District Newsletter

DG Cynthia with Vinings Cumberland President Jennifer Humphrey at 30th anniversary of Vinings Downhill Race

From Our District Governor

Thank You Rotary People of Action!

By Cynthia Edwards

It has been a joy to visit with so many of you and your clubs, and to learn what makes each one unique. As District Governors before me have shared, Rotarians across our district are doing remarkable work and making a meaningful difference in their communities. Because I am still early in my visit schedule, I am especially looking forward to meeting, learning from, and supporting even more of you in the months ahead.
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The Eight Pillars of Peace

By Cynthia Edwards

As many of you know, one of my key focuses in life - and as your District Governor - is on creating peace in the world. Peace can have many definitions and be experienced at many levels, and as I see it, virtually all we do as Rotarians in our communities and the world help us build peace. The article that follows provides some of Rotary's perspectives on peace.
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Dunwoody Rotarians filled more than 100 backpacks for Tapestri, each customized to reflect specific students' needs

From Our District Governor

September is Basic Education and Literacy Month

By Cynthia Edwards

Each September, Rotary highlights Basic Education and Literacy, one of Rotary International’s seven areas of focus. Literacy creates opportunity—helping people learn, work, support their families, and strengthen their communities. Strong reading and writing skills help reduce poverty, improve health outcomes, encourage economic development, and promote peace. Read on for ideas about how your club can be involved. And plan to send your photos, brief write-ups, and/short video (60 seconds) of your community engagement to Public Image Chair, Nick Ramey, at d6900publicimage@gmail.com. Jackie Cuthbert, our district newsletter editor, would also love to see your write-ups and photos for the October newsletter - send to cuthbert@mindspring.com by the 25th of the month for the next month's newsletter. [more]

Ed. Note: Our District Grants Chair was just named Rotarian of the Year by her club - congratulations Kay and thanks for all you do!

Our Foundation at Work

Congratulations to 2026-2027 Competitive Grant Recipients!

By Kay Williamson

Rotary District 6900 is proud to announce the recipients of this year's Competitive Grant Awards, investing $41,500 from our District funds from The Rotary Foundation in seven innovative service projects that will improve lives, strengthen communities, and promote Rotary's mission of creating hope and building peace. Congratulations to the Rotary Clubs of Buckhead, Dougherty County, Meriwether County, Georgia North Atlanta Professional Alliance (NAPA), North Fulton, Peachtree City and Vinings Cumberland. Read more about what these clubs are planning to do.
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Our Rotary Foundation

Paul Harris Lives On!

By Bob Hagan

I’m not sure we as Rotarians spend enough time looking at those who went before us as shining examples of who we want to be as Rotarians. It’s the legacy of a number of individuals who set the Rotary wheels in motion and gave us a path to follow. One such individual was Paul Harris - pictured here. I truly love photos of people we talk about. It gives us a chance to look in their eyes and as is often stated, the eyes are the windows to the soul. As I look into Paul’s eyes in the photo, I see a man who carries the soft eyes of one who truly cares about what he is doing, but also within them I see the eyes of hawk. They are sharp, clear, and focused on what is ahead of him.  I want to focus on the Paul Harris Society this month. As our founder, it is only fitting he should have a program that bears his name.
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End Polio Now

Think About This Fundraiser Idea ... and Share Yours

By Lee Hollingsworth

As we approach World Polio Day on October 24, think about how your club might raise some extra money to End Polio Now. We're sharing an idea the Roswell Club is using in the story here - soliciting donors to sponsor First Responders in a tennis/pickleball clinic at a local country club - raising money to End Polio and honoring First Responders in the process. We're hoping you will share your ideas so we can include them in the October newsletter (send your ideas to District Newsletter Editor Jackie Cuthbert at cuthbert@mindspring.com by September 25).
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Disaster Relief

Support Relief Efforts in Nepal

By Jackie Cuthbert

Nepal is facing an urgent humanitarian situation following the devastating floods and landslides. Families have lost homes, essential belongings, access to safe food and drinking water, and other basic necessities. In response, the Rotary Club of Dhulikhel, Nepal is appealing for support to provide assistance to affected families and communities. If you would like to know more, contact the club at rotarydhulikhel@gmail.com, or view the club's website at www.rotarydhuikhel.org.

