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Toward a greater vision
R otary is at its best when we foster a sense Centers at leading universities around the globe,
We offer the fellowships through our Rotary Peace
of inclusion and belonging in our clubs. In
fact, I would go so far as to say that belong-
where more than 1,800 Rotary Peace Fellows have
ing is The Magic of Rotary itself.
With a focus on inclusivity and belong- graduated. And thanks to a $15.5 million gift from the
Otto and Fran Walter Foundation, we can continue
ing, it is easier to be united in a common purpose. supporting peacebuilders in more regions with the
When we are committed to one another and focused next peace center at Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul.
on our goals, we are most effective. Opening another peace center is a monumental
Rotary’s Action Plan can help. The Action Plan achievement, and it is my great honor to invite you
comes with tools you can use to collect feedback, to celebrate at next year’s Rotary Presidential Peace
assess your club’s strengths and weaknesses, and ad- Conference at the Istanbul center. The three-day
dress challenges. conference 20-22 February will highlight the many
The world is changing, and our clubs can’t afford ways our family of Rotary advances peacebuilding.
to stand still. But the changes we make need to be Registration for the conference is officially open. I
consistent and strategic — building on one another hope to see you there.
toward a greater vision. The Action Plan can help you The 2025 Rotary Presidential Peace Conference
work toward that vision and create effective change has great potential for our peacebuilding efforts —
within your club. Following the Action Plan and ad- but only if we have your support.
dressing suggestions from the community will go a The truth is, we’re not going to bring peace to the
long way to fostering the sense of belonging we want world, end polio, or grow membership by waving a
all Rotary members to feel in their clubs. wand and saying some funny words. It’s up to you. You
That’s why expanding our commitment to create the magic with every project completed, every Learn about
Rotary’s Action
diversity, equity, and inclusion is so important. dollar donated, and every new member inducted. Plan at rotary.
I love my Rotary family and I know you do too.
Committing ourselves to each other’s well-being is That’s why I know that together, we can make every org/actionplan.
Photograph by Lucy Hewett spread Positive Peace in these troubled times. STEPHANIE A. URCHICK Register for the
the first step to expanding our reach, allowing us to
club and district simply irresistible. This year, let us
2025 Rotary
change the world by embracing The Magic of Rotary.
Peacebuilding is one of our top priorities, and one
Presidential
of the most effective ways we can build peace is with
Peace
our Rotary Peace Fellowships, through which peace
Conference
and development professionals learn how to prevent
at rotary.org/
and end conflict.
4 ᇃᢊ׭ᎈȁ2024.7 President, Rotary International istanbul25.