Stories
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Rotary International Expresses Grave Concern Over the War in Ukraine![]() #Rotary stands with the United Nations General Assembly in expressing grave concern at “the ongoing human rights and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, in particular at the reports of violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law by the Russian Federation.” As a global humanitarian organization, Rotary takes a proactive stance toward peacemaking by addressing the underlying causes of conflict. We support recent UN General Assembly resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian military forces from Ukraine. This aligns with Rotary’s deep commitment to promoting peace through dialogue and conflict resolution. We are working beside our partners in the international relief community to help provide resources to the more than 10 million Ukrainian refugees forced to flee the field of battle. #RotaryResponds Learn more and take action: https://on.rotary.org/3rREL7d |
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Rotary and Partners Reduce the Incidence of Malaria![]() Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease, spread by infected mosquitos, that continues to have a devastating impact on the health of communities, all over the world. |
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Rotary International President's Message to Rotarians for April, 2022![]() Friends, one of my mantras in Rotary has been do more, grow more. I am sure you are adopting this mantra. Do more, as in bigger and impactful service projects, and grow more, as in increasing our membership. |
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How to get involved in Rotary Friendship Exchange![]() Rotary Friendship Exchanges (RFEs) allow us to experience new cultures, expand our global understanding and perspectives, and immerse ourselves in unparalleled travel and service opportunities while building life-long friendships. Exchanges can be structured around cultural, service, or vocational experiences and often lead to long-term relationships between districts. |
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World Water Day March 22nd, 2022![]() World Water Day, held on 22 March every year since 1993, focuses on the importance of fresh water. World Water Day celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water. It is about taking action to tackle the global water crisis. A core focus of World Water Day is to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030. $148 million is what the Rotary Foundation has invested in water, sanitation, hygiene and water resource management interventions globally. Learn more about what Rotary is doing to provide clean water: (Thanks to the Rotary Club of Roatan for the article). |
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Rotary Responds to the War in Ukraine![]() The crisis in Ukraine is having devastating consequences on civilians as families flee their homes. According to the United Nations, more than 2 million people, most of them women and children, have sought refuge in neighboring countries and across Europe, while about 1 million more people have been displaced within Ukraine. Rotary and Rotaract clubs in Europe and around the world have taken swift action and are working with members nearby to provide food, water, medical equipment, and shelter for refugees. |
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The Rotary and Shelterbox Partnership![]() Rotary and ShelterBox have worked together for more than 20 years, offering aid worldwide to thousands of families that have been devastated by disaster and conflict. |
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Rotary President’s Message for March, 2022![]() We have overcome so many challenges these past two years and changed numerous lives. It brings me great joy that we have worked so hard this year to grow Rotary through the Each One, Bring One initiative. The result has been excellent growth in membership. Let us keep up the momentum. I am happy that you have put a spotlight on all we do by organizing projects around the world in our Rotary Days of Service. The future looks brighter than ever for Rotary and our 1.4 million members. |
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Rotary and Polio![]() The Rotary Fact Sheet "Rotary and Polio" provides an excellent overview of our work to eradicate this terrible disease. |
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Rotary Peace Fellow Using the Media to Create Peace in Zimbabwe![]() When I applied for my Rotary Peace Fellowship for a professional development postgraduate diploma in March 2020, I deliberately chose the new center in Africa, Makerere Rotary Peace Centre in Uganda. In my application, I noted: “My first preference is Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda. Makerere is located in the heart of the Great Lakes Region, which historically and even currently experiences the most conflict in Africa. Studying at Makerere University will provide a strategic proximity to communities affected by the conflict in the region, which makes it a fertile ground for case studies relating to the programme.” And I am glad I made that choice. |
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Charity Navigator lists The Rotary Foundation as one of the top 10 charities![]() Charity Navigator lists The Rotary Foundation as one of the top 10 charities at work throughout the country and the world. The Foundation is a large, complex organization with a budget well in excess of US $100 million, and over $65 million in net assets. It is on that very select list in part because of the Foundation’s exceptional financial management, no easy feat considering the scope and size of their operations. Rotarians should feel confident that The Rotary Foundation puts our donations to good use. For more information, and to see the list, check it out, here. |
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The International Skiing Fellowship of Rotarians
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Shelterbox Response in Yemen![]() ShelterBox and Rotary members have a mutual concern about the rising levels of global displacement and a shared passion to support those whose lives are torn apart by disaster and conflict. When war and conflict destroy homes and displace people, shelter is one of the essential building blocks for recovery. As well as responding to disasters, ShelterBox provides emergency shelter and other lifesaving items to people who have lost everything to conflict. In partnership, we have provided shelter support to communities displaced by conflict in Nigeria, Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso, Syria, Cameroon, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Mozambique. Conflict situations are... |
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East Jefferson Rotary - About the Club![]() The Rotary Club of East Jefferson County is meeting Thursdays at noon on Zoom video through the end of February. We normally meet on Thursdays at noon at the Old Alcohol Plant Restaurant, 310 Hadlock Bay Road, Port Hadlock, on Washington’s beautiful Olympic Peninsula. We welcome guests and visitors. You can reach us at email: info@ejcrotary.club . |
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Rotary International and the Peace Corps![]() Rotary International currently has a number of partner organizations. Service partners support club activities and offer opportunities for collaboration on local Rotary projects. One of these service partners is the U.S. Peace Corps, which enables volunteers to immerse themselves in other cultures and work side by side with local leaders to tackle their host communities' most pressing challenges. |
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Rotary International Scholarships Supporting Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution![]() As Rotarians, we focus on Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution during the month of February. One of the most highly sought after programs Rotary supports is the Rotary Peace Fellows program. Each year, The Rotary Foundation awards up to 50 fellowships for master’s degree programs and 80 for professional certificate programs at the seven Rotary Peace Centers around the world. The year-long Master's Degree programs are full-ride scholarships worth $75,000 each, while the certificate programs are year-long remote and partial residency programs designed for working candidates with significant experience in a peacebuilding or conflict resolution field. |
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How Do I Join a Rotary Club?![]() All Rotary Clubs welcome new members. It’s not difficult to join a Club, but all Rotary Clubs are “by invitation only” and there are several kinds of clubs. With that in mind, we invite you to consider joining us! |
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Five Suggestions for Peacebuilding in a Chaotic World![]() Peace doesn’t happen overnight. Peace is built in small, consistent ways over time. This may often seem counterintuitive, and even unproductive, in a culture where immediate gratification is our norm. While the peacebuilding process is often quiet, personal and complex, it is also one of the most important areas in which to dedicate our energy and time. Many of the world’s pressing issues have a strong peacebuilding component—pandemics, environmental threats, and political conflicts all can be looked at through the peacebuilding lens. While these challenges are complex, Rotary is well positioned to make a difference. |
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Rotary International President’s Message for February, 2022![]() At the start of the Rotary year, I challenged every club to plan and host at least one practical and action-oriented Rotary Day of Service. The event should address a challenge your community is facing that fits into one or more of Rotary’s areas of focus and should bring together volunteers from within and outside of Rotary. I’ve been inspired by your response so far, and I want to share with you just one project that has captured my imagination. |
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What Is Rotary?![]() What Is Rotary? Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary’s people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end. What we do: |
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From GSE to leadership, my journey into Rotary![]() In 2008, I happened to see a newspaper ad promoting Group Study Exchange through Rotary. Intrigued, I applied for the program never suspecting the many ways this simple action would impact my life. |
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East Jefferson Rotarians Seek Applicants for High School Leadership Program![]() The Rotary Club of East Jefferson County is inviting high school sophomores and juniors to apply to attend the 2022 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). The Pacific Northwest RYLA will be held June 8-11, 2022 at YMCA Camp Colman in Longbranch WA. Applications will be accepted through March 31st, 2022. Students chosen will receive a full-ride scholarship to the four day program. |
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How Do I Donate to the Endowment Fund?![]() The Endowment Fund is the long range fund in which the principal - that which you donate - is never spent, and the earnings available are used to make a lasting difference in people’s lives. But - how do Rotarians donate to the Endowment Fund? |
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A History of the Rotary Emblem |
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Rotary President Shekhar Mehta's Message for January, 2022![]() One of Rotary’s founding principles was to use your vocation — whether as a doctor, lawyer, engineer, or another profession — to do good in the world. As we attempt to overcome and recover from the pandemic, this principle is vital in retraining people who have lost their jobs. |
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Making Connections with the Fellowship of Rotarian Genealogists |
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ShelterBox Responding to Super Typhoon Rai in the Philippines![]() ShelterBox is responding in the Philippines to Super Typhoon Rai which made landfall on Dec. 16th, killing at least 375 people and displacing hundreds of thousands more. ShelterBox is preparing emergency shelter, solar lights, water purification units, and other essential items to support communities devastated by the disaster. The Rotary Club of East Jefferson County supports the Chimacum High School Interact Club, which annually raises money to provide funds for Shelterbox. |
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Get help from Rotary Action Groups![]() Rotary Action Groups help clubs develop sustainable, effective service projects that strengthen communities. They can advise your club on planning and implementing projects and help you find partners, funding, and resources. This December, learn more about the 13 Rotary Action Groups that focus on disease prevention and treatment, and contact them for assistance with your new or ongoing projects. |
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The Rotary Foundation Achieves Top Ranking for 14th Straight Year!![]() The Rotary Foundation's newest Charity Navigator rating was published on Dec 1, 2021. For the 14th straight year, our Foundation has achieved 100 out of 100 in the ratings! Find out more, here: https://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=4553 |
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Vocational Training Teams (VTT’s)![]() Vocational training teams (VTT’s) are groups of professionals who travel abroad either to teach local professionals about a particular field or to learn more about their own. |
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The Rotary Action Group Against Multiple Sclerosis (RAGAMS)![]() The members of the Rotary Action Group Against Multiple Sclerosis (RAGAMS) offer a wide range of assistance and support to Rotary clubs interested in taking on the challenge of Multiple Sclerosis. http://rotary-ragmsa.org/ |
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Rotary President Shekhar Mehta's Message for December, 2021![]() Public health is on everyone’s mind due to the global pandemic that still threatens the safety of ourselves and our loved ones. In a sense, COVID-19 has made all of us much more aware of the roles and responsibilities of medical professionals than we were before we had to wear masks and maintain social distance. In addition, while moving through this pandemic, we have also learned about the role we can play in keeping others safe. |
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Why Do Rotarians Donate to the Annual Fund?![]() Why do Rotarians donate to The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund? Our donations help Rotary clubs take action to create positive change in communities at home and around the world. The Foundation uses our Annual Fund contributions to make positive and lasting change in Rotary’s seven areas of focus through the efforts of individual Rotary Clubs: in strengthening peace efforts, providing clean water and sanitation, supporting education, growing local economies, saving mothers and children, fighting disease, and protecting the environment. Find out more here, in the most recent Annual Report https://www.rotary.org/en/annual-report-2021. |
