April is a special time in Rotary as we focus on Maternal and Child Health—one of the most profound and personal areas of service we embrace. It invites us not only to serve, but to reflect.
As I think about this month, I am reminded of how fortunate so many of us are to have experienced the love, care, and guidance of a devoted mother.
I was richly blessed in my own life.
My mother taught me to read before I ever stepped into kindergarten. She filled our home with stories—reading to me, sharing poems from Robert Louis Stevenson and tales of Christopher Robin, and opening a world of imagination and learning that has stayed with me ever since. She listened patiently to my endless—and often unanswerable—questions, always making me feel heard, valued, and encouraged.
She was my confidant, my teacher, and my greatest supporter.
But perhaps most importantly, she led by example. She brought me along on service projects she organized, showing me—long before I fully understood it—what it meant to care for others. She wasn’t a Rotarian, but she absolutely had a Rotarian heart.
And I know my story is not unique.
Across our district, and around the world, mothers—and women of all ages and backgrounds—have shaped lives, strengthened communities, and inspired service. They lead with passion and serve with compassion. Their influence can be seen in the strength of our clubs, the impact of our projects, and the spirit of Rotary itself.
To the women of District 5495: thank you. Your devotion, leadership, and heart for service make everything we do possible.
And to the men of our district—thank you as well. The strength of Rotary has always been in what we accomplish together. The skills, leadership, and commitment you bring are equally vital to our shared mission.
That is the essence of this year’s theme: Together We Thrive.
This month also reminds us that not every mother and child has access to the care we often take for granted. Around the world, far too many face preventable challenges—limited access to healthcare, education, and basic resources. Through Rotary, we have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to change that.
Every project we support, every dollar we give to The Rotary Foundation, and every act of service we perform helps ensure that more mothers and children can live healthy, hopeful, productive lives.
Because in the end, when we support mothers, we strengthen families.
When we strengthen families, we strengthen communities.
And when we strengthen communities…
Together, We Thrive.
Before I close, I want to personally invite you—this is your final opportunity to be part of two of the most impactful experiences of our Rotary year.
Our District Conference – Back to the Future is more than an event—it’s a celebration of who we are, what we’ve accomplished, and where we’re going together. It will inspire you, connect you, and remind you why you joined Rotary in the first place.
Important Deadlines:
- Hotel Room Block closes: April 10
- Conference Registration closes: April 13
And don’t miss the Together We Raise Foundation Celebration Dinner—a powerful evening recognizing generosity, impact, and the incredible difference Rotary makes around the world.
If you’ve been thinking about attending… this is the moment.
Come celebrate. Come be inspired. Come see what’s possible when Together We Thrive.
With gratitude and appreciation,
DG Jim
District Governor 2025–2026