ROTARY DISTRICT 6330 FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER
JUNE
2025
Rotary International President for 2024-25, Stephanie Urchick, highlights her initiatives in 2024-25, including championing the Action Plan and promoting Rotary’s peacebuilding initiatives.
RI President Stephanie urges all members to “grow the Magic of Rotary by adding new members to our Rotary family and providing wonderful experiences to those already involved.”
RI PRESIDENT
Stephanie Urchick
Rotary International President 2024-25, Stephanie Urchick, (Pennsylvania, USA) District 6330 Governor, Katherine Hahn (RC of Stratford, ON)
D6330 TRF Newsletter Editor (final June 2025) – Kitty Bucsko (RC of D6330 Passport)
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT JUNE 2025 MESSAGE
The best is yet to come
I have had so many wonderful experiences over the past year, but as conforting as it might be to dwell on the past, we must look toward the future.
We are closer than ever to ending polio, but that does not mean we can relax. We still have a promise to keep to the children of the world and their families, and we will only fulfill that promise through fundraising, advocacy, and the power of our collective action.
I was amazed at the capability and commitment of the peacebuilders at the Presidential Peace Conference earlier this year. Our Peace Fellowship program and our many other peace initiatives bring healing to a divided world, but they need our support to remain effective and relevant.
Amid a worldwide loneliness epidemic, Rotary offers friendship, purpose, and belonging. If we hold true to our ideals – to The Four-Way Test and our spirit of inclusivity – we will remain a beacon of light even in the darkest times.
The Action Plan can serve as a guide to make our clubs and districts simply irresistible, but it is up to us to take that advice and put it to use.
Family of Rotary, there is nothing we cannot achieve when we come together and work toward a common goal.
You are The Magic of Rotary, and I can’t wait to see the lasting change you bring to the world.
This is The Magic of Rotary – transforming lives, inspiring hope, and creating lasting change for the communities we serve.
STEPHANIE A. URCHICK PRESIDENT, ROTARY INTERNATIONAL 2024-25
Above L-R - While exploring the pyramids of Giza, President Stephanie Urchick indulges in some photographic fun. Urchick gets up close with Florida’s wildlife while preparing for the International Assembly. And at right, during a tour of Africa, she celebrates with participants at a Rotary Youth Leadership Awards event in Uganda.
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION TRUSTEE CHAIR
JUNE 2025 - MESSAGE
What you make possible
This past year, my wife, Gay, and I have been privileged to witness the impact of The Rotary Foundation. From dialysis centers in India to environmental projects in Taiwan and educational initiatives worldwide, we have had a front-row seat to the life-changing results of your generosity. To see the work of our Foundation firsthand gives one a deeper understanding of Rotary’s power to transform lives by spreading peace, hope, and health.
In Bangkok, we saw a specialized life support machine for critically ill patients with lung and heart problems at a public hospital – only the second machine of its kind available to the city’s 11 million residents outside of private care. Funded through a global grant, this tehnology is saving lives because Rotary’s members saw a need and responded.
Everything Rotary accomplishes through the Foundation – Rotary Peace Centers, Programs of Scale, global and district grants – relies on a strong and growing endowment. This is The Magic of Rotary that you make possible through your generosity.
That is the reason I am so passionate about our goal to build the net assets and commitments of The Rotary Foundation Endowment to $2.025 billion by 30 June 2025. The Trustees set this goal in 2016, after exceeding earlier targets and recognizing the growing interest in endowed giving. Thanks for your estraordinary support –including gifts from the estates of members – the net assets and commitments of the Endowment have grown sustantially and are within reach of our goal.
To contribute to the Endowment, talk with your endowment/major gifts adviser or your major gifts officer, or visit rotary.org/donate. Your generosity can help us reach our goal, which we will celebrate at the Rotary International Convention in Calgary this month.
The fruits of these gifts may not be seen for several years. We are planting trees – trees that will grow to fund Rotary Peace Fellows and scholarships, put an end to polio, support high-impact Programs of Scale and global grants, and allow our Annual Fund to spread more hope.
During my 40-year journey in Rotary leadership, The Rotary Foundation has always been at the core. From leading a Group Study Exchange team in 1986 to serving as district Foundation chair, trustee, RI president, and now as trustee chair, it has been the honour of a lifetime.
I am fortunate to have experienced and been inspired by the magic that you have created through your dedication, service, and action. Let us together continue planting trees that will provide fruit for generations.
MARK DANIEL MALONEY Foundation Trustee Chair, 2024-25
DISTRICT 6330 GOVERNOR – KATHERINE HAHN
District website: https://rotary6330.org/
District 6330 Governor 2024-25
Katherine Hahn
Rotary Club of Stratford
OUR DISTRICT 6330 GOVERNOR BEGINNING JULY 2025
DGE Jeff Ferweda
Community involvement is a core value for Jeffrey and his team.
Rotarian Jeff has been deeply engaged in Rotary as the Assistant District Governor for District 6330, Area 9 (2023-24), Past President of the Genesee Valley Rotary Club, Liaison to the Powers Catholic High School Interact Club, and Membership Chair.
Welcome DGE Jeff!
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION
Here is the list of individuals who have been making the Foundation work in District 6330
D6330
FOUNDATION COMMITTEE 2024-25
POSITION ROTARIAN
Chair David Elliott (RC of London)
District Foundation Newsletter
District Grants Co-ordinator
End Polio Now Chair
Paul Harris Society
Global Scholarships Committee
International Service
EREY and Promise Club Chair
Annual Giving/Endowment/Major Gifts
Global Grants Committee
Grants Support Team
Grants Audit
Kitty Bucsko (RC of D6330 Passport)
Debbie Renaud McDermott (Global Passport Club)
Diane Chantler (Railway City Club, St. Thomas)
Jamie Pole (RC of Sarnia)
David Elliott (RC of London)
Pat Cavan (RC of Wiarton)
Barb Warnock (RC of St. Thomas)
David Elliott (RC of London)
David Elliott (London), Pat Cavan (Wiarton)
Martin Ward, Brian Hall, Kerry Teskey (RC of Grand Bend) Michele King (Gaiser Elliott Insurance Brokers)
Tom Robitaille (RC of Sarnia Bluewaterland)
WELCOME TO INCOMING DISTRICT 6330 FOUNDATION CHAIR SONJA GLASS
We are pleased to welcome Past District Governor Sonja Glass as the incoming Chair of the District 6330 Rotary Foundation Committee, beginning July 1, 2025.
Sonja’s Rotary journey began in 1994 as a Youth Exchange host parent, and since officially joining the Rotary Club of Meaford in 2016, she has continued to lead and serve with dedication and heart.
From club secretary and two-term club president to Area 1 Assistant Governor, to Past District Governor, and now Foundation Chair, Sonja brings with her not only Rotary leadership experience but a deep commitment to service.
A retired nurse and former Chief Quality Officer, Sonja’s professional background in health care has shaped her global humanitarian work.
Together with her husband Dave, she has made annual service trips to Ukerewe Island in Tanzania since 2014— helping to provide medical care and working with local communities to improve clean water access, maternal and child health, and infrastructure, often through Foundation-supported grants.
We are inspired by Sonja’s hands-on approach and her strong belief in the power of The Rotary Foundation to create lasting, positive change.
