"My wife and I had a fantastic day learning so much about the world, we are inspired to do bigger things than we thought possible! The conference gave us an opportunity to see the world and find our way to contribute without leaving town. It was a great International experience. We were impressed by normal people doing extraordinary projects around the world…but that's what makes them extraordinary people. We came away with a new understanding of how we can do things today to make the world a better place tomorrow. Small steps add up to big changes!"

Chris & Amy Clemens

"The program speakers from such different perspectives and International Service project needs were excellent. It was a wonderful venue and overall excellent experience. My favorite was the agriculture project in Haiti."

Nancy Fiske

"I found the conference to be quite inspirational! The presenters were individuals who have successfully implemented ideas that have changed lives. The power of their collaborations and approaches was evident. It was also relevant for all Rotarians to learn how approaches to funding district projects in the future will change. I greatly appreciated the opportunity to participate, thank you."

Susan

"I was hesitant to take a valuable Saturday and “waste it in some all day meeting.” Boy was I mistaken. I only wish I had known more about this symposium before I attended because I would have brought every new club member with me. The whole day, from the open remarks to the closing panel discussion was top drawer and worth every minute I spent there. Won’t miss this event again!"

Jim Lowry

"I am a somewhat new Rotarian (Santa Barbara North) so this was my first district seminar. I want to tell you and your associates how terrific it was. It was inspiring, informative and so well organized."

Stanley Weinstein

"Thank you for bringing together an impressive program of expert and often entertaining speakers to inform and inspire so many representatives of our district clubs."

Jack Mc Clenahan

“STEPS was a well-organized and inspiring experience, providing concrete living examples of the heroic work of Rotary and the heroes that make that work profoundly impact the lives of those in most need. STEPS made the purpose of Rotary and how we achieve that purpose absolutely clear. A must attend event.”

Mario V. Contini

"I enjoyed every minute of STEPS! Getting the most up-to-date information about Rotary programs from the most knowledgeable people in the district or listening to the tales of individuals who have actually benefited from those programs served to reinforce the reason why I'm a Rotarian: to help others."

Dante Honorico
Rotary Club of Ventura-South

"This was the first STEPS Conference for me. I found the exhibitors quite interesting and have invited several of them to speak to our club. The general presentations were interesting but might have been condensed a bit to retain interest. I saw a lot of networking among the participants and met some dedicated Rotarians that impressed me and with whom I would love to work in the future."

Rick Gould,
Rotary Club Ojai West

"Great conference. Loved the lunch time entertainment. I enjoyed the break out sessions. They were very informative. Great time to ask questions. Looking forward to next year."

Bernie Ann Lewis

"The speakers in all phases were excellent. Gabrilella working in Peru was very memorable."

William R. Brown
Rotary Club of China Lake

"I have always felt that if you take away one or two pearls from every symposium or conference that you can take back and put to work, you have achieved the objective. In this case, I tuned in strongly to the idea of listening carefully and being directed by those people you are trying to help, rather than doing all the "telling" about what needs to be done, how it is to be done, etc. In our club's case, we have been a bit frustrated because we are ready to move forward with a grant, but not the one described by our Rotary Club partner. We are taking a second look and hopefully we will design a grant that will be sustainable and fit the needs of the community we wish to serve."

Jane Maxwell
Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo

"The STEPS Conference was very good from the beginning to end. The venue was really excellent, The sessions that I attended were good. I especially enjoy meeting my fellow Rotarians from prior NID trips. I enjoyed the displays. They were good variety and well represented. The food was good. Lunch time entertainment was fantastic. HIghly recommended to all who did not attend. Great way to spend a very precious Saturday."

Virginia Perry Souza
Noon Rotary, Santa Maria

"The most wonderful speaker on my horizon was Dr. Marilyn Fitzgerald; the subject of her speech was “If I Had a Water Buffalo.” There is where my buttons were pushed. I lived in third world countries in my teen years, and saw poverty and problems us spoiled Americans don’t even dream about. She hit the nail on the head. That system, and the system of microfinancing, are the only ways out of poverty and into independence. Everything else is just temporary feel-good practices, mostly feel-good to the donors. Thank you for a very interesting day."

Tanya Caligiuri

"This was a very successful event for Unite to Light. We were not only able to educate a large number of Rotarians about our light project, but we also made many contacts that have proven helpful in getting our lights into the hands of those in the developing world."

Dawn O'Bar
Unite to Light

"What a five star experience! As a new member to Rotary, I was aware of our local goals and have worked on some of our projects. The STEPS conference was my introduction to Rotary Worldwide. To really see and learn that you are a spoke in the Rotary wheel for good continuous change in the world, is more than inspiring, it's energizing. The STEPS conference opens a world of what is really possible when we care and work together. Thank you for this wonderful introduction to the World of Rotary."

Sue Lampton