The District Leadership Academy is a seven-month learning experience that combines self-paced online work, collaborative discussion, and two live Zoom sessions each month.
September: Introduction to DLA and Leadership
- Learning to use MoodleCloud, Perusall, My Rotary, and Zoom
- Exploring Rotary.org and the Rotary Learning Center
- Rotary Basics
- Leadership 101: leadership styles and skills
- Leading effectively in nonprofit and volunteer organizations
October: Rotary Organization and Goal Setting
- Goal setting and practical planning
- Time management and priorities
- How Rotary is organized
- Rotary’s Areas of Focus
- The Rotary Action Plan
November: Rotary Tools and Communication
- Listening and communication skills
- Conflict resolution
- Problem solving
- Using My Rotary, DACdb, and ClubRunner
December: Scheduled Break
No Academy module is scheduled in December.
January: Leading a Healthy Club and Membership
- Member recruitment, engagement, and retention
- Club models and meeting flexibility
- Assessing club health
- Creating a welcoming member experience
February: Public Image and External Communication
- Media and message development
- Crisis communication
- Rotary public image and branding
- Using Rotary Brand Center resources
March: Club Projects and Youth Programs
- Planning Rotary projects and fundraisers
- Team building and collaboration
- Multi-club and district projects
- Youth programs and youth protection
April: The Rotary Foundation and Leading Change
- Leading positive change
- Creativity and innovation
- Understanding The Rotary Foundation
- District and Global Grants
May: Graduation and Celebration
Participants from across the participating districts celebrate completion of the Academy together at the DLA graduation.
Applications for the 2026–27 cohort are closed. The next application cycle will be for 2027–28.
ROTARY DISTRICT LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 