Cowboy Culture, Leadership, and Rotary’s Impact in the Heart of California

Cowboy Culture, Leadership, and Rotary’s Impact in the Heart of California

Rotary District 5220 sits in one of the most diverse and fascinating regions of the United States. Stretching from Galt to Madera and from the Coast Range to the Sierra Nevada, the district covers farmland, mountain communities, historic Gold Rush towns, and vibrant cities. On the latest episode of the Rotary in the Heart of California podcast, District Governor Jay Hislop joined host Devin Thorpe to explore the rich culture of the region, highlight upcoming Rotary events, and discuss Rotary’s unique role in leadership development across generations. The conversation revealed something many Californians—and certainly many people outside the state—may not realize: this part of California is deeply rooted in cowboy culture. California’s Overlooked Cowboy Heritage When people think about California, they often picture beaches, surfers, wine country, or the tech industry. Those images are real, but they are only part of the story. Central California is also cattle country. Governor Hislop explained that California is frequently among the nation’s top cattle-producing states and is home to a massive dairy industry that produces enormous quantities of milk and cheese. Much of that activity occurs right in the region served by District 5220. Many of the communities Rotarians serve—especially along historic Highway 49 in the Gold Country—have strong ties to both mining history and ranching traditions. Towns like San Andreas, Angels Camp, and Murphys reflect a blend of Gold Rush heritage and working cattle ranches that continue to shape local culture today. One community stands out in particular: Oakdale. Known since the 1920s as the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” Oakdale remains a hub for ranching and cattle operations. Visitors can still find saddle makers, ranch supply businesses, horse traders, and stockyards—living reminders that cowboy culture remains an active part of the region’s economy and identity. It’s also home to one of Rotary’s most unusual—and famous—events. The Famous Oakdale Testicle Festival Each year, the Rotary Club of Oakdale hosts the Oakdale Testicle Festival [https://www.facebook.com/p/Oakdale-Testicle-Festival-100052877870728/], a world-famous event that celebrates ranching heritage with humor, community spirit, and a unique culinary tradition. The festival’s name comes from a long-standing ranching custom. During cattle drives, certain parts removed when young cattle were turned into steers were traditionally cooked over campfires and eaten as a delicacy. Over time, the Rotary Club of Oakdale transformed that tradition into a fundraising festival that draws visitors from far beyond the region. The event blends humor with local pride and offers Rotarians and guests the chance to experience authentic cowboy culture while supporting Rotary’s service work. For Governor Hislop, it’s also a chance to dust off his cowboy hat and spend time with the ranchers who keep this heritage alive. Real Cattle Drives Still Happen Here Another surprising insight from the conversation: cattle drives are not just something from old Western movies. They still happen every year in this region. Ranchers in the area transport cattle into the Sierra Nevada mountains each spring, where the animals graze on public lands during the summer months. When fall arrives, ranchers ride into the mountains to gather their herds and drive them down before winter. Oakdale plays an important role in that seasonal cycle, serving as one of the centers for ranching operations connected to these annual cattle drives. It’s a vivid reminder that the traditions of the American West are still alive—and Rotary clubs are deeply embedded in those communities. Another Rotary Celebration: The Ragin’ Cajun Festival The Rotary Club of San Andreas offers a completely different cultural experience with its popular Ragin’ Cajun Festival [https://www.sanandreasrotary.com/ragincajun], scheduled for April 25. This lively street festival closes the town’s main street and features: * Multiple stages of live music * Authentic Cajun food, including crawfish * A fun, welcoming atmosphere that reflects California’s blend of cultures According to Governor Hislop, the event perfectly captures the spirit of the state: cowboy boots and Hawaiian shirts might appear in the same crowd, and everyone is welcome. Rotary clubs throughout the district regularly organize events like these—events that strengthen community bonds while raising funds for service projects. But Rotary’s impact goes far beyond community celebrations. Rotary as a Leadership Organization One of the most important themes in the podcast was Rotary’s role as a leadership development organization. While Rotary is widely known for its service projects, many people do not realize that leadership training is a core part of the Rotary experience. Governor Hislop noted that decades ago, corporations often invested heavily in leadership training for employees. Today, those