John Hewko

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I'm the general secretary of Rotary International, where we unite leaders from all continents, cultures, and occupations for the common good.

For questions, email my office at [email protected] or [email protected]. Rotary clubs are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds. As signified by the motto Service Above Self, Rotary's main objective is service -- in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world.

10/10/2026

Like many who grew up near Detroit, I crossed the Ambassador Bridge so often that Windsor and parts of southern Ontario became as familiar to me as my neighbor’s backyard.

That's why I found the story of Rotary members dedicating twin Peace Poles at the new Gordie Howe International Bridge meaningful. The bridge reflects something Rotarians understand well: peace grows through connection, friendship, and service across borders.

From Youth Exchanges to Peace Fellowships and humanitarian projects around the world, Rotary members create opportunities for people to come together and build understanding: on.rotary.org/4yd9H19

10/09/2026

This November, I’ll be in Tucson, Arizona, for El Tour de Tucson, cycling 102 miles to support our fight to End Polio Now.

The ride brings together thousands of cyclists each year. Through Rotary's Miles to End Polio initiative, participants have helped raise more than US$77 million for polio eradication efforts, including matching funds from the Gates Foundation.

Every donation to the PolioPlus Fund helps Rotary and our partners reach more children with lifesaving vaccines: https://on.rotary.org/4y33wfX

10/07/2026

Congratulations to Highland Park High School's student-run SaLT (Service and Learning Together) program on receiving the prestigious 2026 Serve Illinois Governor's Cup.

More than 90 members of an Interact club lead the program, supported by the Rotary Club of Highland Park and Highwood. Together, they have created a unique model: young people identify needs in their communities, lead service projects, and bring people together to make a difference.

The Rotary club funds the SaLT program and participates in initiatives such as Shop N' Drop and Love2Learn. They help students address food insecurity and educational inequity, support people in crisis, and develop leadership skills.

This is a well-deserved honor, and thank you for demonstrating that young people don't wait to become leaders. They lead now.

10/01/2026

I'm grateful to be recognized by The NonProfit Times as one of the 2026 Top 50 Nonprofit Leaders in the United States. Other honorees include John Palfrey of the MacArthur Foundation and Jonathan Reckford of Habitat for Humanity.

While this recognition is meaningful, what I value most is the opportunity to work alongside Rotary members and partners around the world. It is a privilege to serve as Rotary's General Secretary and CEO.

09/22/2026

Collective action is at the heart of Rotary and . This , we have one focus: ending polio for good.

Save the date and help us :

📌: World Polio Day 2026
📅: 24 October
🔗: https://on.rotary.org/4hjEBP5

09/21/2026

The Rotary European Action Summit brought together 1,200 participants from across Europe and beyond.

One of my favorite moments was the flag ceremony, a longstanding Rotary tradition that highlights the many countries represented at our gatherings and reminds us that service connects people across cultures and borders.

The summit began with a visit to the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, where Rotary-supported scholarships have helped more than 175 students from around the world advance their education and strengthen water expertise in their communities.

09/19/2026

Great bike ride this weekend. My usual route takes me through the Lake Forest College campus, where I stopped to visit my nephew Tim, who just started there. Good luck, Tim!

09/18/2026

I'm excited to share that registration for the 2027 Rotary International Convention is now open.

One of my favorite parts of every convention is connecting with Rotary members worldwide. In Taipei, I introduced my nephews to Rotary, shared bubble tea with young leaders, and met people whose dedication to service still inspires me.

What makes Rotary special isn't only what we accomplish together. It's the friendships, connections, and shared purpose behind that work. I hope you'll join us in Barcelona for the .

Register by 21 September to receive the best available rate: https://on.rotary.org/46pCUYO

09/16/2026

One of the strongest themes during the Rotary European Action Summit in Rotterdam was belonging.

Whether speaking with members, hearing from Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands, or addressing participants from across Europe and beyond, the conversation kept returning to a challenge affecting communities everywhere: loneliness.

Rotary gives people a place to connect, serve, and make a difference together. In a world where many feel disconnected, those relationships matter more than ever.

09/12/2026

Over the years, I've seen Rotary members tackle challenges at their source by strengthening health systems, expanding educational opportunities, building peace, protecting the environment, and creating economic opportunity. Prevention is often some of the most meaningful service we can provide.

The 2026-27 People of Action Honors will recognize six Champions of Prevention whose work is creating lasting change in their communities. Do you know a Rotary changemaker whose work deserves recognition?

I encourage you to submit a nomination by 30 October:https://on.rotary.org/4cGUbmo

Address

One Rotary Center, 1560 Sherman Avenue
Evanston, IL
60201

Website

http://www.rotary.org/

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