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10 things we can all do to grow Rotary![]() Healthy membership is the life blood of any organization and Rotary is no exception. Because we all benefit from a thriving membership, all of us share a responsibility to help grow Rotary and bring in new members. |
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What do you tell your children about Rotary?![]() I have never forgotten a conversation I had with a Rotarian who was one of our strongest supporters, back when I was still a Rotaractor. Her own children had never joined Rotary or Rotaract, because they didn’t want to belong to something “boring” like their parents did! I was gobsmacked. What precisely are we as Rotarians telling our children about Rotary? What do they see? Do they just see you going to “boring” meetings? Or do they see what inspires you about Rotary? |
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Reimagining Rotary - the RI General Secretary's 2021 Report to the Convention![]() This report by Rotary International General Secretary John Hewko was presented at the 2021 virtual Rotary Convention. It’s been a challenging year, but Rotary has proven again that we can adapt and thrive in the face of change. The lessons we learned this year will shape our organization for years to come. When the Rotary year started on 1 July 2020, we were nearly four months into a pandemic. We were not immune to the fear, uncertainty, and loss experienced by millions around the globe. During this challenging time, our members rallied behind a shared purpose to connect and serve. In-person meetings turned into virtual gatherings, and service projects began to include sewing masks and donating personal protective equipment to first responders. Through it all, the RI staff has continued to support members and operations and find new ways for Rotary to thrive, while still delivering on the promise of our four Action Plan priorities. Rotary added a new area of focus — the environment. We awarded our first multimillion-dollar grant and achieved a major milestone in ending polio. We developed learning opportunities to keep members engaged and introduced technology that enhanced the membership experience. Although this was indeed a challenging year, as people of action, we knew that the world needed Rotary to step up like never before. And we did. |
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Staying Informed about Rotary Activities Beyond the Club Level![]() How do you stay informed about the broad spectrum of Rotary International beyond the Club level? There are many useful websites you can use to stay informed. Here are a few of our favorites. |
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The Blindness Prevention Rotary Action Group![]() Rotary Action Groups (RAGs) provide assistance and support to clubs and districts in planning and implementing community development and humanitarian service projects. They are organized by committed professionals with expertise in a particular field. The Blindness Prevention Rotary Action Group is one of many such groups. |
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Rotary and USAID Partner on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Needs![]() More than one-third of the global population lacks basic sanitation. About 10 percent of people worldwide do not have clean water. Rotary and USAID share a commitment to providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene through sustainable projects that are built on local needs.
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The Environmental Sustainability RAG![]() Rotarian Action Groups are international groups of Rotarians, family members, program participants, and alumni who are experts in a particular field or passionate about topics such as economic development, peace, addiction prevention, the environment, or water. The Environmental Sustainability Rotarian Action Group (ESRAG) is one such group. |
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The Rotary Global Alumni Service to Humanity Award![]() The Global Alumni Service to Humanity Award was created to honor an outstanding individual whose career and activities illustrate the impact of Rotary’s programs on the individual’s service to humanity. The award not only celebrates the individual’s extraordinary achievements, but it also exemplifies the Rotary ideal of “service above self.” Geetha Jayaram, M.D., an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality, was the 2014–15 recipient of the Rotary Foundation Global Alumni Service to Humanity Award.
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When Rotarians dare to reach the unreached
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Doubling down on COVID recovery, ending polio![]() We ride so that others may walk. I don’t know who said it first, but the phrase has become a tagline for Rotary cyclists around the world, pedaling for PolioPlus, logging miles, and raising funds in the global effort to fully eradicate this disease. My husband, Mahmoud, and I are looking forward to returning to Tucson, Arizona, for my seventh and his fifth Ride to End Polio. It would be my eighth and his sixth ride if everything hadn’t ground to a halt with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. For all kinds of reasons, getting back on the bike this year is an important statement: of Rotary’s determination to finish what we started 36 years ago and of our collective determination to reclaim our lives after 18 months of relative isolation. |
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How do we innovate at Rotary?![]() Innovation and flexibility. Those are two words you hear a lot today when we think about any organization adapting to a rapidly changing environment. But what do those two words mean for Rotary? |
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Rotary Presidential Conference Manila Nov 26th-28th![]() The Philippines is proud to host one of Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta’s seven presidential conferences this Rotary year. The Manila Presidential Conference is open to participants from all over the world and is set to be Rotary’s largest Asia-Pacific event. This virtual experience will take place 26-28 November. Participants will experience a virtual conference with motivating speakers, a virtual house of friendship, as well as a virtual fellowship lounge for participants to meet each other and form new friendships. We invite the family of Rotary to use this occasion to heed RI President Mehta’s call of Each One, Bring One: invite your colleagues, friends, and family to this event to introduce them to our dedicated work through Rotary. |
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The Rotary Foundation is recognized as one of the top 10 charities![]() Charity Navigator lists The Rotary Foundation as one of the top 10 charities at work throughout the country and the world. The Foundation is a large, complex organization with a budget well in excess of g $100 million, and over $65 million in net assets. It is on that very select list in part because of the Foundation’s exceptional financial management, no easy feat considering the scope and size of their operations. Rotarians should feel confident that The Rotary Foundation puts our donations to good use. For more information, and to see the list, check it out, here. |
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How Do I Join a Rotary Club?![]() All Rotary Clubs welcome new members. It’s not difficult to join a Club, but all Rotary Clubs are “by invitation only” and there are several kinds of clubs. With that in mind, we invite you to consider joining us! |
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An Introduction to The Rotary Foundation - Donations and Recognition![]() Every year, our Club President-Elect, working with the Board of Directors and the Foundation Committee, with input from individual Club members, establishes our fundraising goals for their year as President. The goals include our Club’s support of the Annual Fund and the Polio Plus Fund of The Rotary Foundation (TRF). This year, our goal is for Club members to donate at least $7,500 to the Annual Fund and $1,850.00 to the Polio Plus Fund. |
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Lessons in disability inclusion: Does he take sugar?![]() I had just finished keying in my pin number on the card reader at the supermarket checkout counter recently when the cashier turned to my friend and asked, “how does he know which buttons to press?” Being completely inured to this sort of thing, I watched with interest to see how my friend would react. It is peculiar that when encountering a person with a disability, many people very often address the person accompanying them rather than addressing us directly. |
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An Introduction to the Rotary Foundation - Grants![]() A portion of the money we donate to The Rotary Foundation is made available for us to use in the form of grants. Working within the framework of our seven Causes, Rotary members contribute their skills, expertise, and resources to help solve some of the world’s toughest problems. From providing clean water to promoting peace worldwide, Rotary Foundation grants bring our service project ideas to life. |
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An Introduction to the Rotary Foundation - Overview![]() This article introduces you to The Rotary Foundation (TRF) and explains how we as individual Rotarians and as a Club both support it and employ its capabilities to further our work. It is published in three parts. This is part 1. The Foundation is a nonprofit corporation organized as a public charity. It is governed by a Board of Trustees. It is separate from but an integral part of Rotary International. As Rotary’s charity arm, the Foundation is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of Rotary International who share Rotary's vision of a better world. |
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The Major Donor Recognition![]() Major Donors are those individuals whose cash donations , regardless of the gift designation, have reached $10,000. |
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Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta's Message for November, 2021![]() I first discovered the value of service when I saw how a few simple acts can immeasurably change lives. It began when I joined others in my club for a project to bring toilets and clean drinking water to rural villages near our city. It moved forward when we promoted sanitation and provided opportunities for education across the country, thanks to generous gifts from supporters who believed in our projects as much as those of us on the ground did. There is no better time of the year to be reminded of that generosity than November, which is Rotary Foundation Month. |
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A Brief Overview of The Rotary Foundation![]() The Rotary Foundation transforms our gifts into projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. As the charitable arm of Rotary, the Foundation taps into a global network of Rotarians who invest their time, money, and expertise into our priorities, such as eradicating polio and promoting peace. Rotarians provide the majority of contributions to The Rotary Foundation to fund Rotary programs, 92 percent of which go to program awards and operations. |
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Looking Towards the Complete Eradication of Polio![]() Rotary’s goal of ridding the world of polio is within reach, global health experts said during the 2021 World Polio Day Online Global Update on 24 October. The 30-minute program, “Delivering on our Promise of a Polio-Free World,” provided encouraging information about the progress and remaining challenges in the fight to end polio. So far in 2021, only two cases of wild polio have been reported — the lowest circulation of the disease ever — with one infection each in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the two countries where polio remains endemic. |
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The Rotary Avenues of Service![]() Rotarians channel our commitment to service at home and abroad through five Avenues of Service, which are the foundation of club activity. The Avenues of Service are part of the Guiding Principles of Rotary, which include the Object of Rotary, and the 4-Way Test. https://my.rotary.org/en/guiding-principles |
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The Amazing Role of Australians in Eradicating Polio![]() I was four-years-old when I contracted polio. I was fortunate to have made a complete recovery, but defeating polio has remained personal for me. I am also proud to be an Aussie. You can bet I was cheering loudly during the 2014 Rotary International Convention in Sydney when our Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, announced a pledge of $100 million over five years to help eradicate polio. |
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Overcoming Health Challenges Using the Lessons Learned in the Fight Against Polio![]() Overcoming health challenges is possible, and voices like Rotary's are crucial. Here's how India is doing it. |
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Five Reasons to Give to The Rotary Foundation![]() When you make a donation to The Rotary Foundation, you are helping Rotary members make a difference in the lives of millions of people around the world. Here are five reasons to make Rotary your charity of choice at any time of the year. |
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Rotary and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Work Together to Eradicate Polio![]() The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), is a Rotary Polio Eradication Partner and a major supporter of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). Importantly, BMGF matches all individual Rotarian donations to Polio Plus on a 2 to 1 basis, meaning for every dollar donated to Polio Plus by a Rotarian, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation donates two dollars. |
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Rotarians Seek Applicants for High School Leadership Training![]() The Rotary Club of East Jefferson County is inviting high school sophomores and juniors to apply to attend the 2022 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) June 8-11, 2022 at YMCA Camp Colman in Longbranch WA. Applications will be accepted through March 31st, 2022. |
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Rotary and our partners seize the moment to achieve
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The world may never have a better chance than now to eradicate polio, according to Aidan O’Leary, polio eradication director for the World Health Organization. |
Earthquake Preparations

