July 1, 2025, marks more than just the first day of a new Rotary year. It marks the beginning of a shared journey, our journey as people of action, united by purpose, compassion, and the desire to make the world a better place.
This is a moment of opportunity. But this opportunity is not mine alone; it belongs to all of us. Together, we stand at the doors of a bus filled with hope, love, and service. And my message to you, from the depths of my heart, is simple and urgent:
Don’t Miss the Bus.
That bus represents Rotary in motion. It’s moving forward, into schools, shelters, communities, borders, hearts. It is driven by our values, powered by our diversity, and fueled by our passion to serve. There is a seat for you, and we need you on board.
At my induction last month, I spoke from my soul. I shared my belief that we cannot afford to simply say the Four-Way Test; we must live it. In how we treat each other. In how we respond to injustice. In how we lead with humility, serve with compassion, and speak with courage.
Rotary isn’t just a meeting you attend. Rotary is who we are. It’s how we show up in the world, in our jobs, our families, our friendships, and our communities. It’s love in motion. Service in action. And this year, more than ever, I invite you to make Rotary not just something you do, but something you live.
We are incredibly blessed to begin this year alongside our new Rotary International President, Francesco Arezzo, whose call to Unite for Good echoes in every corner of our world. Here in District 5340, I will not walk alone. I will lead side by side with District Governor-Elect Jeb Bakke, District Governor-Nominee Michael Brunker, Past District Governors, our dedicated leadership team, and most importantly, our Club Presidents, Rotaractors, Interactors, and members like YOU who bring Rotary to life every single day.
But let me be honest: I cannot do this alone. And I don’t want to.
This is your invitation. If you’ve ever wanted to do more, to make a bigger impact, to serve with heart, I’m asking you to consider stepping up. I’m building a team this year, and I need help. We need your passion. Your ideas. Your talent. Your story. We need you. If you would like to serve on our District leadership team, please reach out to me personally. There are opportunities for everyone. There is space for you on the bus, in this family, in this journey.
Let us also commit to giving our members a reason to stay. Let’s engage, encourage, and uplift one another. Let’s become a district where people feel seen, heard, and loved. Let’s be a family, not just in title, but in action. Because we are stronger together. And when we believe in each other, there is no limit to the good we can do.
Don’t Miss the Bus.
That bus represents Rotary in motion. It’s moving forward, into schools, shelters, communities, borders, hearts. It is driven by our values, powered by our diversity, and fueled by our passion to serve. There is a seat for you, and we need you on board.
At my induction last month, I spoke from my soul. I shared my belief that we cannot afford to simply say the Four-Way Test; we must live it. In how we treat each other. In how we respond to injustice. In how we lead with humility, serve with compassion, and speak with courage.
Rotary isn’t just a meeting you attend. Rotary is who we are. It’s how we show up in the world, in our jobs, our families, our friendships, and our communities. It’s love in motion. Service in action. And this year, more than ever, I invite you to make Rotary not just something you do, but something you live.
We are incredibly blessed to begin this year alongside our new Rotary International President, Francesco Arezzo, whose call to Unite for Good echoes in every corner of our world. Here in District 5340, I will not walk alone. I will lead side by side with District Governor-Elect Jeb Bakke, District Governor-Nominee Michael Brunker, Past District Governors, our dedicated leadership team, and most importantly, our Club Presidents, Rotaractors, Interactors, and members like YOU who bring Rotary to life every single day.
But let me be honest: I cannot do this alone. And I don’t want to.
This is your invitation. If you’ve ever wanted to do more, to make a bigger impact, to serve with heart, I’m asking you to consider stepping up. I’m building a team this year, and I need help. We need your passion. Your ideas. Your talent. Your story. We need you. If you would like to serve on our District leadership team, please reach out to me personally. There are opportunities for everyone. There is space for you on the bus, in this family, in this journey.
Let us also commit to giving our members a reason to stay. Let’s engage, encourage, and uplift one another. Let’s become a district where people feel seen, heard, and loved. Let’s be a family, not just in title, but in action. Because we are stronger together. And when we believe in each other, there is no limit to the good we can do.
Luis Carranza
District Governor
2025/2026