NEPELS 2026: Inspiration, Ideas & Leadership for the Year Ahead
 

 
NEPELS 2026: Ideas, Inspiration & Action for the Year Ahead
  • York Rotary was represented at the Northeast Presidents-Elect Learning Seminar (NEPELS) in Framingham, MA, where Rotary leaders from across the region gathered to prepare for the upcoming Rotary year.
  • Keynote speakers shared insights on strong club leadership, member engagement, creativity in leadership, and the power of the Rotary Foundation.
  • Breakout sessions focused on storytelling, membership growth, and maximizing the impact of Rotary Foundation grants.
 
Rotary Recap NEPELS March 5-7
 
NEPELS 2026 Recap
 
Northeast Presidents-Elect Learning Seminar
Framingham, Massachusetts | March 5–7, 2026
Attended and reported by Jackie Grant, Secretary, York Maine Rotary Club
 
I had the opportunity to attend the Northeast Presidents-Elect Learning Seminar (NEPELS) this past weekend in Framingham, Massachusetts, representing the Rotary Club of York, Maine. The seminar brought together incoming Rotary Presidents and Assistant Governors from across the Northeast to prepare for the upcoming Rotary year and share ideas for strengthening our clubs and communities.
 
More than 230 President-Elects and 60 Assistant Governors attended the three-day event, which included keynote speakers, collaborative learning sessions, and district breakouts focused on leadership, membership growth, and increasing Rotary’s impact.
 
Friday – Leadership, Club Culture & Innovation
The first full day of NEPELS focused on preparing incoming presidents for their leadership role and understanding how strong clubs contribute to Rotary’s global mission.
 
Friday Morning Keynote
John Hewko – General Secretary & CEO, Rotary International
Main Message: Rotary’s global impact begins with strong local clubs.
John Hewko opened the day by discussing Rotary’s worldwide reach and the important role local clubs play in sustaining that impact. He emphasized that strong leadership at the club level drives membership growth, community service, and Rotary’s ability to address global challenges.
His message encouraged incoming presidents to focus on engaging members, strengthening participation, and expanding Rotary’s presence in their communities.
 
Breakout Session #1 – Storytelling & Communications
Friday Morning
The first breakout session focused on the importance of effective storytelling and communication within Rotary clubs. Leaders discussed how sharing Rotary’s impact in clear and engaging ways helps members better understand the purpose of Rotary and allows communities to see the value of Rotary service.
Participants were encouraged to highlight personal stories, community outcomes, and real examples of service when communicating about Rotary projects and initiatives.
Strong storytelling was emphasized as a key tool for increasing community awareness, strengthening club identity, and attracting potential members.
 
Friday Afternoon Keynote
Cindi Kish – Rotary International Director
Main Message: Healthy clubs create stronger Rotary communities.
Cindi Kish focused on the responsibility club presidents have in shaping the member experience. She emphasized that clubs thrive when members feel connected to both the mission of Rotary and to each other.
She encouraged leaders to create welcoming club environments, evaluate meeting formats and service opportunities, and ensure members understand the impact of their work.
Her message reinforced that club culture and engagement are key to long-term membership growth.
 
Breakout Session #2 – Strengthening Our Clubs
Membership: Recruiting & Retention
Friday Afternoon
This session focused on practical strategies for growing and sustaining membership. Participants discussed ways to create positive club experiences that encourage both recruitment and retention.
Ideas included:
  • Inviting prospective members to service projects rather than formal meetings
  • Creating welcoming environments where new members feel engaged quickly
  • Offering flexible meeting formats or club models to attract different types of members
  • Ensuring members understand the impact their service is making in the community
The discussion reinforced that strong membership growth begins with healthy club culture and meaningful engagement.
 
Friday Evening Keynote
Kat Koppett – Leadership & Improvisation Expert
Main Message: Creativity and adaptability strengthen leadership.
Kat Koppett brought energy and humor to the evening session by demonstrating how techniques from improvisational theater can strengthen communication and leadership.
Through interactive examples, she encouraged Rotarians to listen actively, embrace new ideas, and remain open to change. Her presentation highlighted that innovation, collaboration, and creative thinking help organizations remain vibrant and relevant.
 
Saturday – Rotary’s Impact & The Rotary Foundation
The final day of NEPELS focused on Rotary’s ability to create meaningful change through service and through the work of the Rotary Foundation.
 
Saturday Morning Keynote
Marty Helman – Rotary Trustee
Theme: Rotary’s Engine of Good – Why the Foundation Matters
Marty Helman spoke about the vital role of the Rotary Foundation in supporting Rotary’s humanitarian work worldwide.
She reminded attendees that Rotary presidents have the opportunity to create lasting change during their leadership year. Sharing a story from her own presidency, she described how a simple effort to recognize local veterans began with a small appreciation dinner and eventually grew into a community tradition honoring hundreds of veterans with banners displayed throughout the town.
Her message encouraged leaders to:
  • Focus on projects that create real community impact
  • Reevaluate activities that may no longer be effective
  • Expand Rotary’s reach through new club models or meeting experiences
  • Invite potential members to service projects and community activities
She challenged attendees to leave the seminar with three specific ideas to bring back to their clubs before July 1.
A contribution to Rotary Plus was made in Marty Helman’s name following her presentation.
 
Breakout Session #3 – The Rotary Foundation: Impact
Saturday Morning
This session focused on understanding how the Rotary Foundation supports Rotary’s global and local service efforts.
The discussion was facilitated by John Nyhan (Hampton, NH Rotary Club) and William Roberts (Barnstable Sunrise Rotary Club, District 7950).
To illustrate the concept of Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY), John distributed $2 bills and explained that if members contributed just $2 per week, each Rotarian could donate approximately $100 per year to the Foundation.
Key discussion points included:
  • The distinction between Rotary International, which manages Rotary’s administration, and the Rotary Foundation, which funds service projects and grants.
  • Donations to the Annual Fund (Share) return to districts after three years to support district grants and global projects.
  • Endowment Fund contributions support long-term Rotary initiatives.
  • PolioPlus donations support Rotary’s global effort to eradicate polio and are matched by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Participants were reminded that club presidents play an important role in helping members understand the Foundation and encouraging voluntary giving.
 
District 7780 Breakout Discussion
The final district breakout session focused on sharing ideas and resources that clubs can bring back to strengthen their local impact.
Participants discussed strategies for membership growth, community outreach, and maintaining strong club engagement. District leaders also highlighted resources available through My Rotary, including training opportunities, membership tools, and club health surveys.
Clubs were encouraged to evaluate their current projects, explore new ways to engage their communities, and continue building vibrant and welcoming Rotary clubs.
 
Looking Ahead
NEPELS provided an excellent opportunity to connect with Rotary leaders from across the Northeast, exchange ideas, and prepare for the upcoming Rotary year. The seminar reinforced the importance of strong leadership, engaged members, innovative thinking, and continued support of the Rotary Foundation.
I look forward to bringing these ideas back to the Rotary Club of York as we continue working together to strengthen our club and expand our impact in the community.