Celebrating the Success of Lone Star PETS in DFW, Dear Rotary District 5830 Rotarians,I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this Lone Star Presidents-Elect Training Seminar (LS PETS) in Dallas-Fort Worth an outstanding success. The 4-day event was held from February 27th – March 2nd at the DFW Hyatt Regency Hotel. There were over 600 Rotarians that attended the event! From informative sessions to inspiring conversations, our time together has prepared us to lead with renewed energy, purpose, and camaraderie in the upcoming Rotary year. If you are an incoming President Elect (PE) or President Nominee (PN) for your club and were unable to make it to LS PETS, I encourage you to attend our District Local PETS at the Mt. Pleasant Country Club on April 5, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
A Team Effort
First and foremost, I’d like to recognize and thank our incredible District team for their hard work and commitment before and during PETS. PDG Carolyn Franks did a superb job of emceeing the Saturday Dinner and will serve as Operating Chair in 2026—let’s all support her in that important role. DG Jeff Johnston, DGN Diane Kavanaugh, DGND Sil Gomez-Coleman, PDG Mike Groom, PDG Jack Welge, AG Landon Forbes, Trudy Williams, Pamela Walters, Donna Foster Meredith, and so many others contributed invaluable time and expertise to facilitate learning modules and share Rotary best practices. A special thank you goes to DA Shirley Pinnix-Evans for keeping us on schedule throughout the entire event.
Equipped for Success
Our Presidents-Elect (PEs) and Presidents-Nominee (PNs) participated enthusiastically in sessions that covered vital topics—from fundraising and membership growth to strategic planning. I’m happy to report that all clubs that completed PDG Jack Welge’s Foundation Training are qualified to use The Rotary Foundation (TRF) grant funds once they complete the Memorandum of Understanding. This means that, armed with fresh perspectives and resources, our clubs are ready to make a dynamic impact in our communities. Remember, all club Presidents and Foundation Chairs must complete this certification each year.
If You Couldn’t Be There
For those of you who couldn’t attend, we missed you! We hope you will join us at our Local PETS sessions, where you can refresh, refine, and expand your leadership skills. These sessions also serve as a great opportunity to connect with fellow Rotarians and plan for a successful year. Local PETS will be held Apr. 5, 2025, at the Mt. Pleasant Country Club from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Please register in advance from the District Calendar. If you require assistance, please contact DA Shirley Pinnix-Evans.
Rotary Action Plan and Our District Goals
During LS PETS, I had the opportunity to review Rotary International’s Action Plan, which revolves around four strategic priorities: Increase Our Impact, Expand
Our Reach, Enhance Participant Engagement, and Increase Our Ability to Adapt. In alignment with these priorities, we have outlined 2025–2026 District 5830 Goals that focus on:
- Increasing Our Impact
- Supporting Local, District, Zone, and International Projects
- Stressing Youth Leadership Development through new Interact and Rotaract Clubs
- Expanding Our Reach
- Diversifying and expanding club membership
- Engaging and retaining members through sustainable membership growth
- Expanding our focus and resources on Disaster Response and Global Peace & Conflict Resolution
- Enhancing Participant Engagement
- Encouraging club participation in all district training events and committees
- Completing and integrating Club Visioning
- Increasing Our Ability to Adapt
- Ensuring all Rotary logos and branding are compliant with RI standards
- Encouraging per capita giving to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus, and/or Disaster Fund
- Focusing on Leadership Development
- Increasing involvement in Youth Exchange, Interact, Rotaract and RYLA programs
We encourage you to review these goals and discuss how your club can incorporate them into your strategic planning. Together, we will strengthen Rotary’s presence and magnify our service throughout District 5830 and beyond.
Upcoming Events
If you’re interested in our Legacy Dinner in April, there may still be time to secure a spot. This event promises an evening of fellowship, celebration, with a focus on building your Rotary Legacy. We are working to secure a special guest for the event, which you will not want to miss. Please refer to our Legacy Campaign on our District Webpage or reach out to PDG Ted Huffhines or DG Jeff Johnston for further details.
Words of Inspiration from Our Presidents-Elect
I’d like to share just a few takeaways from the PEs who attended Lone Star PETS:
“Lone Star PETS has given me a much broader view of the impact we as a small Rotary Club can have on the world and the importance of each and every member.” – PE John Dollarhide, Mineola R.C.
“Rotary Presidents-Elect Training Seminar was nothing short of transformative! … The impact of this experience will undoubtedly shape the way I serve my club and community.” – PE Ben Patterson, Henderson R.C.
These insights capture the essence of what PETS is all about: learning, collaboration, and igniting the passion for Service Above Self.
Moving Forward
The 2025-2026 Rotary International theme—“Unite for Good”—reminds us of our shared mission and the strength we gain when we work together. Let’s harness the momentum from PETS and translate it into tangible action in the months ahead. By embracing the Rotary Action Plan and the 2025–2026 District Goals, we are well-positioned to achieve a stellar Rotary year marked by innovation, fellowship, and community impact.
Thank you for your continued service and dedication to Rotary. Let’s keep the energy from Lone Star PETS alive and keep working together to make a difference in District 5830 and beyond.
Yours in Rotary Service,
DGE Damon Donnell
Rotary District 5830
DGE Damon Donnell
Rotary District 5830
