It’s a regular process to better reflect membership similar to re-apportionment
 
At its January meeting the Rotary International board took steps to redraw boundaries for its 34 zones to reflect shifting membership numbers. The changes will take place in 2020 and will reduce the number of board members in North America from five to two while adding zones in India, Africa and Asia, areas of growth.
 
Our district, 5970, is currently part of zone 28 which is paired with zone 29 and is represented by Jennifer Jones of Windsor, Ontario in Canada. Ms Jones is also vice president of the board. Board members serve two-year terms and rotate between members from 28 and 29.
 
The 12 districts in zone 28 will stay together, but will be joined by districts in South Dakota and parts of western Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota.  Currently districts in Iowa. Minnesota, Wisconsin and northern Illinois make up the zone.
 
In addition to providing groups of districts for representations, zones have developed training programs for incoming governors and other district leaders as well as a forum for former leaders to keep abreast of trends and renew friendships with other leaders.
Our zones always host gatherings at international conventions and host one meeting every fall, usually attended by RI’s president or incoming president