opportunities are less common. Rotary helps fill that gap. District 5220 recently hosted a Leadership Academy at the University of California, Merced, bringing together about 150 Rotarians from across the district. Participants attended workshops on topics such as: * Running effective meetings * Improving public speaking skills * Developing strategic action plans for clubs * Strengthening leadership presence and communication The event featured professional speakers and Rotary leaders who shared practical tools participants could use immediately in both Rotary and their professional lives. For many attendees, the skills learned in Rotary leadership training translate directly into better leadership in their careers and communities. Investing in the Next Generation: RYLA Rotary’s commitment to leadership development begins even earlier—with young people. District 5220 hosts the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program each year at camps near Oakhurst. Over President’s Day weekend, approximately 200 high school students participate in an immersive four-day leadership experience. The program combines team-building exercises, leadership training, and personal development activities. Students arrive as strangers but leave with powerful bonds and a deeper understanding of their own strengths. One particularly meaningful exercise takes place at the end of the program. Each participant sits with their cabin group while their peers share what they admire about that individual—their strengths, their leadership qualities, and the impact they had on the group. For many students, it is the first time they have heard such affirming feedback from peers. The experience can be deeply emotional—and often life-changing. Looking Ahead: Far West Fest in Reno The podcast also previewed one of the biggest Rotary events of the year: Far West Fest, the District 5220 conference scheduled for May 1–3 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno. District conferences combine learning, celebration, and fellowship. Attendees participate in keynote sessions featuring motivational speakers and thought leaders, while also enjoying social events, networking opportunities, and celebrations of Rotary accomplishments during the year. Governor Hislop described the conference as one of the best ways for Rotarians to connect with fellow members who share a passion for service. “Leadership often grows out of relationships,” he explained. When Rotarians build friendships across clubs and communities, they strengthen the district’s ability to launch new service initiatives and tackle bigger challenges together. For many members, the conference becomes the highlight of the Rotary year. Register here. [https://4sc.fun/5220dc] An Invitation to Serve As the episode concluded, Governor Hislop extended an invitation to anyone listening who is not yet part of Rotary. If you care about service, friendship, and making a difference in your community, there is likely a Rotary club near you. Rotary offers a place to serve, to grow as a leader, and to build lasting friendships with people who share the same values. And in the heart of California—from cowboy festivals to youth leadership programs—Rotarians are working every day to make their communities stronger. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rotaryintheheartofcalifornia.substack.com [https://rotaryintheheartofcalifornia.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Service, Fellowship, and the Joy of Showing Up

There’s something unmistakably special about a conversation rooted in shared values, genuine friendship, and a deep belief in service. That spirit is on full display in the latest episode of Rotary in the Heart of California, where host Devin Thorpe sits down once again with District Governor Jay Hislop for a wide-ranging, unscripted conversation about Rotary’s impact—locally, regionally, and globally. “This isn’t scripted,” Jay says early in the episode, laughing as he reassures viewers that what they’re seeing is exactly what it looks like: two Rotarians who love the work, talking about why it matters. “We’re here talking to each other, and there is no script.” That authenticity sets the tone for an episode that is equal parts inspiring, informative, and downright fun. From pancake breakfasts that unite entire counties to literacy programs that have quietly shaped generations, this conversation is a reminder that Rotary’s magic lies not just in what it does—but how it does it. Breaking Out of Silos: Rotary as a Community Connector Jay begins by framing one of Rotary’s most important ongoing shifts: moving clubs away from being inward-focused and toward becoming outward-looking engines of community connection. “One of our movements in Rotary,” Jay explains, “is to help clubs become less siloed, less inward-looking, and more outward-looking into the broader community.” That philosophy comes to life in a vivid example from Tuolumne County, where several Rotary clubs collaborate on a Super Bowl Sunday breakfast—an event that has become a beloved local tradition. Held at the