ROTARY E-CLUB CANADA ONE FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER
MARCH
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) TRF Newsletter Editor – Kitty Bucsko (RC of D6330 Passport)
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT MARCH 2025 MESSAGE
One small act
March is here, and for Rotary International, that means celebrating Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Month – a time to shine a spotlight on one of the most transformative areas of our work
This month is an opportunity to reflect on The Magic of Rotary and the profound impact we create when we come together with determination and purpose.
Years ago, I experienced this magic firsthand in the Dominican Republic. When a group of members helped people install water filters, three children watched in amazement as dirty water entered one end of a filter and clean water emerged from the other. When we paused the demonstration, one child tugged at my sleeve and pleaded, “Show me the magic again.”
To them, it felt magical. It was also the result of countless hours of effort – planning, transporting, and installing the filters – alongside local partners who were dedicated to making clean water accessible. In that moment, I realized that what seemed like a small act could change residents’ lives. That is The Magic of Rotary.
This story is a testament to the incredible potential of our global family to create change. Water projects exemplify our reach, our partnerships, and our unwavering commitment to improving lives. Consider Rotary’s work with USAID. That partnership has enabled us to work with communities and governments to improve access to sustainable water and sanitation services for thousands of people in the Dominican Republic, Ghana, the Philippines, and Uganda.
Partnerships remind us that Rotary’s impact is amplified when we work together. Through our strategic alliance with the United Nations Environment Programme, we’re advancing the Community Action for Fresh Water initiative. This program equips Rotary members with the tools and resources to protect, restore, and sustain freshwater ecosystems.
When we make use of Rotary grants and advocate for clean water in our communities, we create a ripple effect that extends far beyond individual projects.
As we embrace the spirit of the month, I encourage every Rotary member to seek out new partnerships. Collaboration multiplies our efforts and helps us reach more people in need.
Whether it’s joining forces with local organizations, forming alliances with international agencies, or mobilizing your community, every step we take together brings us closer to a world where everyone has access to clean water and safe sanitation.
The Magic of Rotary shines brightest when we work in harmony with others to create lasting good. Together, we can turn dreams into realities that transform lives and communities. The result may feel like magic at times, but we know it’s from the power of our collective commitment and compassion. Let’s harness this magic to make a difference this month and beyond.
STEPHANIE A. URCHICK PRESIDENT, ROTARY INTERNATIONAL 2024-25
A glass half full
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION TRUSTEE CHAIR
FEBRUARY 2025 - MESSAGE
After joining Rotary, you never look at a glass of water the same way again.
Holding it, you are humbled by the privilege of access to drinkable water. Then, you recall how Rotary brings communities and water experts together to deliver safe drinking water to places in need of it, transforming lives.
According to the United Nations, 2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water, and 3.6 billion lack safely managed sanitation. During March, we focus on our commitment to addressing water, sanitation, and hygiene challenges through our clubs and The Rotary Foundation.
District and global grants, made possible by the Foundation, provide a direct way for members to engage in water and sanitation projects. My wife, Gay, and I have seen the transfomative power of these grants. Our clubs, the Rotary Clubs of Decatur and Decatur Daybreak, Alabama, partnered with the Rotary Club of Ecatepec, Mexico, to sanitize cisterns and tanks for about 300 schools.
We are also launching a new global grant to provide rainwater collection systems for 50 Indigenous families in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Chihuahua, in partnership with five organizations.
Globally, Rotary employs comprehensive approaches to these initiatives. In Mexico, the global grant-funded program Ninas Sabias, or Wise Girls, empowers girls by providing education on menstruation, building selfesteem, and purchasing reusable menstrual products.
Our partnership with USAID in Uganda has shown how small-scale piped water systems can deliver costeffective, sustainable solutions. By investing in local governance and technical capacity, this initiative ensures long-term access to clean water for entire regions.
Rotary’s Programs of Scale also demonstrate the power of interdisciplinary strategies. In India’s water-scarce regions, Rotary promotes solutions such as rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, integrating water management with agricultural productivity to enhance sustainability and resilience.
Moving forward, we will continue improving how we deliver water and boosts sanitation, focusing on regional planning, strengthening delivery systems, and fostering partnerships.
Be proud to be part of this meaningful work – and please consider supporting it.
When you give to The Rotary Foundation, you not only help us reach our 2024-25 fundraising goal of $500 million, you also play a role in ensuring Rotary can make clean water, effective sanitation, and hygiene accessible for generations.
MARK DANIEL MALONEY Foundation Trustee Chair, 2024-25
RI PRESIDENT for 2025-26
The RI president-elect speaks about the power of Rotary’s members
By Etelka Lehoczky
Rotary International President-elect Mário César Martins de Camargo asked members to Unite for Good by embracing growth, service, and connection as he outlined a plan to expand “the best-qualified team of volunteers on the planet.”
