Rotary District 5470 is offering two opportunities to attend Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) Session 1 this fall in Southwest Colorado—and the District is covering the registration cost.
Choose the Session Nearest You
Durango
Saturday, October 3, 2026
8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Fort Lewis College Innovation Center, 835 Main Avenue, Suite 225
Registration fee: $0
Limited to 30 participants
👉 REGISTER NOW
Grand Junction
Saturday, October 10, 2026
8 a.m.–4 p.m.
The Art Center, 1803 N. Seventh Street
Registration fee: $0
Limited to 30 participants
👉 REGISTER NOW
Advance registration is required. With only 30 spaces available at each session, Rotarians are encouraged to register early.
What Is RLI?
Rotary clubs thrive when members understand the organization, feel connected to its mission and have the confidence to turn good ideas into action. That is why Rotary District 5470 is bringing back the Rotary Leadership Institute—and why the program is valuable for Rotarians at every stage of their journey.
RLI is a grassroots leadership development program that combines Rotary knowledge with practical leadership skills. Rather than relying on lectures, RLI uses facilitated discussions, shared experiences and small-group activities. Participants learn from one another while exploring how Rotary works and how they can help their clubs become more engaging, effective and impactful.
RLI is not limited to club presidents or members who already hold leadership positions. It is designed for anyone who wants to become a more informed, involved and confident Rotarian.
Who Should Attend?
RLI is especially valuable for:
Newer members who want to better understand Rotary beyond their own club
Members who may be interested in a future leadership role
Current and incoming club officers
Committee chairs and project leaders
Experienced Rotarians looking for new ideas and renewed inspiration
Members who want to strengthen engagement, service and collaboration within their clubs
Clubs are encouraged to identify members with leadership potential—but that does not mean only future club presidents. Leadership takes many forms in Rotary. A member who leads a service project, mentors a new Rotarian, develops a fundraiser, strengthens the club’s public image or brings people together around a shared goal is already demonstrating leadership.
Why RLI Matters
Rotary is a large and sometimes complex organization. Members may be familiar with their weekly meetings and local projects but know less about the opportunities available through the district, The Rotary Foundation and Rotary’s international network.
RLI helps connect those pieces.
Session 1 introduces participants to Rotary’s larger world while encouraging them to consider their own leadership styles and roles. Discussions explore leadership, Rotary’s values, member engagement, The Rotary Foundation and the development of meaningful service projects.
Just as importantly, participants meet Rotarians from other clubs. Those connections provide opportunities to exchange ideas, learn what is working elsewhere and build relationships that can lead to future partnerships.
The skills developed through RLI also extend beyond Rotary. Participants strengthen their abilities to communicate, collaborate, motivate volunteers and lead with purpose—skills that can benefit their workplaces, community organizations and personal lives.
When Rotarians understand the organization and recognize the many ways they can contribute, they are more likely to become engaged and remain involved. Informed and inspired members help create stronger clubs, and stronger clubs are better equipped to serve their communities and create lasting impact.
You do not need a title to be a leader in Rotary. You only need the willingness to learn, participate and help your club move forward.