John Hewko

John Hewko 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.

A great day in Park City: a bike ride with my daughter Maria, followed by a Utah Symphony tribute to Celine Dion at Deer...
08/19/2026

A great day in Park City: a bike ride with my daughter Maria, followed by a Utah Symphony tribute to Celine Dion at Deer Valley with my wife, Marga.

Hearing favorites like "My Heart Will Go On" and "The Power of Love" performed with a full symphony was a memorable way to spend a Sunday evening.

often start with a simple question: How can we engage our community in a new way?Members of the Rotary Club of Evansto...
08/15/2026

often start with a simple question: How can we engage our community in a new way?

Members of the Rotary Club of Evanston Nouveau answered that question by partnering with a local brewery to create Purple Pinkie, a beer that raises awareness and support for polio eradication.

I love seeing examples like this. A local partnership became an opportunity to introduce new people to Rotary's work and keep the fight to moving.

Creativity, commitment, and community connections are a powerful combination: https://on.rotary.org/4fYBqwJ

Marga and I spent four days salmon fishing on the Kenai River in Alaska. It's easy to see why so many people love this p...
08/10/2026

Marga and I spent four days salmon fishing on the Kenai River in Alaska. It's easy to see why so many people love this part of the country. Beautiful scenery, incredible wildlife, and yes. the salmon really are this big!

The Rotarians and Rotaractors of District 9141 in Benin City, Nigeria, welcomed me with this traditional attire during a...
08/06/2026

The Rotarians and Rotaractors of District 9141 in Benin City, Nigeria, welcomed me with this traditional attire during an unforgettable visit. It was amazing to see more than 1,000 Rotarians and Rotaractors come together for the district conference.

A highlight of the trip was visiting the Dust to Desk Project of the Rotary Club of Ogba, Benin, and meeting teachers dedicated to providing a quality education despite significant challenges. The club has already helped provide desks for the school. The next step is bringing reliable solar power and electricity to the campus.

Rotary has set a goal of reaching 1.25 million members by 2030, our 125th anniversary.One point from Tom Gump's article ...
08/06/2026

Rotary has set a goal of reaching 1.25 million members by 2030, our 125th anniversary.

One point from Tom Gump's article in Rotary Magazine stood out to me:

The strongest clubs don't just welcome new members. They create an experience that keeps people engaged, connected, and involved.

As we work toward that milestone, strengthening the member experience will matter just as much as growing our numbers.

What are you doing to strengthen the member experience in your club?

Learn more: https://on.rotary.org/4hzTGOn

Bharat Pandya, a member of the Rotary Club of Borivli, Mumbai, India, has been selected to become Rotary International P...
08/04/2026

Bharat Pandya, a member of the Rotary Club of Borivli, Mumbai, India, has been selected to become Rotary International President for 2028-29.

I look forward to seeing what Rotary accomplishes under your leadership. Congratulations, Bharat!

Meet the President-nominee: https://on.rotary.org/4pROjvO

Marga and I recently spent an afternoon at the iconic Wrigley Field watching my hometown Detroit Tigers take on the Chic...
08/01/2026

Marga and I recently spent an afternoon at the iconic Wrigley Field watching my hometown Detroit Tigers take on the Chicago Cubs. One of baseball's most historic ballparks, and an even better result for Detroit: a 5-1 Tigers win. Go Tigers! ⚾ 🧢

Nigeria's journey to polio-free status is one of public health's great success stories, and Rotarians played a major rol...
07/29/2026

Nigeria's journey to polio-free status is one of public health's great success stories, and Rotarians played a major role in making it happen.

I enjoyed visiting the Rotary Lagos Polio House, the district offices in Lagos, and the Rotary Polio House in Abuja. Seeing firsthand the commitment of Nigerian Rotarians to polio eradication was inspiring. Well done, and thank you for helping make this achievement possible.

07/27/2026

Can service grow with you?

"Service does not end with age, position, or title — it evolves. Rotary and Rotaract are not just organizations; they are platforms that empower ordinary people to create extraordinary change." -Roshan Karki

Read more: https://on.rotary.org/3RPm9om

I recently returned to Western Reserve Academy to celebrate its 200th anniversary with other alumni, including my sister...
07/24/2026

I recently returned to Western Reserve Academy to celebrate its 200th anniversary with other alumni, including my sister Annetta. My years at this institution taught me the value of academic rigor, as well as the importance of curiosity, character, and asking difficult questions.

The Academy has a remarkable history. In 1854, Frederick Douglass delivered his first and only commencement address there, calling on graduates to uphold the ideals of equality and justice. It's a powerful reminder that education is about more than preparing students for careers. It's about preparing them to contribute thoughtfully to the world around them.

Congratulations to Western Reserve Academy on 200 years of inspiring students to learn, lead, and serve. I'm proud to be one of its alumni.

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One Rotary Center, 1560 Sherman Avenue
Evanston, IL
60201

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