“Rotary’s greatest asset is not our history, our projects, or even our unmatched global reach. It is our members,” de Camargo said at the organization’s International Assembly in Orlando, Florida, USA, on 10 February. He noted praise from one of Rotary’s partners about “the extraordinary dedication” of Rotary members. “That recognition from an outsider deepened my understanding: Rotary’s greatest gift to the world is its people.”
De Camargo, a member of the Rotary Club of Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil, emphasized the importance of seeking out new perspectives and strengthening Rotary’s service to communities around the globe. He outlined three “essential pillars” for growth: innovation, continuity, and partnership.
Click here to view the 13-minute video
Below - RI President-elect Mário César Martins de Camargo, center, takes a picture with Rotary members at the Brazilian Dinner and Dance Party at the International Assembly in Orlando, Florida, USA, on 11 February 2025.
Click here to read the rest of the article.
A QUICK-READ ECO MOMENT
Q: Are electric cars really better for the environment than gasoline-powered cars over their lifetimes?
A: Yes.
Electric vehicles typically release fewer greenhouse gas emissions than internal combustion engine vehicles during their life cycles, even after accounting for the increased energy required to make their batteries. And their carbon footprints are expected to get smaller in the near future. (Source)
Higher initial emissions. Electric vehicles (EVs) require additional energy during manufacturing, mainly due to the production of lithium-ion batteries, which involve mining, refining, and processing raw materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. Some studies have shown that making a typical EV can create more carbon pollution than making a gasoline car due to the additional energy required for battery manufacturing. (epa.gov)
However, once an EV hits the road, it produces zero tailpipe emissions and becomes more GHG-friendly over time, especially when charged with clean electricity. Over its operational lifetime, EVs typically result in lower total GHG emissions compared to a gasoline or diesel vehicle. (afdc.energy.gov)
Q: How are EVs Charged?
A: Electric vehicles (EVs) are charged using electricity from the power grid, which can be generated from various energy sources both clean (renewable) and dirty (fossil fuels). The environmental benefits of EVs are influenced by the energy mix of the electricity grid used for charging.
If it’s home-charging –
1. Home Charging: Most EV owners charge their cars at home using a standard outlet (Level 1) or a faster, dedicated charger (Level 2).
2. Public Charging Stations: These include Level 2 chargers and fast-charging (DC fast chargers), which replenish the battery much more quickly.
3. Renewable Energy Charging: Some EV owners install solar panels to charge their cars using clean energy directly. afdc.energy.gov
Q: Are Some EVs Charged on "Dirty" Energy?
A: Yes.
In areas where the electricity grid relies heavily on coal, oil, or natural gas, the indirect emissions associated with EV charging can be higher. EVs may be indirectly powered by fossil fuels. This means that while they produce zero emissions while driving, their actual environmental impact depends on how the electricity is generated.
EVs still tend to be more efficient than gasoline cars, even in fossil-fuel-heavy grids, because electric motors convert energy to motion more efficiently than internal combustion engines. As grids transition to renewable energy, EVs will become even greener enhancing their environmental benefits. afdc.energy.gov
ROTARY’S MARCH FOCUS CLEAN WATER, SANITATION, HYGIENE
World Water Day – March 22
Clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education are basic necessities for a healthy environment and a productive life.
When people have access to clean water and sanitation,
• waterborne diseases decrease
• children stay healthier and attend school more regularly
• mothers can spend less time carrying water and more time helping their families.
How Rotary makes help happen
Through water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs, Rotary’s people of action mobilize resources, form partnerships, and invest in infrastructure and training that yield long-term change.
Water and sanitation are at the core of sustainable development, and the range of services they provide underpin poverty reduction, economic growth and environmental sustainability.
However, in recent decades overexploitation, pollution, and climate change have led to severe water stress in locales across the world.
Today, 2.2 billion people 1 lack access to safely managed drinking water, and more than 4.2 billion people lack safely managed sanitation. Climate change is exacerbating the situation, with increasing disasters such as floods and droughts. 80 per cent of wastewater in the world flows back into the ecosystem without being treated or reused, and 70 per cent of the world’s natural wetland extent has been lost, including a significant loss of freshwater species.
Now more than ever the world needs to transform the way it manages its water resources and delivers water and sanitation services for billions of people. Urgent action is needed to overcome this global crisis, as it is affecting all countries around the world, socially, economically and environmentally.
Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) on water and sanitation, adopted by United Nations Member States at the 2015 UN Summit as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, provides the blueprint for ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
As a direct response to the Decade of Action and Delivery for Sustainable Development called for by Heads of State and Government at the SDG Summit in 2019, the UN system launched the SDG 6 Global Acceleration Framework in July 2020, to step up progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and put the world on track to realize their targets by 2030.
