Hello, everyone! February is widely known for Valentine's Day, a time to celebrate those we care about. In Rotary, let's reflect on our love for Rotary and ensure our clubs stay vibrant. Show love and kindness to all club members this month and beyond.
February is also a time to highlight Rotary's commitment to peace and conflict resolution. Given recent global events, our dedication to achieving peace, goodwill, and understanding is crucial.
In our district, we support projects promoting peace globally. Here’s just three examples:
- Helping children in Ecuador, ages 7 to 18, learn about fair treatment to stop gender-based violence, discrimination and other historical patriarchal practices. (San Rafael Rotary Club)
- Helping youth graduating high school in Nepal’s Dalit community become human rights lawyers by providing scholarships and access to human rights programs and internships. (Woodside Portola Valley Rotary Club)
- Teaching and empowering high school students in Jerusalem, Israel, to improve peace and conflict resolution skills by addressing inequalities and community issues dividing Jewish and Arab populations. (San Francisco Rotary Club)
We also have a responsibility to build peace locally by fostering love, kindness, empathy, and cooperation. Acts of kindness and expressions of love have the potential to break down stereotypes, build bridges between diverse communities, and inspire positive change.
Here are some ways your club can contribute to peace building, locally and globally:
- Align your projects and activities with Rotary's Areas of Focus, particularly focusing on Peace and Conflict Resolution. This ensures that your club's efforts are part of a broader global strategy.
- Use various communication channels to share stories of peace-building initiatives, emphasizing the positive impact on communities and the importance of peace and understanding.
- Identify community members who would be great candidates for the Peace Fellows program.
- Join the District Diversity Equity and Inclusion committee or upcoming event to expand your understanding of another culture or how to build inclusivity in your club.
- Join the Rotary Action Group for Peace to support the peace work of Rotarians worldwide.
- Form a Twin Club or Sister Club partnership to promote understanding and goodwill and carry out service projects in those communities.
- Involve young people in peace-building activities, as they often bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm (and they want to partner with us more, you just need to ask!).
Together, our potential to spread love, kindness, and peace is endless!
Yours in Rotary,
Laine Hendricks
Rotary International District 5150 Governor 2023-2024