Polio In History (Part 2)

How Polio is Spread Between People

Poliovirus is usually spread from person to person through infected fecal matter entering the mouth via contaminated drinking water. It may also be spread by food containing human feces and less commonly from infected saliva. Those who are infected may spread the disease for up to six weeks even if no symptoms are present.
Polio in History (part 1)

Poliomyelitis has existed for thousands of years, with depictions of the disease in ancient art. Poor sanitation, surprisingly, limited the spread of the disease as most people developed a resistance to the virus through constant exposure. But when sanitation was improved, beginning in the late 19th century in Europe and the United States, those areas began to experience major outbreaks of the disease, and the death rate began to increase. For more information, the Wikipedia entry is a good start. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poliomyelitis#History
BTS’ Jimin donates 100 million Korean won to eradicate polio

SEOUL, South Korea: Sept. 23, 2021 – Jimin, a member of K-pop boy band BTS, is supporting the eradication of polio, a devastating vaccine-preventable disease that once paralyzed 1,000 children every single day.
Jimin’s donation of 100 million won ($88,000) to Rotary's polio eradication program, will protect children in countries where the disease is still a threat.
Rotary Action Group Overview

Rotary Action Groups are international, RI-recognized groups whose members have expertise and experience in a particular area of specialization. They use their knowledge, passion, and global network to help clubs and districts plan and implement impactful service projects. By bringing expertise, partners, funding resources and best practices to projects, they help clubs scale up smaller projects to larger, higher impact, more sustainable international initiatives.
Rotary District 5020 Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships

Rotary clubs in District 5020, like ours, nominate and support applicants who apply as District Rotary Ambassadorial Scholars, Global Grant Scholars and Rotary Peace Fellows.
Global Polio Eradication Initiative Partners - Rotary International

Rotary International (RI) is the world’s first and largest humanitarian service organization with a global network of 1.2 million members in more than 170 countries. As a Global Polio Eradication Initiative partner, Rotary is the main private sector donor supporting polio eradication.
Why is it Crucial to Eradicate Polio?

Why are we spending so much time and effort in the fight to eradicate polio? Polio is a crippling and potentially fatal infectious disease. When there are cases of wild polio virus in the world, then every unvaccinated person is at risk.
What Is Rotary?
Rotary International Support of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) is a public-private partnership led by national governments with five partners – Rotary International, the World Health Organization (WHO), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Our goal is to eradicate polio worldwide.
What Is Polio, and Why Do We Care?

What is Polio and why do we care? Poliomyelitis, often called polio or infantile paralysis, is an infectious disease caused by a virus. In 1988, polio affected 350,000 children every single year — including those in Europe and the US. It's a horrific disease that can cause irreversible paralysis and even death.
The eradication of polio is the top philanthropic priority of Rotary International, which is a key partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. http://polioeradication.org/who-we-are/
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI)

Ten Facts About Polio

Rotary’s Leadership and Continuing Contribution to Eradicating Polio

The Best Chance to Eradicate Polio is Now

“There’s something about the whole idea of eradicating polio that grabs the imagination,” says Aidan O’Leary. “Most people talk about making steps toward achievements, and it’s almost always into the never-never. Eradication is a zero-sum game; anything short of zero is failure. You keep getting closer and closer, but ultimately the only number that actually matters is zero.”
October, 2021 Message to Rotarians from RI President Mehta

Our Polio Goal

Rotary and the Fight to Eradicate Polio

Help Us Find Our Next Rotary Scholars!