We call upon all stakeholders to galvanize actions around the framework in order to accelerate achievement of the water-related goals and targets and overcome the global crisis.
Background
While SDG 6 is the most recent iteration of the United Nations’ aim to address water-related issues, the topic has long been a concern at the United Nations.
1 Click here for current numbers
In 1977 the Mar del Plata conference in Argentina created an Action Plan on “Community Water Supply”, declaring that all peoples have the right to access to drinking water in quantities and quality equal to their basic needs.
The importance of water was further raised by the International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade from 1981 to 1990 and in 1992 at the UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro (Agenda 21, Chapter 18), as well as at the International Conference on Water and the Environment (ICWE) in Dublin.
In 1993 the World Water Day was designated on 22 March by the UN General Assembly, and in 2013 World Toilet Day on 19 November.
In 2000 the Millennium Development Declaration called for the world to halve by 2015 the proportion of people without access to safe drinking water as well as the proportion of people who do not have access to basic sanitation, and in 2003 the International Year of Freshwater was declared by the General Assembly, followed by the “Water for Life" Decade from 2005 to 2015.
In order to coordinate the efforts of UN entities and international organizations working on water and sanitation issues, the Chief Executives Board (CEB) of the United Nations established in 2003 UN-Water a UN interagency coordination mechanism for all freshwater and sanitation related issues.
In 2008 the International Year of Sanitation was declared and on 28 July 2010 the human right to water and sanitation was explicitly recognized by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 64/292.
In December 2016 the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the resolution “International Decade for Action – Water for Sustainable Development” (2018–2028) in support of the achievement of SDG 6 and other water-related targets, and on 21 December 2020, the resolution on the “United Nations Conference on the Midterm Comprehensive Review of the Implementation of the Objectives of the International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018–2028”, the first UN Conference on water since 1977.
Water is also at the heart of milestone agreements such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the 2015 Paris Agreement. Ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all has therefore been for a long time a topic at the United Nations and the priority is now turning the new vision of water related SDGs of the 2030 Agenda into reality, through national leadership and global partnership. For more information and related documents, please visit this link
Click here to read more.
Please use the link below to submit your photo or video for consideration in the 2024-25 People of WASH Photo and Video Contest. Thank you for supporting WASH Rotary Action Group, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene! Winners will be announced at the 2025 WASH-RAG Annual Meeting.
All entries must be submitted by April 30, 2025. Late submissions may not be considered.
To learn and read more, click here.
Summary of new polioviruses this week, cases and positive environmental isolates:
• Afghanistan: One WPV1 case and nine WPV1-positive environmental samples
• Pakistan: Two WPV1 cases and nine WPV1-positive environmental samples
• Algeria: one cVDPV2 case and one cVDPV2-positive environmental sample
• Guinea: one cVDPV3 case
• Occupied Palestinian territory: three cVDPV2-positive environmental samples
Gaza polio outbreak response continuing – emergency outbreak response in the Gaza Strip is continuing, with a mass vaccination campaign scheduled from 22-26 February, to reach more than 571,000 children. The campaign will aim to address residual immunity gaps, with a subsequent round being planned in April, after Ramadan. Recent detection from environmental samples, including from January, confirms that the strain is still circulating and continues to pose a threat to children with low or no immunity, both in Gaza and throughout the region. More.
Click here to read further news about the mass vaccination continuing in Gaza.
Click here to read and learn more
The polio eradication campaign has been ongoing for many years and has achieved so much through the years since the idea germinated in the 1980s.
Setbacks are nothing new and it has been to the credit of all associated with the polio eradication partners that their dedication has brought the eradication achievements to such a high level.
We are so close – and we have been so close for a very long time.
We CAN finish the job – and we WILL finish the job!
WHO Executive Board says emergency measures needed to stop polio
Global polio and health experts urge right geopolitical decisions to stop ‘perfect storm’ for poliovirus transmission and protect eradication
WHO Executive Board, Geneva, Switzerland, 7 February 2025 –
Health ministries from around the world meeting at this week’s WHO Executive Board in Geneva expressed serious concern about increasing wild poliovirus transmission in the last two remaining endemic countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan, noting that extraordinary measures were going on in response.
The year 2024 saw an increase in virus transmission in both countries, which share the last remaining endemic wild poliovirus reservoir in the world.
WHO Member States commended the new emergency operational approaches being now implemented in both countries to turn the tide on this trend. These approaches include identifying the different operational reasons why children are not being reached, area by area; increasing co-administration of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) alongside oral polio vaccine (OPV); boosting overall immunity levels in children; and, improving access to more adequate sanitation infrastructures.