We look forward to her leadership as we continue to do good in the world, together. Welcome Sonja!
Warm regards,
PDG David Elliott
D6330 Foundation Chair (2022-25)
PDG Sonja Glass
JUNE INSPIRATION: A TIME TO REFLECT, RENEW, AND RECOMMIT
As the Rotary year draws to a close, June offers us a meaningful moment to pause and reflect on the Magic of Rotary — a theme that has reminded us all year long of the extraordinary power of service, connection, and shared purpose.
From local projects to global impact, Rotarians everywhere have brought this magic to life through quiet compassion, bold leadership, and unwavering commitment.
But June is not just an ending — it’s also a beginning. It’s a bridge between where we’ve been and where we’re headed.
A New Rotary Year. In July, we welcome a new Rotary year, a new leader, and a new unifying call:
UNITE FOR GOOD
In the new Rotary year, 2025-26, and under the guidance of RI President Mário César Martins de Camargo from Brazil, we are invited to deepen our collaboration and rise to the challenges before us — together.
Let’s carry forward the spirit of service that has defined this past year, while embracing the fresh energy and hope that comes with change.
Let’s honour what we’ve accomplished, thank those who have led with grace and grit, and open our hearts to what’s possible when we unite for something greater than ourselves.
Because in Rotary, the magic never ends — it evolves.
RI President Stephanie Ulrick
RI President Mário César Martins de Camargo
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN INTERNATIONAL SERVICE?
GETTING STARTED
If you have an idea for an international service project and are not sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a quick checklist of what you need to do to get started:
• Verify that your project fits within the Rotary International Areas of Focus.
• Locate an International Partner. This will be a Rotary Club in the jurisdiction where your project idea is located.
GLOBAL GRANT APPLICATIONS
Submit your global grant applications as soon as possible to avoid delays!
• There is no set due date for global grant applications, but if you’re thinking of applying for a global grant, submit your application quickly to avoid unnecessary delays.
• When The Rotary Foundation receives too many applications in late May and June, because of time limitations, grants may not be approved before the end of the Rotary year.
On our website at https://rotary6330.org/, please review our Programs /International Service. You will find lots of other info there as well.
Be sure to stop by soon!
Our goal is to make our District 6330 Website a very useful “Go To” site for anything involving International Service!
And if you’d like to learn more, you can have a look at Rotary’s Learning Center to take the district international service committee courses (My Rotary login required).
Pat Cavan 519-373-1087 patriciacavan@gmail.com
DISTRICT 6330 ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
Why Individual Environmental and Climate Action Matters
Why Individual Action on the Environment Matters
When faced with climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, it’s easy to feel that one person’s efforts won’t make a dent. But individual action does matter— deeply. In fact, collective progress begins with personal responsibility.
Every choice we make sends a message: what we eat, how we travel, what we waste, and what we support with our time and money.
These choices add up—not just in emissions saved or waste avoided—but in the ripple effect they create. When one person composts, uses less plastic, or switches to plant-rich meals, it’s a quiet form of leadership. Others notice. Habits spread.
Here are a few ways individuals can make a meaningful difference:
• Rethink what’s on your plate: Eating more plant-based foods and reducing food waste are two of the most effective personal actions for the climate.
• Choose reusable over disposable: From bags to water bottles to containers, reusables save resources and keep plastic out of landfills and waterways.
• Use energy wisely: Turning off lights, switching to LED bulbs, and unplugging devices when not in use can reduce your home’s carbon footprint.
• Speak up: Whether it’s writing to local officials, supporting green policies, or simply sharing what you’re doing with friends, your voice has power.
• Support better businesses: Spend your dollars on companies that prioritize sustainability, fair labour, and low environmental impact.
We don’t need a handful of people doing everything perfectly—we need millions doing what they can, imperfectly but persistently.
When we act, we’re not just protecting nature—we’re protecting each other, future generations, and the sense of hope we all need to move forward.
Click here to test your Climate Footprint
Click here to view the Environment Presentation at the recent District Conference
Doug Thompson - Chair, D6330 Environment Committee
How can a bicycle improve our fragile Environment?
World Bicycle Day is Tuesday, June 3 this year. Click here to view the website and learn more. The United Nations celebrates World Bicycle Day annually on June 3.
Pedal Power: How the Bicycle Helps Heal Our Fragile Environment
In a world facing rising carbon emissions, traffic congestion, and the growing consequences of climate change, one simple, two-wheeled invention continues to offer a surprisingly powerful solution: the bicycle.
Bicycles produce zero emissions, making them one of the cleanest forms of personal transportation. According to the European Cyclists’ Federation, choosing a bike instead of a car for just one trip per day can reduce an individual's transportation emissions by up to 67% (ECF, 2021).
Multiply that by millions of cyclists around the world, and the environmental impact is nothing short of transformative.
Beyond reducing greenhouse gases, bicycles also decrease air and noise pollution, reduce wear on roads, and take up less space—meaning less sprawl and fewer paved surfaces that contribute to urban heat islands. Even the energy and resources required to manufacture a bicycle are just a fraction of what it takes to produce a car.
Moreover, bicycles help reconnect us with our environment.
Cycling invites us to slow down, breathe deeply, and experience our communities at a more human pace. As we pedal through greenways, parks, and city streets, we’re reminded that the journey can be just as important as the destination.
In places where biking is embraced, such as Copenhagen and Amsterdam, cities have not only reduced their emissions but also improved public health and overall quality of life (World Economic Forum, 2022).
These success stories are evidence that change doesn’t always require new inventions—sometimes, it just means rediscovering old ones.
As we look for ways to protect our fragile planet, the humble bicycle stands out as a quiet champion—proof that progress doesn’t have to be loud, fast, or fuel-powered. Sometimes, it just takes two wheels and the will to ride.
Click here to discover the Rotary Fellowships of Cyclists – Cycling to Serve!
Click here to view the Bicycle Presentation at our District Conference – the Buffalo Bicycle!
ROTARY’S JUNE FOCUS – ROTARY FELLOWSHIPS
Rotary Fellowships: Friendship, Fun, and a Force for Good
Rotary Fellowships are one of Rotary’s most unique and enjoyable offerings—global groups that unite members around shared interests, professions, or hobbies.
Open to all Rotarians, Rotaractors, and even family members, these fellowships offer a chance to make friends across borders while engaging in everything from cycling and whisky appreciation to amateur radio and writing.
While some Fellowships are better known—like the International Fellowship of Motorcycling Rotarians or the Wine Appreciation Fellowship—there are many that quietly build connections around niche passions, often forming lifelong friendships in the process. But Rotary Fellowships are more than just a social club. In many cases, they’re also catalysts for service.
Several Fellowships take the Rotary motto “Service Above Self” to heart by turning shared interests into realworld impact. The International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians, for example, supports youth development and community projects across continents. The International Fellowship of Healthcare Professionals helps coordinate medical missions and professional mentoring. The Canoeing Fellowship has even organized ecocleanup events during their paddling adventures!
It’s important to distinguish Fellowships from Rotary Action Groups (RAGs). While RAGs are more formal and focused specifically on areas of Rotary service (like water, health, or peace), Fellowships grow organically from personal interests. Yet, when Fellowship members are inspired to take action together, their projects can be just as meaningful—and often surprisingly innovative.
