Momentum to Impact: Reflections on 2025-26 and Plans for 2026-27

Momentum to Impact: Reflections on 2025-26 and Plans for 2026-27

In this special year-end episode of Service Above Self, DG Heidi and incoming DG Chuck discuss the momentum built across District 6670 through membership growth, peacebuilding, youth leadership, and stronger club engagement, while exploring how that momentum can become lasting impact in 2026-27. Heidi reflects on her year as District Governor, including the successful growth in Membership, the new Peacebuilder Clubs, and the powerful youth initiatives. She also shares lessons learned from balancing Rotary leadership with professional responsibilities and offers advice for future district leaders. Chuck looks ahead to his year as District Governor, discussing the opportunities he sees across District 6670, the importance of leadership development, and his focus on helping clubs create lasting impact in their communities. He shares his vision for membership growth, companion clubs, and empowering Rotarians to think beyond tradition while remaining grounded in Rotary's values. Together, they explore what makes Rotary special: the relationships, the service, and the ability to inspire people to make a difference. It's a conversation about gratitude, optimism, and the future of Rotary in Southwest Ohio. Topics Covered: * Membership growth * Expansion of Peacebuilder Clubs  * Youth leadership through Interact, Rotaract, RYLA, Youth Exchange, Peace Ambassadors, and the Four-Way Test Speech Contest * Lessons learned from serving as District Governor * The importance of delegation, communication, and leadership development * Creating lasting impact through Rotary service * Opportunities for club growth, innovation, and companion clubs * Rotary's future in North America and the upcoming redistricting process * Why both Heidi and Chuck remain optimistic about Rotary's future 🎙️ Service Above Self: Rotary D6670 is a monthly podcast celebrating the service, leadership, and community impact of our 45 clubs across southwest Ohio. 📌 Learn more at rotarydistrict6670.org [https://www.rotarydistrict6670.org] 📧 Questions or feedback? Email us at rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com [rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com] 🔗 Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/RotaryDistrict6670 [https://www.facebook.com/RotaryDistrict6670] 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode!

Interact to Rotaract: Building Rotary’s Next Generation of Leaders

May is Rotary Youth Service Month, and this episode highlights how District 6670 is building the next generation of leaders through Interact and Rotaract. Wendy shares the growth of Interact across the district, now reaching 20 active clubs, and outlines what it takes to start and sustain a successful Interact program. She also emphasizes the critical role of faculty advisors and the importance of keeping club information updated with Rotary International to ensure continued support and recognition. Dr. Toni offers a powerful look at Rotaract in action through the University of Cincinnati, where students are leading both local and global initiatives. From large-scale community events to international service in Ghana, UC Rotaract members are gaining real-world leadership experience while addressing meaningful challenges. Together, these programs demonstrate how Rotary develops leaders at every stage—building confidence, expanding perspective, and creating opportunities for service that lasts a lifetime. Topics Covered: * What Interact is and how it functions as a “junior Rotary club” * Growth of Interact in District 6670, including expansion from 14 to 20 clubs * Challenges in sustaining Interact clubs, especially faculty advisor retention * Steps for Rotary clubs to start a new Interact or Rotaract club * Leadership development and global service through Rotaract * The role of Rotary clubs in mentoring and supporting youth program 🎙️ Service Above Self: Rotary D6670 is a monthly podcast celebrating the service, leadership, and community impact of our 45 clubs across southwest Ohio. 📌 Learn more at rotarydistrict6670.org [https://www.rotarydistrict6670.org] 📧 Questions or feedback? Email us at rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com [rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com] 🔗 Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/RotaryDistrict6670 [https://www.facebook.com/RotaryDistrict6670] 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode!

