Dear District 5150 Rotarians,
 
February is Peace and Conflict Resolution Month. It is very special in the Rotary calendar because it includes the anniversary of the first meeting of Rotary held on February 23, 1905, now designated as the World Understanding and Peace Day.
 
As a humanitarian organization, peace is a cornerstone of our mission. We believe when people work to create peace in their communities, that change can have a global effect.
 
By carrying out service projects and supporting peace fellowships and scholarships, you take action to address the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, discrimination, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources.
 
Our commitment to peacebuilding today answers new challenges: how we can make the greatest possible impact and how we can achieve our vision of lasting change. We are approaching the concept of peace with greater cohesion and inclusivity, broadening the scope of what we mean by peacebuilding, and finding more ways for people to get involved.
 
 
 
Rotarians promote peace by being:
 
PRACTITIONERS:  Our work fighting disease, providing clean water and sanitation, improving the health of mothers and children, supporting education, growing local economies, and improving our environment builds the optimal conditions for peaceful societies.
 
EDUCATORS:  Our Rotary Peace Centers have trained over 1,300 Peace Fellows to become effective catalysts for peace through careers in government, education, and international organizations.
 
MEDIATORS:  Our members have negotiated humanitarian ceasefires in areas of conflict to allow polio vaccinators to reach children who are at risk.
 
ADVOCATES:  Our members have an integral role as respected, impartial participants during peace processes and in post-conflict reconstruction. We focus on creating communities and convening groups that are connected, inclusive, and resilient.
 
Basically, the service YOU provide in your communities creates an environment where peace can happen. Thank you for being the change!
 
 
Yours in Rotary, 
Gary Chow
Governor, 2022-2023
Rotary International
District 5150