Rotary Fellowships remind us that Rotary is not only about service, but also about connection. They bring joy, shared purpose, and a global sense of community that can last a lifetime.
This June—Rotary Fellowships Month—is the perfect time to explore these vibrant communities. Whether you’re into chess or photography, scuba diving or jazz, there’s a Rotary Fellowship waiting to welcome you.
Discover more: www.rotary.org/fellowships
A List of Rotary Fellowships
Interested in a particular subject? Visit the group's website or email it to learn more. Here are a few examples that may interest many of you – Click each graphic below to open the website.
To read and learn more about the various Fellowships available, click here. Discover more: www.rotary.org/fellowships
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
WHAT IS THE CADRE OF TECHNICAL ADVISORS?
What is the Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisers?
The Cadre of Technical Advisers is a group of Rotary members who offer their expertise and advice to clubs and districts that are planning and carrying out grant projects around the world. They also strengthen the impact of Rotary’s grants by safeguarding Foundation grants.
Cadre members provide guidance about conducting community assessments, incorporating sustainability, setting up monitoring or evaluation plans, and properly managing the financial aspects of a project.
More than 550 Cadre members who speak more than 80 languages come from 75 countries. You can connect with Cadre members who have expertise in a specific area of focus or in a particular language, country, or district.
Do you want to learn more about the Cadre, connect with a member, or join the Cadre? Click here.
SOME INTERESTING ROTARY TRIVIA, PERHAPS
Rotary Moment: The Surprising Link Between Cowboy Hats and Tuberculosis
In the early 20th century, long before antibiotics, one of the primary "treatments" for tuberculosis was fresh air, sunshine, and rest — ideally in a dry, warm climate. This belief sent thousands of patients from the East Coast and Europe to sanatoriums in the American Southwest.
As they recovered in places like Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado, many adopted the practical attire of the region, including the wide-brimmed cowboy hat. Not only did it offer protection from the intense sun, but it became a symbol of resilience and a new way of life for many who stayed in the West after regaining their health. So next time you see a cowboy hat, tip it to history — and to the unexpected ways health and culture can intertwine.
Just as those early patients sought hope and healing, Rotary continues to champion global health through initiatives like End Polio Now, clean water access, and disease prevention. It’s a reminder that with the right support and a bit of sunlight, recovery and reinvention are always possible.
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Paul Harris’s Suitcase: A Symbol of Service
Rotary founder Paul Harris was an avid traveler. In fact, after Rotary was founded in 1905, he spent a great deal of time visiting clubs around the world—sometimes so much so that his suitcase was as well known as he was! One of his original travel trunks is preserved and occasionally displayed at Rotary International events as a symbol of Rotary's global outreach. Imagine what stories that suitcase could tell—each scuff and sticker a badge of service, not just sightseeing. Additionally, the Paul Harris 711 Club is dedicated to preserving Rotary's history, including artifacts like Harris's travel trunk. They support Rotary's archives, which provide access to such historical items for exhibits and research. Source
� � � A Pair of Gloves That Started a Polio Campaign
During a visit to a clinic in the Philippines in the 1970s, a Rotarian was struck by the sight of a child receiving polio treatment. The child reached out with a frail hand and touched the Rotarian’s glove. That small, human gesture became the emotional spark that inspired a local immunization campaign—which in turn helped Rotary launch PolioPlus in 1985, now one of the largest global public health campaigns in history.
James L. Bomar Jr. served as Rotary International President in 1979-1980. On September 29, 1979, during a visit to a health center in Guadalupe Viejo, Makati, Philippines, Bomar administered the first drops of oral polio vaccine to a child, symbolically launching Rotary's first Health, Hunger and Humanity (3-H) Grant project aimed at immunizing approximately six million children against polio.
In a 1993 interview, Bomar recalled that after vaccinating a child, the child's brother tugged on his pant leg and said, "Thank you, thank you, Rotary," a moment that left a lasting impression on him . Source / Source 2
This event marked the beginning of Rotary's commitment to polio eradication, leading to the establishment of the PolioPlus program in 1985. Since then, Rotary and its partners have immunized more than 2.5 billion children worldwide, significantly reducing polio cases globally . Source1 / Source 2
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Rotary
on the High Seas
During World War II, many Rotarians serving in naval forces would gather informally onboard ships to hold “Rotary meetings at sea.” Minutes were kept. Flags were drawn. Even when facing the uncertainty of war, the spirit of Rotary endured—with fellowship and service continuing in the middle of the ocean.
� � � �
Rotary's Role in the Formation of the United Nations
Rotary International played a significant role in the formation of the United Nations. In 1945, 49 Rotary members were invited to serve as consultants to the U.S. delegation at the San Francisco Conference, where the UN Charter was drafted. This collaboration highlighted Rotary's commitment to promoting peace and international understanding.
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Rotary Banner Orbits the Moon
In 1968, astronaut Frank Borman, a member of the Rotary Club of Space Center Houston, carried a Rotary Club banner aboard Apollo 8, making it the first Rotary emblem to orbit the moon. This gesture symbolized Rotary's commitment to global outreach and the limitless possibilities of service. Source
� � Rotary's Global Expansion
Rotary's international journey began in 1910 with the establishment of a club in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. By 1925, Rotary had grown to over 2,100 clubs worldwide with more than 110,000 members, reflecting its rapid global expansion and appeal. Source
Tawakkol Karman, the first Arab woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, will speak at Rotary International’s 2025 convention in Calgary, Canada.
A journalist and human rights activist, Karman has long fought for democracy and women’s empowerment in Yemen, enduring persecution and imprisonment for her activism.
From 2007 to 2011, she organized protests against President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s regime, earning the nicknames “mother of the revolution” and “the iron woman.”
She founded Women Journalists Without Chains to support press freedom and promote women’s rights.
During the Arab Spring, Karman called for peaceful dialogue and worked toward unity between Sunni and Shia Muslims.
She believes Islam supports full participation of women in society and peaceful coexistence with other religions.
Recognized globally, she was named one of Time’s 100 Woen of the Year in 2011 and listed among Foreign Policy’s Top 100 Global Thinkers.
Her foundation builds schools and supports healthcare and poverty relief in Yemen.
The Rotarian Minute is a creation of District 1700. Please send any comments or suggestons to laminute1700@gmail.com.
SHELTERBOX AND ROTARY: A SHARED COMMITMENT
TO DISASTER RELIEF
ShelterBox and Rotary share a powerful partnership rooted in humanitarian service.
As a Rotary International Project Partner in disaster relief, ShelterBox works alongside Rotary clubs in Canada, the U.S., and around the world to provide emergency shelter and essential supplies to families who have lost everything due to disaster or conflict.
Rotarians play a vital role in raising awareness, fundraising, and facilitating on-the-ground support, making this collaboration a meaningful expression of Rotary’s commitment to service above self.
EMERGENCY APPEAL
Earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand
Powerful earthquakes have devastated regions across Myanmar and Thailand. Buildings have collapsed, leaving people homeless and isolated.
PAUL HARRIS SOCIETY
What's
the Paul Harris Society?
Not to be confused with a Paul Harris Fellow (which means a life-time gift of $1000 to The Rotary Foundation's annual fund), the Paul Harris Society is the name given to those Rotarians who pledge a $1000 gift annually –every year
You may know these committed individuals they wear a "flag" below their Rotary pin that reads "PHS."
One easy way to give at the $1000 level is through Rotary Direct sign up and an amount of money you designate is automatically deducted from your account each month. Learn more at www.rotary.org.
Members of the Paul Harris Society know that the need never ends -- and neither should the giving.
D6330 Long-time Paul Harris Society Chair is Rotarian Jamie Pole.
What your giving supports
Paul Harris Society gifts have helped provide:
• Vocational training for teachers establishing an early childhood education center in South Africa
• Water filters, toilets, and hygiene training to prevent fluorosis, diarrhea, and other diseases in India
• A scholarship for a medical professional in Italy to research treatments that minimize mortality rates among premature babies
• Peace-building seminars for 200 teachers and 1,300 students in Uganda
• Treated mosquito nets and medical services that prevent malaria in Mali
In District 6330 we are proud of the generous members in our Paul Harris Society.
We have over 32 of our clubs that now have members in the Paul Harris Society.
Rotarian Jamie Pole President, RC of Sarnia (2024-25)
PAUL HARRIS SOCIETY
You are invited to join!
Dear Fellow Rotarians!
How recently have you thought about positive outcomes with money you invested with The Rotary Foundation?
A special group - You are invited to join a special group of Rotarians dedicated to making a significant impact on our communities and the world.
The Paul Harris Society recognizes members who contribute $1,000 or more each year to any combination of the following:
• Annual Fund-SHARE
• Annual Fund-World Fund
• Annual Fund-Areas of focus
• PolioPlus Fund
• Disaster Response Fund
• Disasters of Magnitude
• Approved global grants
For under $3 a day you can join the Paul Harris Society.
• You can fulfill your Paul Harris Society commitment gradually during the Rotary year.
• An immediate $1,000 contribution is NOT required at the time of enrollment.
It is your donations that allow our clubs, your club, and Rotarians around the world to -
• provide clean water
• prevent disease
• save mothers and children
• promote peace
• fund projects
• support education, and
• stimulate economic development
We as Rotarians are in the business of changing lives!
I encourage you to consider becoming a member of the Paul Harris Society.
Will you be joining the PHS members of our District 6330?
If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Paul Harris Society Coordinator, District 6330 – Jamie Pole!
Rotarian Jamie Pole President, RC of Sarnia (2024-25)
INTERNATIONAL DATES TO NOTE (plus
June - Rotary’s Focus on Fellowships
Sunday, June 1
Global Day of Parents
Tuesday, June 3
World Bicycle Day
Wednesday, June 4
International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression
Click here to view a short video on Peace.
Thursday, June 5
World Environment Day
Saturday, June 7
World Food Safety Day
Sunday, June 8
World Oceans Day
Thursday, June 12
World Day Against Child Labour
Saturday, June 14
World Blood Donor Day (WHO)
Sunday, June 15
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Tuesday, June 17
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
Summary of new polioviruses this week (May 21), cases and positive environmental isolates:
• Germany: one cVDPV2-positive environmental sample
• Nigeria: one cVDPV2 case and one cVDPV2-positive environmental sample
• Papua New Guinea: one cVDPV2-positive environmental sample
• Sudan: one cVDPV2 case
The role of science and global cooperation in winning the fight against polio:
Dr. Vachagan Harutyunyan, Team Leader for Polio Operations and Data and Information Systems at WHO, offers his views on the role of science, ingenuity and global cooperation in securing success in polio eradication. Read the full article beginning on Page 24 of this newsletter.
Key facts
• Polio (poliomyelitis) mainly affects children under 5 years of age.
• One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis. Among those paralysed, 5–10% die when their breathing muscles become immobilized.
• Cases due to wild poliovirus have decreased by over 99% since 1988, from an estimated 350 000 cases in more than 125 endemic countries, to two endemic countries.
• As long as a single child remains infected, children in all countries are at risk of contracting polio. Failure to eradicate polio from these last remaining strongholds could result in a global resurgence of the disease.
• In most countries, the global effort has expanded capacities to tackle other infectious diseases by building effective surveillance and immunization systems.
From https://www.euronews.com/health/2025/05/16/polio-outbreak-declared-in-papua-new-guinea-spurringpreparation-for-vaccination-campaign (By
Gabriela Galvin
Published on 16/05/2025 - 11:41 GMT+2)
The situation is “serious but manageable,” the country’s top health official said.
Papua New Guinea is experiencing a polio outbreak that has infected at least two children, according to health authorities who called for an immediate vaccination campaign.
The country of nearly 12 million people in Oceania launched a national response this week after detecting poliomyelitis, known also as polio, in two healthy children during routine screenings. Sewage testing confirmed the virus was circulating in Lae, its second-largest city.
Polio is a highly infectious disease that mostly affects young children. In severe cases, it can cause lifelong paralysis or death.
While it has mostly been stamped out globally, polio is still endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan and cases are occasionally reported elsewhere in the world.
Papua New Guinea was declared polio-free in 2000, but it experienced an outbreak in 2018 that paralysed 26 people.
“We’ve dealt with this before and know what works,” Kapavore added.
There is no cure for polio, but it can be prevented with vaccination. In Papua New Guinea, however, many children remain vulnerable due to low immunisation rates, according to Dr Veera Mendonca, UNICEF’s representative in the country.
The United Nations agency called for a widespread vaccination effort and said it was working with the government to procure and distribute jabs.
“While the focus right now is on stopping this outbreak, we must take this opportunity to boost routine immunisation to 90 per cent and protect children long-term,” Mendonca said in a statement. UNICEF is also helping to boost the country's disease monitoring and raise awareness around the outbreak, she added.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep concern and says neighbouring countries are at risk as it declares an outbreak of polio virus in Papua New Guinea.
Community transmission of the virus was confirmed in the city of Lae, after a screening program detected the fast-spreading virus in stool samples from two healthy children.
Health Minister Elias Kapovore said a mass immunisation coverage covering up to 3.5 million children has started.
"I estimate it will be covered through a polio infection coverage that is already happening in many of our provinces" he said.
UNICEF's representative in PNG Veera Mendonca said international donors are supporting government's efforts.
"What it needs is political commitment, leadership, the government is ensuring vaccines are in country, partners are supporting," she said.
Click here to listen to the story live - https://mediacore-liveproduction.akamaized.net/audio/02/9k/Z/3e.mp3?source=web&content_id=105278400
How
Dr. Vachagan H.
and
Team Leader: Operations and Data and Information Systems Teams @ World Health Organization | MSc Public Health April 29, 2025
Source.
Polio was once among the most feared diseases on the planet. This ancient disease left millions of children paralyzed, terrorizing communities and straining public health systems. Yet the story of polio is ultimately one of human ingenuity and innovation overcoming a seemingly insurmountable foe. The development of effective vaccines in the 1950s and 1960s turned the tide against polio, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey toward eradication. Today, thanks to scientific breakthroughs and bold global strategies, polio has been driven to the brink of extinction.
Annual cases of paralyzing polio have plummeted by over 99% since the 1980s from hundreds of thousands of cases per year to just a handful. The Global Polio eradication Initiative formed to fight polio globally estimates that more than 20 million people are walking today who would otherwise have been paralyzed by polio since 1988.