Sonora fairgrounds and now in its 38th year, the breakfast draws together clubs from Sonora, Twain Harte, Groveland, and beyond. It raises funds for local high schools, yes—but just as importantly, it brings the entire community together. “These are small groups of Rotarians that put on really big events,” Jay says. “It’s a great way for someone who isn’t in Rotary to see what Rotary does, meet some Rotarians, help out—and maybe even join a club.” Devin jumps in to underscore the joy baked into the experience. “What I love about this,” he says, “is how Rotarians find a way to have some fun and do some good at the same time.” Jay agrees—and adds a mouthwatering endorsement: “This is not your average fundraiser breakfast. This is an excellent meal. People look forward to it.” It’s Rotary at its best: service wrapped in hospitality, tradition paired with openness, and impact multiplied through collaboration. Literacy That Lasts a Lifetime: Read to Me, Stockton From community breakfasts, the conversation shifts to one of the most enduring—and quietly transformative—projects in District 5220: Read to Me Stockton. Jay and Devin both belong to the Stockton Rotary Club, which helped launch the program decades ago. What began as a simple idea—Rotarians reading aloud to elementary school students—has grown into a multi-layered literacy initiative with extraordinary reach. “We consider literacy one of Rotary’s prime focuses,” Jay says. “Globally and locally.” The Rotary Read-In, now approaching its 40th year, invites volunteers to spend a morning reading to children in kindergarten through third grade. Each reader brings a book, reads aloud with enthusiasm, and then leaves the book behind for the classroom library. “The students love it. The teachers love it,” Jay says. “And when you’re done, that book becomes part of the classroom.” What makes the moment even more powerful is its continuity. “Children who were read to 40 years ago are now middle-aged adults,” Devin notes—and some of them are now readers themselves. Jay shares a personal anecdote that brings the point home: “I’ve been on campuses where a sixth- or seventh-grader recognizes me and says, ‘Hey, I remember when you came and read to us.’” But the impact doesn’t stop there. Through a partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Read to Me Stockton ensures that thousands of children receive a book a month from birth until kindergarten. “In some households,” Jay explains, “these are the only books they have.” That access matters. Research consistently shows that children who enter kindergarten with books at home—and who are reading-ready by third grade—are far more likely to succeed academically and beyond. “This program builds leaders,” Jay says plainly. “It builds high school graduates. It builds college-eligible students.” It’s a striking reminder that Rotary’s most powerful work is often quiet, patient, and generational. A Conference Like No Other: Far West Fest in Reno The conversation then turns to something new and exciting on the horizon: a five-district Rotary conference known as Far West Fest, coming to Reno May 1–3, 2026. Hosted at the newly renovated Sierra Grand Resort, the event brings together Rotarians from across California and Nevada for what Jay describes as a “must-attend” experience. “This is going to feel a lot like an international conference,” he says, “except closer to home.” With resort-style amenities, high-quality programming, and a slate of inspiring speakers soon to be announced, Far West Fest represents another intentional step away from silos and toward broader connection. “You’ll meet Rotarians you don’t know,” Jay says, “and you’ll leave with lifelong friends.” Devin adds a personal note of excitement—especially about the option to arrive by train. “That ride over Donner Pass,” he says, “is one of the most beautiful train rides anywhere in the world.” The goal? Around 1,000 attendees, sharing ideas, inspiration, and fellowship across district lines. “This is the trend,” Jay explains. “Larger conferences, broader engagement, bigger thinking.” Note: Learn more here. [https://district5190.org/events/far-west-fest-2026-conference-early-bird-registration] District 5220 Rotarians can register here: 4sc.fun/5220dc [https://4sc.fun/5220dc]. Epic Day of Service: An Open Door to Doing Good Perhaps the most inclusive initiative discussed is the Epic Day of Service, taking place this year around May 16. The concept is simple but powerful: Rotary clubs everywhere organize local service projects around the same time, creating a global wave of impact. Crucially, Jay emphasizes that participation is open to everyone. “You don’t have to be a Rotarian,” Devin clarifies. “You’re not signing a blood oath.” Jay laughs—and confirms it. “Absolutely. No obligation.” This openness reflects a broader shift in Rotary culture. Where the organization was once seen primarily as a networking hub for business leaders, today it is intentionally more egalitarian and service-driven. “When people join us in a service project,” Jay says, “they look around and see good-hearted people with