As I sit down to write this August article, it is the eve of my local school board meeting. They will be deciding on whether or not to postpone the start of the school year or go online completely. Southern Indiana is also experiencing a spike in COVID cases and our Governor recently announced a state-wide mask mandate. We are living through unprecedented and uncertain times, for sure.

One thing that I am certain about, is that Rotarians and Rotaractors of District 6580 are taking COVID-19 very seriously. Since March, we’ve stopped holding traditional breakfast and lunch meetings, jumped onto Zoom and organized multiple service projects to deliver PPE, sponsor meals and give away needed supplies in our communities.

Our desire to stay connected, help our neighbors and keep each other safe makes me so proud to be a Rotarian.

Rotary and Rotaract look different right now. Clubs are continuing to meet virtually, some are finding safer ways to meet in person and many are offering a virtual/in person hybrid. These changes ensure that we can minimize risk and offer amazing flexibility to our members. District functions (and even my visits to clubs) are virtual as well.

Though a lot of things are different, one thing that has not changed- our opportunity, as People of Action, to show that we care about each other.

One way to show that we care is by wearing our facemasks. Because as Rotarians and Rotaractors, we know that prevention and protection can stop disease and keep people healthy. We know this because of our 30+ year fight to eradicate polio.

We know that simple acts of kindness and respect go a long way to making the world a better place.

Together we will get through this. Together we are leaders. When we wear a mask, it makes mask-wearing normal. It makes mask-wearing safe. And- if it is a Rotary branded mask- it might even make it cool. (If you are interested in buying your own Rotary mask- contact your club president).

Thank you for doing the work to take care of and to protect our families, our friends and our communities.

Thank you for wearing your mask.