Each year our Rotary District awards District 5020 Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships (DRAS) and supports applications for post-graduate Rotary International Global Grant Scholarships and Peace Fellowships.
ShelterBox and Education

Over the past 21 years, ShelterBox and Rotary International have worked together to support families with emergency shelter following disaster or conflict.
Disaster, conflict and lack of adequate housing significantly reduces a child’s access to education. Nearly 40 million children a year have their education interrupted by disasters, such as earthquakes and disease.1 And the number of child refugees fleeing conflict and extremism, violence or disaster has risen to over 13 million in recent years. 2
Through the provision of shelter, we are contributing to Rotary’s wider efforts to strengthen the capacity of communities to provide basic education and tackle illiteracy. Shelter is more than a physical structure: it is one of many factors that can increase a child’s access to education.
Rotary 2022 International Convention to be held in Houston

Rotary International has announced that more than 20,000 service-minded people from around the world will gather in Houston for Rotary’s 113th annual international convention on June 4-8, 2022.
How leadership opportunities enhanced my Rotary journey

Peace Corps volunteers and Rotary members find meaningful connections

In December 2017, on his first night as a Peace Corps volunteer in the ancient North Macedonian city of Štip, Cal Mann was welcomed with a raucous party at a rustic cabin far outside of town. There was an abundance of food and drinks, and a boom box blared local music. As the party raged well past midnight, Mann watched, beer in hand. “I’m like, I can’t do this for two years, that’s for sure,” he recalls.
The Rotarian Code of Conduct

The Rotarian Code of Conduct.
As a Rotarian, I will:
1. Act with integrity and high ethical standards in my personal and professional life;
2. Deal fairly with others and treat them and their occupations with respect;
3. Use my professional skills through Rotary to mentor young people, help those with special needs, and improve people’s quality of life in my community and in the world;
4. Avoid behavior that reflects adversely on Rotary or other Rotarians.
5. Help maintain a harassment-free environment in Rotary meetings, events, and activities; report any suspected harassment; and help ensure non-retaliation to those individuals that report harassment.
New Rotary Fellowships Announced

The September District Newsletter is on the Street

Rotary Peace Fellow reflects on Afghanistan, helping others in crisis

Acts of kindness, however large or small, reverberate through our lives in amazing, unexpected ways. I try to bear this in mind when I see people on the news who are in great distress. Among the stories of turmoil and chaos and fear, there are also stories of love and compassion and resilience. It’s vital to ask how we, as individuals and as organizations, can help others in these moments of crisis.
Rotary's Work to Support Community Literacy

Rotary International President's Message to Rotarians for September, 2021
District Governor's September Message to Rotarians
Polio Eradication in Afghanistan
Shelter is an Essential Human Need
Rotary and the Institute for Economics and Peace

Consider Becoming a Rotary Benefactor!
RI President Shekhar Mehta's August Message to Rotarians

Rotary International 2022 Convention to Be Held in Houston June 4-8, 2022
My Rotary Student Exchange Year in Spain

When I was 16, Rotary offered me a chance to experience life beyond anything I had known before. After attending a meeting about Rotary Youth Exchange, I decided to apply to study in Spain.
It took months of hard work to prepare. But before I knew it, it was time to pack up my things and leave. I arrived for my 2019-20 exchange in an unfamiliar country, meeting people I didn’t know, who spoke a language I didn’t speak well. But even though this was my most difficult path yet, I was at peace.
Rotary Amateur Radio Fellowship
Club President's Introduction

- Enhance Club fellowship and fun.
- Attract new members and retain current members.
- Improve our active service to change lives within our local and global communities.
Rotary International President July Message

I wish each of you and your families a great Rotary New Year! Together, let us make it the best year of our lives, by making it a year to grow more and do more. Let this be a year of changemakers, and let us begin with our membership.
That is precisely why the Each One, Bring One initiative is so important. During this year, I urge you to dream of new ways in which Rotary can expand its reach into your community and therefore the world. If each member introduces one person to Rotary, our membership can increase to 1.3 million by July 2022. So, let’s just do it!
New Rotary Fellowships Announced

Rotary International is excited to announce that there have been 6 newly recognized Rotary Fellowships in just the last three months. These new groups are open to any interested individual. Click on their links below to learn more, join, or contact these new groups. You can also visit the Rotary Fellowship website to find a full list of all active Rotary fellowships.
The Rotary Action Group Against Slavery

Rotary Action Groups (RAGs) provide assistance and support to clubs and districts in planning and implementing community development and humanitarian service projects. They are organized by committed professionals with expertise in particular fields, and supported by volunteers with an interest in those areas.
The Rotary Action Group Against Slavery (RAGAS) looks to provide information about, and promote ways for Rotarians and others to engage and support anti-slavery and human trafficking projects, programs and campaigns.
The International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians

It is said that the secret to feeling good and enjoyment consists of the ease and speed of adaptation to new situations. And that we have done at the International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians (IYFR). Despite the pandemic, we have continued to work in service to our communities, meeting and growing.
In our fellowship, we have detected an urgent issue on a global scale. This involves the 139 fleets that we have in 42 countries and impacts each community in which our fleets work. This issue is about the plastic pollution of rivers, seas and oceans. In keeping with the spirit of our fellowship, this concern for our inland waters and oceans has been turned into an international service project.
The IYFR has created a strategic plan for this service initiative that is adapted by each fleet for their particular needs. Our fellowship also has other service projects, such as nautical therapy, sea scouts, scholarships for young people to navigate, teaching sustainable fishing, health care in islands, etc. Our Plastic Free Waters (PFW) program differs from other service projects because it involves fleets from different countries with the same objective. Many District Governors have supported our Plastic Free Waters program, declaring it of district interest. Therefore, having detected this urgent need to contribute to the cleaning of rivers, seas and oceans, we have turned it into a worldwide service. For our International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians, the oldest and largest of the more than 90 Rotary fellowships, this is a great challenge.
Keeping Children Safe From Polio in India

Global Polio Eradication Initiative Updates Strategy to Eradicate Polio

GENEVA, 10 June 2021 – Today, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) will launch the Polio Eradication Strategy 2022-2026: Delivering on a Promise at a virtual event, to overcome the remaining challenges to ending polio, including setbacks caused by COVID-19. While polio cases have fallen 99.9% since 1988, polio remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and persistent barriers to reaching every child with polio vaccines and the pandemic have contributed to an increase in polio cases. Last year, 1226 cases of all forms of polio were recorded compared to 138 in 2018.
In 2020, the GPEI paused polio door-to-door campaigns for four months to protect communities from the spread of COVID-19 and contributed up to 30,000 program staff and over $100 million in polio resources to support pandemic response in almost 50 countries.
Leaders from the two countries yet to interrupt wild polio transmission—Pakistan and Afghanistan—called for renewed global solidarity and the continued resources necessary to eradicate this vaccine-preventable disease. They committed to strengthening their partnership with GPEI to improve vaccination campaigns and engagement with communities at high risk of polio.
This video highlights the update. https://youtu.be/j7vxKdy7NDs
June is Rotary Fellowships Month

Disrict Governor Greg Horn's June Message to Rotarians

Rotary Fellowships - What An Opportunity!

Rotary offers many opportunities to connect with others in our club and district who share similar passions. Rotarians also have many opportunities to connect with members globally.
Rotary Fellowships provide a great way to make new friends around the world and enhance your Rotary experience. The fellowships are international, independently organized groups of Rotarians, family members, program participants, and alumni who share a common passion. These groups range in interest from tennis to wine, marathon running to cooking, scuba diving to recreational vehicles, jazz to computers, and many, many more.
Rotary International President's June Message to Rotarians

Donating to the Rotary Endowment Fund

How Do I Donate to the Endowment Fund?

As we approach June 30th, the end of the Rotary Year, it might be a good time to consider an additional donation to The Rotary Foundation Endowment Fund.
The Endowment Fund is the long range fund in which the principal - that which you donate - is never spent, and the earnings available are used to make a lasting difference in people’s lives.
African vaccine champion on lessons from ending wild polio

Dr Tunji Funsho is a Nigerian cardiologist and Chair of Rotary International’s PolioPlus Committee in Nigeria. In 2020 he was listed as one of Time magazine 100 most influential people for his contribution to the fight against polio in Africa. Here he shares lessons on the crucial role of vaccines and the work still needed to end all forms of the poliovirus.
Rotary's Hidden Influence

Rotary’s positive influence on the world extends far beyond its members and its clubs. From medical missions to disaster relief to combating climate change, Rotary plays a role in a vast array of initiatives that help humanity. The reach and impact of Rotary’s work are a testament to Rotary members’ leadership, passion, and drive to help others.
Below, we look at three organizations that have grown out of a Rotary project or an individual member’s incredible commitment to a cause. These entities are well known — but their roots in Rotary might not be.
Nonprofits Make Gains in Measuring Their Impact
District Governor Greg Horn's May Message

East Jefferson Rotary Club Announces Annual Rose Sales Fundraiser

It’s spring, and the time of year when the East Jefferson Rotary Club offers you the opportunity to gift others with a dozen or more beautiful roses! You may have a spouse or other loved one, someone who did something special for you recently, or the administrative assistant at your business or church you would like to honor….everybody enjoys getting our lovely roses!
This year, our order form is online; please find it here: https://form.jotform.com/210657399126967
Rotary International Virtual Convention June 12th - 16th Registration is Open
An Update on Rotary's Work to Eradicate Polio

Facts About Rotary

New Rotary club takes aim at human trafficking

Speaker April 15th, 2021 - North Olympic Regional Veteran’s Housing Network

District Governor Greg Horn's Message for April, 2021

Presidential conference offers relationship building, collaboration

President, Rotary International Message for April, 2021

Event celebrates 75 years of Rotary and UN

Maternal and Child Health

Maternal and child care is one of Rotary’s main causes. It is estimated that close to 6 million children under the age of five die each year because of malnutrition, inadequate health care, and poor sanitation, which can all be prevented. Rotary makes health care available to vulnerable mothers and children so they can live longer and grow stronger.
How to Join a Rotary Club

Water and sanitation support the process of peacebuilding

How can access to clean water and sanitation empower women and children?
How can our efforts to provide water and sanitation support the process of peacebuilding?
Rotary founder Paul Harris said, “Perhaps dreaming is not so bad if one dreams good dreams and makes them come true.” Rotary’s dream and mission is to serve humanity. Providing access to clean water and sanitation for the most vulnerable communities brings life and is essential to making all of our dreams come true.
Water is life, health, hygiene, and fundamental dignity.
Ever wonder about Rotary Districts and Zones?

