By Rotary International

Children gather in the park for a Rotary-sponsored picnic in Islamabad, Pakistan.

By Nosherwan Khalil Khan, president of the Rotary Club of Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

My club recently arranged a picnic for children who have visual impairments or learning delays at the Lake View Park in Islamabad. We were able to partner with True Site, an organization dedicated to the welfare of blind children, through our Rotary member Shehzad Javed, who is secretary general of the organization.

The children enjoyed rides in the park, a visit to a bird aviary, and a healthy lunch provided by the Rotary club. It was a great picnic, enjoyed by the children to the fullest. What better example to the community of the power of Rotary!

…read more

Source:: Rotary International Blog

By Rotary International

By Evan Burrell, a member of the Rotary Club of Turramurra, New South Wales, Australia, and a regular contributor to this blog

I’m not a huge donor with the capability of making or breaking your club’s fundraising campaign. At least not yet. And I am fully aware Rotary isn’t just a fundraising organization. But we do need funds to carry on our service projects and do good in the world.

So here are a few of my ideas for how to put fun back in your fundraiser, and increase your reach and effectiveness.

Members of a Rotary Club in Illinois, USA, cut oranges during an event to raise money for club projects.

Use online crowdfunding sites
Rotary clubs generally underutilize social media to raise funds. Sites like Gofundme, Kickstarter, and Indiegogo get instant donations for your cause. And you can use the built in features to share it on social media. Just look at how much has been raised in a short period of time for victims of the Nepal earthquake.

Share YOUR story
If you want people to donate, you need to give them a reason why. People need to hear about the amazing things Rotary has done, …read more

Source:: Rotary International Blog

By Rotary International

Members of the vocational training team in Uganda.

By Lisa Miller, a member of the Rotary Club of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, USA

Sixteen mothers die in childbirth in Uganda every day. How can we make a difference?

Ryan Smith, then a medical student at Drexel University College of Medicine, posed that question to his father several years ago. The question, and his father’s membership in Rotary, combined to bring together staff from two medical schools — Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, USA, and Makerere University School of Health Sciences in Kampala, Uganda, to exchange ideas, share technology, and discuss ways to reduce mortality and morbidity during and after childbirth and improve access to essential medical services.

Ron Smith, a member of the Rotary Club of Blue Bell and a recent recipient of the Drexel University Alumni Association’s Service to Community Award, spearheaded the maternal and child health project for our club. In partnership with other clubs, Drexel University College of Medicine, and other interested parties, the project set out to create a sustainable exchange of healthcare ideas and train healthcare professionals. All of this came from one idea.

We expect to see an impact well beyond what is visible during the project. Immediately, …read more

Source:: Rotary International Blog

By Rotary International

By Mark Huddleston, a member of the Rotary club of Edwardstown, South Australia, Australia, and District 9520 Membership Chair

My son can be a particularly picky eater. One of his favorite meals is ham and pineapple pizza. We occasionally make pizza at home, and I wouldn’t ever bother putting anything on his pizza but ham and pineapple, because he would just pick it off. If we order a pizza when we’re out, that’s exactly what he does.

So, what’s this got to do with Rotary? Many members approach Rotary like my son approaches his pizza.

I sort of think ham and pineapple pizzas are a bit on the boring side. If my Rotary experience was a pizza, it would be a super supreme. There’s a bit of everything. I’ve attended three conventions, including last year’s in my back yard in Sydney, and they are among my favorite things to do as a Rotary member. My second favorite is attending district conference. A few weeks ago I drove my wife and kids seven hours to Ballarat for an amazing experience. I enjoyed a remarkable conference, and my family enjoyed Ballarat.

Service projects, club fundraisers, visits to other clubs, Rotary Days, or Rotary Anniversary celebrations all …read more

Source:: Rotary International Blog

By Rotary International

Flooding in Tamil Nadu, India, in 1995.

By Thamilarasu Ramaswamy, president-elect of the Rotary Club of Madras Vadapalani, Tamil Nadu, India

This is my Rotary story. In November of 1995, heavy rains created floods that uprooted trees and ravaged agricultural fields in the state of Tamil Nadu, India, paralyzing many communities. The district of Tiruvannamalai was the hardest hit. District administrators worked hard to help those affected by the floods, providing food and clothing.

In one subdistrict known as Sengam, there are many weavers who make dhoties and sarees on manually operated hand looms operated by wooden pedals. Many of these looms ended up under water, destroying the equipment and the ability of these weavers to carry on their craft and make a living. In addition, many lost all or most of their belongings.

The district collector called the secretary of the Rotary club of Tiruvannamalia in the late morning to request their help and by early afternoon, an army of Rotary members had gathered. Rotary members S. Giridharan and B. Soundararajan brought two 200 kilogram bags of rice, and members lined up to separate the rice into five kilogram bags and seal them with a candle. Other Rotary members contributed cloth bags to …read more

Source:: Rotary International Blog