These measures reflect the unique environmental, geopolitical, programmatic and security challenges affecting both countries, which together essentially create an epidemiological ‘perfect storm’ for poliovirus transmission. These approaches must be underpinned by strengthened surveillance activities not just in highestrisk areas, but comprehensively across all areas of both countries, and doing more to protect polio-free areas, particularly in critical border areas, and among highly mobile population groups, in particular in three clearly identified ‘virus transmission corridors’ affecting both countries.
Speaking on behalf of the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Regional Director Dr Hanan Balkhy said: “I assure you, on behalf of our Region and the leaders of both endemic countries, our commitment to eradicating this virus
is stronger than ever. We must reach and vaccinate every child and keep up a robust search for poliovirus, to stop further spread. Achieving this is far from simple. Pakistan and Afghanistan face immense geopolitical, infrastructural, environmental, and security challenges, creating what many describe as a ‘perfect storm’ for poliovirus transmission. Still, none of these challenges are insurmountable.”
“In Gaza,” Balkhy continued, “during a humanitarian pause last year, over 600,000 children were vaccinated against polio amid conflict – largely thanks to multi-actor, multi-level coordination and health and community workers’ grit. If it can be done there, it can be done everywhere. Recently, leaders and experts from both endemic countries convened to develop emergency measures. Together, they outlined concrete steps to reach every child, no matter the obstacles, to tackle this virus resurgence and protect them. We deeply appreciate the international community’s steadfast support, and we ask for your continued assistance to get us across the finish line.”
Member States expressed concern about the ongoing variant poliovirus outbreaks (circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses) and urged intensified response to stop these outbreaks, including by maximizing the impact of novel oral polio vaccine type 2. While the engines of transmission for such strains are now in clearly identified areas, namely northern Nigeria, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, south-central Somalia and northern Yemen, Member States underscored all countries remain at risk as evidenced by recent detection of such strains in environmental samples in five European countries.
“We all need to be very clear about one thing: the global effort to eradicate polio is no longer a technical issue,” commented Dr Razia Pendse, WHO Chef de Cabinet to the Director-General. “Medically and technically, we have everything we need to achieve success. What we need, the only thing we need, is to be able to reach and vaccinate those last remaining children who are not yet fully vaccinated. And the answer to achieving this is entirely geopolitical.”
The meeting also emphasized the importance of strengthening routine immunization services and disease surveillance everywhere, done in close coordination with all partners, including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Health authorities emphasized the importance of implementing all activities to not only achieve a polio-free world, but also to sustain it through integrating and successfully transitioning the polio assets, tools and infrastructure into existing national health systems and to help build strong, resilient and equitable health systems, and preparing for the post-certification era through intensified and accelerated containment activities and eventual cessation of oral polio vaccines use from routine immunization programmes. Successful development of an appropriate post-certification strategy will be critical to achieve this.
Closing the discussions, Rotary International, the civil society partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, called for steadfast dedication to the effort. “We have overcome every setback through collaboration and unity of purpose that is rare in our fragmented world,” said Dr Pierre Hoffmeyer, Rotary International representative to the United Nations in Geneva. “Let us all remain united and unwavering in our commitment to end polio.”
To read more, click here.
SUPPORT THE ROTARY FOUNDATION
THE POLIOPLUS SOCIETY
Join the PolioPlus Society in District 5370.
Donations are matched annually 2-to-1 by the Gates Foundation up to US$50 million, generating a potential total of US$150 million toward polio eradication.
Raise awareness in your community by planning events or projects that support the fight against polio.
Visit endpolio.org to find the latest information and tools to help you share the story of our fight against polio and raise support.
Ending this disease forever remains our top humanitarian priority and needs our full commitment.
How can you take action? Donate to End Polio
Rotary remains committed to eradicating polio, despite the U.S. decision to withdraw from the WHO, a key partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).
As a founding GPE partner, Rotary has worked for decades with governments and organizations to reduce polio cases by 99.9% since 1988.
The organization remans dedicated to protecting every child, even in the most remote and challenging regions.
Rotary is confident that GPEI will continue to adapt, innovate, and ensure vaccine accessibility worldwide.
Additionally, Rotary’s collaboration with USAID has been affected by a stop-work order, impacting various projects, including the Hearts of Europe initiative.
Rotary has informed those involved and is working on alternative funding solutions to support ongoing efforts. Despite these challenges, Rotary remains resolute in achieving a polio-free world.
Having eradicated smallpox, humanity can now ensure polio becomes the second disease eliminated globally, fulfilling the long-standing promise of a healthier future for all.
The
is a creation of District 1700. Please send any comments or suggestons to laminute1700@gmail.com.
