Each one of us receive multiple solicitations from charities every day. Most are legitimate, a fair number are scams. Either way, we can’t possibly give to all of them.

Even many of our Rotary Club meetings are built around community nonprofits speaking and seeking contributions.

Each local Rotary Club is desirous of helping, championing our community. As District Governor I applaud and encourage local contributions of time and money.

I ask you to consider four questions:

1. How many charitable organizations have the highest trust & performance rating available from Charity Navigator? Rotary does, year after year.

2. How many organizations have helped people in more countries than the United Nations? Rotary has.

3. Yes, we want to strengthen our community but don’t we want to reach out and make the world a little safer a little better for those tragedies we see on the evening news?

4. We have important charities in our communities. Can you name a hundred of the several thousand Rotary projects performed each year? Do you think we should reserve one meeting a month just to learn more about Rotary?

Think about, please.

Thanks for all you and your club does for your community and for the world.

Jack Werner

DG October 2024

Upcoming Events
District Governor Nominations
Oct. 28, 2024 – Dec. 31, 2024
 
IRS annual filing - Deadline Approaching
Oct. 28, 2024 – Nov. 15, 2024
 
Monthly Leadership Meeting
Metropolitan Library System - Almonte Library
Oct. 31, 2024
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
 
WildCare Oklahoma's 40th Anniversary Celebration
Nov. 03, 2024
 
Monthly Leadership Meeting
Metropolitan Library System - Almonte Library
Nov. 28, 2024
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
 
Monthly Leadership Meeting
Metropolitan Library System - Almonte Library
Dec. 26, 2024
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
 
View entire list
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World Polio Day - October 24
Rotary members and their partners in service came together each World Polio Day on 24 October to recognize progress in the fight to end the disease.
 
Click the link for a sample of the ways members around the world took action to make history and eradicate polio.
October 2024 Teacher of the Month
In cooperation with the Mayor's office and City Council, the Rotary Club of Okla. City recognizes an outstanding teacher in our community.
 
Charlae Harper, current grade level chair and 7th grade math teacher at KIPP OKC College Prep, has been named the October Teacher of the Month.

Charlae was presented with a certificate of recognition as well as a $500 gift from the Rotary Club 29 Foundation and a $500 gift from the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation in partnership with the American Fidelity Foundation.  
District Governor Nominations
As we look to the future of our Rotary district, it’s time to nominate our next District Governor! This is a fantastic opportunity to recognize a dedicated leader who embodies our values and vision. Nominations are due by December 31, so don’t miss your chance to make a difference. The selection committee will meet in January to review submissions, so let your voice be heard and help shape the future of our district. Together, we can ensure strong leadership that inspires and uplifts our community!
 
Email the Nomination Form to PDG Jeanean Jones - Jeanean.Jones@hauonline.org
Rotary Club of Edmond
Rotarians volunteered at the Miracle League at Edmond’s Mitch Park on October 14 & 24. The event gives families of baseball players with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy the game without the responsibility of helping on the field. Rotarians helped snag balls in the outfield and provided a lot of encouragement to the players in the long-standing league. The field is designed specifically for people with disabilities.
 
The Rotary Club of Edmond also enjoyed a little Oktoberfest and raised some money at the same time. Several club members spent a full day and evening October 5 at Frenzy Brewing Company in downtown Edmond preparing Bratz, sauerkraut, hot pretzels and sides for patrons visiting the annual celebration.
RYLA 2025 is Set - Thursday July 17 - Sunday July 20

Great news, everyone! The District has secured an exclusive agreement with Camp Twin Cedars for the use of their Modern Cabins, offering us up to 94 beds for our upcoming event. Plus, we're excited to announce that YES, the Chili Challenge will be a featured evening activity at the Camp!

If your Club has already decided how many campers and/or Trailblazers you would like to sponsor, please send your commitment to Chuck Musgrave at cmusgrave@cox.net as soon as possible. Let's make this event a memorable experience for everyone involved!

President Elects Prepare for PETS
President Elect Training is more than just a requirement—it is an adventure!  From engaging presentations to interactive group discussions, participants will leave feeling inspired and prepared to lead their clubs with confidence.  Whether it is mastering the art of teamwork or brainstorming innovative ideas for community projects, every moment is designed to empower future leaders.  The skills and friendships that will be gained during these three days will shape your leadership journey and your clubs for years to come.
 
President elects, mark your calendar for March 20-22, 2025.  Registration will open soon.
 
Rotary Club of Guthrie Meetings

On Monday, October 7th, the GJCC BCL attended a lively Rotary meeting featuring the BLUTIC Stringband, one of the many talented groups performing at the Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival. The Guthrie High School Principal and the High School Student of the Week were in attendance. Dr. Michelle Chapple, the Club's President, welcomed everyone and encouraged engaging discussions among the Rotarians.

Then, on Monday, October 21st, the GJCC BCL and Red Cross CPR Instructor took the spotlight as the guest speaker. He shared valuable insights on the importance of Infant CPR awareness, providing essential knowledge that can save lives. Dr. Chapple and the Rotarians appreciated the opportunity to learn more about this critical topic and engaged in thoughtful conversations afterward.

Both meetings showcased the spirit of community and education that Rotary embodies.  Click below to see more about Rotary Club of Guthrie.

Rotary District Training - Enid, OK
Over 30 Rotarians from 15 clubs gathered in Enid, Oklahoma, for an enriching training session. Participants engaged in district grant training, collaborated on innovative projects, and explored the principles of servant leadership. They learned effective strategies to enhance Rotary's public image and promote our mission within their communities. The training also highlighted the Rotary Foundation and its profound impact, both globally and locally, inspiring attendees to further their commitment to service. This gathering was a testament to the power of collaboration and the shared dedication of Rotarians to make a difference.
 
Be on the lookout for more training opportunities.
WildCare Oklahoma's 40th Anniversary Celebration
Be inspired by the impact WildCare has made for Oklahomans and wildlife in our state for the past 40 years. Join us as we celebrate our past and build our future together.

Hear from founder, Rondi Large, about WildCare's beginnings, and from current staff and board members about exciting developments on the horizon.

Tour WildCare's facilities with staff, connect with our mission to care for orphaned and injured wildlife, learn about our expansion plans, and find out how you can join us in making a difference for wildlife in Oklahoma. Refreshments will be provided.
 
Rotarians are invited to visit Wild Care in Noble, Oklahoma on Sunday afternoon November 3rd, 3:00pm to 5:00pm. Please, RSVP.
IRS annual filing - Deadline Approaching
The deadline is quickly approaching to file your annual information return.  
 

Whether your club is a subordinate under Rotary International’s 501(c)(4) group exemption or is independently tax-exempt, the IRS requires that all Rotary clubs in the U.S. and its territories file an annual information return. For clubs whose tax year follows the Rotary year, the deadline to file is 15 November. The form a club must file is dependent upon its gross receipts for the year. For more information, please see Frequently asked questions about annual reporting requirements for exempt organizations at www.irs.gov

It is important that your club comply with IRS requirements. Please note Section 6033(j) of the Internal Revenue Code automatically revokes the exemption of any organization that fails to satisfy its filing requirement for three consecutive years

Our document, US Rotary and Rotaract Clubs and the IRS: Frequently Asked Questions, provides general information about Rotary clubs and the IRS. For specific questions regarding your club’s tax-exempt status, reporting requirements, or your club’s ability to file, contact local counsel, your tax adviser, or the IRS directly at www.irs.gov or 877-829-5500.