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The first glimmers of a lasting change
am deeply gratified by Rotary magazine’s focus on initiatives. Bindi Rajasegaran will talk about a Rotary-
mental health in this edition — and I’m ecstatic led project in Malaysia helping children develop skills
about the enthusiasm shown across the world in to cope with mental health challenges and building
the past year to better support the mental health capacity for support throughout the country.
I
needs of each other and the people we serve. In addition, Rita Aggarwal, an officer of the Rotary
In January 2023 when I first spoke about the need Action Group on Mental Health Initiatives, will be
for Rotary to become more engaged on this crisis, I recognized for her success in applying the Wellness in
noted that the global mental health system couldn’t a Box framework, a mental health literacy approach
be described as broken only because it didn’t exist. for adolescents, in her hometown of Nagpur, India.
But I also offered a highly aspirational wish that Ro- Read about the project in the “Stand by me” feature.
tary could help build that system. This highly scalable and clinically backed framework
The first glimmers of this vision have been brought can be adapted for use just about anywhere — reach
to light by you in dozens of mental health projects. But out to the action group if your club would like to sup-
just as important is the invitation many of you have port or implement it.
given to fellow Rotary members to share their stories. As we look ahead, the Rotary Action Group on
I am impressed by the leadership young Rotar- Mental Health Initiatives will play a critical leadership
ians and Rotaractors have shown, and some of their role in promoting proven, measurable projects. In
brave, inspiring stories are highlighted in these pages. doing so, it will empower clubs to focus on initiatives
Former Rotaractor Freddie Almazan has an especially that drive scalable, sustainable impact.
powerful personal narrative that you can learn about After you’ve read through the magazine, I invite
here — and hear firsthand at this month’s Rotary you to go to the Learning Center on My Rotary and
PHOTOGRAPH: MONIKA LOZINSKA of a project with the kind of sustainable impact that When we focus on impact, we bring Rotary’s vision
check out the Increase Your Impact series, which
International Convention in Singapore.
You can read in this issue about a great example
includes a wonderful short video explaining impact.
statement to life, creating lasting change across the
creates lasting change: Rotary clubs in Colorado
endowing a pediatric mental health fellowship at
globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Children’s Hospital Colorado.
At the convention, you can also hear from 2024
People of Action honorees lauded for the impact they R. GORDON R. MCINALLY

4 and their clubs have made through mental health President, Rotary International
ᇃᢊ׭ᎈȁ2024.5