Rotarian Minute
INTERNATIONAL DATES TO NOTE (plus links)
Saturday, March 1
Zero Discrimination Day
Monday, March 3
World Wildlife Day
Wednesday, March 5
International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness
Saturday, March 8
International Women’s Day
Saturday, March 15
International Day to Combat Islamophobia
Thursday, March 20
International Day of Happiness
Friday, March 21
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination World Down Syndrome Day
Saturday, March 22
World Water Day
Sunday, March 23
International Day of Zero Waste
Monday, March 24
World Tuberculosis Day
Mark your calendars – Tuesday, April 22, 2025
55th Anniversary of Earth Day!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Calculate your carbon footprint Click here.
OUR FRAGILE ENVIRONMENT
ROTARY’S 7TH AREA OF FOCUS
Rotary and the Environment: Addressing Climate Challenges 2
Rotary International officially recognized Protecting the Environment as its 7th Area of Focus in 2020, acknowledging that environmental challenges are deeply connected to human well-being, economic stability, and global peace.
Climate change is one of the most urgent environmental threats, and Rotary clubs worldwide are stepping up to address this crisis through advocacy, education, and action.
Key Environmental Challenges Linked to Climate Change
1. Rising Global Temperatures
o Greenhouse gas emissions from human activities (fossil fuels, deforestation, agriculture) are increasing Earth's temperature.
o This leads to more extreme weather events, prolonged droughts, wildfires, and rising sea levels. https://climate.ec.europa.eu/climate-change/causes-climate-change_en?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.c2es.org/content/extreme-weather-and-climate-change/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Water Scarcity & Pollution
o Climate change intensifies water shortages, affecting drinking water, sanitation, and agriculture.
o Pollution from industrial waste, plastics, and chemicals further degrades water quality. https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/climate-issues/water?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.safewater.org/fact-sheets-1/2017/1/23/industrial-waste?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Deforestation & Biodiversity Loss
o Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO₂, but rapid deforestation contributes to climate change. https://iucn.org/resources/issues-brief/plastic-pollution?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://news.clas.ufl.edu/climate-change-threatens-global-forest-carbon-sequestration-study-finds/?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://royalsociety.org/news-resources/projects/biodiversity/deforestation-and-biodiversity/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. Food Insecurity & Agriculture Struggles
o Changing weather patterns lead to crop failures, soil degradation, and loss of traditional farming practices.
o This disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, increasing poverty and displacement. https://www.epa.gov/climateimpacts/climate-change-impacts-agriculture-and-food-supply?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/climate-issues/human-security?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11069-023-06070-2?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2 Source: Compiled with assistance from ChatGPT, OpenAI, February 2025.
5. Extreme Weather & Disaster Response
o More frequent hurricanes, floods, and wildfires devastate communities, requiring extensive humanitarian aid.
o Rotary plays a role in disaster preparedness and response through emergency relief efforts. https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/humanitarian-aid/climate-change-and-environment/humanitarian-aiddonors-declaration-climate-and-environment_en?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.iied.org/connecting-humanitarians-climate-change?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes/disaster-response?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://my.rotary.org/en/disaster-response-fund?utm_source=chatgpt.com
6. Air Pollution & Public Health Risks
o Poor air quality, driven by fossil fuel use and industrial pollution, causes respiratory diseases and premature deaths.
o Rotary initiatives include clean energy projects and air quality monitoring programs. https://hsph.harvard.edu/climate-health-c-change/news/fossil-fuel-air-pollution-responsible-for-1-in-5-deathsworldwide/?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.eesi.org/papers/view/fact-sheet-climate-environmental-and-health-impacts-of-fossil-fuels2021?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.rotary.org/en/eleven-eco-friendly-service-projects-around-world?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://esrag.org/blog/2023/01/04/protecting-the-air-we-need-to-live/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
7. Plastic & Waste Management Crisis
o Single-use plastics and improper waste disposal pollute land and oceans.
o Rotary clubs engage in clean-up efforts, recycling projects, and sustainable waste management education.
https://iucn.org/resources/issues-brief/plastic-pollution?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.pbs.org/wnet/peril-and-promise/2023/11/how-single-use-plastics-hurt-our-oceans-and-warm-ourplanet/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.rotary.org/en/eleven-eco-friendly-service-projects-around-world?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://esrag.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Rotary’s Role in Environmental Solutions
Rotary clubs worldwide are leading eco-friendly initiatives such as:
� � Tree Planting & Reforestation – Rebuilding green spaces to absorb CO₂ and protect biodiversity.
� � Renewable Energy & Clean Cooking – Promoting solar, wind, and alternative fuels for sustainable communities.
� � Water Conservation & Sanitation – Ensuring clean water access through filtration, conservation, and sustainable practices.
� � Plastic Waste Reduction – Organizing recycling drives, advocating for sustainable packaging, and promoting education.
� � Climate Education & Advocacy – Raising awareness about sustainable choices and empowering local action.
Final Thought: Small Actions, Big Impact
While climate challenges seem overwhelming, small, consistent actions whether reducing waste, using clean energy, or planting trees contribute to a larger movement.
Rotary’s service-based approach ensures that environmental solutions not only fight climate change but also uplift communities, fostering sustainability for future generations. Tuesday, April 22, 2025 is the 55th anniversary of Earth Day.
We invite everyone to support Earth Day’s 2025 theme: OUR POWER, OUR PLANET™.
There are many ways you can get involved and make a difference for our planet on Earth Day and every day.
Join millions worldwide in Earth Day 2025 activities. Attend a local event or plan and register your own.
Below you’ll find resources such as Quizzes, Fact Sheets, Articles and More to help you celebrate Earth Day this year in your community, at home, at work and at school.
Did you know?
Packed into standard shipping containers and placed end-to-end, municipal solid waste generated in one year would wrap around the globe 25 times.
Increasing resource use is the main driver of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Without urgent action, municipal solid waste generation will balloon to 3.8 billion tons annually by 2050.
Every year the textile sector produces 2–8 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, and it uses 215 trillion litres of water, the equivalent of 86 million Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Doubling the number of times a garment is worn would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 44 per cent.
Source: UNEP and UN-Habitat
AN IMPORTANT SHORT VIDEO
Click here to view a short video on the truth about. Fast Fashion
Life moves fast. Fashion moves Faster.
New season, new styles, buy more, buy cheap, move on, throw away: the pollution, waste, and emissions of fast fashion are fueling an ecological crisis.
There is no better time to rethink what is bought, what is thrown away, and what it costs the planet. Sustainable fashion and circularity in the textiles value chain is possible, yet this century the world’s consumers are buying more clothes and wearing them for less time than ever before, discarding garments as fast as trends shift.
UNEP is spearheading an initiative towards a zero-waste world and, as part of this ambitious outlook, has partnered with Kenyan spoken word poet Beatrice Kariuki to shed light on high impact sectors where every individual can make a difference.
To fight the pervasive impact of pollution on society, UNEP launched #BeatPollution, a strategy for rapid, largescale and coordinated action against air, land and water pollution. The strategy highlights the impact of pollution on climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and human health.
Through science-based messaging, the campaign showcases how transitioning to a pollution-free planet is vital for future generations. Get involved: www.unep.org/beatpollution
Fast Fashion. Fast fashion, characterised by the rapid production of low-cost clothing to meet ever-changing trends, poses significant dangers to the environment.
One of the most pressing issues is the sheer volume of waste it generates. With clothing often designed to be worn only a few times before being discarded, millions of tonnes of textile waste end up in landfills each year. These synthetic fibres, like polyester and nylon, can take hundreds of years to decompose, releasing harmful microplastics into the soil and waterways in the process.
Additionally, the fast fashion industry is notorious for its excessive water usage and pollution. Dyeing and treating fabrics require vast amounts of water and chemicals, contaminating rivers and affecting aquatic ecosystems.
Moreover, the environmental cost extends to the carbon footprint of fast fashion.
The industry is responsible for approximately 10% of global carbon emissions, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. This is largely due to the energy-intensive processes involved in manufacturing, transportation, and the reliance on non-renewable resources such as petroleum-based fibres. As the demand for quick and cheap fashion grows, so does the pressure on natural resources and the acceleration of climate change.
The cycle of overproduction, overconsumption, and disposal not only strains the environment but also perpetuates unsustainable practices that threaten the planet's future.
Addressing the dangers of fast fashion requires a shift towards sustainable consumption, ethical production, and a cultural change in how we view and value clothing.
We can do better!
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
RI and USAID: 18-Year Humanitarian Partnership
According to Rotary International's website, "Rotary International and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) partner to assist communities and governments to plan, finance and deliver safe water, sanitation and hygiene services, while sustainably managing water resources."
Rotary notes the recent announcement that the United States intends to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), a partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).
We remain resolute in our mission to eradicate polio.
As a founding partner of the GPEI, Rotary has for decades worked closely with all the GPEI partners, the U.S. government, and other governments to end polio worldwide. This effort has reduced the number of children paralyzed by polio by 99.9% since 1988.
The global effort to eradicate polio has innovated many times over the years to come close to protecting every last child.
Learn more and donate to End Polio Now
Although this decision creates new challenges, Rotary remains dedicated to ensuring that every child is protected from this preventable disease.
We are confident that the GPEI will continue to adapt, to innovate, and to implement effective strategies to keep polio vaccines available for every child in the United States and around the world, especially those in the most challenging and remote regions. The most important decisions leading to a polio-free world are made every day by parents who present their children for vaccination.
We remain committed to working with all GPEI partners to fulfill the promise of a polio-free world.