The 538 Districts that make up Rotary International are divided into 34 Zones. Each Zone has approximately the same number of Rotarians.
The Rotary Club of East Jefferson County is one of 92 Clubs that make up Rotary District 5020, which is, in turn, a part of Rotary International Zone 27, which, together with Zone 26, is known as “Big West”.
District Governor Greg Horn's Message for March

President, Rotary International Message for March, 2021

Charity Navigator lists The Rotary Foundation as one of the top 10 charities

Charity Navigator lists The Rotary Foundation as one of the top 10 charities at work throughout the country and the world. The Foundation is a large, complex organization with a budget well in excess of g $100 million, and over $65 million in net assets. It is on that list in part because of their exceptional financial management, no easy feat considering the scope and size of their operations. Rotarians should feel confident that The Rotary Foundation puts their donations to good use. For more information, and to see the list, check it out, here.
Every Rotarian, Every Year

The Every Rotarian Every Year initiative asks all Rotarians to support The Rotary Foundation through a donation to the Annual Fund every year and by getting involved in a Foundation project or program.
Rotarians know that The Rotary Foundation has a top-notch reputation for careful and judicious stewardship of our funds. See the Foundation’s Charity Navigator rating, here: http://tinyurl.com/gs9cuxc
Talking the talk, walking the walk on disease prevention

District Governor Greg Horn's February Message

Rotary Peace Fellow Applications Open in February, 2021

Applications for Rotary Peace Fellowships are open and will be accepted through May 15th, 2021. Rotary Peace Fellows, who must be non-Rotarians, are social change leaders who are chosen for their ability to have a significant, positive impact on world peace throughout their careers.
The Rotary Ethics Fellowship

Rotary International President's Message for February, 2021

In Rotary, 23 February is our anniversary, and February is also the month when we focus on promoting peace. There is a reason for this: Contributing to peace and international understanding has been a high priority for us since our earliest days.
We are often asked: “How can we get involved in peace now?”
The New Generations Service Exchange Program

Italian Rotarians spread joy of giving

Vocational Training Teams

Virtual Summit Jan 27: Rotary Action Group Against Modern Day Slavery and Human Trafficking

Rotary Presidential Conference in Nigeria Begins January 22nd

Are you excited about the elevation of Rotaract to a membership type in Rotary? Do you seek new ways and strategies to enhance the collaboration between Rotaract and Rotary in the pursuit of our organizations vision?
RI President Holger Knaack has instituted three Presidential Conferences this year to highlight the power of Rotary and Rotaract working together as partners in service. The focus of this Conference series is to create meaningful connections between Rotaractors and Rotarians.
Register here: 2020-2021 PRESIDENTIAL CONFERENCE – 2020-2021 PRESIDENTIAL CONFERENCE (rotarydistrict9141.org)
Conference goals are to:
- Inspire greater collaboration between Rotary and Rotaract clubs.
- Introduce the broader Rotary Community to the amazing work of Rotaractors
- Elevate the projects and activities of Rotaractors locally and globally
- Provide a platform for Rotary and Rotaract members to network and make connections.
Rotary Partnerships

Champions of The Rotary Foundation

A new recognition, entitled “Champions of The Rotary Foundation”, has been announced by District 5020 Foundation chair Howard Svigals. Champions are people who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the Foundation, through past and future giving. Champions must be:
The Rotarian Code of Conduct

As a Rotarian, I will:
1. Act with integrity and high ethical standards in my personal and professional life;
2. Deal fairly with others and treat them and their occupations with respect;
3. Use my professional skills through Rotary to mentor young people, help those with special needs, and improve people’s quality of life in my community and in the world;
4. Avoid behavior that reflects adversely on Rotary or other Rotarians.
5. Help maintain a harassment-free environment in Rotary meetings, events, and activities; report any suspected harassment; and help ensure non-retaliation to those individuals that report harassment.
Rotary and diversity, equity, and inclusion

A history of diverse backgrounds
When Chicago attorney Paul Harris founded Rotary, he invited his colleagues and friends to create a club where professionals of diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful friendships. Over time, that expanded to giving back to their communities.
Since its first club meeting more than 100 years ago, Rotary has grown into an international organization with clubs in nearly every country in the world. Our membership comprises people with countless individual identities who share a singular passion for making the world a better place for everyone.
In recognition of Rotary's history as a diverse organization, and in our careful planning for our future, Rotary has reaffirmed the organization's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
District Governor Greg Horn's January Message

Rotary Opens Opportunities

January, 2021 Rotary International President’s Message

January is finally here. As we look forward to 2021, our thinking doesn’t have to stop at the end of these 365 days. Are you thinking ahead about what you will be doing in 2022, 2023, and beyond?
We cannot foresee the future, but we can steer ourselves where we want to go. I think it is important that every Rotary club hold a strategic meeting at least once a year. Past RI Director Greg Yank, who has a lot of experience working with clubs on their plans, shares his viewpoint.
Donations to the Annual Fund

Our club goal for individual donations to The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund is $7,500 this Rotary Year, which runs through June 30th, 2021, though we hope to exceed that amount.
As we approach the end of the calendar year, now is a good time to consider a donation to The Rotary Foundation.Rotary Action Groups (RAGs)

Rotary Action Groups are international groups of Rotarians, family members, program participants, and alumni who are experts in a particular field or passionate about topics that fall within the seven Rotary Areas of Focus. Addiction prevention, blood donation, basic education and literacy, and environmental sustainability are a few of the many groups.
Help Us Find Our Next Rotary District Scholars!

What Is Rotary Vocational Service?

Vocational service calls on Rotarians to encourage and foster:
High ethical standards in business and professions
The recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations
The dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society.
The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace

The Ideal of Service

Rotarians recognize the importance of our governing principles, which have been developed over the years to provide us with a strong, common purpose and direction. They serve as a foundation for our relationships with each other and the action we take in the world. The Object of Rotary is the first of those principles.
Today, we’ll consider the third object of Rotary: The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life.
Service is at the heart of being a Rotarian.
The Importance of High Ethical Standards

Rotarians recognize the importance of our governing principles, which have been developed over the years to provide us with a strong, common purpose and direction. They serve as a foundation for our relationships with each other and the action we take in the world. The Object of Rotary is the first of those principles, and the one we are currently considering.
The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise.
Rotarians consider the Object of Rotary to have four parts - first, acquaintance, which we considered last week; second, high ethical standards; third, the application of the ideal of service; and, fourth, the advancement of international understanding through a world fellowship of Rotarians united in the ideal of service.
Today, we’ll consider the second part of the Object of Rotary, namely, high ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society.
The Value of Acquaintance

The Object of Rotary

Rotary Guiding Principles have been developed over the years to provide all Rotarians with a strong, common purpose and direction. They serve as a foundation for our relationships with each other and the action we take in the world. There are three Guiding Principles: The Object of Rotary, The Four-Way Test, and the Avenues of Service.
The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:
FIRST: The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
SECOND: High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
THIRD: The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life;
FOURTH: The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.
2020 Rotary International Annual Report Released Today

How Do I Donate to the Endowment Fund?

As we approach the end of the calendar year, it might be a good time to consider a donation to The Rotary Foundation’s Endowment Fund.
The Endowment Fund is the long range fund in which the principal - that which you donate - is never spent, and the earnings available are used to make a lasting difference in people’s lives.
Interact Video Competition through Dec 17th

Club Members Contribute to Ending the Scourge of Polio


While our ability to travel internationally, gather for fellowship and friendship, and build partnerships for service has been disrupted, our ingenuity and creativity has opened opportunities in unprecedented ways. And while we can’t replace in-person experiences, virtual travel and fellowship opportunities are redefining how we build partnerships and continue supporting communities through remote service opportunities.
Finding meaningful service opportunities and impactful projects to support is already a daunting task, which feels immensely more challenging while need grows during the global pandemic. Getting involved in international service can often be a challenge, especially during a pandemic when international travel is limited.
Virtual project fairs allow for immersion, travel, and fellowship from the safety and comfort of your home.
Who are Rotary Alumni?