shared values. And they think, ‘I want to be part of that.’” Some do join Rotary afterward. Others simply return year after year to help. “And that’s okay,” Jay says. “Service is the point.” Learn more at EpicDayOfService.org [https://www.epicdayofservice.org]. The Power of Young Rotarians One of the most hopeful moments in the episode comes near the end, as Devin and Jay reflect on the growing presence of young people in Rotary. Devin shares his excitement about a 19-year-old woman who recently joined his club. “She’s been a breath of fresh air,” he says. Jay responds with a story of his own: an 18-year-old who joined Rotary on her birthday—the very first day she was eligible. “She said, ‘I’ve been a Rotarian my whole life,’” Jay recalls. “Her grandmother and her mom are Rotarians. She couldn’t wait.” Jay is convinced that Rotary’s future depends on welcoming more young people. “If we grow Rotary by another 100,000 young adults,” he says, “we’ll create even more lasting change in the world.” Why You Should Watch (or Listen) This episode of Rotary in the Heart of California isn’t just an update—it’s an invitation. An invitation to see Rotary not as an institution, but as a living, breathing community of people who show up.An invitation to serve—whether once, occasionally, or as a lifelong commitment.And an invitation to imagine what’s possible when service is joyful, inclusive, and shared. Whether you’re a longtime Rotarian, a curious community member, or someone simply looking for examples of hope in action, this conversation will leave you inspired. As Jay puts it best: “By performing service—even for one day—you’re part of something much bigger than yourself.” 🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode and experience the energy, humor, and heart of Rotary in the Heart of California for yourself. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rotaryintheheartofcalifornia.substack.com [https://rotaryintheheartofcalifornia.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Every Flag Tells a Story: Veterans, Clean Water, and Global Goals

This month on Rotary in the Heart of California, I had the joy of sitting down once again with our District Governor, Jay Hislop, to talk about how people right here in the Central Valley are changing lives across the street—and across the world. From Lodi to Merced, Tracy to Yosemite, the stories Jay shared remind us that service isn’t an abstract idea. It looks like flags in the pre-dawn dark, pinky fingers stained purple, and students in a Nigerian village reading under solar-powered lights late into the night. Honoring Veterans in Merced and Lathrop Jay started with a powerful local tradition in Merced: the Field of Honor at Merced College. Over Veterans Day week, volunteers place more than 2,000 American flags in a broad green field—each one representing a veteran or first responder. The display is staffed around the clock by volunteers who stand watch, welcome visitors, and quietly honor the service and sacrifice those flags represent. There’s music from a local marching band, a few short remarks, then people are invited to walk among the flags. It’s not a somber funeral service; it’s a living, breathing thank-you to the men and women who have worn the uniform. Up in Lathrop, the tribute looks a little different but carries the same heart. On national holidays, Rotarians, Interact students, and other volunteers are out before sunrise, placing American flags in permanent sidewalk holders all over town. After the holiday, they roll them up, carefully store them, and do it all again the next time. If you’ve ever driven through Lathrop on a holiday and felt a little swell of pride seeing flags lining the streets—that’s your neighbors, quietly serving. Global Goals, Local Action—Right Up the Road Jay also highlighted a special upcoming event: Global Goals Local Action, a one-day Rotary presidential conference in San Francisco on December 11. The gathering will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations charter, which was signed in San Francisco. Rotary played a behind-the-scenes advisory role then and continues to partner with the UN today on issues like peace, health, and clean water. Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo will be there, along with community leaders and international partners, exploring how local collaboration—like what we see in our own towns—can power truly global projects. The event is open to the public, not just Rotarians. Two Drops, One Purple Pinky, and a World Without Polio From there, Jay took us halfway around the world to Pakistan, where he joined a World Polio Day delegation in Lahore. In schools, clinics, and even at the city zoo, he and other volunteers vaccinated hundreds of children against polio. Parents would pause, talk it over, then nod. The children—already familiar with the routine—would tilt their heads back and open their mouths for just two drops of vaccine. No needles. No tears. Just a few seconds of courage, followed by a purple mark on a tiny pinky finger—proof they’d been vaccinated. That simple act, repeated