This week on Rotary in the Heart of California, I had the privilege once again of sitting down with our District Governor, Jay Hislop. Jay is not only a leader for our District 5220 but also a friend who brings energy, enthusiasm, and heart to everything he does. Our conversation this time was rich with history, inspiration, and a forward-looking vision of what Rotary can be here in the Central Valley and around the world.

What follows is my enthusiastic recap of our time together. If you missed the podcast episode, I invite you to give it a listen—but here, I’ll highlight the moments that struck me most and that I believe will resonate with every Rotarian and Friend of Rotary in our district.

The Local Roots of a Global Effort: Ending Polio

We began our conversation with one of Rotary’s most enduring commitments: polio eradication. Jay reminded us that while the effort to rid the world of polio is global in scope, its roots run deep in our own district.

He shared the story of how Rotary and the World Health Organization tested the possibility of eradication in the Philippines in the early 1980s. That success led to the audacious conclusion that if polio could be eradicated in one place, it could be eradicated everywhere.

And here’s where District 5220 comes into the story. Leaders from right here in Central California played pivotal roles at the highest levels of Rotary International. Names like Stan McCaffery and Cliff Dochterman—our own local leaders—helped propel the vision forward. Alongside them, a local orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Joe Serra, contributed life-changing surgeries for polio survivors in Malawi and later became part of the core team working toward eradication.

Jay’s personal connection to Dr. Serra—first as a fellow ski patroller in Bear Valley and later as a friend—brought the history to life. He admitted that when Dr. Serra invited him to join the early eradication team, he declined, citing the pressures of a young family and a new business. Jay called it one of his great regrets. That honesty—his willingness to reflect on a “missed yes”—reminds us all of the importance of embracing opportunities to serve when they present themselves.

Carrying the Torch: Rotary in Pakistan

Fast-forward to 2018. Jay joined fellow Rotarian and past Stockton Club president Waqas “Waka” Rizvi on a trip to Pakistan, one of only two countries where wild polio remains endemic today.

Their mission was simple but profound: to deliver those two tiny drops of vaccine into children’s mouths, protecting them from a disease that has crippled generations. Jay recounted visiting schools, clinics, and even a zoo in Lahore to spread the word and administer vaccines. Everywhere, they were met with overwhelming hospitality. He laughed as he remembered being unable to buy even a bottle of water—Rotarians and community members insisted on treating their guests at every turn.

But behind the hospitality lay serious work. Pakistan remains one of the final frontiers in the battle against polio. And yet, Jay’s story echoed a theme of hope: just as India, once considered the toughest challenge, has been declared polio-free, so too could Pakistan and Afghanistan achieve eradication—perhaps tomorrow. The last case could already have been diagnosed, ending this disease for good.

Rotary’s persistence, Jay reminded us, is key. The infrastructure we helped build—from maintaining the cold chain for vaccines to training thousands of volunteers—shows that we can and will finish the job.

Building Leaders at Home: A New Kind of Training

After reflecting on Rotary’s global impact, Jay turned our attention back home to District 5220. Leadership development is one of his passions, and under his guidance, the district has reimagined its approach.

Instead of relying on traditional, lecture-heavy training sessions that were losing traction, Jay and his team launched the District 5220 Leadership Academy. The emphasis has shifted from passive information transfer to active engagement. Rotarians learn by doing, by discussing, by being inspired.

The first sessions featured Elizabeth Mahoney introducing artificial intelligence as a tool to save leaders time, and Kathy Suvia championing Rotary’s Action Plan with a three-year rolling strategy. The most recent event at Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys nearly sold out, with more than 120 attendees. Next year, Jay expects they may need a venue twice that size.

Guest speakers included Jeff Cochran from The Rotary Foundation and Angela Lopez from Rotary International. Jeff’s message about the impact of The Rotary Foundation—one of the largest and most respected charities in the world—left the room energized. Angela encouraged clubs to reimagine service projects as community “parties” where service and fellowship go hand in hand.

The best part? Younger and more diverse members not only attended but spoke up, sharing ideas and driving the conversation forward. That energy, Jay said, gives him confidence that our district is moving in the right direction.

Looking Ahead: Far West Fest 2026

Jay also shared his excitement for a unique opportunity on the horizon: the Far West Fest, a multi-district conference in Reno planned for May 2026.

Instead of holding separate, smaller conferences, five neighboring districts—including ours—are combining forces to create an event more akin to a regional convention. The venue, the Sierra Grand Resort, offers everything from ballrooms to a full bowling alley. Yes, you read that right: a bowling alley. And yes, Rotary is planning a Pins for Polio tournament to raise funds while having fun.

Jay didn’t spoil all the surprises, but he promised that the scale and energy of the conference will be unlike anything our district has experienced in recent memory. For Rotarians, it will be a “can’t miss” event.

Why Rotary, Why Now?

As we wrapped up, I invited Jay to make his pitch—not just to Rotarians, but to our broader audience of friends and neighbors who may be considering whether Rotary has a place in their lives.

His answer was simple, heartfelt, and compelling.

Rotary, he said, is about people of action who change the world by changing communities and by changing themselves. But we do it together. In an age when loneliness has become an epidemic, Rotary offers something profound: friendship. Real, in-person friendship that leads to lasting relationships and meaningful service.

Rotary’s motto, Service Above Self, only comes alive because of those friendships. Together, Rotarians accomplish things that would be impossible alone—from eradicating polio to building wells, from mentoring students to planting trees.

And, Jay added, Rotary is now more intentionally addressing mental health—both by supporting each other and by launching initiatives around the world. At a time when young people especially are struggling with depression and suicide, Rotary’s commitment to connection and care couldn’t be more vital.

For those ready to explore membership, Jay urged them to start by talking with a Rotarian they know, or by visiting rotary.org. For those in District 5220, rotary5220.org is the best place to begin. Or, as I reminded listeners, anyone can reply directly to this Substack email and I’ll personally help them get connected.

My Reflections

Listening to Jay, I couldn’t help but think about the threads running through our conversation: global impact rooted in local leadership, lessons from history inspiring action today, and the unshakable belief that ordinary people working together can accomplish the extraordinary.

From the Philippines to Malawi, from India to Pakistan, and right here in California’s Central Valley, Rotarians are proving that service, friendship, and persistence can change the world.

Jay’s stories remind us that Rotary is not just about meetings or projects—it’s about people. It’s about saying yes when opportunities to serve arise. It’s about welcoming the next generation of leaders into our movement. And it’s about finding joy, laughter, and even a bowling tournament along the way.

As your host, I left this conversation inspired, grateful, and eager for what’s ahead in District 5220. Whether you’re a longtime Rotarian or someone just beginning to explore, I invite you to join us. Let’s do some good—together.

To learn more about Rotary visit Rotary.org. To learn more about Rotary in the Heart of California, District 5220, visit Rotary5220.org.

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