Our District Governor's December Message

Why Donate to the Annual Fund?

An Update on the Club's Support of the Global Grant "Dignity Toilets for Togo"

Rotary International President's Message for December, 2020

As I look back on 2020, I reflect on how our lives have changed. The global COVID-19 pandemic brought pain and loss to many of us. And for almost all of us, our daily lives, family time, and work also changed this year. But we've made it to the end of this difficult year, not on our own but by reaching out to one another, as we always do in Rotary. With each passing year, I become prouder of our organization.
I will choose to remember 2020 as a year of great change and strength for us; Rotary didn't stop, despite the pandemic. We removed obstacles, found new ways to connect, and embraced new approaches to service, such as online projects and virtual fundraising. I have invited two Rotarians to share their stories about how Rotary grew stronger this year.
The Rotarian Code of Conduct

As a Rotarian, I will:
1. Act with integrity and high ethical standards in my personal and professional life;
2. Deal fairly with others and treat them and their occupations with respect;
3. Use my professional skills through Rotary to mentor young people, help those with special needs, and improve people’s quality of life in my community and in the world;
4. Avoid behavior that reflects adversely on Rotary or other Rotarians.
5. Help maintain a harassment-free environment in Rotary meetings, events, and activities; report any suspected harassment; and help ensure non-retaliation to those individuals that report harassment.
Help Us Support the Irondale Little Free Pantry!
Members of the Rotary Club of East Jefferson County and community members across eastern Jefferson County continue to support our efforts to stock the Little Free Pantry at the Irondale Community Church. You may drop donated items off locally in Port Ludlow at the Edward Jones office at 9526 Oak Bay Rd, Suite 300, Port Ludlow, WA 98365.
All non-perishable food items will be accepted however the items below have been requested:
How Do I Join a Rotary Club?

All Rotary Clubs welcome new members. It’s not difficult to join a Club, but all Rotary Clubs are “by invitation only” and there are several kinds of clubs. With that in mind, we invite you to consider joining us!
We are both a local community organization and an international one. Rotarians are focused on service above self - taking action to improve the world around them - from their local communities to issues of global importance. With over 1.2 million members in 35,000 clubs worldwide, we have been making a very positive difference in the world for well over a century!
So how do you go about joining a Rotary Club?
Our District Governor's November Message

Our District Governor's October Message

Why and How To Join a Rotary Club

All Rotary Clubs welcome new members. It’s not difficult to join a Club, but all Rotary Clubs are “by invitation only” and there are several kinds of clubs. With that in mind, we invite you to consider joining us!
Rotarians are all about action - making a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Working together and with partners, the 1.2 million active, involved Rotarians in tens of thousands of clubs worldwide lead and contribute to positive change in our communities and around the world.
The District 5020 News Magazine

District Governor Greg Horn's September Message to Rotarians

President Holger Knaack's September Message to Rotarians

An Introduction to Rotary Scholarships Available Beyond the Club Level

This article provides basic information about post-graduate global grant-supported scholarships.
Rotary's Strategic Plan

Rotary’s Leadership and Continuing Contribution to Eradicating Polio

Rotarians have been working for the past forty years to eradicate polio. In fact, it is the top philanthropic priority for Rotary International, and the area in which we spend the most money. While we are closer than ever to accomplishing this herculean task, very significant challenges remain.
The Four-Way Test and Its Development

The Four-Way Test is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide for Rotarians to use for their personal and professional relationships. It is one of the world’s most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics and was created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor (who later served as Rotary International (RI) president) when he was asked to take charge of a company that was facing bankruptcy.
This simple yet powerful 24-word test for employees to follow in their business and professional lives became the guide for sales, production, advertising, and all relations with dealers and customers. In fact, the survival of the company is credited to this simple philosophy.
Adopted by Rotary in 1943, The Four-Way Test has been translated into more than a hundred languages and published in thousands of ways.
The Rotary Endowment Fund

The purpose of the Endowment Fund is to ensure the long-term viability of The Rotary Foundation (TRF) and its programs. Contributions made to the Endowment Fund are invested in perpetuity with no erosion of the contribution itself. Many might view the Endowment Fund as the Foundation's “savings account” whose interest supports the Annual Fund, the “checking account” for the Foundation.
Rotary’s Leadership and Contribution to Eradicating Polio

Rotarians have been working for the past forty years to eradicate polio. In fact, it is the top philanthropic priority for Rotary International, and the area in which we spend the most money.
Meet Shekhar Mehta, Rotary International President-Elect

Shekhar Mehta will become Rotary's President on July 1st, 2021. Mehta is a member of the Rotary Club of Calcutta-Mahanagar, which is located in West Bengal, India.
Rotarians Partner with Interactors to Support Shelterbox

Rotary International currently has a number of partner organizations. One of these is ShelterBox, an organization that provides emergency shelter and supplies worldwide to assist survivors immediately after a disaster.
Rotary works with ShelterBox in all phases of disaster relief: identifying regions that need support, volunteering in relief efforts, facilitating meetings with government officials and relief agencies, and funding supplies. Rotary can also help with logistics, including customs clearance; housing deployed teams; arranging transportation; and offering language interpretation.
The Rotary Code of Conduct - Maintaining a Harassment-free environment in Rotary

The fifth and final element of the Rotarian Code of Conduct is “As a Rotarian, I will help maintain a harassment-free environment in Rotary meetings, events, and activities; report any suspected harassment; and help ensure non-retaliation to those individuals that report harassment.”
Meet Our District Governor, Greg Horn!

Club Sponsors Food Drive in Support of the Irondale Little Pantry

Club President Rick Smith is coordinating the Club’s support of the little pantry, located outside the Irondale Church in Port Hadlock WA.
Here is the list of items that the Community Wellness Project (CWP) has requested to get the little pantry stocked. Other non-perishables are also accepted.
Jennifer E. Jones nominated to become Rotary International President July 1st, 2022

New Generations Service Exchange

Finding My Life's Meaning in Rotary and Toastmasters

In 2008, my world changed when my wife of 29 years was killed by an impaired driver. She was returning from visiting our 17-year-old daughter in college. My life revolved around Judy and our four children (Anne, Michael, Geoffrey, and Lara). We were so close that it felt like I had died too.
A year later, our youngest child left for college and I was alone in a five-bedroom house. I had to choose between curling up in a ball or going on living. I chose the latter and began speaking to first-time offenders convicted of a driving under the influence offense for several programs in central Ohio.
An Update Regarding the Rotary District 5020 Scholarship Program

In spite of the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Rotary District 5020 continues its work. The District 5020 Scholarship Committee manages Rotary District 5020 Ambassadorial Scholarships (RDAS), Global Grant Scholarships (GGS) and Peace Fellowships on behalf of the District.
The March 2020 issue of UD5020, the District 5020 Magazine, included announcements of two Ambassadorial Scholarship awardees, Mr. Kyle Fawkes and Mr. Brody McDonald. Since then, both Kyle and Brody applied to The Rotary Foundation for Global Grant Scholarships.
We are thrilled to now announce that both Kyle and Brody were successful in their applications. This means that each will now be awarded a total of $30,000 USD to support their post-graduate studies abroad. In addition, District 5020 has awarded another $15,000 Ambassadorial Scholarship to Ms. Courtney Brossel.
District 5020 Governor's Message for August, 2020

Why Do Rotarians Donate to the Annual Fund?

Rotary President's Message for August, 2020

The year 2020 has brought monumental changes that have already included a global pandemic and a renewed call for social justice. We are reminded that we live in a constantly changing world, and Rotary is a reflection of that world.
We must be ready to listen and adapt, always drawing upon our core values of service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership. If we live these values and apply The Four-Way Test to all aspects of our lives, we will be prepared to lead at all times.
Membership Matters

August in Rotary is known as Membership and New Club Development Month, but do you know why we focus on membership? Membership is essential to every aspect of a Rotary club. As a matter of fact, Rotary International won’t even allow you to start a new Rotary club without 20 people who are interested in joining and upholding Rotary’s ideals and values.
Nothing in a club gets done without its members. Rotary members...
The Rotarian Code of Conduct

As a Rotarian, I will:
1. Act with integrity and high ethical standards in my personal and professional life;
2. Deal fairly with others and treat them and their occupations with respect;
3. Use my professional skills through Rotary to mentor young people, help those with special needs, and improve people’s quality of life in my community and in the world;
4. Avoid behavior that reflects adversely on Rotary or other Rotarians.
5. Help maintain a harassment-free environment in Rotary meetings, events, and activities; report any suspected harassment; and help ensure non-retaliation to those individuals that report harassment.
Interested in Rotary?

