The Touchdown Times (Mar. 07, 2025)

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) – Now Accepting Applications!

Rotary District 6840 is excited to announce that applications for the upcoming Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) are now open! RYLA is a transformative leadership development program designed to empower young leaders through hands-on learning, team-building activities, and inspiring mentorship.

What is RYLA?

RYLA is a leadership training experience for high school students who demonstrate leadership potential. The program focuses on personal growth, communication skills, and service-oriented leadership, all while fostering lifelong friendships and connections with peers and mentors.

Why Should Rotary Clubs Sponsor Youth to Attend?

Sponsoring a student for RYLA is an investment in the future of our communities. By providing this opportunity, clubs help young leaders:
✅ Develop critical leadership and teamwork skills
✅ Gain confidence in public speaking and decision-making
✅ Understand Rotary’s values and the importance of service
✅ Build lasting relationships with other future leaders

How to Get Involved

Rotary Clubs are encouraged to identify and sponsor outstanding high school students to attend RYLA. Whether they are already demonstrating leadership in school, sports, or community service, RYLA will help them refine their skills and inspire them to make a difference.

Let’s empower the next generation of leaders together!

Help Rotary Recognize Community Heroes!

The Rotary Award for Excellence in Service to Humanity honors nonmembers, including partners and spouses of Rotary and Rotaract members, who have shown outstanding humanitarian service through Rotary.

Each district governor can nominate one candidate per year, with nominations opening in March. Honorees receive an engraved crystal award and a lapel pin.

If you know someone deserving of this recognition, please send your recommendation to District Governor Samantha Walley.

📢 Hammond Rotary's Charity Shamrock Run 🍀🏃

Join us for the 1-Mile, 5K, and 10K at the Renaissance Festival grounds in Hammond, LA! 🏅 Enjoy finisher medals, age group awards, and fun challenges like Best Costume, Biggest Team, and "Beat the Leprechaun"!

📅 Race Day: Saturday, March 22, 2025
👕 Register by Feb 28 to guarantee a T-shirt!
📦 Packet Pick-Up: March 20 at Perfectly Fit or race morning.

Interested in sponsoring? Contact Amanda Bennett at 985-320-1819.

🔗 For more info, click below! ⬇️

Pat Bowes has begun the search for this year's original artwork. Please share the application below with anyone who may be interested in creating our 2025 Alligator Festival poster.

💡 DON'T FORGET TO HIGHLIGHT YOUR UPCOMING EVENTS! 💡

Got an awesome event coming up? Just send the details over to Ashley Mayley-Yarber at ashley.mayley.5@gmail.com, our newsletter guru. She'll work her magic and make sure your event gets the spotlight it deserves!

PETS

Mar. 14, 2025 - Mar. 15, 2025

St. John the Baptist Parish Club DG Visit
Matherne's Market at Riverlands
Mar. 18, 2025 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Kentwood Anniversary (1936)

Mar. 19, 2025

Ponchatoula Anniversary (1936)

Mar. 19, 2025

Covington Anniversary (1927)

Mar. 20, 2025

McComb Anniversary (1932)

Mar. 22, 2025

Hammond's Shamrock Run
Louisiana Renaissance Fair Grounds
Mar. 22, 2025 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Mental Health First Aid Training

Mar. 22, 2025 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Lucedale DG Visit
MGCCC
Mar. 24, 2025 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

East Coast Fireside Chat
Singing River Yacht Club
Mar. 25, 2025 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Pascagoula DG Visit
Grand Magnolia
Mar. 26, 2025 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Slidell North Shore Anniversary (1984)

Mar. 27, 2025

Moss Point DG Visit
Rotary Building
Mar. 27, 2025 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

Gautier DG Visit
MGCCC
Mar. 27, 2025 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

District Team Training

Mar. 29, 2025

View entire list

🌱 March is Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Month! 🚰

Clean water and proper sanitation are essential for a healthy life. This month, Rotary emphasizes the importance of providing communities with access to safe water, improved sanitation, and hygiene education.

💧 Support projects that bring clean water to those in need
🚰 Advocate for sustainable sanitation solutions
🧼 Promote hygiene education to prevent disease
🤝 Partner with local organizations to make a lasting impact

Together, we can create healthier communities and a better future for all!

🌍 Rotary USA-France ICC Positive Peace Seminar 🇺🇸🇫🇷

The 5th biennial Positive Peace Seminar will be held October 14-17, 2025, in Orléans, France! Applications are open through May 30.

This tuition-free seminar is open to Fourth Year Undergraduates, Graduate Students, Young Professionals, and Rotaract Members—20 from France and 10 from the U.S.

As District 6840 is a member of the USA-France Intercountry Committee, we encourage you to share this opportunity! Travel is covered for American participants, who will be hosted by Rotary Clubs of Orleans.

📢 Know someone who should apply? Encourage them to submit their application today!

For more information, the application, and to view the Concept Note use the QR code below.

🏆 Conference Highlights

🤝 Support the Conference—Become a Sponsor or Advertise!

What is RYLA?

Why Should Rotary Clubs Sponsor Youth to Attend?

How to Get Involved

Club Points Submission Update