Note: District 6900 has also been asked about relief efforts for Venezuela and in Brantley County, GA. We will be sharing more information soon. [more]

Rotary Youth Exchange

Rotary Welcomes 2026-27 RYE Students

By Bob MacDonald

In August, Rotary Youth Exchange Southeast welcomed 15 inbound high school students from 14 countries   for Inbound Orientation at Lake Yale, Florida. This included our three District 6900 Inbound students, from Latvia, Brazil and Italy.
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RI Convention 2027

The Early Bird Catches the Worm!

By André Marria

Barcelona 2027 is calling—and now is the time to make sure You are ready!

Our GRSP Scholars say Get Ready! Fiona Jensen and Clara Wollesen, both from Denmark and attending Georgia Gwinnett College, hold the reminder poster which list the early bird special. Rotarians who have already registered their interest will be alerted as soon as registration opens on September 17, 2026 . This is especially important because the discounted early-bird registration rate of $595 will be available only from September 17–21. Beginning September 22, the registration fee increases to $795. Visit the Rotary International Convention Barcelona website and take advantage! [more]

District Community Service Chair

Introducing Laura McConatha

By Cynthia Edwards

Laura McConatha, a Rotary International/Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) Positive Peace Activator, has been tapped to serve at the district level in D6900 to work with clubs throughout our district to help incorporate the pillars of peace and peacebuilding actions and ideas into our service projects. Laura holds the dual roles of Service Chair and Peace Chair for the Americus Rotary Club in Georgia. She is recognized for her leadership in promoting peacebuilding, reconciliation, and community engagement through both local and international Rotary initiatives. [more]

GRSP Update

Georgia Rotary Student Program Celebrates 80 Years of Bringing Nations Together

By Katheryne Fields

Celebrating 80 years of bringing nations together, Savannah-area Rotary Clubs and Rotary District 6920 hosted Conclave 2026, welcoming 38 new Georgia Rotary Student Program (GRSP) scholars representing 20 countries. The scholars will attend 23 colleges and universities across Georgia and are sponsored by 78 Rotary Clubs throughout the state.
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End Polio Now

How Far We’ve Come in Such a Short Time!

By Bob Hagan

This month I want to take a look at truly how far we have come in stamping out polio and how it really has only been a march of approximately 40 years where we Rotarians have been involved in the fight. Think back on the arrival of the Polio vaccine developed by Dr. Jonas Salk in 1953. It was declared to be fully safe and began widespread use in the United States in 1955 saving thousands of lives. We became part of this fight in 1985, a mere 40 years ago and did you know that as recently as 1988 over 350,000 children were paralyzed by polio worldwide striking children in over 125 countries. Now, with the help of Rotary and our partners, the number has decreased by over 99.9% worldwide. [more]

Training/Service Opportunity

Become a CPR & AED Instructor

By Dan Jenkins

The Rotary Club of North Fulton is partnering with Wellstar to offer three upcoming opportunities for Rotarians to become certified CPR and AED instructors - with classes on September 26, October 24 and November 14. We’ve created a simple program to get you trained and certified—and, just as importantly, to support you as you begin teaching CPR classes in your community. We can help you set up classes and connect with local first responders to make this critical initiative a success. Read on for more about the classes and what you need to do to enroll.

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Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI)

Every Rotarian, Better Rotarian

By Walter Marria, Jr.

Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) isn't just for club officers or future presidents; it's for every Rotarian who wants to get more out of their membership. Join us in Thomasville, GA on Saturday, January 30 from 7:30 AM  to 3:30 PM at Southern Regional Technical College. Learn more about the opportunity. [more]

Share Your Ideas with Rotary International

By Mary Ligon

Did you know that every Rotary club has a direct path to influence Rotary International’s future? Through the Council on Resolutions, clubs can submit ideas and suggestions for the RI Board of Directors to consider. This is your opportunity to highlight issues, recommend improvements, and share innovative ideas that can strengthen Rotary worldwide.
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East Cobb Rotarians at the 1999 District Conference - Follow Your Rotary Dreams. The 2027 District Conference in Asheville, NC, will also take us to the Emerald Isle.