Breaking the Mold: RI Director Brian Hall on Leading Rotary Into the Future

Brian Hall reflects on his first year as Rotary International Director for Zones 30&31, sharing what has surprised him most, the privilege of traveling across districts, and the inspiring work happening throughout Rotary never gets old. He discusses the momentum behind the 8-in-8 Challenge and why growing membership in North America is a drum he'll keep beating for the remainder of his term. The conversation explores what separates good leaders from great ones, whey vision without follow-through leave no legacy, and why Rotarians shouldn’t be afraid to “break the mold.” Brian also offers insights into Rotary’s evolving use of technology, and how including AI can support stronger engagement, onboarding, and global connection. Topics Covered: * Highlights from the All-Ohio PETS experience and the impact of the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library fundraising effort * Key leadership lessons from Brian's journey from club president to RI Director * A look at sustainable water and sanitation projects through the WASH Rotary Action Group * Why attending events beyond your club can transform your Rotary experience * A preview of the District 6670 Gala (May 1) and the Zone 30/31 Institute in New Orleans Plus, a lighter moment as Brian and Heidi connect over a shared love of gaming, including Brian’s unexpected connection to the original Diablo! As Brian's term continues, his challenge to every Rotarian is clear: dream bigger, try new things, and work together to Create Lasting Impact. 🎙️ Service Above Self: Rotary D6670 is a monthly podcast celebrating the service, leadership, and community impact of our 45 clubs across southwest Ohio. 📌 Learn more at rotarydistrict6670.org [https://www.rotarydistrict6670.org] 📧 Questions or feedback? Email us at rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com [rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com] 🔗 Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/RotaryDistrict6670 [https://www.facebook.com/RotaryDistrict6670] 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode!

Free Books, Lifelong Impact: District 6670 & Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio

Early childhood literacy starts long before kindergarten. In this episode, DG Heidi Schiller and DGE Chuck Shonkwiler welcome Catherine Sulecki, State Director of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio [https://www.ohioimaginationlibrary.org/], to discuss how free monthly books are strengthening kindergarten readiness across Ohio. Learn how universal enrollment through birth certificates, local nonprofit partnerships, and Rotary District 6670 support are helping more than 415,000 Ohio children build critical reading skills from birth to age five. Topics Covered: * The mission and growth of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio [https://www.ohioimaginationlibrary.org/] * Why early brain development and shared reading matter before age five * Why $155 funds five years of books for one child * How the $2.60 per book funding model keeps the program free to families * The impact of local community partners in all 88 Ohio counties * How District 6670 clubs can support literacy locally * Storybook Trails at Ohio state parks and rest areas Also in this episode: * Highlights from the District 6670 Four-Way Test Speech Contest * The 8 in 8 Membership Challenge across Zones 30 & 31 * A preview of the May 1 District Gala in West Chester   🎙️ Service Above Self: Rotary D6670 is a monthly podcast celebrating the service, leadership, and community impact of our 45 clubs across southwest Ohio. 📌 Learn more at rotarydistrict6670.org [https://www.rotarydistrict6670.org] 📧 Questions or feedback? Email us at rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com [rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com] 🔗 Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/RotaryDistrict6670 [https://www.facebook.com/RotaryDistrict6670] 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode!

From Ohio to the World: Rotary Peacebuilding in Practice

Peacebuilding in Rotary happens at every level, from local club projects to global collaboration. In this episode, DG Heidi Schiller and DGE Chuck Shonkwiler explore how peace work takes shape across Ohio and around the world. Tom Carlisi, RAGFP Ohio Chapter Chair and District 6690 Peace Co-Chair, shares how Peacebuilder Clubs are formed, supported, and activated, including lessons learned from Ohio’s first-in-the-world achievement of 100% Peacebuilder Clubs. Later, Tijana Ristić, Chair of the Rotary Action Group For Peace, brings a global perspective, explaining how Peace Chapters connect Rotarians across borders and why youth and young professionals are essential to Rotary’s peacebuilding future. The conversation offers practical guidance, inspiration, and a reminder that peace is built through intentional action and service. Topics Covered: * How Rotary clubs become Peacebuilder Clubs * Ohio’s Peacebuilder Club model and lessons learned * Building and sustaining effective club Peace Committees * Examples of peace projects in clubs and districts * The role of the Rotary Action Group for Peace and Peace Chapters worldwide * Global peacebuilding priorities for 2025–26 * Engaging Rotaractors and young professionals in peace work Also in this episode: * February as Rotary’s Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month * District updates including the Foundation Dinner on February 26 * Upcoming All-Ohio PETS and planning for District Gala on May 1   🎙️ Service Above Self: Rotary D6670 is a monthly podcast celebrating the service, leadership, and community impact of our 45 clubs across southwest Ohio. 📌 Learn more at rotarydistrict6670.org [https://www.rotarydistrict6670.org] 📧 Questions or feedback? Email us at rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com [rotarydistrict6670.oh@gmail.com] 🔗 Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/RotaryDistrict6670 [https://www.facebook.com/RotaryDistrict6670] 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode!