This edition of the Highlighter will be unique as every article herein is related to membership. I’d like to thank our new District Membership Chair, Zoot Velasco, Club Builder/New Channels and Inclusive Leadership Chair Gino Reyes, Rotaract and Rotary Community Corps Chair Edward Abad, and Attraction Chair Betty Bui who have crafted articles to help your clubs Envision Your Future. Many of our clubs have asked the District - How do we grow? How can we engage? How can we retain? Thus far, I’ve visited nine clubs and I’ve shared with them the idea of “giving birth to clubs” – perhaps a Rotaract club (either College or Community Based), or to consider adding a Companion club. These are some of the ideas we want to share with you to grow your clubs not just by numbers, but in strength, diversity, and connection.
Each new member and each new club bring fresh ideas, new energy, and more hands to do the work that matters. As we honor our 105-year legacy at District 5300, we’re reminded that Rotary has always evolved by welcoming new voices and adapting to the needs of our time. To Honor Our Legacy & Envision Our Future, we must be intentional about inviting others to join us—people who are ready to Unite for Good and move our mission forward.
Be sure to check out social media pages (FaceBook: rotaryinternationaldistrict5300 and Instagram: rotaryd5300) to find stories related to membership all month long. Read about our monthly ESSENTIALS training below and be sure to register through DACdb. Throughout August, our District Membership Committee will share stories and strategies to help your club grow with purpose. I invite you to read them, share them, and take action. Just as important as bringing in new members is creating a space where they feel like they belong, a place where they are welcomed. Our Inclusive Leadership Chair will share ways to foster a space for belonging. Our District Mental Health Committee chaired by Rudy Hayek & Sheila Gutierrez reminds us that true inclusion supports not only engagement, but emotional well-being. When members feel valued and connected, they thrive - and so does Rotary.
Let’s use this month to recommit to building clubs that are vibrant, welcoming, and equipped for the future. Together, we can expand our reach, deepen our impact, and carry Rotary forward for the next generation.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Gilda Moshir District Governor 2025–2026 Rotary District 5300
The Rotary Membership Team