District Conference 2026

Join the Return to Oz ... Asheville 2027

By Cynthia Edwards

One of my official visits this month was with President Ben Alper and the Rotary Club of East Cobb. Another awesome club that is making a lasting impact on their community! After the meeting, I had a very engaging conversation with Past President Phil Issenberg (1997-1998), who shared that the 1999 District Conference was "Follow Your Rotary Dream" with an Oz theme.  We will be visiting Oz's Emerald Isle for our 2027 conference. Time to register for the 2027 conference. The registration fee will increase on January 1, 2027. Get in on the Early Bird special! And be sure to read the rest of this story, with some interesting observations from Phil Issenberg and more about how to register. [more]

Laws of Life

Great Start to a New Contest Year

By Carol Gray Walker

As we start a new contest year, we are fast approaching a milestone: one million essays written by Georgia students since the program began. Thanks to  Thank you to everyone who joined us for the annual Georgia Laws of Life Teacher & Rotarian Workshop Luncheon! We had a wonderful turnout of educators, Rotarians, and supporters as we came together to kick off the 2026-2027 contest year. In addition to getting the program underway in participating schools this year, it's time to think about the Founders Celebration on November 4 at the Dunwoody Country Club. We hope Rotary Clubs, businesses, and individual supporters from across Georgia will join us for our signature annual event. Check it out ... [more]

District Newsletter Editor Wanted for 2027-28 Rotary Year

By Buck Buchanan

Some of you may remember hearing that our District 6900 Newsletter Editor was retiring after the 2025-26 Rotary Year. While that's not the case, it is true that Jackie Cuthbert will step down from that role with the publication of the June 2027 newsletter - after a combined 20 years of serving as its editor. We are currently looking for someone to take on this job for the 2027-28 Rotary year. If you're interested OR you have questions about this opportunity, please contact Buck Buchanan or Jackie Cuthbert.
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Club News

Rotary Clubs Support Life-Changing Cleft Care in Bolivia

By LeighAnn DiCesaris

The Rotary Club of Columbus, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Smyrna and the Rotary Club of Vinings Cumberland, has raised $6,375 to support life-changing cleft lip and palate surgeries for children in Bolivia. Through Rotary grant matching and the service of volunteer surgeons, the funds will provide more than $170,000 in medical care.
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Nominations for 2029-2030 District 6900 District Governor Are Open

By Cynthia Edwards

Nominations for our 2029-2030 District Governor are open. We need your help in identifying qualified candidates and officially nominating them by resolution of your club. The certified club resolution form will be sent to club presidents along with Article 16 of the Rotary Manual of Procedure that outlines the role and responsibilities of a District Governor. Read on for more about the requirements, process and deadline for nominations.
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Club News

Atlanta Southern Crescent Help Kindergartener Begin School Year with Confidence

By Trina Kolawole

Recently, a Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Atlanta Southern Crescent came across a heartfelt social media post shared by respected community leader Crystal Perry, founder of Melanated Pearl Corp. In her post, Crystal shared the story of a hardworking father who had recently secured employment but had been living in his car with his daughter, who is preparing to begin kindergarten this fall. Inspired by Crystal’s post, the Rotarians of the Rotary Club of Atlanta Southern Crescent wanted to help make the little girl’s first year of school even more special. The club generously pooled together $300 and shopped for a variety of items from a wish list provided by Dad.
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Club News

Dougherty County Featured on WALB Town & Country

By Rebecca McCathern

Dougherty County Rotary Club was proud to be featured on WALB’s Town & Country program this August, shining a spotlight on the impact Rotary makes right here in our community. During the segment, Club President Jessica McMullian and Membership Chair Patrice Williams sat down to discuss the true purpose of Rotary — Service Above Self — and shared how our members are making a difference locally. The feature aired during New Member Month, giving viewers a firsthand look at what it means to be part of Rotary and an invitation to get involved.  Watch the segment and share it within your own networks.
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Carrollton-Dawnbreakers Fill Little Free Pantries

By Laurie Fleck

Carrollton Dawnbreakers Rotarians came together to help feed 700 neighbors in need through a service project benefiting the community’s Little Free Pantries. Club members prepared meal bags containing recipes and all the nonperishable ingredients needed to feed a family of four. The completed bags were distributed among Carrollton’s 15 Little Free Pantries, providing families with everything they need to prepare a meal at home.
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Club News

North Fulton Installs Landscaping for Habitat Home

By Lisa Gelber

North Fulton Rotary members joined Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia one hot August Saturday to complete landscaping around a new home built for a single mother and her two teenage daughters. The project focused on preparing the yard to be safe and welcoming for the family.
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Club News

Community Awareness: Understanding the Impact of Opioids and Substance Abuse

By Andy Borders

The Peachtree City Rotary Club recently welcomed Dr. Carolyn McDermott to speak about substance abuse, fentanyl, prevention, and the impact addiction can have on young people and families.

