celebrate and recognize members already contributing
• Promote club giving progress at weekly meetings and on social media
• Finish the Rotary year strong with one final fundraising push
• >>CLICK HERE<<< to Contribute toward The Rotary Foundation Contribution 

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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. 

Who are Rotarians? Let's clarify "who we are," push that message to our communities, AND Give the Gift of Rotary.

My year as District Governor in 2027–28 will focus on helping clubs become more visible in the communities they serve. Rotary clubs do their best work when they understand their own identity: who they are, what type of service energizes them, and why someone in the community would want to join. A clear identity gives each club a story to tell, making membership growth more natural.

The next step is helping clubs market that identity. Rather than asking people simply to “join Rotary” or “come to a meeting,” Rotarians can show the community the impact, friendships, leadership opportunities, and service experiences that make their club unique. Encouraging clubs to invite prospective members to community events, socials, or international service trips takes people beyond the weekly meeting. When clubs communicate with clarity and confidence, they simplify “Giving the Gift of Rotary” to the right people.

Lastly (and maybe most important), let’s simplify and elevate the role of Area Governor. Area Governors should be visible, practical, and trusted partners who help clubs recruit, solve problems, and connect district resources directly to club needs.

More to come soon... can't wait.

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With less than 30 days remaining before the start of the 2026–2027 Rotary year, District Governor-Elect Geeta Kadambi is preparing to lead Rotary District 5170 into a new chapter focused on innovation, collaboration, and community impact.

DGE Geeta praised the leadership of District Governor Herb Ritter, whose year of service helped strengthen clubs, grow membership, and create momentum across the district.

"Herb has been an outstanding leader, mentor, and supporter of new ideas from the very beginning," said DGE Geeta. "His inclusive leadership style has helped position District 5170 for continued success, and I am grateful that he will remain actively involved in supporting the future of our district."

As she prepares to take office on July 1, DGE Geeta is focused on building upon that foundation while preparing Rotary for the opportunities and challenges of the future.
Her vision for the 2026–2027 Rotary year includes:

• Expanding membership opportunities and engagement across all generations
• Strengthening collaboration among Rotary clubs, nonprofits, businesses, and community 
• Cherishing the legacy and learning from the experiences of century-old clubs
• Increasing Rotary's visibility and impact throughout the Greater Silicon Valley region
• Leveraging technology and new ideas to enhance the member experience

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