Rotary builds peace. Our District 6250 has recently taken a significant step towards advancing Rotary’s peacebuilding initiatives by becoming a “Global Peacebuilder District.” As one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus, individuals working to create peace in our communities does have a global effect.
It’s easier to become personally involved in Peace than you might think. I am borrowing a page from RI President Stephanie Urchick’s playbook by encouraging every Rotarian in our District to take advantage of a free training course available to us through Rotary’s partnership with the Institute for Economics and Peace. This two-hour course titled “Rotary Positive Peace Academy” is designed to help you discover the strategies and tools that can help individuals build and sustain peace. The link to sign up for this course is: https://www.positivepeace.academy/rotary
At a local level, our district has been involved in dozens of peacebuilding activities for decades, including participation in:
Peace Fellowships via scholarships to Master’s programs and certificate programs
Global Grants
Rotary Youth Exchange
Friendship Exchange
Fellowships
Membership in the Rotary Action Group for Peace and many more…
At a macro level, Rotary plays four key roles in promoting peace. Rotary and its members are:
Practitioners: Our work fighting disease, providing clean water and sanitation, improving the health of mothers and children, supporting education, and growing local economies directly builds the optimal conditions for peaceful societies.
Educators: Our Rotary Peace Centers have trained more than 1,700 peace fellows to become effective catalysts for peace through careers in government, education, and international organizations.
Mediators: Our members have negotiated humanitarian ceasefires in areas of conflict to allow polio vaccinators to reach children who are at risk.
Advocates: Our members have an integral role as respected, impartial participants during peace processes and in post-conflict reconstruction. We focus on creating communities and convening groups that are connected, inclusive, and resilient.
Peace and Rotary are true gifts. As you contemplate this year about what Rotary means to you, please make an effort to share the gift of Rotary with someone. That someone may be a friend, a family member, an acquaintance or a stranger. Lastly, if you complete the Rotary Positive Peace Academycourse, please let me know!
It is time for our District to begin the process of selecting the next person to join the District Governor Team, following DG Nominee Scotty Ryan. This person will serve as our District Governor in 2027-2028 Your club can suggest one of its members for this position, so if you know someone who would be a good choice, or if you are willing to accept a nomination, let your Club President know, or contact Nominating Committee Chair, Ben Bauer at 715-650-1060 or benjaminjbauer@outlook.com. Read more...
ri President STEPHANIE URCHICK
AUGUST 2024 MESSAGE
Rotary clubs can enhance belonging by customizing strategies, like the Rotary Club of Beveren-Waas in Belgium, which uses analysis to recruit members and varies meeting times. The Rotary Club of Holyoke in Massachusetts adapted to challenges post-COVID, relocating to a library for cost-effective meetings. Embracing inclusivity and reshaping club experiences can drive membership growth and positive impact, exemplified by clubs like BREW. Prioritizing belonging in clubs can unlock the transformative power of Rotary.
Currently 166 District 6250 Rotarians are members of the Paul Harris Society (PHS). PHS recognizes those Rotarians whose INTENT is to donate at least $1,000 annually to the Rotary Foundation. Read more...
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If you are reading this article, chances are you have found yourself tasked with enhancing your club's public image. You may find yourself wanting to share the story of your club and showcase your service activities, but you aren’t sure by where to begin or which avenue to pursue. That's where we can help. Read more...
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My true story is about one person’s journey down a road. In October of 2008, at the Minneapolis airport, I ran into a person from La Crosse. We knew each other only professionally. After chatting a bit, he asked me about the pin that I was wearing on the lapel of my suit. That question created a fork in the road for this person. I believe his subsequent journey has changed his life as well as the life of many others. Read more...
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Putting the Fun Back in Fundraising
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