We  are a vibrant and diverse group of professionals dedicated to creating a positive impact not only in our Hilo community but also across the state, nation, and around the world.  By teaming up with over 1.4 million Rotarians, we infuse leadership, education, and enthusiasm into projects that enhance the quality of life for people everywhere.   Join us in making a difference!

Celebrating Leadership & Creating Lasting Impact

Dear Rotary members and friends, we are honored to share this special and momentous occasion with you.  One of our own, Benson Medina, is stepping into the role of District Governor for Rotary District 5000, and this achievement reflects the dedication, integrity, and steady leadership that have long distinguished his service.  We take great pride in celebrating this milestone with him, and we are equally excited for what his leadership will mean for our club, our district, and the year ahead.  As we look forward, we do so with gratitude, optimism, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Welcoming Our District Governor: Benson Medina

Benson Medina has always led with steady service, a generous spirit, and a real commitment to helping others.  Through his time with our club, he has shown what it means to show up, work hard, and lead by example.  As he takes on the role of District Governor for Rotary District 5000, he brings that same energy and experience to the year ahead.  The theme Create Lasting Impact sums it up well: focus on meaningful service, strong partnerships, and results that last.  We are excited to support Benson in this next chapter and to keep building momentum together.  It is a proud moment for our club, and we look forward to seeing what we can accomplish side by side.

Looking Ahead: A Year of Impact

This year presents meaningful opportunities to turn ideas into action and to deepen the impact of our service at both the local and global level.  Under Benson's leadership, we are especially encouraged by the chance to strengthen the work we do, extend our reach, and build on the values that define Rotary.  With that spirit in mind, we are focusing on priorities that support sustainable progress and lasting good in our communities.

  • Community service initiatives that address local needs with practical, compassionate action

  • Youth leadership and mentorship programs that help the next generation grow in confidence and service

  • Global grant projects that extend our reach and support meaningful work internationally

  • Membership growth and engagement strategies that welcome new voices and strengthen participation

  • Strategic partnerships with local organizations that multiply our impact through collaboration

  • Environmental sustainability and conservation projects that protect the places and resources we value

  • Leadership development opportunities that equip members to serve with greater confidence and effectiveness

Join Us in Creating Lasting Impact

We invite every member and friend to join us in supporting District Governor Medina and the vision he brings to the year ahead.  Your participation in upcoming service initiatives will help strengthen our club, our district, and the communities we serve.  Thank you for your continued dedication to Rotary's mission of service above self, and for the many ways you help make our work meaningful.  Together, we can bring energy, kindness, and purpose to the work we do and the lives we touch.

In Service,

Rotary Club of South Hilo

 

 

Rotary's theme for October is Community Economic Development.  Our members and our Foundation work to strengthen local entrepreneurs and community leaders, particularly women, in impoverished communities. The Rotary Foundation spent $9.2 million last year to grow local economies and reduce poverty.

 

Our impact on local economies:  Rotary members train people to become resources for their community, offering networking activities, advice on new business development, and mathematics and financial management training.

 

Rotarians make amazing things happen, like: 

Breaking the cycle of poverty for women: Most of the women living in rural Guatemala do not have the collateral to get loans from regulated financial institutions. The Rotary Club of Guatemala de la Ermita helped 400 local women complete financial literacy courses so they could pool their money and fund their own microlending program.

Skills development, business training: In Esmeraldas, Ecuador, Rotary members helped grant more than 250 microloans and train more than 270 community members in sewing, baking, plumbing, microcredit, business management, and leadership.

Sustainable farming: In west Cameroon, soil erosion and loss of soil fertility have significantly reduced farmers’ harvests. Rotary members gave farmers the skills they needed to improve soil fertility, control soil erosion, and market their produce. The results: increased crop yields and profits.

Aloha Rotary ʻOhana! Want an easier way to connect with fellow members, update your profile, and keep up with club activities? Check out the attached ClubRunner Essentials guide for simple, step-by-step instructions—whether you’re new to ClubRunner or just need a refresher.

Take a look, log in, and make your first step an easy one: check that your contact information is up to date!

SERVE WITH US

Rotary focuses on seven key areas to create lasting change: Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention, Disease Prevention and Treatment, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Maternal and Child Health, Community Economic Development, and Protecting the Environment.  We would love to have you join us.
We work with our local groups, businesses and non-profits to develop strategic alliances that benefit our entire community.  Follow the Link above for more information.

JOIN A PROJECT

RCSH is involved in major projects all over Hawai'i Island (like the IRONMAN World Championships).  You can be a part of it!