Eradicating Polio:
Science, Ingenuity,
Global Cooperation Are Winning the Fight
This remarkable progress illustrates how relentless innovation, combined with global collaboration, can conquer even the most stubborn diseases. As we stand in 2025, this article explores the transformative innovations that have shaped polio eradication efforts and the promising technologies on the horizon.
The Foundation: Pioneering Vaccine Development – 1954 Nobel Prize
The journey toward polio eradication began with a crucial breakthrough in 1949 when John Enders, Thomas Weller, and Frederick Robbins successfully cultivated poliovirus in human tissue, earning them the 1954 Nobel Prize. This discovery paved the way for Jonas Salk to develop the first effective polio vaccine in the early 1950s.
Salk's inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), containing killed virus and administered by injection, underwent testing on Jonas Salk himself and his family in 1953 before large-scale trials began in 1954. The results, announced on April 12, 1955, marked a historic turning point in the fight against polio The impact was immediate and profound due to IPV immunization U.S. cases fell from 58,000 to 5,600 by 1957, and to just 161 cases by 1961.
In an extraordinary display of scientific altruism, Salk chose not to patent his vaccine, prioritizing global accessibility over personal profit. This decision dramatically accelerated worldwide distribution, with vaccination campaigns quickly spreading to Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, West Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Belgium. All countries and territories worldwide currently administer IPV to children through their vaccination programs.
The second milestone came when Albert Sabin developed the oral polio vaccine (OPV) in the 1960s, building on earlier work by Hilary Koprowski. The OPV contained live attenuated virus and offered several advantages for mass vaccination campaigns, particularly in resource-limited settings—it was easier to administer, provided intestinal immunity, and could be spread to unvaccinated contacts, extending community protection.
Evolution of Vaccination Strategies
Achieving polio eradication required not just vaccines, but innovative strategies to deliver those vaccines to every child. In 1988, the World Health Assembly resolved to eradicate polio globally, leading to the formation of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) – a partnership of national governments, WHO, UNICEF, Rotary International, the CDC, and later the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and others. This coalition recognized that routine vaccination alone would not reach all children in areas where polio persisted.
The program therefore relied on Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs) – special mass vaccination campaigns designed to quickly boost population immunity. In practice, this meant organizing National Immunization Days during which millions of children under five received oral polio drops, often multiple times a year. These campaigns were an innovation in public health logistics and social mobilization: they marshaled hundreds of thousands of volunteers and health workers, utilized schools and churches as immunization posts, and sometimes even enlisted militaries to ferry vaccines to remote areas – all in an effort to leave no child untouched by the vaccine.
The impact of these mass vaccination innovations was profound. Polio transmission was rapidly interrupted in region after region. Latin America eliminated polio by 1994, the Western Pacific by 2000, Europe by 2002, Southeast Asia by 2014 and Africa by 2020.
By repeatedly immunizing every child during SIAs, countries squeezed the virus out of circulation. This strategy was a clear departure from business-as-usual in immunization – it was born of creativity and necessity, an acknowledgment that extraordinary measures were needed to achieve eradication. In the field, new methods
were invented on the fly: “mop-up” campaigns intensively immunized children in areas around any detected case; transit point vaccinations immunized children at bus stops, train stations, and borders; and negotiated “Days of Tranquility” allowed vaccinations to proceed in conflict zones. Each of these tactics required ingenious problem-solving and cultural adaptation, often led by local health heroes finding ways to reach their communities.
In the 21st century, the polio program has increasingly harnessed technology to enhance these strategies. One major innovation has been the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping and GPS tracking to improve campaign precision and coverage. In earlier years, vaccinators navigated with paper maps that sometimes had villages missing or mislocated, leading to children being missed. Today, digital mapping tools help ensure every settlement – even nomadic encampments and remote hamlets – is on the campaign radar.
Health workers now use GPS-enabled smartphones to track their vaccination teams’ routes, pinpoint areas with low coverage, and identify which households were missed. This real-time geo-tracking means supervisors can see exactly which neighborhoods or villages teams visited (and which they didn’t), allowing gaps to be fixed in near real-time. GIS software is used to visualize immunization data, highlighting clusters of under-immunized children so that resources can be targeted accordingly. The result is a far more fine-tuned immunization effort guided by data. What started as a paper-and-pen effort has evolved into a high-tech, datadriven operation to “leave no child behind” – showcasing how innovation in delivery is just as crucial as innovation in vaccine science.
Next-Generation Vaccines and Approaches
Even as frontline workers innovate in the field, scientists have continued to innovate in the lab to develop nextgeneration vaccines and tools for the polio endgame. One of the most significant recent advances has been the creation of novel oral polio vaccines (nOPVs) that are genetically stabilized to prevent the rare drawbacks of the original OPV.
The traditional Sabin oral vaccine contains live attenuated (weakened) virus. In very rare instances, if the vaccine virus continues to circulate in under-immunized populations, it can mutate back toward a virulent form, leading to vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) outbreaks. This problem became pressing after wild poliovirus type 2 was declared eradicated – the type 2 component was removed from routine vaccines in 2016, but subsequent use of older type-2 OPV in outbreak responses led to new vaccine-derived outbreaks.
Scientists responded to this challenge with remarkable creativity: international teams engineered updated OPV strains with increased genetic stability. In particular, novel OPV type 2 (nOPV2) was developed with specific genetic changes that greatly reduce the chance of the vaccine virus reverting to a dangerous form. In laboratory and clinical tests, nOPV2 proved as immunogenic as the traditional vaccine but far less prone to mutation. It became the first vaccine ever approved under the WHO’s Emergency Use Listing for a public health emergency (granted in late 2020), and was rolled out starting in 2021.
It received full WHO prequalification in 2023. Encouraged by this progress, researchers are now extending the approach to the other strains – developing novel OPV1, OPV3, and tOPV with the goal of a new suite of oral vaccines (potentially a novel trivalent OPV) that can finish the job of eradication with even greater safety. It’s a prime example of innovation begetting innovation: the near-eradication of polio raised new challenges, and scientists answered with cutting-edge solutions.
Another area of technological progress is improving the biosafety and biosecurity of polio vaccine production, especially as we approach a polio-free world. Traditional IPV (Salk vaccine) is made by growing large volumes
of live poliovirus and then inactivating it – a process that, while effective, carries a theoretical risk: if a wild virus strain used in manufacturing were to escape containment, it could re-establish transmission. To eliminate this risk, vaccine developers have turned to Sabin-strain IPV and other novel production methods. Sabin IPV uses the weakened Sabin poliovirus strains (the same as in OPV) as the starting material instead of wild strains. The advantage is a built-in safety upgrade: using attenuated Sabin strains in IPV production has a much lower biosafety risk, since even if these strains escaped, they are far less likely to cause harm
Looking further to the future, scientists are investigating completely new approaches like virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines – a testament to how innovation continues even in polio’s endgame. VLPs are essentially empty virus shells – they look like poliovirus to the immune system but contain no genetic material, so they cannot infect or cause disease. Researchers have already demonstrated the ability to produce stable poliovirus VLPs for all three serotypes in the laboratory (using systems like yeast, mammalian, and plants). These virus-free vaccines mimic the real virus closely enough to provoke a robust immune response, but since no live poliovirus is involved at any stage, the safety profile could be unparalleled.