millions of times in places like Pakistan and Nigeria, is how Rotary and its partners are pushing polio to the brink of extinction. And yes, people in our district have been part of that effort for decades. From Hand Tools to Hope: A Women’s Center in Nigeria Jay then shared a remarkable story from Nigeria. In a rural area near Port Harcourt, many women are subsistence farmers, working with basic hand tools and earning barely enough to survive. Their dream wasn’t luxury—it was modest but profound: * A safe place to learn skills * Enough income to feed their children reliably * And, above all, the ability to send their kids to school A local women’s union had been slowly building a two-story structure over 14 years—buying a few cinder blocks whenever they could, hiring a mason when funds allowed. When Rotary stepped in, that unfinished shell became the Ama Okwe Women’s Center, a fully functioning vocational training hub. Through a Rotary global grant and generous local partners, the building was completed, fitted with classrooms, equipment, and training programs. Today, women there are learning tailoring, catering, hairdressing, baking, and even computer skills—pathways to real income and real choices for their families. Clean Water, Solar Lights, and Study Groups on the Niger River In another Nigerian village along the Niger River, Jay’s club partnered with local Rotarians on a major water, sanitation, and hygiene project. Before the project, families collected brown river water—the same river used for bathing and, in many cases, as an open toilet. Not surprisingly, maternal and infant mortality rates were painfully high. Over two phases, Rotary funded: * Deep wells * A purification system * Elevated storage tanks powered by solar energy * Banks of clean, modern toilets To keep everything running, the village formed a local “water district” that charges a small, affordable user fee. That revenue pays for maintenance and daily water testing to ensure the system stays safe and sustainable. And then came the surprise. Because the solar array was already there, the project team added area lighting around the water point and toilets. What happened next wasn’t in any grant paperwork: Students from the village, who had never had a decent place to study after dark, began gathering under the lights in the evening. They formed informal study groups, reading, practicing, and preparing for high school and college entrance exams by the glow of panels Rotary had installed to pump water. A clean water project quietly became an education project, too. From Project Partner to Rotary International President One of the clubs Jay partnered with on that water project is the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi. Back in 2016, he met a Rotarian there named Yinka Babalola. At the time, they were simply two volunteers working on a shared dream: clean water for a village. Fast forward to today, and Yinka has been called to serve as Rotary International President-Elect after the sudden passing of his predecessor. When Jay recently saw him at a Rotary gathering in Albuquerque and publicly shared how proud he was of his friend, Yinka stood and said simply: “I’m still just an ordinary Rotarian.” That humility is at the heart of what Rotary is all about—ordinary people, working together, doing extraordinary things. Why These Stories Matter Here at Home If you live anywhere from Lodi to Merced, from Yosemite to Tracy, you are closer to these stories than you might think. * The Field of Honor in Merced * The holiday flags in Lathrop * Vaccinations in Pakistan * A women’s center in Nigeria * Clean water and nighttime study groups on the Niger River All of these are connected to people in our Rotary District—your neighbors, coworkers, friends, and fellow community members. As Jay put it, Rotary isn’t just about what happens inside a weekly meeting. It’s about what we do together, locally and globally, to make life safer, healthier, and more hopeful. Watch the Full Conversation We unpack all of these stories and more in this month’s episode of Rotary in the Heart of California. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch, be inspired, and maybe even imagine your own role in the next chapter of this story of service. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rotaryintheheartofcalifornia.substack.com [https://rotaryintheheartofcalifornia.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

From the Mother Lode to Gaza, Service Connects Us All

