Just one month into the new Rotary year and I have met an amazing group of Rotarians in our District that do service projects that make a difference in people’s lives. Our Rotarians mirror what occurs around the world with other Rotarians in their districts. The variety and scope of service projects is vast.
Clubs in our district are no different than clubs elsewhere. Most clubs’ emphasis is on local community projects which is understandable. This is supported by research found in an article in a recent issue of the Rotarian Magazine. My club is no different.
Many clubs don’t feel they can undertake the lead role with a global grant. The effort is viewed as “overwhelming”. The international scope of Rotary is one of our defining characteristics. Our service projects reach remote areas where the need is great. Your club might consider partnering at a level of support you are comfortable on a global grant being initiated by another District 5870 club. In fact, our grant process requires there be partner club participation from our district .
I don’t believe there should be the tension that I sometimes sense between local and global service projects. Improving the lives and situations of peoples in faraway places we will never meet creates a better world that has a local impact. When the benefactors of global grants see the Rotary Logo, they know that there is hope as people known as Rotarians truly care.
PDG Kelly Atkinson who was the keynote speaker at our District Assembly provided a compelling argument about how reaching beyond our local boundaries has a local impact. Kelly’s talk is available to view on YouTube at https://goo.gl/ZkaF2g. The video is 32 minutes long and worth the time. It can be played at a club meeting as a substitute for a speaker or at another venue. Kelly illustrates how Rotary’s Six Areas of Focus map to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The road to world peace will be achieved by giving hope to those who have no hope. Love and caring have no boundaries.
My journey through the district continues.
DG Jerry