As we close out 2025 and step confidently into 2026, I want to pause, reflect, and say thank you. This past year has been nothing short of remarkable. Across District 5750, I have seen Rotary in action at club meetings and service projects, in classrooms and communities, through youth programs, global grants, fundraising efforts, and countless quiet acts of leadership that may never make headlines, but change lives all the same.
Throughout the year, our newsletters highlighted many of these moments: clubs responding to local needs with creativity and compassion; continued commitment to PolioPlus and The Rotary Foundation; strong engagement in youth programs, leadership development, and vocational service; meaningful conversations around membership, belonging, and growth; and Rotarians supporting one another during times of challenge and transition. Each story served as a reminder of why Rotary matters, not just for what we do, but for how we do it.
What stood out most to me in 2025 was the spirit of collaboration across our district. Clubs supported clubs. Leaders mentored future leaders. New members were welcomed, and longtime Rotarians continued to model Service Above Self. District events were well attended, conversations were thoughtful, and the heart of Rotary was clearly on display.
As we move into the new year, it is clear that membership and growth must remain central to our work. Our future depends on our ability to intentionally invite new voices into Rotary, engage members with purpose, and create clubs that are welcoming, relevant, and rooted in meaningful relationships. Strong clubs are built when Rotarians invest in people, cultivate belonging, and share a clear sense of purpose.
That commitment to the future is also reflected in our investment in young leaders. Through RYLA, we have set an ambitious yet achievable goal of 100 sponsorships at $500 each. If every club participates, we will not only reach this goal, we will directly impact 100 young lives, planting the seeds of Rotary leadership, service, and ethical decision making. These young leaders represent the future of our communities and the continued strength of Rotary.
This moment also invites us to think more broadly about the path ahead. I encourage clubs and Rotarians across District 5750 to begin meaningful conversations about our shared vision for the future, what kind of district we want to be, how we remain relevant in a changing world, and how we continue to grow our impact while staying true to Rotary’s core values. Vision begins with dialogue, and dialogue begins when we are willing to listen, collaborate, and imagine together.
January marks Vocational Service Month, a reminder that Rotary’s influence extends far beyond meetings and projects into the way we conduct our professions each day. Our vocations are powerful platforms for service, ethics, and leadership. When we use our skills with integrity and purpose, we strengthen trust, inspire others, and make Rotary visible in everyday life. This month is an opportunity to celebrate ethical work, mentorship, and service through our professions, and to recommit ourselves to leading by example, making Vocational Service meaningful and impactful across our district.
As we look ahead, there are a few important reminders as we prepare for the year to come. President Elect Training Seminar, or P.E.T.S., is approaching, and all clubs should ensure that their President Elects and incoming board members are nominated and registered with Rotary International no later than January 31. President Elects must be registered in order to attend P.E.T.S. If you need assistance with nominations or registration, our District Administrator, Amy Hollas, is available to help and can be reached at (405) 532-1139.
Thank you for your time, your leadership, your service, and your belief in Rotary’s mission. It has been an honor to serve alongside you, and I am excited for what 2026 will bring for Rotary District 5750. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a strong start to the new year.
DGE Michael Trewitt is headed to Orlando for the Rotary International Assembly. There he will receive training to prepare him for serving as District Governor next year.
Thank you PDG Jack Werner for leading the nominating committee for the District Governor line.
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Click the Photo for Link
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Rotary Club of Yukon rang the bells for Salvation Army
Rotary Club of Oklahoma City
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.
Ms. Emma Miller has been named Teacher of the Month for December 2025 by Putnam City Public Schools Foundation. Emma serves as a 3rd Grade Teacher at Central Elementary School, where she is known for creating a warm, inclusive, and academically rigorous classroom environment that supports students of all backgrounds and abilities. She is recognized by her colleagues and administrators for her dedication to literacy development, her consistent use of data-driven instruction, and her innovative approaches to student engagement that foster curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Ms. Miller contributes to the broader school community by supporting schoolwide events, collaborating with fellow educators, mentoring new teachers, and helping cultivate a positive and supportive campus culture at Central Elementary.