Each month on Rotary in the Heart of California, I’m privileged to sit down with District 5220 Governor Jay Hislop to explore the work and heart of Rotary across our region—and often, across the globe. Our latest conversation took us on an inspiring journey, from California’s historic gold country to the war-torn streets of Gaza, showing once again that the spirit of Rotary transcends borders and eras. Rediscovering the Mother Lode Jay began this month’s episode by sharing stories from his recent visits to Rotary clubs across the Mother Lode—the legendary “southern camps” of California’s Gold Rush. He described visiting the clubs in Mariposa and Oakhurst, where the echoes of 1849 still shape the landscape and the people who live there. “The wealth of the Mother Lode built the United States before the Civil War,” Jay explained. “From 1849 to 1857, the gold, beef, hides, and crops from California fueled the nation’s economic boom.” That prosperity ended abruptly in 1857, when six tons of California gold—shipped aboard the SS Central America—were lost to a storm off the Carolinas. The sinking triggered an economic collapse that nearly paralyzed the young country. Jay recounted how towns like Columbia, Angels Camp, and Sonora went from tens of thousands of residents to mere hundreds almost overnight. Yet, as he noted, the human spirit—like Rotary’s own—proved resilient. “Most of these towns survived,” Jay said. “They found new life in agriculture, ranching, and now tourism. They’ve become living museums of history and hospitality.” Jay even floated a new idea during our talk: a Rotary Club of Columbia, dedicated to preserving the town’s historic heritage. “That alone would be reason enough for a Rotary club to exist,” he said with a smile. Rotary at the Heart of Community Life When Jay visits clubs, he often asks a simple question: What would your town be without Rotary? The answer, he says, comes after a moment’s reflection and often with a tear or two. “People realize their towns wouldn’t be the same,” Jay said. “Rotary is woven into the fabric of these communities.” He highlighted the San Andreas Rotary Club, which literally shuts down Main Street for its “Raging Cajun” festival—a beloved local fundraiser featuring Cajun food, music, and camaraderie. That same club also sponsors several rib cook-offs each year and recently gave the district one of its rising leaders: David Schmidt, now the District Governor Nominee Designate. In Mariposa, Jay found another shining example of Rotary’s legacy in action. The local club there has made historic preservation its mission. Members research key moments from Mariposa’s past and commemorate them with metal plaques embedded in stone or concrete throughout the town. “It’s a living museum,” Jay said proudly. “They’re preserving stories forever—in metal.” He concluded that segment with heartfelt conviction: “You can’t imagine Angels Camp, Sonora, or Groveland without Rotary. These clubs are the beating heart of their communities.” A World Away: Shelter in Gaza From the hills of California, our conversation turned to one of the world’s most urgent humanitarian crises. Jay, a longtime ambassador for ShelterBox, shared a sobering update on the organization’s efforts to provide shelter to those displaced in Gaza. ShelterBox began as a Rotary Club project in Great Britain, built around a simple idea: when disaster strikes—whether through natural disaster or conflict—people need not only food and medicine, but also shelter. “Shelter is survival,” Jay said. “It gives families a place to gather, cook, rest, and begin to rebuild their lives.” Currently, ShelterBox has aid stockpiled in Egypt, the UAE, and Lebanon, ready to deploy as soon as border crossings open. The challenge, Jay explained, is access—getting trucks carrying tents and shelter kits into Gaza. He described the organization’s evolving approach: alongside their signature family tents, ShelterBox now provides shelter kits containing tarps, tools, and materials so families can build temporary homes amid rubble. “You can’t pitch a tent on concrete,” Jay noted. “But you can create a frame and cover it with heavy-duty tarps. It’s not perfect, but it saves lives.” Despite the obstacles, Jay’s faith in Rotary’s impact remained steadfast. “We’re ready,” he said. “When the doors open, we’ll be there.” Polio: The Promise We Keep Our discussion concluded with one of Rotary’s signature causes—the fight to eradicate polio. Jay shared encouraging news: only one new case of wild poliovirus was reported recently, in Afghanistan. While vaccine-derived variants remain a challenge, he emphasized how far we’ve come since Rotary began this global effort in the 1980s. “Back then, millions were infected every year and hundreds of thousands were dying,” Jay reminded us. “Today, we’re down to just a handful of cases.” He acknowledged “polio fatigue” among some Rotarians after four decades of commitment but urged persistence. “We’ve been this close for a long time—but we are this close,” he said. Recent announcements from the Gates Foundation—longtime Rotary partners—have reinvigorated the effort. “Bill Gates has promised new initiatives,” Jay said. “Every dollar Rotarians donate to PolioPlus is matched two-to-one by the Gates Foundation. So one dollar becomes three—and that’s enough to vaccinate a child.” Jay’s message to listeners was simple but stirring: “We made a promise to the world to eradicate polio. We will keep that promise.” A Call to Leadership—and to Fellowship Before signing off, Jay shared two invitations for Rotarians in District 5220. First, he urged Rotarians to look beyond their clubs and consider how they can contribute at the district level. “You don’t