President's Letter: Barbara Sexton Smith, 2026-2027 President
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
Together, we are on a journey of a lifetime that will open our eyes in ways we may not have ever dreamed possible. It does not matter how old or young we may be, or how long we have served as Rotarians.
Creating Lasting Impact focuses on sustainability, personal growth, and initiating change within ourselves. This is key to driving meaningful, long-term improvements in our community and around the world. It emphasizes that true impact comes from intentional, consistent, and purposeful action. It starts within each of us. Reach inside and find your Greatness Within.
I am calling upon each of YOU to be your BEST, bring your BEST, and give your BEST every day. You determine your self-worth by the RHYTHM you choose. Find your Rotary Rhythm and be a Rhythm Maker. Create a life that matters. Become the grandest version of the greatest vision you can hold for yourself.
It’s up to YOU. Each of you will approach this opportunity in your own way. I value your differences and promise to embrace what makes you unique because that is the magic of Rotary. Together, we will Create Lasting Impact.
I joined Rotary because I wanted a safe place that would always be there. It provided me with a sense of belonging. It provided purpose in my life. I believe we find our purpose in life from our service to others.
Rotary is a worldwide network of more the 1.2 million People of Action who tackle the most persistent problems in our communities while building professional and leadership skills through meaningful connections. Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to Create Lasting Change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
As Rotarians we must tell our stories about the work we do. The service we provide. Storytelling sets the human experience apart from all other living creatures. It shows us where we’ve been, who we are, and what is possible. It is the narrative showcasing what we value. Together, we’ll build a better world through storytelling.
This begins with YOU. Today is the first day of the rest of your life and you are in charge of just how far you may go. AND… maybe most of all – my hope is you will discover your Greatness Within. It’s there and it’s waiting for you to unlock your dreams and reach your full human potential.
Our very own native son, Muhammad Ali, lived his life by six core principles: Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect, and Spirituality. My six words are: Authentic, Believable, Connected, Determined, Energetic and Fun! What might your six core principles be? Make that decision and unleash your Greatness Within!
| The Rotary 4-Way Test and Barbara's Top 3: 1. What do you want? 2. What is the truth? 3. What are you willing to do to get it? |
Rotarians – We CAN do this. YES we can!
Together, we will leave this world better than we found it.
Together, we’ll create a great connected community for all.
Together, we WILL Create Lasting Impact.
Yours in service,
Barbara Sexton Smith
Rotary Club of Louisville
President 2026-27
ABOUT OUR CLUB
With almost 400 members, the Rotary Club of Louisville is the 12th largest of Rotary International’s 45,000+ clubs around the world. Our Club has been serving others in this community and worldwide since 1912.
We welcome guests and visiting Rotarians from all over the world at our weekly Thursday luncheon meetings. Our programs involve prominent leaders in every field, and our membership represents the business and civic leaders of our community and our state.
We are connected with each other, our community and with other Rotarians worldwide.
ORGANIZATION
ROTARY CLUB OF LOUISVILLE, INC.
and
ROTARY FUND OF LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, INCORPORATED
Rotary Club of Louisville, Inc. service projects are funded through the Rotary Fund of Louisville, Kentucky, Incorporated, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization which receives contributions from Rotarians and other benefactors in the community.
Rotary Club of Louisville Inc 2024 Form 990
Rotary Fund of Louisville Kentucky Incorporated 2024 Form 990
OUR VISION:
To be Louisville’s premier fellowship of business, professional and civic leaders dedicated to selfless humanitarian and civic service, improving lives in our ever-changing community and the world.
OUR MISSION:
To provide a fellowship of inspired business, professional and civic leaders with exceptional opportunities for humanitarian and civic service, while promoting integrity, understanding and goodwill on a local, national and worldwide basis. We achieve our mission by:
- Developing a strong, growing and active membership that reflects the diversity of vocations and people in our community.
- Strengthening finances to support the club and to carry out the civic, vocational and international service projects that meet the needs of the community and the world.
- Building a dedicated, well-trained and energized leadership team to guide the club and to support the District and Rotary International.
CORE VALUES & GUIDING PRINCIPLES
These core values are reflected in the Object of Rotary and The Four Way Test which we use in our daily lives.
SERVICE
We believe that our service activities and programs improve lives and communities and bring about greater understanding and peace. Through the plans and actions of our Club, we create a culture of service that not only benefits the recipients but also provides unparalleled satisfaction for those who serve.
FELLOWSHIP
Fellowship leads to tolerance and transcends racial, national and other limiting boundaries. This broadens our lives and perspectives and strengthens our ability to serve.
DIVERSITY
We believe Rotary unifies all people behind the ideal of service. We encourage diversity of vocations within our membership and in our activities and service work. Our membership reflects our business and professional community and is a key to our Club’s success.
INTEGRITY
We are committed to and expect accountability from our leaders and fellow members, both in the results of our efforts and in the processes we use to accomplish our goals. We adhere to high ethical and professional standards in our work and personal relationships. We are fair and respectful in our interactions, and we conscientiously steward the resources entrusted to us.
LEADERSHIP
We are a fellowship of leaders and believe in offering our members lifelong opportunities to develop their leadership capabilities in service to others. As Rotarians, we are leaders in implementing our core values.