Rotary District 7770 Gov. Herman Dixon encouraged Manning Rotarians to invest in people, become active participants in their clubs and make service visible in their communities during his official visit to the Manning Rotary Club on Aug. 12.
Dixon, a member of the Summerville Rotary Club, is serving as district governor for the 2026-27 Rotary year, leading more than 75 clubs across the Lowcountry. A Rotarian for more than 50 years, he has served in numerous leadership roles, including club president, assistant governor and district awards chair.
During his remarks, Dixon said successful Rotary projects, membership growth and community impact all begin with people.
“The greatest investment that we’ll ever make in Rotary is our investment in people,” Dixon said. “Rotary builds people. When people grow, communities grow.”
Dixon offered Rotarians three requests: participate, speak up and live and promote the Rotary lifestyle. Participation, he said, extends beyond attending meetings to becoming involved in the life of the club, whether through service projects, committees, welcoming guests, mentoring members or simply showing up with a positive attitude.
He also encouraged members to share ideas, make their service visible, welcome guests and make Rotary an organization people want to join.
“People don’t join Rotary because we need members,” Dixon said. “People join Rotary because they see something worth belonging to.”
Dixon concluded his visit with a surprise presentation to Manning Mayor Julia Nelson, a Manning Rotarian, who was selected by the club to receive the Rotary Four-Way Test Recognition Certificate.
The Four-Way Test, a guide Rotarians use in considering the things they think, say or do, asks four questions: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? And will it be beneficial to all concerned?
During his club visits, Dixon is recognizing one Rotarian from each club who consistently demonstrates those principles through their actions, character and interactions with others. He described Nelson as a servant leader who promotes both the club and Manning, serves residents without seeking credit and frequently finds unexpected ways to support her community.
Nelson was presented with a recognition certificate and a Four-Way Test coin.
“I do believe in the Four-Way Test of Rotary, especially what we say, making sure it’s beneficial to all,” Nelson said. “And I do love my community. So I just want to thank you all for recognizing me.”
Manning City Councilman and Rotarian Clayton Pack, City Administrator Scott Tanner and City Clerk Daun Davis were also present to help surprise Nelson.
Dixon closed by reminding members that “strong Rotarians build strong clubs, strong clubs build stronger communities, and together we change lives.”