Drawing from her years as a counselor in the Fayette County School System, Dr. McDermott shared insight into the challenges communities face … [more]

Club News

NAPA Gives Back: 205 Backpacks, 205 Kids Ready for School

By Eryn Hopkins

At the North Atlanta Professional Alliance Rotary Club, we talk a lot about Service Above Self. On July 30, we showed what that looks like in practice. NAPA members gathered for our Pack It Forward Back-to-School Backpack Project — a community service initiative organized in partnership with the NAPA Foundation to ensure local students head into the new school year with the supplies they need to succeed. We filled 205 backpacks. That's 205 kids walking into middle schools in and around Johns Creek with everything they need and nothing standing between them and a great first day. [more]

Club News

Columbus-Muscogee Full of Rotary Adventure

By Lora Warren

The Rotary Club of Columbus-Muscogee has been busy impacting our community in a variety of ways. Since the start of the year, we have:

• Continued collecting different items to help support the many needs our community has in helping our under-served and homeless populations
• Been inspired by a guest speaker to gather lots of bug spray that our homeless residents needed
• Helped with school backpacks, everyday supplies for a veterans, a clothing and food drive for Baptist Mission, and MercyMed's flower garden.  

And, we've changed up our meeting format and added five new members to our club. And that's just the beginning.
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Just before their inaugural golf tournament, Meriwether County Rotarians will Read Across Meriwether, showing their commitment to literacy.

Club News

From Idea to Tee Box: Meriwether Rotary Gets Ready to Play “Par for a Purpose”

By Jodi Sharpe

Sometimes a new Rotary project begins with a complicated plan. Other times, it starts with a couple of Rotarians saying, “Why don’t we do this?”

Earlier this year, Rotarians Lance Daniel and Jodi Sharpe approached Club President Melissa Trujillo with the idea of hosting a golf tournament as a new fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Meriwether County. The goal was simple: create an event that would bring people together for a fun day while raising money to help Rotary continue serving communities throughout Meriwether County. From that conversation, “Par for a Purpose” was born - with tee off on Friday, September 25, 2026. [more]

Club News

Roswell’s Big Connect Yields Big Help To Local Causes

By Geoff Smith

After a month of following new Roswell Rotary President Leslie Bassett’s message by connecting with each other and with places in our community, Roswell Rotarians are now connecting to create actions that have both provided supplies to causes in our city and spread the joy of Rotary to other.

Rotarians came together on Sunday, August 9 at three breweries throughout the city, each working to put together supplies that were donated to three causes. This was called “The Big Connect.” The group at Voodoo Brewing Co. put together baskets of supplies benefiting Senior Services North Fulton. The group at Gate City built birdhouses for Farm Day. And the group at Variant Brewing put together packages for The Drake House. It was a positive day of Rotarians enjoying working together for three great causes. [more]

Club News

Peachtree City Back to School Bash Helps Students Succeed

By Andy Borders

August began with Peachtree City Rotary putting Service Above Self into action at the community’s Back to School Bash, where Rotarians came together to help local students and families prepare for the new school year.

Our club provided free school supplies to Peachtree City students, helping ensure they returned to the classroom with the basic tools needed to learn and succeed. [more]

Club News

30 Years Running for a Reason

By Thomas House

For 30 years, runners have gathered in Vinings for an August tradition that has become about so much more than crossing a finish line. This year, the Vinings Downhill 5K Run for the Kids celebrated its 30th anniversary in a big way, welcoming more than 1,300 runners for a beautiful morning of competition, community and, most importantly, service. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Vinings Cumberland, the race raised more than $100,000 raised for children’s charities. [more]

Club News

East Cobb's Dog Days Run Raises $77,550 for Community

By Lori Roberson

The Rotary Club of East Cobb celebrated another successful Dog Days Run on August 8, marking the 21st year of this signature community event. This year, approximately 625 runners participated, including 608 pre-registered runners and 17 race-day registrations. Even more exciting, the club secured $77,550 in sponsorship contributions, which will help support local charities and organizations serving Cobb County and surrounding communities. [more]