But Rotary
also operates on a worldwide basis … big time!
Rotary is
one of the most effective humanitarian organizations in
the world with 1.2 million members in 32,000 clubs in
200 countries. Its motto for individual members is “service
above self.” And wherever there is suffering or
misery or just people in need, Rotary is usually there.
Rotary’s
worldwide efforts promote health and literacy, reduce
poverty and hunger, fight pollution, assist in disaster
situations, and attempt to build peace and goodwill internationally.
The global
impact of Rotary has been and continues to be staggering.
Most people
are unaware that as recently as 1985, more than 1,000
persons were being victimized by polio each day. Since
that time, Rotary has expended $757 million worldwide
to immunize two billion children through grass roots fundraising,
resulting in 210 countries/territories/areas are now polio
free.
Indeed, the
World Health Organization, UNICEF and the U.S. Center
for Disease Control and Prevention have become Rotary
partners and have urged Rotary to finish this job in the
four remaining countries where polio is still active.
And Bill Gates has also joined this battle with more than
$300 million of his own money given to this Rotary cause.
With regard
to education, Rotary conducts the largest independently
funded scholarship program in the world. With the idea
of building goodwill internationally, 673 Ambassador Scholars
from 72 countries received Rotary scholarships last year
at a cost of $14 million. Since 1947, 39,000 of these
scholars from 115 countries have been subsidized with
more than $500 million.
Rotary is
also educating Peace Fellows with a master’s degree
program to create highly competent individuals in the
art of mediation and compromise. Since 2002-2003, 339
Peace Fellows from 75 countries have received fully paid
scholarships at a cost of $23 million. Most of those completing
the Peace Fellowship program are now working in real world
jobs that promote peace and understanding.
In addition
to all of this, since 1978, Rotary International’s
Health, Hunger and Human Development grants have launched
324 humanitarian outreach projects in 77 countries at
a cost of more than $6 million.
And in the
area of cultural exchange, since 1965, Rotary has sponsored
13,541 teams of four-six different individuals on goodwill
visits to 106 countries to exchange vocational, professional
and cultural information.
In summary,
Rotary is “good people doing good things for good
people in need,” something to feel good about in
a world with far too much violence and despair. Thinking
about doing something meaningful? Join your local Rotary
Club and make a difference!
Joseph Batory, Rotary District 7450
(Representing 54 Rotary clubs in Greater Philadelphia)
or call 610 459 4183. You will be contacted by someone
promptly.
To
learn more about Rotary, please explore our website >
www.Rotary7450.org