Ms. Miller is admired for her patient, joyful, and student-centered teaching style, consistently going above and beyond to ensure every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their highest potential.
Her dedication to her craft and her compassion for students exemplify the highest ideals of the teaching profession and reflect the mission and values of Putnam City Schools.
January’s Rotary theme, Vocational Service, invites us to reflect on one of Rotary’s most distinctive ideas: that our professions are not separate from service, but one of its most powerful expressions. Vocational Service challenges each Rotarian to apply their skills, experience, and ethical standards in ways that strengthen both our communities and our own professional lives. Whether we are mentoring a student, advising a nonprofit, or modeling integrity in our daily work, Rotary asks us to see vocation as a platform for service.
One of Rotary’s founders, Paul Harris, believed that friendship among professionals should naturally lead to service through one’s work. In Rotary’s earliest years, clubs adopted the classification principle, intentionally bringing together members from different occupations so they could learn from one another, uphold ethical standards, and use their professional skills to benefit the broader community. From the beginning, vocation was not incidental to Rotary—it was the foundation through which service and fellowship were meant to flow.
At its core, Vocational Service rests on three practical commitments. First, Rotarians are encouraged to represent their professions with integrity, guided by the Four-Way Test in decision-making. Second, Rotary calls us to share our expertise—through mentoring, career talks, vocational tours, and hands-on projects that build others’ capacity rather than dependency. Finally, Vocational Service reminds us that leadership is not about titles, but about influence: how we use our knowledge to elevate standards, open doors for others, and solve real problems.
As clubs plan for the year ahead, January is an ideal time to ask a simple but powerful question: How are we intentionally using the talents already in our club? Small actions—pairing experienced professionals with younger members, partnering with schools or workforce programs, or highlighting member vocations in meetings—can quietly but meaningfully strengthen Rotary’s impact. Vocational Service is not an extra obligation; it is the thread that connects who we are, what we do, and why Rotary continues to matter in our communities.
Rotary Club of Guthrie
On Monday, December 1st, Rotary Club of Guthrie welcomed guest speakers Tim & Jessica Stegner, owners of Tim's Body Worx. They also were excited to honor student of the month, Kellen Hirzel.
Your year as President is just around the corner, and with it comes an exciting opportunity to strengthen your leadership, deepen your Rotary knowledge, and connect with committed leaders from across our region. Mid America President Elect Training Seminar (PETS) is where that journey begins.
PETS is more than training — it’s a powerful, energizing experience designed to equip you with the confidence, clarity, and inspiration you need to lead your club with purpose. You’ll gain practical tools, meet fellow leaders who share your passion for service, and walk away prepared to guide your club through an exceptional year.
Important Registration Information
Please register before February 1.
Early registration ensures we can prepare the best possible experience for you. Register by going to www.midamericapets.org or contact Amy Hollas at Rotary5750@gmail.com.
President-Elects: Your district has already covered your PETS registration fee — no payment is required from you. You must still register to attend.
All other participants
Registration fees must be paid at the time of registration.
Hotel Reservations:
All attendees must make their own hotel reservations using the official PETS hotel reservation link. Lodging is not automatically included with event registration. www.midamericapets.org/hotel-reservations-3/
Your club selected you because they believe in your leadership. PETS is designed to help you step into that role with confidence and inspiration.
We look forward to welcoming you, learning alongside you, and supporting you as you prepare for an extraordinary year of Rotary service.
Register today — and take the next step in your Rotary journey.
If you have questions please reach out. We will be happy to assist you.
