On Saturday, October 24 — World Polio Day — Rotarians across our region will be putting on their walking shoes for something BIG: the World’s Largest Polio Walk.

More than 36,000 Rotarians and nearly 1,000 Rotaractors in 11 states and two countries are being invited to walk together — all with the goal of raising awareness and $1 million to help End Polio Now. Watch the Video Now

District 5960 clubs: we have lots of ways to get in on the fun! Organize a walk in your own community and invite members, families, friends and prospective Rotarians to join you. Or make plans to join fellow Rotarians at walks being organized in Prior Lake and Stillwater. And if you're ready to go BIG, our neighbors in District 5950 are gathering at the Mall of America. The MOA walk begins the morning of October 24, with walkers invited to do a little or a lot. Come walk for polio — and since you're already at the Mall, you might as well get your shopping on afterward!

Why walk? Rotary's decades-long effort has helped reduce polio cases worldwide by more than 99.9%. But “almost” isn't good enough. Until transmission ends everywhere, children remain at risk and Rotary's promise remains unfinished.

A club walk can be as simple or creative as you want: pick a favorite local trail, park or downtown route; invite the community; wear your End Polio Now gear; collect donations; and share plenty of photos. Every step helps tell the story that Rotary is still in this fight.

Host a walk. Join a walk. Bring a friend. Take the next step toward making polio the second human disease ever eradicated from the earth.

Join the movement. Take the step. End Polio Now.

Learn more about the World’s Largest Polio Walk

The five Rotary districts participating in Unite for Water—Districts 5580, 5950, 5960, 5970, and 5610—continue to demonstrate that small actions create big impact.

As Rotary members work together to improve water quality, protect watersheds, and expand access to safe water and sanitation, they are truly living the initiative's call to action:

"Act Today for Water Tomorrow."

Together, Rotary members are creating cleaner water, healthier communities, and a stronger future for all.

Learn more at: Act Today for Water Tomorrow - it starts with us!

The District 5960 outbound team will travel to Brazil from September 6–15, 2026, where participants will stay in the homes of local Rotarians, visit Rotary projects, attend club meetings, and experience Brazilian culture through the eyes of their hosts. One of the highlights of the trip will be a visit to the world-famous Iguazu Falls, one of the largest and most spectacular waterfall systems in the world.

Rotary Friendship Exchange is designed to strengthen international understanding, promote goodwill, and foster partnerships that often lead to future service projects and lifelong friendships. Participants return with a deeper appreciation for Rotary's global reach and the many ways Rotary members create positive change across borders.

District 5960 is seeking a team of 12 Rotarians and partners to participate in this exciting adventure. Applications are now being accepted, and interested individuals are encouraged to apply soon.

Application Deadline: June 30, 2026

APPLICATION LINK:
ROTARY FRIENDSHIP EXCHANGE INVITATION D4640:

QUESTIONS:  Contact District Governor Glenn Bowers

This exchange promises an unforgettable combination of Rotary fellowship, cultural immersion, and international service learning. If you have ever wanted to experience Rotary on a global scale, this is your opportunity.

For additional information and application materials, contact the District 5960 Rotary Friendship Exchange Committee.

"Rotary opens doors to the world—not only through service, but through friendship."

The visiting team represents Rotary clubs from Buenos Aires, Escobar, and Rojas, Argentina. During their stay, they will be hosted in the homes of District 5960 Rotarians, providing a personal glimpse into American family life, traditions, and communities. Host clubs throughout the district will welcome the visitors to meetings, showcase local businesses and community projects, and highlight the many ways Rotary serves throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The visit follows a successful outbound exchange earlier this spring when seven District 5960 Rotarians and two guests traveled to Argentina. During their April visit, the team toured businesses, healthcare facilities, and community organizations while learning about service initiatives led by District 4895 Rotarians. One memorable experience included visiting a nonprofit workshop serving individuals with disabilities, where participants demonstrated the handcrafted products that help support the organization's mission.

The District 5960 delegation also enjoyed tours of historic sites, cultural attractions, and local communities throughout Argentina. A special highlight was attending District 4895's conference, where Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo addressed attendees and shared Rotary's global vision under his presidential theme, "Unite for Good."

These exchanges exemplify Rotary's commitment to building goodwill and understanding around the world. By opening their homes, sharing their communities, and learning from one another, Rotarians continue to strengthen the international bonds that make Rotary one of the world's leading service organizations.

District 5960 extends its sincere appreciation to all host families, clubs, and volunteers who have made this exchange possible. We are honored to welcome our Argentine Rotary friends and look forward to the friendships, ideas, and opportunities for collaboration that will continue long after the exchange concludes.

For more information about the Rotary Friendship Exchange program, contact RFE Coordinator Rob Howard.