On July 16, 2026, Rotary International Director Marty Helman met with the senior leadership team of Rotary District 7230 to discuss priorities and strategic goals for the 2026–2027 Rotary year. The meeting provided an excellent opportunity to align district initiatives with Rotary International's vision and strengthen plans for the year ahead.
 

Building Stronger Clubs Through Membership

A primary focus of the discussion was membership growth and retention. District leaders explored strategies to achieve sustainable membership growth by attracting new members, chartering new clubs, and strengthening support for existing clubs.
 

A primary focus of the discussion was membership growth and retention. District leaders explored strategies to achieve sustainable membership growth by attracting new members, chartering new clubs, and strengthening support for existing clubs.

RI Director Helman emphasized the importance of working together with a clear, long-term membership strategy. She noted that strong clubs with engaged members are the foundation of Rotary's continued success and lasting impact.

DG Maksud's Vision for 2026–2027

District Governor Dr. Maksud Chowdhury shared his vision of bringing Rotary clubs and communities closer together through collaboration, fellowship, membership development, and meaningful service.

As part of this vision, he proposed hosting three major district-wide events in different geographic regions of District 7230. These collaborative events will provide opportunities for:

  • Strengthening collaboration among Rotary clubs
  • Building fellowship and networking
  • Engaging local communities
  • Attracting and developing new members
  • Organizing meaningful, high-impact service projects


The goal is to make Rotary more visible within our communities while creating stronger connections among clubs and expanding Rotary's reach throughout the district.

Leadership Working Together

The meeting was facilitated by District Membership Chair Mary Shackleton, who guided a productive discussion among district leaders, contributing ideas and sharing experiences to strengthen membership efforts across the district.

Participants joined both in person and remotely, included:

  • Dr. Maksud Chowdhury, District Governor

  • PDG Marty Helman, Rotary International Director

  • Garrett Capobianco, Immediate Past District Governor

  • PDG Syed Alirahi, Deputy District Governor

  • PDG Martin Shulman, Vice Governor

  • PDG Mary Shackleton, District Membership Chair

  • PDG Lora Archer, Deputy District Governor

  • PDG Eric Storberg, District Rotary Foundation Chair (DRFC)

  • Cecily Smith, Membership Attraction Committee

  • Dr. Shamim Begum, District Conference Chair

  • Shazia Alirahi, Assistant Governor

  • Serkan Ceylan, District Governor-Elect

  • Abit Ragbeer, District Governor-Nominee
     

 


Looking Ahead

As we move forward in the 2026–2027 Rotary year, District 7230 remains committed to building stronger clubs, engaging and retaining members, fostering sustainable membership growth, chartering new clubs, and expanding our impact through meaningful service.

With the guidance of Rotary International and the dedication of our district leaders, assistant governors, club presidents, and Rotarians, we will continue working together as One District, One Team to Create Lasting Impact.

By strengthening our partnerships, embracing new opportunities, and serving our communities with purpose, we will build a stronger, more connected, and more vibrant Rotary District 7230, one that inspires people to join us in making a lasting difference.

Together, we can make Rotary District 7230 stronger, more connected, and more impactful.

Yours in Rotary Service,

Dr. Maksud Chowdhury
District Governor 2026–2027
Rotary District 7230