VLP-based polio vaccines are still in the experimental and early development phase, but they hold exciting potential. In a post-eradication world, they could allow us to protect future generations without ever needing to handle poliovirus itself – an ultimate insurance policy that the virus can never accidentally re-emerge. From genetically tweaked live vaccines to safer killed vaccines and futuristic synthetic vaccines, the polio program’s scientific arsenal keeps expanding. These next-generation tools all share a common thread: they are born from a proactive spirit of innovation, anticipating problems and inventing solutions to sustain a polio-free world.
Challenges and Future Directions
Standing in 2025, we are closer than ever to consigning polio to history. Two of the three wild poliovirus strains have already been certified eradicated (type 2 in 2015 and type 3 in 2019), and the wild poliovirus type 1 persist in only two countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan. Yet, as with any grand journey’s final stretch, the last mile is often the toughest.
Challenges remain – notably vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and conflict-driven access barriers – but the polio eradication effort is tackling them with the same innovative spirit that has defined its progress so far.
Vaccine hesitancy has led some families to refuse immunization due to fears or false rumors, which can create clusters of unvaccinated children vulnerable to polio. In response, the GPEI and its partners are doubling down on community engagement and trust-building innovations
They have learned that technology alone isn’t enough; winning hearts and minds is critical.
One key strategy is empowering local influencers: community leaders, elders, religious figures, and especially mothers have been enlisted to advocate for vaccination. In places like northern Nigeria and rural Pakistan, for instance, teams of local women volunteers go door-to-door not only to deliver drops but also to listen and talk – addressing parents’ concerns with empathy in local languages. These efforts help chip away at distrust by making vaccination a community-owned activity rather than an outside imposition.
THE POLIOPLUS SOCIETY
How can you take action? Donate to End Polio.
Become a Member of the District 6330 Polio Plus Society! Join Now! Don’t be left out!
In 1985, Rotarians made a promise to the children of the world: to eradicate polio from the face of the earth. At that time, 125 countries on 5 continents were plagued by polio, with over 350,000 children, nearly 1,000 children every single day, being paralyzed by or succumbing to the polio virus. Now, more than ever, children are counting on Rotarians to wipe out Polio.
Since we began, Rotarians have raised over $2.1 billion for this noble cause, providing polio vaccines to more than 3.5 billion children. Today, only two countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan, remain polio-endemic, and the World Health Organization estimates that over 19 million children are now thriving, who otherwise would have been paralyzed by polio, thanks to Rotary’s polio eradication program.
Help us fulfill the promise we made in 1985. Join the District 6330 PolioPlus Society.
What is the PolioPlus Society (PPS)?
Minimum Annual Donation. The PolioPlus Society was created to encourage Rotarians to commit to a minimum annual donation of $100 USD to the PolioPlus Fund until polio is entirely eradicated. Members receive a special society pin.
Eradicating polio is Rotary’s number one priority. Polio primarily affects children under the age of 5, and there is no cure; immunization is the sole prevention. Rotary has raised approximately 10% of the eradication costs since 1985, with a challenge from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to raise $50 million annually for polio, matched by $100 million, totaling $150 million.
After the last case of paralysis, 450,000 children worldwide must be immunized annually for an additional three years to ensure total eradication of the polio virus. We’re very close to this goal, with only a few reported cases in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
You can participate. As a Rotarian and a supporter of Polio Eradication, Rotary’s top priority, you can participate in this humanitarian endeavor by becoming a member of the PolioPlus Society of Rotary in D 6330.
DONATE HERE!
Commit to an annual donation of at least $100 USD to the PolioPlus program, and in return, you’ll receive a PolioPlus Society membership pin and Paul Harris credit.
We’re close to eradicating polio, but we’re not done yet. We still need funds to continue immunization and surveillance efforts. Your ongoing gift will get us closer to the finish line.
If you would like to become a Polio Plus Society member, please contact PDG Diane Chantler at dianechantler@hotmail.com
Show your dedication to Polio. You will be recognized with your Polio Plus Society Pin! Your commitment to the children of the world is needed now to ensure we continue our goal to eradicate polio in the world.
POLIO: A FEW KEY FACTS & SIGNS OF HOPE
What is polio?
Polio (poliomyelitis) is a highly infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. It primarily affects young children and can lead to permanent paralysis. In severe cases, it can be fatal.
Transmission:
The virus spreads through person-to-person contact, often via contaminated water or food. It mainly targets the nervous system.
Global efforts to eradicate polio began in 1988 per year in over 125 countries.
That year, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) was launched, with Rotary International as a founding partner. At the time, there were an estimated 350,000 cases of polio99.9% reduction in global cases
Thanks to widespread immunization campaigns, polio cases have dropped by more than 99.9%. In 2023, there were just 12 confirmed cases of wild poliovirus (WPV) — all in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Two Wild Poliovirus Strains Eradicated
• Wild Poliovirus Type 2 (WPV2) was declared eradicated in 2015.
• Wild Poliovirus Type 3 (WPV3) was declared eradicated in 2019.
Only Wild Poliovirus Type 1 (WPV1) remains in circulation.
Challenges remain
Conflict zones, vaccine hesitancy, and political instability have made reaching every child difficult in some regions.
Vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV), while rare, can circulate in under-immunized populations, requiring continued vigilance.
REASONS FOR HOPE
More than 20 million people are walking today who would have otherwise been paralyzed by polio — a direct result of vaccination efforts.
Over 2.5 billion children have been vaccinated since 1988, often through community-based efforts and the commitment of millions of volunteers.
Rotary and partners have contributed more than $19 billion toward eradication efforts — with Canada being a consistent and generous supporter.
Technological advances, like the new nOPV2 vaccine, are helping to control outbreaks of vaccine-derived polio more effectively and safely.
The finish line is in sight.
Although 2024 saw a slight uptick in cases due to instability in certain areas, experts agree that complete eradication is achievable — and within this generation’s reach.
Ending polio will be only the second time a human disease has been eradicated (after smallpox).
Every child vaccinated is a step closer to that historic milestone.
HERE'S WHY 1985 IS SIGNIFICANT
1985 is a landmark year in the fight against polio. It’s when PolioPlus was launched by Rotary International
Launch of PolioPlus by Rotary International
In 1985, Rotary became the first private organization to take on a global public health initiative with the goal of eradicating polio. The “Plus” in PolioPlus referred to the added health benefits that came with polio vaccination efforts, such as delivering vitamin A supplements and improving healthcare infrastructure in underresourced areas.
It was the beginning of Rotary’s most ambitious service project!
What started as a vision to immunize children around the world against polio became a massive global effort. Rotary pledged $120 million, which was unprecedented at the time — and ended up raising $247 million in that initial campaign.
This initiative laid the foundation for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI)
Rotary’s early leadership and fundraising success directly led to the formation of the GPEI in 1988, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the U.S. CDC, and later the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
LEGACY OF 1985 AND POLIOPLUS
It was a pioneering moment in global public-private health partnerships.
It demonstrated the power of grassroots action combined with international collaboration.
It placed Rotary at the forefront of global health advocacy, where it remains today.