have to chair a committee to make a difference,” he said. “If you’re good at photography, social media, or youth programs—there’s a place for you. Just raise your hand.” Second, he encouraged everyone to attend two upcoming gatherings: the nearly sold-out District Foundation Dinner on November 1 at the DoubleTree in Modesto, and the Far West Fest District Conference at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, May 1–3, 2026. “Both will be unforgettable,” Jay promised. “The Foundation Dinner will feature one of Rotary’s most inspiring speakers, Greg Pod, and Far West Fest will be the best district conference we’ve ever had.” The Spirit of Rotary Endures As we wrapped up, Jay shared a text he received from a fellow Rotarian after a previous episode: “That was the best hour I spent all day.” It was a reminder of why these conversations matter—not just to inform, but to inspire. From the quiet strength of our Mother Lode clubs to the urgent compassion for families in Gaza, Jay’s message resounded clearly: Rotary’s heart beats wherever service and humanity meet. And that heart, here in California and around the world, keeps beating strong. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rotaryintheheartofcalifornia.substack.com [https://rotaryintheheartofcalifornia.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Rotary in the Heart of California: Why Jay Hislop’s Vision Matters—And How You Can Be Part of It

I love hosting “Rotary in the Heart of California” because every month, I get to bring you a conversation with a leader changing the world from right here in Central California, District Governor Jay Hislop. His message is simple, powerful, and timely: Rotary’s superpower is people—neighbors and friends who decide to do good together. If you’re not a Rotarian, welcome. You’re exactly who I hope will read this. My goal is to show you what Rotary actually looks like in our region and why it might be the community you’ve been looking for. Let’s start with where we are. District 5220 lives in the literal and figurative heart of California—from Tracy across to Yosemite, up to Lodi, and down along the 99 and I-5 corridors through places like Merced, Madera, Gustine, Patterson, Ceres, and Turlock. Picture a patchwork of vibrant towns and cities where neighbors still know each other’s names—and then imagine a network connecting them all to do good. That’s Rotary here. Jay’s path to District Governor says a lot about the culture. Unlike roles that demand endless campaigning, District Governors are selected by their peers. The process is quiet, rigorous, and rooted in trust. Jay calls it an honor—and then immediately reframes his job as service: helping clubs thrive and welcoming new people in. That’s it. No fanfare, just a focus on strengthening communities. What does that look like on the ground? Jay describes Rotary as a “human social network.” I love that. It’s real friendship—across professions, backgrounds, and beliefs—turned outward into service. In Rotary, fellowship isn’t separate from impact; fellowship creates impact. When you gather people who share values, ideas start flowing. Projects get launched. And the world inches forward. Take one local example Jay highlighted: the Tracy Sunrise Rotary Club. It’s not the biggest club in our district, but it’s mighty. They host a signature shrimp dinner to raise funds—and then turn those dollars into scholarships (including for healthcare and vocational pathways), Interact support in local high schools, literacy efforts, and a community Thanksgiving dinner for seniors who might otherwise dine alone. They run a regular Feed the Homeless program. They’ve landscaped public spaces and even built a downtown clock. And they invest in young leaders through RYLA, a leadership camp that builds emotional intelligence and real-world skills. This is Rotary in action—practical, local, persistent. Now multiply that story by club after club up and down Central California. Add in crab feeds, rib cook-offs, Cajun festivals, tri-tip dinners, and a district-wide speech contest where high school students deliver five-minute, from-memory talks for scholarships. It’s community woven tightly—and joyfully—together. But Rotary isn’t only local. One of our great differentiators is the Rotary Foundation, which Jay calls out as a global engine for good. It’s the largest private foundation in the service-club world—surpassing $2.075 billion and granting more than $500 million a year to projects worldwide. Those numbers aren’t abstract; they translate into clean water, disease prevention, education, peace initiatives, and more. If you want a concrete picture, consider this: through a Rotary global grant in Nigeria, clubs funded ten water wells and ten latrines built to last a lifetime. An entire village of 4,000 people no longer needs to pull drinking water from a river used as a toilet upstream. Infant mortality drops. Health improves. Dignity rises. One person can’t easily do that alone. A network of Rotarians can—and does. Jay and I also talked about how Rotary is changing. The heart—service through