Together, we have ended smallpox, and together, we can ensure that polio becomes the second human disease to be eradicated from the planet.
Rotary, USAID projects
Rotary has collaborated with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) since 2009 on different types of programs.
Our current programmatic efforts and communications with USAID personnel and leadership are on hold due to the stop-work order issued by USAID.
Rotary International has already notified members whose projects are directly impacted by this order and is working to continue to support them in their impactful work.
We are navigating the implications of the recent stop-work order issued for Hearts of Europe projects that are part of a partnership with USAID.
All projects that are currently in an implementation phase have been notified and given information about what actions need to be taken while the stop-work order is in effect.
We are working directly with those projects that are not yet being implemented to determine alternative funding for their important work.
6 February 2025
ROTARY’S FOUR-WAY TEST
A Thoughtful Start to any day
Let us all continue to reflect on the Rotary Four-Way Test, a guiding principle for how we interact with one another – within our clubs, with our members – not just outside of our Rotary club meetings. It reminds us to ask ourselves:
• Is it the truth?
• Is it fair to all concerned?
• Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
• Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
These simple but profound questions are at the heart of what it means to be a Rotarian. They encourage us to approach every interaction with integrity, fairness, kindness, and respect. Do we engage our fellow members? Do we embrace our members as truly important? We are all volunteers!
Our words have power power to inspire, uplift, and connect. May we use them wisely in all situations to support one another and foster the goodwill that makes our Rotary family so special.
Here’s to a year of meaningful conversations, shared laughter, and unwavering kindness!
Click the 4-way test above and open the link to hear the Four-Way Test by RC of Saskatoon Nutana
FAST FORWARD TO APRIL –Our Environment
Rotary shares an interest in protecting our common legacy: the environment.
We are committed to supporting activities that
• Strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources
• Advance ecological sustainability, and
• Foster harmony between communities and the environment.
Click here to listen to We are the World.
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.
ShelterBox: Providing Emergency Shelter and Hope in Times of Crisis
ShelterBox is a global disaster relief organization that provides emergency shelter and essential supplies to families affected by natural disasters and conflict. Founded in 2000 as a Rotary Club project in Cornwall, UK, ShelterBox has grown into an international humanitarian organization, responding to crises around the world. Their distinctive green boxes contain life-saving essentials, including tents, tools, solar lights, blankets, cooking equipment, and water purification systems everything needed to help families rebuild their lives after losing their homes.
In partnership with Rotary International and other humanitarian agencies, ShelterBox swiftly delivers aid to the hardest-hit areas, often reaching remote and challenging locations. The organization's mission goes beyond just providing physical shelter; they bring hope and dignity to those who have lost everything. Whether it’s after an earthquake, flood, cyclone, or conflict, ShelterBox is there to ensure that no family is left without shelter. Their work is made possible through generous donations and the dedicated efforts of volunteers worldwide, offering a beacon of hope and security in the darkest of times.
https://rotarycalgary2025.org/host-hospitality-event-landing-page
See a short video here about host hospitality at a Rotary International Convention –specifically Calgary.
Host Hospitality Evening is a Rotary Convention tradition in which registrants are given a memorable evening of local hospitality and international fellowship. Local customs and interaction between guests and hosts are an integral part of this Experience.
Our Host Organizing Committee is working closely with local Clubs in Calgary and the surrounding area to provide an experience at Rotarians’ homes, restaurants, and larger venues. Your evening consists of dinner (including transportation) with local Rotarians.
We are working very hard to secure as many private dinners at Rotarians’ homes as possible and we will do our very best to ensure Convention registrants who wish to be part of the Host Hospitality Experience are accommodated. We will also have transportation for those with mobility challenges.
To attend this sought after Experience, sign up when registering. The cost is $50 US.
Ticketing for Host Hospitality will close in late April 2025 to allow us ample time to get necessary information to our guests and hosts.
We are looking forward to “Hosting the World for Dinner” on June 23, 2025 in Calgary!!
HOST HOSPITALITY AT THE RI CONVENTION
Host Hospitality at a Rotary International Convention is one of the most cherished traditions, offering attendees a unique and personal glimpse into the local culture and fellowship of the host city.
This program connects Rotarians and their guests with local Rotary members who open their homes, clubs, or favorite venues for an evening of friendship, food, and cultural exchange.
What to Expect
During a Host Hospitality event, visiting Rotarians have the opportunity to enjoy an authentic local experience. It might include:
• A home-cooked meal or a shared dinner at a favorite local restaurant.
• A tour of local landmarks, often accompanied by stories and insights from local Rotarians.
• Entertainment, such as music, dancing, or storytelling, showcasing the cultural richness of the region.
• An intimate setting to share stories, build friendships, and exchange Rotary experiences.
Why It’s Special
• Fellowship Beyond Borders: It fosters meaningful connections that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.
• Cultural Immersion: Visitors get to experience the host city in a way that goes beyond typical tourist activities.
• Memorable Connections: Many Rotarians leave with not just memories but lasting friendships.
• How It Reflects Rotary’s Values
Host Hospitality beautifully demonstrates Rotary’s commitment to Service Above Self, as host members generously share their time, resources, and homes.
It also exemplifies the Spirit of international understanding and goodwill, a cornerstone of Rotary’s mission.
Whether you’re attending your first Rotary International Convention or are a seasoned participant, Host Hospitality is an enriching opportunity to connect with the heart of Rotary fellowship and the culture of the host city.
It's a perfect reminder of how Rotary unites people from all walks of life under a common purpose: creating a better world together. It’s the Magic of Rotary!
Your in-person registration includes a full day of activities:
• Admission to the convention’s opening and closing ceremonies, general sessions, breakout sessions, and the House of Friendship.
• Transportation between your hotel and the convention venue, if you booked your hotel through Rotary’s official housing partner, Maritz Events.
What’s not included:
• Preconvention events
• Rotary- and host-ticketed events
• Housing, meals, and transportation to and from the airport
• If you register as Saturday, House of Friendship only, anything other than access to the House of Friendship on Saturday, 21 June, is not included
Cancellations
and refunds
Should you need to cancel a registration, a $50 processing fee applies to each registrant (each person). Requests to cancel registrants or Rotary-ticketed events must be received in writing by 30 April 2025. Cancellations caused by visa denial must be received in writing by 25 June 2025.
We prefer you cancel online, but you can also email ri.registration@rotary.org or fax +1-847-556-2194.
RI will refund registration and ticket fees if the convention is cancelled but is not responsible for travel or other related costs incurred by Rotarians and their guests.
Registration and tickets are not transferable.
� The Power of Water & Sanitation – March Inspiration �
1. "Water is life's matter and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water."
Albert Szent-Györgyi
2. "When the well is dry, we know the worth of water."
Benjamin Franklin
3. "Sanitation is more important than independence."
Mahatma Gandhi
4. "Whoever you are, wherever you are, water is your human right."
UN-Water
5. "The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it."
Robert Swan
6. "A drop of water is worth more than a sack of gold to a thirsty man."
Unknown
7. "Every time you spend money, you're casting a vote for the kind of world you want."
Anna Lappé
8. "Water is the driving force of all nature."
Leonardo da Vinci
9. "The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members."
Mahatma Gandhi
10. "We never know the worth of water till the well is dry."
Thomas Fuller
But no -
When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever. In its place is something that you have left behind. Let it be something good. 3 3 Author unknown
Advantages of Mass Adoption of EVs and Hybrids 4
1. Lower Emissions
o EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases.
o Hybrids significantly cut emissions compared to gasoline-only cars.
2. Energy Efficiency
o EVs are far more efficient in converting energy to motion than gasoline engines.
o Regenerative braking in hybrids and EVs helps maximize efficiency.
3. Lower Operating Costs
o Electricity is generally cheaper than gasoline.
o Fewer moving parts mean reduced maintenance (e.g., no oil changes in EVs).
4. Energy Independence
o Reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels.
o Potential for renewable energy sources to power vehicles.
5. Technological Advancement
o Encourages innovation in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and grid improvements.
Disadvantages and Challenges
1. Infrastructure Limitations
o Charging stations are still not as widespread as gas stations, making long trips difficult.
o Home charging requires access to a reliable power source, which is not available to all.
2. High Upfront Costs
o EVs remain more expensive than gas cars, though prices are decreasing.
o Hybrids offer a balance but still cost more than traditional vehicles.
3. Battery Production & Disposal
o Mining for lithium, cobalt, and nickel has environmental and ethical concerns.
o Battery recycling is improving but remains a challenge.
4. Charging Time vs. Refueling
o Fast-charging stations are improving, but charging still takes longer than refueling a gas tank.
5. Electric Grid Demand
o A full transition to EVs requires upgrading power grids to handle increased electricity demand.
o Renewable energy integration must expand to maximize environmental benefits.
6. Limited Options in Some Vehicle Segments
o Heavy-duty trucks, farm equipment, and some specialty vehicles still have limited EV alternatives.
Key Takeaway
Switching to EVs and hybrids is an important step toward sustainability, but the transition is complex.
While individuals can make changes, large-scale shifts require infrastructure improvements, cost reductions, and policy support. Compared to other eco-friendly actions (like reducing plastic waste or improving home energy efficiency), vehicle transition is a much bigger challenge, but one that must be tackled strategically over time.
4 Compiled with assistance from ChatGPT, OpenAI, February 2025.