In short, 1985 marked the beginning of the end for polio.
Rotary’s mission to eradicate polio is one of the boldest humanitarian projects in history—and it's nearly complete. But recent global disruptions have shifted the timeline.
After decades of progress, wild poliovirus remains endemic in only a few regions of the world.
However, setbacks—including vaccine misinformation, conflict zones in parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan, and disruptions caused by COVID-19—have reminded us that the final stretch is often the hardest.
Despite these challenges, Rotary remains the largest private-sector contributor to the eradication effort. Its grassroots network plays a unique role in building trust where government or international agencies sometimes struggle.
In fact, Rotary’s infrastructure—from laboratories to community outreach—is already being used to support broader health initiatives around the world.
So, what does the future hold?
Informed predictions suggest that polio will be eradicated, but not on the original timeline. It will require sustained funding, vigilance, and local engagement.
The legacy of Rotary’s work in polio will endure—not just in the lives saved, but in the public health capacity left behind.
And as that finish line nears, Rotary may find new global calls to action—climate, peace, literacy with the same power to unite members and mobilize meaningful change. 1
1 Adapted from insights compiled by ChatGPT, based on Rotary International and Global Polio Eradication Initiative sources 2 https://polioeradication.org/ - 2 May 2025
The Rotary Foundation Regional Leaders
Rotary’s regional leaders — regional Rotary Foundation coordinators (RRFCs), Rotary coordinators (RCs), Rotary public image coordinators (RPICs), and endowment/major gifts advisers (E/MGAs) — use their knowledge and skills to support and strengthen clubs, to focus and increase Rotary’s humanitarian service, and to enhance our public image and awareness.
Regional leaders work through districts to connect Rotarians with resources that support Rotary’s goals and deepen its impact in communities locally and around the world. They also serve as trainers and facilitators at Rotary institutes, governors-elect training seminars, regional and zone seminars, district training, and other events when asked.
Appointed by the RI president or The Rotary Foundation trustee chair, regional leaders serve a three-year term, subject to annual review. There are 40 teams of regional leaders worldwide; each team is led by an RI director with support from an assigned Foundation trustee.
Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinators
RRFCs help Rotarians fully participate in their Foundation to meet their service and fundraising goals. They:
• Encourage Rotarians to support PolioPlus, Rotary’s highest-priority program
• Support clubs and districts in their fundraising, especially for Rotary’s Annual Fund
• Educate clubs and districts about Rotary grants
Rotary Coordinators
RCs assist Rotarians in engaging current members and attracting new members to develop vibrant clubs and meet their membership goals. They:
• Encourage innovative strategies for attracting and engaging members
• Support districts in new club development
• Help districts and clubs develop and implement strategic plans to reach their goals
Endowment/Major Gifts Advisers
E/MGAs increase Rotarians’ participation in major gifts fundraising and the Endowment. They:
• Develop personalized plans for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts in the region
• Promote major giving opportunities with Rotarians and other prospects
• Facilitate events that recognize and encourage current and new donors
• Work with district leaders to identify major gift strategies and prospective donors in the district
FOUNDATION GRANTS – 7 AREAS OF FOCUS
Rotarians can get involved in various types of service –Club Service, Community Service, International Service, Vocational Service, New Generations (Youth) Service A list of Rotary's 7 areas of focus and a brief description of each:
1. Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention: Rotary aims to address the root causes of conflict and promote sustainable peace through initiatives that support education and training, promote community dialogue, and build networks of peacebuilders.
(Month of February)
2. Disease Prevention and Treatment: Rotary works to improve health outcomes and reduce the spread of disease through initiatives that promote immunization, provide access to clean water and sanitation, and support medical research.
(Month of December)
3. Water and Sanitation: Rotary aims to improve access to clean water and sanitation in underserved communities, through initiatives that promote infrastructure development, support education and training, and raise awareness about the importance of clean water and sanitation.
(Month of March)
4. Maternal and Child Health: Rotary works to improve maternal and child health outcomes by supporting initiatives that provide access to prenatal and postnatal care, promote vaccination, and support nutrition and education programs for mothers and children.
(Month of July)
5. Basic Education and Literacy: Rotary aims to improve access to education and literacy for children and adults, through initiatives that support teacher training, provide educational resources and materials, and promote community-based programs that increase literacy rates.
(Month of September)
6. Economic and Community Development: Rotary works to support economic and community development initiatives that promote job creation, increase access to financial services, and support small business development and entrepreneurship.
(Month of October)
7. Supporting the Environment: Rotary aims to support environmental sustainability initiatives, through programs that promote conservation, improve access to clean energy, and support the development of sustainable agriculture and other eco-friendly practices.
(Month of April)
Calculate your carbon footprint! Click here.
OUR FRAGILE ENVIRONMENT
ROTARY’S 7TH AREA OF FOCUS
The environment is Rotary’s seventh 3 and newest area of focus — and arguably its most urgent.
Around the globe, climate change, habitat loss, pollution, and declining biodiversity remind us daily that our planet is not invincible. It is, in fact, remarkably fragile — a complex and interconnected system that depends on balance, stewardship, and care.
And while the challenges are vast, so too is our capacity to respond.
In District 6330, we are beginning to see encouraging signs of that response. Clubs are working at small, powerful gestures that speak volumes -
• Planting pollinator gardens
• Restoring native plant species, and
• Creating mini forests
These projects offer more than environmental impact; they offer education, hope, and an invitation for community members to get involved.
They are rooted in action and fuelled by passion.
Environmental sustainability isn’t about one-size-fits-all solutions. It’s about a thousand choices made with care.
• Reducing plastic waste.
• Supporting local food systems.
• Conserving water.
• Encouraging biodiversity.
• Choosing energy wisely.
Whether as individuals or as Rotary clubs, we each have a role to play — and collectively, our impact is magnified.
Rotary was built on the principle of Service Above Self. What better place to apply that than in protecting the natural world that sustains us all?
By taking meaningful steps — however small — we can help ensure that future generations inherit not just a livable planet, but a thriving one.
3 Inspired by Rotary International’s 7th Area of Focus: Protecting the Environment. Learn more: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes/protecting-environment
From Project Drawdown -
Watch:
• Webinar: Food Matters: Why climate change may hinge on what we eat and how we grow it | Jonathan Foley, Ph.D.
• Workshop: Drawdown Deep Dive: Reducing Food Waste (featuring: ReFED)
Read:
• Fixing food’s big climate problem
• How food and farming will determine the fate of planet Earth
• Greenwashing and denial won’t solve beef’s enormous climate problems
• Regenerative grazing is overhyped as a climate solution. We should do it anyway
Did you know that Project Drawdown is a nonprofit organization, and our work is funded almost entirely by donations and grants?
To read and learn more, click here - https://drawdown.org/
SUPPORTING THE ROTARY FOUNDATION: A CALL TO ACTION FOR ROTARIANS
The Rotary Foundation is the heartbeat of Rotary’s mission to create lasting change globally and locally.
Supporting the Foundation ensures the success of projects that address critical issues like clean water, education, disease prevention, and peacebuilding.
Learn
Understanding the impact of the Rotary Foundation is the first step. Explore the Areas of Focus – Stories of Impact – Rotary’s Financial Efficiency.