The Rotary Club of Weatherford enjoyed a Christmas Celebration and Banquet where they honored Rotarian Nate Downs with the
"Service Above Self" Award
Nate was nominated by multiple people for this award. Nate was commended for:
Coordinating and organizing the 4th of July Celebration each year
Single-handedly arranging the renaming of the end of "Rader Park" to "Rotary Centennial Park" and getting new signage in place prior to the celebration
Charing the committee that put new signage around town
Handling tech needs for weekly program presentations
Recruiting new members
Thank you, Nate, for consistently going above and beyond for your Rotary Club. Your enthusiasm, leadership, and willingness to serve truly embody Rotary’s guiding principle of Service Above Self, and make you a deserving recipient of this award.
Click the invitation for the event link
Membership Plan
What an exciting time to be a Rotarian and what an exciting time to be part of a membership movement to introduce more of our families, friends, and co-workers to the people of action world of Rotary and Rotarians. Where for more than a century we’ve bridged cultures and connected continents to champion peace, fight illiteracy, and poverty, help people get access to clean water and sanitation and fight disease. Lastly, we’ve taken up a new cause to protect our planet and its resources. How much more can we accomplish with the infusion of new members with new perspectives, visions and talents? With people like you who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change? And, speaking of new members with new perspectives and differing points of view, your district leadership team is working diligently to charter a new club in an underrepresented area in OKC! Stay tuned for the news.
We will initiate an aggressive 6-month membership plan to increase our membership from 1605 to 1700 by the end of RY 2025-2026, 20 June 2026. Accounting for a projected 4.7% attrition rate (loss of 95 members) we will need to bring in 170 new members.
District 5750 Membership Action Plan
Road to 1,700 Members by July 1, 2026
The Goal
• Current Membership: 1,605
• Target Membership: 1,700
• Net Growth Needed: +95
• Projected Attrition (4.7%): ~75
• Total New Members Required: 170
Districtwide Focus
• 17 new members per month
• 4–5 new members per week
• Each club adds just 1 net member per quarter
Our 4-Pillar Strategy
1. Retain – Retention Is Recruitment
• Assign a mentor to every new member (first 90 days)
• Engage members in service within 60 days
• Build connection, not just attendance
2. Recruit with Purpose
• Small clubs: +1 member per quarter
• Large clubs (40+): +2 per quarter
• Bring-a-Guest meetings & service open houses
3. New Clubs & New Formats
• Launch 1–2 new clubs or satellites
• Focus: Young Professionals, Veterans, Corporate, Service-based
4. Accountability & Momentum
• Monthly membership tracking
• Quarterly recognition
• Celebrate growth, retention, and innovation
The District Challenge
If every club retains one more member and adds one new Rotarian, District 5750 doesn’t just reach 1,700 — we strengthen Rotary for the future.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to your club’s membership chairperson and/or to me for any assistance in jump starting your membership drive. There is a lot of great information and references on membership on the following sites:
Mother Theresa once said, “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together, we can do great things”. Together we can make our clubs, our communities and our District stronger and greater to meet the upcoming challenges by retaining our current members and bringing in new members.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Chili
District 5750 Membership Chair
405-659-2116
jmcquillar@cox.net
RYLA 2026
The date for our next RYLA is set for July 17-20, 2026 at Camp Twin Cedars. We need your support to sponsor students and encourage students to apply.
The QR Code on the attached flyer lands on the application page. Additional information can be found on the District Website. rotary5750.org. Encourage the high school Sophomores and Juniors to apply as soon as possible!
Since we have the entire camp AND the kitchen we would love some kitchen help. It would be great if a few Rotarians and or clubs would volunteer to help preparing meals and cleaning up. Let Nicole know you would like to help. nmhs40@gmail.com
Rotary Club of Edmond Celebrates
Our annual holiday luncheon was a wonderful reminder of the joy that comes from fellowship, gratitude, and service alongside one another.
We are deeply grateful for every member who shows up. Thank you to those who attend meetings, serve at events, lend a helping hand, and quietly give their time, talents, and treasure. These steady acts of service are what strengthen our community and bring our shared values to life.