Interested in Rotary International? Founded in 1905 by a Chicago lawyer, Paul Harris, Rotary has grown to be a formidable force for good in the world.
From the very beginning, Rotarians have been focused on taking action to make a positive difference in the world. Although founded as a social club, Rotarians begin focusing on improving their local and global communities the very next year. In fact, the first-ever Rotary project was funding and supporting the construction of public sanitary facilities in Chicago.
Grassroots at the core, Rotary today links 1.2 million members, men and women alike, in over 35,000 clubs worldwide to form an organization of international scope focused on improving the lives of people all over the globe.
Founder Paul Harris’ words “Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves” ring ever more true today.
Why do men and women from all walks of life join Rotary?
Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY)

The Every Rotarian Every Year initiative asks every Rotarian to support The Rotary Foundation every year. In addition to yearly contributions to the Annual Fund, members are encouraged to get involved in a Foundation project or program.
The Rotary International Instagram page

The Rotary District 5020 Ambassadorial Scholarship (DRAS)

Rotary clubs in District 5020, of which our Club is a part, nominate and support applicants who apply as District Rotary Ambassadorial Scholars, Global Grant Scholars and Rotary Peace Fellows.
A local Rotary club must sponsor applications for each of these programs.
This post provides information about the Rotary District 5020 Ambassadorial Scholarship (DRAS). The application deadline is January 15th - and its not too soon to being preparing!
A wish for wheels: Rotary fundraiser gets rolling

Like many 6-year-old boys, Levi Knoche loves to go outside with his family to hike around the Olympic Peninsula. With the help of the Rotary Club of East Jefferson County, he will soon be able to do so. |
Emergency Preparation - Grab and Go Bags

The Annual Fund

The Lifelong Impact of a Group Study Exchange

As a citizen of India, I have been troubled by my country’s population growth, economic crisis, poverty, crimes against women, and child abuse. I had the privilege of taking part in a Group Study Exchange, supported by The Rotary Foundation, 30 years ago, and it totally changed my perspective on life, and kindled my urge to do something to help our society.
I was selected for the exchange team to visit Washington-Maryland, USA, in 1990. I was the only member selected from a government job. The exchange happened at the beginning of my career in the government sector and at the threshold of my career. The program was a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for all of us.
Rotary Definitions - Annual Fund, SHARE, and EREY!

What is Rotary?

What is Rotary?
We connect people!
Rotary unites more than a million people. Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. We use our connections as Rotarians and members of our communities to make that change happen - locally and globally.
A Gift for Levi

Rotary International President's Message for July, 2020

This does not seem like a time for great optimism, but it has to be. Long before Rotary was founded, the world dealt with great crises that tested humankind's ability to progress and endure. In the age of Rotary, the world has faced many more catastrophes; however, we have survived, and every step of the way, Rotary has helped the world heal.
Every great challenge is an opportunity for renewal and growth. I revealed the theme of Rotary Opens Opportunities at the International Assembly in San Diego just as the COVID-19 crisis was beginning, but these are words that I have believed for many years.
Rotary is not just a club that you join; it is an invitation to endless opportunities. We believe in creating opportunities for others and for ourselves. We believe that our acts of service, large and small, generate opportunities for people who need our help, and that Rotary opens opportunities for us to live a richer, more meaningful life, with friends around the world, based on our core values.
Will a Covid-19 vaccine signal an end to the anti-vaccine movement?

The world is desperate for a vaccine against coronavirus. If and when it is discovered, will the voices of the anti-vaccine movement tell their adherents to turn it down?
If you asked this question of parents in the US in the 1950s, the response would likely be unequivocal.
This is because of the fear that gripped a nation, fear caused by the lethal poliovirus. When the US polio epidemic was at its highest, the country reported more than 21,000 cases of paralysis, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and more than 3,000 lives were lost.
Bringing People Together Through Music

The International Fellowship of Rotarian Musicians (IFRM) has been meeting regularly online to prepare and present virtual choral performances. Members receive rehearsal material (musical score, a recording of accompaniment and vocal parts) in advance, and then they come together from their respective homes via Zoom to listen to the accompaniment (on headphones) and sing their parts (into cell phones) while appearing on screen together.
Member Biography - Dr Tamara Meredith
Dr. Tamara Meredith is the Director of the Jefferson County Library District in Port Hadlock, WA and has spent 18+ years in public, school, and academic library leadership positions. She is passionate about providing access to information and learning resources, and works to find creative, functional solutions to limited broadband and other technology issues that impede equitable access in rural areas. She currently serves on the University of Washington MLIS Advisory Board, is the treasurer of Public Libraries of Washington, and is both a board member and a coach for the Kitsap Philharmonic Youth Symphony.
Tamara joined the Rotary Club of East Jefferson County in 2017...
Donating to the Annual Fund

Our club goal for individual donations to The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund is $11,500 this Rotary Year, which runs through June 30th, 2020, though we hope to exceed that amount.
As we approach the end of the calendar year, it might be a good time to consider a donation to The Rotary Foundation.
The Rotarian Action Group for Blindness Prevention

Rotary Action Groups (RAGs) provide assistance and support to clubs and districts in planning and implementing community development and humanitarian service projects. They are organized by committed professionals with expertise in a particular field. Members need not be Rotarians.
The purpose of the Rotarian Action Group for Blindness Prevention is to ...
A Very Brief History of the Early Years of the Rotary Club of East Jefferson County

The Rotary Club of East Jefferson County, or EJC Rotary as the Club is now usually known, has been a part of communities in eastern Jefferson County since it was chartered by Rotary International on June 21st, 1982, 38 years ago.
The group that was to become the Club met in those early days at the well-known Ajax Cafe on the spit in Port Hadlock, across the street from what is now the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding. Jim Humphrey was the Club’s first President, and dentist John Barrett, who remains a member to this day, the Club’s first President-Elect.
The Rotary Guiding Principles in Stressful Times

The vision of the Rotary Club of East Jefferson County is that, together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Our mission is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
It is beyond question that the nation is undergoing an extremely stressful time. Yet, Rotarians know that we have faced extremely stressful times before - the Great Depression, World War II, the Vietnam War, the riots of the late 60’s, the 2008 economic recession, and many more.
Rotarians use our Guiding Principles to provide stability at all times to our personal and professional conduct. Chief among these Principles is the Four-Way Test.
An Introduction to Rotary Action Groups

Rotary Action Groups (RAGS) are independent, Rotary-affiliated groups made up of people from around the world who are experts in a particular field, such as economic development, peace, addiction prevention, the environment, or water. They provide assistance and support to Rotary clubs and districts in planning and implementing community development and humanitarian service projects. Rotarian Action Groups (RAGs) give members opportunities to engage in service activities and network with like-minded members around the world. There are currently 25 such groups.
Rotary International President's Message for June, 2020

My Rotary journey began 40 years ago when I joined the Rotary Club of Decatur, Alabama, at the age of 25, and it has brought my family and me many unforgettable moments. But nothing could have prepared me for connecting with the world as president of Rotary International. My individual Rotary journey has become a shared Rotary journey with each of you.
Five Reasons to Give to The Rotary Foundation

When you make a donation to The Rotary Foundation, you are helping Rotary members make a difference in the lives of millions of people around the world. Here are five great reasons to make Rotary your charity of choice at any time of the year.
Youth Service Month Summary

Today marks the final day in our annual highlight of Rotary Youth activities. Support of our youth is certainly a very strong point in our Club. We’ve looked at...
Avenues of Service - Club Service

Rotarians channel our commitment to service at home and abroad through five Avenues of Service, which are the foundation of club activity. The Avenues of Service are part of the Guiding Principles of Rotary, which include the Object of Rotary, and the 4-Way Test. https://my.rotary.org/en/guiding-principles
Rotary Scholarship Programs

This brief article provides you a succinct summary of the various Rotary scholarship programs. There are a wide variety of scholarships available, for everyone from local high school graduates to fully funded master’s degree programs worth up to $75,000.
Many different types of scholarships are offered by individual Rotary Clubs, Rotary Districts, and The Rotary Foundation, all of which are applied for through your nearest Rotary Club. If we can offer just one piece of advice, it would be to start early and be relentless in your search!
What A Difference A Year Makes!