Ask
Encourage open dialogue about the Rotary Foundation by asking key questions: What inspires you to serve through Rotary? – Have you seen a Foundation-funded project in action? – What causes do you care about?
Commit
Making a personal commitment to support the Foundation solidifies its importance: Individual donations – Club goals – Sustained giving.
Membership
Support for the Foundation strengthens Rotary membership by enhancing engagement and pride: Retain members – Attract New Members – Build Fellowship
A final thought for this Rotary year from D6330 Foundation Newsletter editor, Kitty (2022-2025) as we move forward to a new Rotary year -
With gratitude to PDG David for inviting me into this role – for the chance to help showcase the incredible local and global impact of The Rotary Foundation.
Its impact, both near and far, in all seven areas of focus, is nothing short of remarkable.
Each edition of this newsletter has offered a small window into the big, beautiful work of Rotary— work that is rooted in hope, in service, and in shared inspiration.
There’s always more to discover, more to do, and always more to give—and the journey is richer when we walk it together.
As we look ahead, may we continue to learn, to grow, and to uplift one another, knowing we’re part of something truly meaningful.
…ever inspired by what Rotary makes possible…
INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS FOR JUNE
� � � � The Power of One - A Rotary Reflection
In Rotary, real change doesn’t always come from grand gestures—it begins with one person deciding to act.
• � Clean water, one well at a time.
• � �� � �� � Literacy, one child at a time.
• � � � Peace, one student at a time.
• �� � ��� �� Health, one vaccine at a time.
• � � Hope, one tree at a time.
• � � Kindness, one act at a time.
• � � Change, one Rotarian at a time.
Each effort no matter how small becomes part of something greater.
That’s the magic of Rotary—many individuals, united in service, creating ripples that reach around the world.
The Power of One
And a little more on our Environment for this Rotary year (2024-25) Weather 101
Weather vs Climate: What’s the Difference?
We often hear the terms weather and climate used interchangeably, but they describe very different things.
Weather refers to the short-term conditions in the atmosphere—what’s happening outside right now or in the coming days. It includes daily changes in temperature, rain or snow, wind, humidity, and sunshine.
Climate, on the other hand, is the average of those weather patterns over a much longer period—typically 30 years or more. It tells us what kind of weather to expect in a region over time.
Think of it this way: weather is your outfit today, but climate is your general wardrobe.
Understanding the difference is key when we talk about climate change. A cold snap doesn’t mean global warming isn’t happening—it’s just weather. Climate change looks at long-term trends, like rising global temperatures and shifting weather patterns over decades.
A short video from 18 years ago – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJAbATJCugs&t=5s
Signs of Global Warming
Temperature Increases
1. Rising Global Temperatures
o Earth's average surface temperature has increased by about 1.1°C (2°F) since the late 19th century.
2. Increased Frequency of Heatwaves
o Heatwaves are more intense and more frequent in many regions.
Melting Ice and Snow
3. Arctic Sea Ice Decline
o The Arctic is warming about twice as fast as the global average; summer sea ice has shrunk drastically.
4. Glacial Retreat
o Glaciers around the world (e.g., Alps, Himalayas, Andes, Rockies) are losing mass.
5. Ice Sheet Loss
o Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets are melting, contributing to sea level rise.
6. Sea Level Rise
o Global sea levels have risen about 8 inches (20 cm) in the past century—and the rate is accelerating.
7. Ocean Warming
o Oceans absorb much of the heat from global warming, raising water temperatures and affecting marine ecosystems.
8. Ocean Acidification
o CO₂ is being absorbed by the oceans, making them more acidic and harming coral reefs and shellfish.
Extreme Weather Events
9. More Intense Hurricanes and Storms
o Warmer ocean water fuels stronger tropical storms and hurricanes.
10. Shifts in Precipitation Patterns
o Some areas experience more heavy rain and flooding, while others suffer prolonged droughts.
11. Increased Wildfires
o Hotter, drier conditions have led to more frequent and severe wildfires (e.g., in California, Australia, and Canada).
Ecological Changes
12. Shifting Habitats
o Animals and plants are moving to higher altitudes or latitudes to stay within livable temperature ranges.
13. Earlier Blooming Seasons
o Many plants are flowering earlier in the year, affecting entire ecosystems.
14. Species Extinctions
o Some species cannot adapt quickly enough to changing climates and are becoming endangered or extinct.
Two additional short videos of interest –
Signs and Impact of Climate change (recent) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nEryn0tPrw
And this final one - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nEryn0tPrw&t=6s
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ROTARY’S FOUR-WAY TEST
A Thoughtful Start to any day
� � What is the Rotary Four-Way Test?
It's a short ethical guide used by Rotarians worldwide to help evaluate decisions, both personal and professional.
It was created in 1932 by Herbert J. Taylor, who later became Rotary International President. Facing financial and moral crisis in his company, he developed this test as a litmus test for integrity and fair conduct.
The test asks four questions of the things we think, say or do:
• Is it the TRUTH?
• Is it FAIR to all concerned?
• Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
• Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
It may seem simple, but in a complex world, those questions are anything but easy — and that’s part of their power.
�
�
� � � Why Should We Consider It?
Because ethics matter — now more than ever.
The Four-Way Test:
• Brings clarity to grey areas.
• Encourages honesty and accountability, not just in public life but in our quiet decisions.
• Fosters trust — a commodity that seems scarce in many parts of today’s society.
• Helps cultivate respectful dialogue instead of divisiveness.
• Serves as a universal framework: it’s non-religious, non-political, and applicable across cultures and professions.
In a world of misinformation, polarization, and moral shortcuts, it gently but firmly asks:
“Are we making the right choices for ourselves and for others?”
Click the 4-way test above and open the link to hear the Four-Way Test by RC of Saskatoon Nutana
� � What Does the Four-Way Test Mean in Today’s Context?
In a global landscape marked by challenges — climate change, inequality, misinformation, and conflict — the Four-Way Test is a compass. It reminds us:
• Truth is not just about facts, but integrity.
• Fairness challenges us to consider others, not just ourselves.
• Goodwill and friendship are the foundations of peace, community, and collaboration.
• Benefit to all concerned asks us to be stewards, not just beneficiaries.
In Rotary, it’s more than words. It shapes how Rotarians lead projects, build partnerships, and serve their communities — from clean water initiatives to polio eradication. But beyond Rotary, it’s an invitation to live more ethically and courageously.
� � Closing Thought
The Four-Way Test isn't about being perfect. It's about trying to do the right thing, every day, in big ways and small.
It invites us to pause, reflect, and then act — with conscience, compassion, and courage.
Whether you’re a Rotarian or not, those four questions can light a path through some of life’s murkiest terrain.
THE
ROTARY FOUNDATION
EREY – Every Rotarian Every Year
Click here for a short video
Our Every Rotarian, Every Year (EREY) initiative encourages all Rotary club members to contribute something each year to The Rotary Foundation. We hope that you can consider at least $100 USD every year to help us reach our goal to support the Rotary Foundation financially each year.
Sustaining member. One who contributes $100 USD every year is a Sustaining Member. With EREY, we encourage you to contribute an amount you can afford every year.
Click here to listen to We are the World.
When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever. In its place is something that you have left behind. Let it be something good. 5
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