KEYWAY WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

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April is Environment Month

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https://atlantawestendrotary.org
https://rotary6900.org/
https://rotary.org/

ROTARY CLUB OF
Atlanta West End

LEADERSHIP

This Week’s Program: Bill Marianes

Join us this Friday as we welcome Bill Marianes, a Rotarian, attorney, and thought leader on stewardship and leadership. Bill is the founder of Stewardship Calling, a ministry dedicated to helping individuals and organizations align purpose with action through principled leadership and disciplined execution.

Bill brings decades of experience as a senior law firm partner, where he advised on complex transactions and organizational strategy, alongside a parallel career guiding churches and nonprofits in governance, financial stewardship, and long-range planning. He has trained and consulted with hundreds of organizations across the country and is widely known for translating complex ideas into practical frameworks that leaders can apply immediately. His perspective integrates vocation, service, and leadership in a way that reflects Rotary’s commitment to high ethical standards and Service Above Self. This program will offer practical insights on leadership, accountability, and aligning mission with execution across professional and community settings.

Members are encouraged to attend and bring a guest for what promises to be a substantive and engaging program.

JOIN ONLINE:  Zoom Link - Click here Meeting ID: 874 0116 4307 Passcode: Service | One tap mobile: +13052241968

KeyWay Report
Al Pearson on “Election Integrity – The Journey of Your Vote”

The Rotary Club of Atlanta West End met on April 10, 2026, at Georgia Tech for a regular meeting. The program featured Al Pearson, who delivered a presentation titled “Election Integrity – The Journey of Your Vote.” Pearson brought a practitioner’s perspective grounded in Georgia election law and ongoing public analysis of election systems.

Pearson structured his remarks around the lifecycle of a ballot, tracing its movement from casting through certification. He explained the procedural safeguards embedded at each stage of the process, including handling, verification, and tabulation controls. His presentation emphasized how these systems are designed to ensure accuracy, accountability, and transparency in election administration.

In addition to outlining the process, Pearson addressed common public concerns regarding election security and trust. He framed these concerns within the context of current Georgia law and observed practice, distinguishing between perception and documented procedure. This approach provided members with a clearer understanding of how election systems function in reality, rather than in abstraction.

The program reflected Rotary’s role in convening informed, nonpartisan discussion on matters of public interest. By focusing on systems, law, and operational integrity, the presentation aligned with Rotary’s commitment to ethical leadership and civic understanding. Members were encouraged to engage with the material thoughtfully, reinforcing the club’s role as a forum for informed dialogue and community leadership.

AWER Prayer Breakfast – Cancellation Seems Best

After careful consideration, I (Jared) am recommending that the club cancel this year's Prayer Breakfast, scheduled for Thursday, May 7. I do not have that bandwidth currently. Organizing this event requires a dedicated club member(s) to step forward as its leader, and despite the call for support in last week's newsletter, no one has done so. That is a meaningful lift, and it must be owned by someone with the time and energy to carry it.

 Last year's inaugural breakfast, led beautifully by AWE Rotarian Rose Caplan, was a genuine success and helped spark the formation of the West End/Westview Interfaith Council, now operating under the West End Merchants Coalition. That legacy is worth preserving. But a tradition only becomes a tradition when members invest in keeping it alive.

If a member steps forward before the end of this week ready to own this event, I will gladly support that effort in the ways that I can. Absent that, I am recommending we cancel for 2025 and revisit the event as a club priority for next year, with a champion identified for the planning well in advance.

Upcoming District 6900 Conference April 16–19, 2026

Rotarians are encouraged to attend District Conference to strengthen club operations and leadership capacity. Importantly, our club will reimburse members for registration costs, removing financial barriers to participation and reinforcing the expectation of leadership engagement at the district level. Every officer and director and member of the club should try to attend. 

The District Conference, April 16–19, 2026, offering a broader blend of fellowship, networking, and Rotary programming. Attendees can participate in optional activities such as a Lake Lanier boat cruise, pickleball, a nature walk, golf, and spa services, alongside conference sessions and district engagement. Registration is $400, with hotel accommodations available through the designated room block. Register here. 

RI Theme
April is Environment Month in Rotary

April is recognized by Rotary International as Environment Month, highlighting Rotary’s commitment to protecting natural resources and advancing long-term ecological health. This observance aligns local club activity with global efforts such as Earth Day , reinforcing the shared responsibility of environmental stewardship. For Rotary clubs, this theme is both philosophical and operational. It supports the development of programs, speakers, and service projects focused on conservation, sustainability, and community impact. Consistent with Rotary’s framework of service, environmental initiatives fall within Community Service and reflect the broader Object of Rotary to improve quality of life through responsible action.

Calander, Agenda, Connections, & Four-Way Test

Never a Bad Time to Catch Up (ON DUES)!

District 6900 has updated to a new Stripe ACH payment process. The new method is more convenient and more secure. If  you pay your dues via ACH (and you should!), go to YOUR PAGE on our club website (Click here) and use the Setup ACH button to relink your account. Should you encounter any problems, click the Contact Webmaster link in the page footer.