The Rotary Avenues of Service

Rotarians channel our commitment to service at home and abroad through five Avenues of Service, which are the foundation of club activity. The Avenues of Service are part of the Guiding Principles of Rotary, which include the Object of Rotary, and the 4-Way Test. https://my.rotary.org/en/guiding-principles
The five Avenues are:
A Look at the Annual Fund

The power of Rotary lies in our global network of community leaders and technical experts, and our exceptionally strong ethic of Service Above Self.
The Annual Fund makes it possible for Rotary clubs to transform lives around the globe. It is one of several funds managed by The Rotary Foundation.
Broadly speaking, the Annual Fund supports Rotary humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programs around the world.
Rotarians focus our service efforts in six areas to maximize our local and global impact: promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education, and growing local communities. These are called “Areas of Focus”, or “Rotary Causes”.
Every Rotarian is encouraged to make a personal donation to the Annual Fund every year, and to participate in one of the Foundation programs. Our Club is active in many of the Rotary programs, including Global grants, District Community Grants, Alumni programs, Peace Fellowships, Rotary scholarships, the Rotary Youth Exchange program, and the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), among others.
All donations made by Rotarians are completely voluntary. Our Club asks each Rotarian to donate $120 each year to the Annual Fund. Most members donate more than that, while a few members donate less, each according to their circumstances. (Our Club averaged $391 per person over the past Rotary year).
Our policy, like many clubs, is to make it possible for Rotarians to see why donating to The Rotary Foundation’s programs is important, and to make it easy to do so; we do not “twist arms” nor do we force donations. While the donation amounts each member makes are never publicized, Rotarians are recognized for their donations, most notably through the Paul Harris Fellow recognition.
The Rotary Foundation itself has an enviable record of managing our funds, one that every Rotarian should be proud of - and one that is very closely tracked. 90.6 percent of the money we donate to the Foundation is used for the programs and services supported by the Foundation, while only 9.3 percent is used for administrative and fundraising expenses, an enviable record indeed.
Charity Navigator rates The Rotary Foundation 4 out of 4 stars, and has done so for the past twelve years. In fact, the Foundation is ranked number two in the United States. Find out more, here: https://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=4553
The Annual Fund is the primary source of funds that support The Rotary Foundation’s programs and areas of focus. Lets take a closer look at the Annual Fund itself.
Every Rotarian - Every Year!

My Life During COVID-19 (La Mia Vita Durante Il) as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student 2019-2020

Living overseas as a high school student can be a tough thing for anyone, including the strongest willed and strongest minded. I know many people that have said they would love to go on exchange, but they would miss their friends too much or would fail immediately. I thought this as well going into my exchange, as I felt relatively unprepared in comparison to other exchange students I have seen, past and present. There were even moments where I considered dropping out! Leaving my friends and family behind to live in a foreign country with virtually no knowledge of the language was, without a doubt, the most challenging thing I have done. But I saw it through, and I never looked back.
The first month or so of my exchange...
The 2019-2020 Interact Club Report

Interact is the Rotary International program for high school students ages 12-18. I
Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self.
The Rotary Club of East Jefferson County sponsors the Chimacum High School Interact Club, which is a separate entity with its own leadership, members and funds. Adult Rotarians provide mentorship and support for the Interact Club members.
Starting out in October...
The Object of Rotary - FOURTH: The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace

Rotarians recognize the importance of our governing principles, which have been developed over the years to provide us with a strong, common purpose and direction. They serve as a foundation for our relationships with each other and the action we take in the world. The Object of Rotary is the first of those principles, and the one we have been considering over the past few weeks.
The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster, FOURTH: The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.
Past District Governor Tom Carroll earns Rotary's Highest Honor
Greetings from Nalani Flinn, RI's representative to our District Conference

What Is Rotaract?

Rotarians Support Education

Rotarians Support Education
Rotarians are people of action. We share an urgency to become involved in our communities, both locally and globally, to make a positive and lasting difference. We enjoy working together, and focus our activity on six main causes, one of which is education.
Our broad goal within the area of education is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy. We support education for all children and literacy for children and adults. Rotarians are involved in activities to further these objectives not only in our own communities, but all over the world as well.
Here in our local communities, our Club is deeply involved in this Rotary cause.
The Rotary Club of East Jefferson County is proud to be recognized as a partner of Chimacum Schools.

The Club has partnered with Chimacum Schools for decades, and was recently honored with the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) Community Leadership Award in recognition of our tremendously supportive and creative relationship with Chimacum Schools.
The Rotary Ideal of Service in Each Rotarian’s Personal, Business, and Community life

Rotarians recognize the importance of our governing principles, which have been developed over the years to provide us with a strong, common purpose and direction. They serve as a foundation for our relationships with each other and the action we take in the world. The Object of Rotary is the first of those principles, and the one we are considering this month. This week, we’ll consider the third object of Rotary: The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life.
Service is at the heart of being a Rotarian. It’s not enough for Rotarians to merely attend weekly meetings and seek acquaintance, though that is indeed important. Rotarians seek to =take action= to serve others in their personal, business and community life. How can this be accomplished?
Rotary Alumni Associations

Rotary Alumni are people who have been or who have participated and are no longer active in Rotary, Interact, Rotaract, Rotary Youth Exchange, New Generations Service Exchange, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards(RYLA), Rotary Peace Fellowships, Rotary Scholarships (funded by global grants or district grants), Vocational Training Teams (members and leaders), Ambassadorial Scholarships, Grants for University Teachers, Group Study Exchange (members and leaders), and Rotary Volunteers. Find out more at the Rotary International Alumni webpage.
The Rotary Alumni Association, or ROTEX as it is abbreviated, is the Rotary-sponsored umbrella organization to which all Rotary alumni associations belong. https://rotex.org/
Find the map of all Rotary alumni organizations worldwide, here.
What can Rotary Alumni do?
Meet Holger Knaack, Incoming President of Rotary International

Youth Protection

Rotary International is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all participants in Rotary activities. It is the duty of all Rotarians, Rotarians' spouses, partners, and other volunteers to safeguard to the best of their ability the welfare of, and to prevent the physical sexual, or emotional abuse of, children and young people with whom they come into contact. All Rotarians take this duty very seriously.
The Rotarian Action Group for Population & Development

The Rotarian Action Group for Population & Development is an international non-profit organization with 25 years of experience in maternal and child health, including family planning. http://www.rifpd.org/
Rotary Action Groups (RAGs) provide assistance and support to clubs and districts in planning and implementing community development and humanitarian service projects. They are independent, Rotary-affiliated groups made up of people from around the world who are experts in a particular field, and staffed by volunteers with an interest in or an expertise in that field. Both Rotarians and non-Rotarians are members.
The Rotarian Action Group for Population & Development seeks to address the root causes of the more disheartening statistics on maternal and infant mortality within the Rotary focus area of maternal and child health.
Who Are Rotary Alumni?

Rotary Alumni are people who have previously been involved in some aspect of Rotary International, but who are no longer active. We'd like to help you reconnect!
People who have participated in Rotary and any of a wide variety of Rotary programs are Alumni. This includes participants in Rotary itself, Interact, Rotaract, Rotary Youth Exchange, New Generations Service Exchange, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards(RYLA), Rotary Peace Fellowships, Rotary Scholarships, Vocational Training Teams, Ambassadorial Scholarships, Grants for University Teachers, Group Study Exchange (members and leaders), and Rotary Volunteers.
If you’ve previously been involved in or with Rotary, and are no longer active for one reason or another but would like to reconnect, we’d like to welcome you to a meeting of our Club.
The Object of Rotary - SECOND: High ethical standards...

Rotarians recognize the importance of our governing principles, which have been developed over the years to provide us with a strong, common purpose and direction. They serve as a foundation for our relationships with each other and the action we take in the world. The Object of Rotary is the first of those principles, and the one we are considering over the next month.
An Introduction to the Interact Committee

The Club's Interact Committee provides guidance, oversight and mentorship to the Chimacum High School (CHS) Interact Club, which is an independent entity composed of CHS students.
Interact is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young people ages 12-18. It enables CHS Interact Club members to engage in service projects, develop leadership skills, and connect with people at school, in our local communities and around the world.
Keeping informed about Rotary Activities Beyond the Club Level

How do you stay informed about the broad spectrum of Rotary International beyond the Club level? There are many useful websites you can use to stay informed. Here are a few of our favorites.
An Overview of Rotary Youth Exchange

An Introduction to Rotary International Scholarships

There are five types of scholarships offered by Rotary International. Read on for a brief thumbnail sketch of each of them. These scholarships are separate from those offered by the Rotary Club of East Jefferson County.
Rotary’s Commitment to Youth

From the very earliest days of Rotary, Rotarians have felt drawn to serve the needs of children and young people. While Rotary was founded in Chicago in 1905 as a business networking and social club, it wasn’t long until members of the new organization began looking beyond their business requirements to the needs of youth.