Reading the daily headlines and watching the news can often be a disheartening experience for most people. Political uncertainty, war, famine and watching people struggle to make ends meet can make one question their faith in mankind.
But even in the darkest moments of history, shining lights have always been those who lend a hand to assist those less fortunate. And if you’re one of those looking to add meaning to your life by helping others, then look no further than your local Rotary Club.
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Every act of service is an act of peace.”
Whether it’s picking up trash in the local park or digging wells to provide clean water in Third World countries, Rotary clubs and their members are changing the world – one service project at a time.
Rotary is more than 1.2 million passionate individuals in more than 45,000 clubs worldwide. Members have a long track record of addressing challenges in their communities and around the world.
Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on Feb. 23, 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.
Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian service. Only 16 years after being founded, Rotary had clubs on six continents. Our members now span the globe, working to solve some of our world’s most challenging problems.
We’re not afraid to dream big and set bold goals. Rotary members improve lives and bring positive, lasting change to communities around the world by promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water and sanitation, supporting education, saving mothers and children, growing local economies and protecting the environment.
Rotary’s top priority is the global eradication of polio. Rotary launched its polio immunization program, PolioPlus, in 1985, and in 1988 became a leading partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Today, polio remains endemic in only two countries — down from 125 in 1988.
With every project, we’re changing the world for the better.
In Arizona, there are over 3,000 Rotarians in over 100 clubs located in big cities and small towns alike – from Phoenix to Prescott, from Flagstaff to Kingman. From retirement communities to college campuses.
Rotarians consider themselves “People of Action” and the list of projects undertaken by Rotary Clubs throughout Arizona is varied and diverse. But the impact they make is profound and meaningful.
Providing clean water to residents of the Navajo Nation, supporting local food banks, providing educational materials for students, supporting veterans and even hosting an annual Prom Closet event to offer free formal attire to high school students attending their school proms are just a small sample of the type of projects provided by Arizona Rotarians.
And their impact is felt far beyond our state. Many clubs are engaged in projects providing service abroad. Digging water wells, distributing mobility devices, promoting literacy and helping to build local economies are just a few of the myriad international projects Arizona Rotarians undertake annually to help underserved and impoverished communities.
If you’re interested in joining a movement of people focused on positive change, joining a local Rotary Club may be of interest. To learn more about Rotary in Arizona, visit the District 5495 website or visit the District Facebook Page. To find a local club, email membership@rotary5495.org.
Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change
— across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
