Join us on September 1, 6:00 - 7:30 pm, for the next Conversation About Rotary, open to all members of D7980. Rotary skills to promote your club as people of action and to understand how your club operates will be covered in the first part of the meeting. We will then explore the RI theme of the month, Basic Education and Literacy, with guest speakers Rotarian Beth Stoller and author Tish Rabe, who appeared on Channel 8 News in July with reporter Ann Nyberg to promote Rotary values for children. Breakout sessions follow to discuss best practices in designing projects that benefit children and create a peaceful world.
Deadline for registration: October 1, 2026
Meet your D7980 Leadership Team! Saturday, August 22, twenty-four members of D7980 representing Chairs of committees and sub-committees, PDGs, AGs, and the DG Track gathered on Laurel Island to debate their goals for the year and collaborate across the boundaries of their individual groupings. Engaging with topics on leadership, service, membership, public image, foundation, and the yearly theme, “For the Children,” groups brainstormed solutions to case-study problems and the support needed to create lasting impact for peace. All are available as speakers (except the dog, sorry) for your clubs, to conduct Club Health Checks, and to listen to your ideas during the next “Conversation About Rotary & Pre-PELS” (September 1) and the District Learning Assembly (October 3). [Julia Kushigian-Secor, DGE & AI, story; Andrew Stein, photo]
Purpose
Rotary International encourages member disputes to be resolved at the local club level whenever possible, guided by the Rotary Code of Conduct and the Four-Way Test. District 7980 is developing a Conflict Resolution Team to support Rotarians when concerns cannot be resolved within their club. The team’s purpose is to provide a safe, confidential, and neutral place for Rotarians to discuss concerns, better understand conflict, and identify constructive next steps that are “fair to all concerned.”
Rotary club collaboration in Southern Connecticut isn’t just a trend—it’s the strategic lever that’s reimagining what local community service can achieve. But why is joining forces such a game-changer, and how can Rotary leaders sweep aside old misconceptions to unlock greater impact? For decades, Stephanie Philips—District Governor Elect for Rotary District 7980—has been at the forefront of building thriving clubs and projects through connection, innovative partnerships, and fearless teamwork. In this article, she shares the blueprint that’s making Southern Connecticut a model for outreach, and how your club can seize these transformative opportunities to serve more, build better, and grow stronger together.
Stephanie Philips on Why Rotary Club Collaboration Is Essential for Southern Connecticut
In a region as diverse and vibrant as Southern Connecticut, the needs are vast—and so is the potential for meaningful service. Yet, as Stephanie Philips points out, too many club leaders hold back, fearing that collaboration might undermine their independence or membership numbers. Stephanie, drawing from her extensive Rotary leadership experience, debunks this myth by demonstrating how “joining hands across clubs and organizations unlocks innovative solutions, energizes members, and delivers outcomes no one club could reach alone. ” For Rotary Club Presidents, Volunteer Coordinators, and Service Chairs, understanding the critical value of collaboration is not optional—it's essential for thriving in today's service landscape.
Stephanie emphasizes that Rotary Club collaboration means more than just sharing a project; it’s a deliberate move to leverage every available strength—resources, knowledge, networks, and diverse experiences. She has found that when clubs move beyond their “boundaries” and tap into District 7980’s connective resources, there’s a multiplier effect on engagement and effectiveness. Most importantly, collaboration opens new pathways to address food insecurity, homelessness, and youth need, extending Rotary’s mission far beyond any single group’s traditional reach.
Stephanie Philips: Unlocking Rotary Global Grants for Southern Connecticut’s Clubs
When it comes to expanding the reach of community service projects, Rotary Global Grants remain one of the most powerful, yet misunderstood, tools available to clubs throughout Southern Connecticut and beyond. Under the stewardship of Stephanie Philips, 2025-2026 District Governor for Rotary District 7980, and a pillar of collaborative service, club leaders are discovering anew how these grants aren’t just additional funding—they’re transformative multipliers for humanitarian impact.
Stephanie’s journey is best described as one of persistent dedication and vision. With over a decade of experience uplifting clubs and a history of award-winning leadership marked by a calm, inclusive spirit, Stephanie knows firsthand that a global perspective drives local results. Her open approach, coupled with Rotary’s emphasis on both local and international collaboration, empowers club presidents, volunteer coordinators, and service chairs to maximize their resources and truly ‘think big’ with community projects. As she shares, clubs in District 7980 are uniquely positioned not only to serve their neighborhoods, but to rally for global change—provided they know how to tap into every resource available.