friendship—hasn’t budged. But delivery is evolving. Training is moving into bite-sized, high-quality modules online so more people can grow as leaders on their schedule. District events are being redesigned for depth and connection rather than marathon days of lectures. Our communications are shifting from long email blasts to accessible channels like podcasts (hello!) and fresh websites and social feeds. The goal isn’t trend-chasing; it’s meeting people where they are today. That adaptive spirit was on display this year at the very top of Rotary. In an unusual turn, the Rotary International president-elect resigned just weeks before the new year began. The organization moved with speed and unity to select Francesco Arezzo of Italy as president—with barely two weeks to prepare. The message he shared at our international gathering was both humble and galvanizing: we will be successful—even if the success looks different than planned—and what he asked of Rotarians wasn’t merely “support,” but “affection.” Lead with peace, friendship, and love, he said, and service will follow. That’s Rotary in a sentence. For those of you discovering Rotary through this show, here’s what I want you to hear: Rotary isn’t a club for insiders. It’s a platform for people who want to turn caring into doing. If you’ve ever wondered how to make a meaningful difference that’s bigger than a solo effort—but still rooted in your own neighborhood—this is your invitation. You don’t have to be a certain age or industry. Every club is different by design. Your gifts, your story, your energy—they belong here. And your first step is simple: come see for yourself. Visit a meeting. Volunteer at an event. Bring a friend. You’ll know quickly if it’s for you. If you’re already a Rotarian reading this, Jay asked me to pass along two friendly nudges. First, keep engaging with the new ways we’re learning and connecting—online modules, focused leadership events, and updated communications. These aren’t changes for change’s sake; they’re tools to help us help more people, better. Second, think about your relationship with the Rotary Foundation as a lifelong journey. Whether it’s a sustaining gift of $100 a year, stepping into the Paul Harris Society at $1,000 a year, or more as you’re able over time, consistent giving fuels consistent impact. It’s one of the clearest ways to turn goodwill into measurable progress. And if you’re not a Rotarian? You’re welcome at our big tent moments, too. Jay highlighted the November 1 Rotary Foundation Dinner at the DoubleTree in Modesto—yes, non-Rotarians can attend. Expect a professionally produced evening with video segments, music, and a keynote by Rotary Foundation Vice President Greg Podd (bring your curiosity; giving is welcome but not required). Events like this are a glimpse into the global network you hear about on the show—and how it connects right back to Central California. I also want to echo a theme Jay raised that I think resonates beyond Rotary: the power of collective action. As individuals, our choices matter—recycling, conserving water, driving cleaner vehicles. But systems shift when we act together. Rotary amplifies personal commitment into community-scale impact, and community-scale impact into global change. That amplification is our specialty. Here’s how to plug in—today: Visit a local club. If you’re near Tracy, Modesto, Merced, Madera, Turlock, Lodi, Patterson, Ceres, or any of the communities up and down the 99 and I-5 corridors, there’s a welcoming Rotary meeting within easy reach. Drop me a note and I’ll help you find one. Say yes to a single project. Help at a shrimp dinner, crab feed, or holiday service event. Tutor a student. Plant trees. You’ll meet the people who make the work joyful—and you’ll see how tightly service and friendship are intertwined here. Bring your passion. If there’s a cause you care about—youth leadership, literacy, homelessness, clean water—Rotary gives you a team, a structure, and a grant-making engine to help you get from idea to impact. And finally, listen to the episode with Jay. You’ll hear the warmth and candor that make him a great District Governor and a great ambassador for how Rotary is evolving without losing its soul. He’s serious about impact and light-hearted about the journey. That combination makes space for everyone. I’m convinced Rotary is one of the best-kept secrets in civic life—especially for people who want to do something meaningful with others. If that’s you, Central California Rotary clubs are ready to welcome you. Thanks for reading—and for caring about this place we call home. If you enjoyed the conversation with Jay, share it with a friend who might be curious about Rotary. Then consider joining us. The door is open. P.S. If you’d like an introduction to a nearby club or details for the Foundation Dinner in Modesto on November 1, reply to or comment on this post and I’ll connect you personally. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rotaryintheheartofcalifornia.substack.com [https://rotaryintheheartofcalifornia.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]