SMME - South Metro Minneapolis Evenings Rotary Club

Did you hear? The 2024-25 Rotary International Rotary International Presidential theme is “The Magic of Rotary.”

This theme celebrates the magic of Rotary and recognizes and amplifies the organization’s power to save lives. Members create that magic with every project completed, every dollar donated, and every new member of Rotary.

As we transition to the 2024-25 year, we also transition to a new executive board.

Take a look at the outstanding group of people that will be leading SMME this year and stay tuned for more great things to come!

Join us in giving the warmest THANK YOU to our outgoing president, Krysta. From guiding us through a workshop to define our club values to reimagining what fundraising and service could look like for our club, Krysta provided a vision and a path forward for our members.

Our incoming president, Ryan, says: "As the Rotary International year comes to a close, SMME gives a giant thank you to our outgoing Club President, Krysta Lipsey. We have had the honor of having Krysta at the helm of this organization more than once and her tenure this Rotary year reminded all of us of what a great example she is of a committed Rotarian and a leader. Thanks for everything this year, Krysta!"

As Rotarians, we share a common set of values. We see a world where people unite to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

Rotary members believe that we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. The global network of 1.4 million members in over 46,000 clubs work together to promote peace; fight disease; provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene; care for mothers and children; support education; grow local economies; and protect the environment.

Head to www.rotary.org/en/our-causes to learn more about Rotary International's causes and areas of focus.

There are many social justice issues in the world today. Since 2009, every February 20th has been the United Nations observance known as “World Day of Social Justice”.

This day recognizes the need to promote efforts to tackle issues such as discrimination, poverty, gender equity, racism, and access to justice for all.

Today and every day, we invite you join us in working to combat inequities.

There are many social justice issues in the world today. Since 2009, every February 20th has been the observance known as “World Day of Social Justice”.

This day recognizes the need to promote efforts to tackle issues such as discrimination, poverty, gender equity, racism, and access to justice for all.

Today and every day, we invite you join us in working to combat inequities.

It’s Random Acts of Kindness Week! Each day this week (and every week), try to do one small act of kindness or generosity.

Will we be seeing you in 2029? We can't wait!

Huge shout out to everyone that was involved in this bid process. It was a huge undertaking that paid off!

Read more about the announcement here: https://www.rotary.org/en/minneapolis-st-paul-set-to-host-rotarys-120th-international-convention-in-2029

The cat's out of the bag! Minneapolis will be hosting the 2029 Rotary International convention! The event is expected to attract over 15,000 Rotary members from 150 countries to Minneapolis — and generate an economic impact of over $50 million.

We can't wait to join our friends from Rotary District 5950, MN and Rotary District 5960 in welcoming our fellow Rotarians from around the globe and sharing what makes the Twin Cities Metro so special.

Minneapolis Wins 2029 Rotary International Convention Bid The group's international convention was last held in the Twin Cities in 1974. The latest event is expected to bring 15,000 visitors.

SMME was also recognized by Rotary International as a “100% Foundation Giving Club”!

This designation is given to clubs that achieve an average of $100 donated per capita, and every dues-paying member contributing at least $25 to any or all of the following during a Rotary year: Annual Fund, Polio Fund, approved global grants, or the Endowment Fund.

We’re excited to announce that SMME has been recognized by Rotary International as an “Every Rotarian, Every Year Club” for the Rotary year 2022-23.

This designation is for clubs that achieve at least $100 per capita contribution to Rotary’s Annual Fund during the Rotary year, and every member must contribute at least $25.

As a club that is very much focused on connection and community, Cacioppo's research on loneliness holds special weight for our members.

"Loneliness increases our risk of developing a range of illnesses and disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline — even cancer. [...] Unlike depression and anxiety, loneliness does not have a clinical diagnosis. How then can it be prevented or treated?"

Read more in the Rotary magazine:

Lessons from Dr. Loneliness What a professor’s lifework can teach us about overcoming isolation

Such a treat to hear from District Governor Jewelie Grape and a Friends of Ngong Road program alum at our meeting this week!

A new Rotary International year means a new SMME Board for 2023-24!

Get to know our new leadership team and stay tuned for more great things to come this year!

Happy New (Rotary) Year!

July is the start of a new year for Rotary. This year's theme from Rotary International President Gordon R. McInally, "Create Hope in the World," is a call to promote peace in troubled nations and help those affected by conflict.

The goal is to help the world heal and, in turn, to help us achieve lasting change for ourselves. Members are encouraged to engage in tough conversations and earn the trust that’s necessary to realize these values.

Congratulations to our , Peter!

As co-service chair this year, you’ve embodied true and a commitment to the . Thank you for your contributions to the mission of SMME and promoting Rotary principles in your daily interactions.

In celebration, a donation was made to The Rotary Foundation in Peter’s honor, recognizing him as a Paul Harris Fellow.

As the Rotary International year comes to close, SMME gives a giant thank you to our outgoing president.

Stefi lead us through a transition to a new meeting place, ushered in the “new normal,” and reminded all of us that generosity doesn’t have to be monetary.

Thanks for everything this year, Stefi!

20,000 pounds of food! It’s always great to work alongside other Rotarians to make quick work of a big task.

A giant thank you to everyone in the Twin Cities community who donated in support of ICA Food Shelf!

It was a cloudy day, but that’s not going to stop us from smiling at Allianz Field! It was so much fun getting a behind the scenes look at where Minnesota United FC hosts their challengers.

Shout out to SMME member Hassan for organizing this outing!

In the 13 years since our chartering, a lot has changed in the world, including our membership. Now, we are taking the time to reassess what makes us unique, what values are critical to our mission, and how we operate best as a team of dynamic and energetic individuals united around a goal to give back.

This week was our first of six meetings dedicated to working through the T.R.I.B.E. Model, facilitated by previous guest speaker Greg Krauska, a team performance coach, speaker, and consultant. We look forward to the rest of the process!

Join us to to hear from Yolanda "Yo" Hunter, owner and coach of !

She loves volunteering with teens and believes that when you embrace obstacles as opportunities, you begin to develop a different mindset. Her goal is to show you how to live life from a position of empowerment, so you can learn to ride the waves of life's storms without losing yourself in the process.

Hear from Whitney Clark with about one of the great rivers of the world and a complex ecosystem of global significance. It's also our hometown river and the heart of a cultural landscape that has, for generations, held great meaning for residents of this place from many cultures.

The organization engages citizens to protect, restore, and enhance the Mississippi River and its watershed in the Twin Cities region.

Such a fun time at TAMU Grill and Catering with Chef Jojo and our partners from Friends of Ngong Road! Great food, great people, great evening! Pass the samosas and mandazi, please!

Our members loved volunteering with Northside STEM District to help youth build simple machines and explore STEM concepts.

The March STEM Saturday event was a success!

Imagine what would happen if every girl around the world woke up each morning believing that she had the power to make change. What problems can we solve when more girls and women are given an equal voice and the same opportunities?

International Women’s Day is March 8, and we’re celebrating everyone who is dedicated to improving the quality of life for women around the world.

Learn more about Rotary International’s vision and commitment to the Empowering Girls initiative: www.rotary.org/en/leave-no-girl-behind