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What community-led development looks like
O ctober is Rotary’s Community Economic their community needs. Our role is not to deliver

charity or to impose outside models, but to foster
Development Month, a time to spot‑
One small act light our efforts to help communities self‑reliance by investing in leadership, skills, and
M arch is here, and for Rotary Interna- amplified when we work together. Through our stra-
sustainable enterprise.
build thriving, sustainable futures. This
Partnerships remind us that Rotary’s impact is
This October, I invite Rotary members worldwide to
month’s observance aligns perfectly with
tional, that means celebrating Water,
the Rotary core value of leadership.
reflect on economic leadership in their communities.
Sanitation, and Hygiene Month — a o guide
Who is stepping forward to lead local economic initia‑
Leadership means empowering people t
tegic alliance with the United Nations Environment
their own progress. That is precisely what Ro
time to shine a spotlight on one of the tary’s
tives? Where is there untapped talent that could be
for Fresh Water initiative. This program equips Ro-
most transformative areas of our work.
supported with training or mentorship? How can your
economic development projects aim to achieve. Programme, we’re advancing the Community Action
This month is an opportunity to reflect on The Magic tary members with the tools and resources to protect,
club catalyze opportunity through partnerships with
Take, for example, a recent initiative in southern
of Rotary and the profound impact we create when we restore, and sustain freshwater ecosystems.
India in which Rotary members unlocked the power
local businesses, vocational schools, or savings groups?
come together with determination and purpose. When we make use of Rotary grants and advocate
of women of the Adivasi tribal groups through sewing
Leadership is not always about being visible.
Years ago, I experienced this magic firsthand in for clean water in our communities, we create a ripple
training to earn a living and regain social inclusion.
Sometimes it means listening, working collab‑
the Dominican Republic. When a group of members effect that extends far beyond individual projects.
Historically, widows and abandoned women in this
oratively, and amplifying the voices of others. That
helped people install water filters, three children As we embrace the spirit of the month, I encourage
approach lies at the heart of Rotary’s philosophy and
region lose social standing and are shunned by soci‑
watched with amazement as dirty water entered one every Rotary member to seek out new partnerships.
our lasting impact on economic development.
ety or blamed for their misfortunes. Opportunities to
end of a filter and clean water emerged from the other. Collaboration multiplies our efforts and helps us
By building capacity — whether through microcredit
support themselves or obtain training are minimal.
When we paused the demonstration, one child tugged reach more people in need.
groups, vocational training workshops, or entrepre‑
This year, the Rotary Club of Windsor‑Roseland,
at my sleeve and pleaded, “Show me the magic again.” Whether it’s joining forces with local organiza-
Ontario, partnered with clubs in Districts 3203 and
neurship programs — we enable communities to lead
To them, it felt magical. It was also the result of tions, forming alliances with international agencies,
their own transformation. When people take owner‑
3234 in India — and with the Indian organization
countless hours of effort — planning, transporting, or mobilizing your community, every step we take
Sevalaya Trust — to provide sewing machines and
ship of their progress, change becomes sustainable.
PHOTOGRAPH: MONIKA LOZINSKA
and installing the filters — alongside local partners together brings us closer to a world where everyone
training to 80 Adivasi women. They learned to stitch
Let us lead with good intention and provide sup‑
who were dedicated to making clean water acces- has access to clean water and safe sanitation.
saree blouses, kurta tunics, and salwar suits, enabling
port with heart. By nurturing local leadership, we can
PHOTOGRAPH: MONIKA LOZINSKA
sible. In that moment, I realized that what seemed The Magic of Rotary shines brightest when we
create opportunities that ripple through communi‑
them to support themselves and their families. Each
like a small act could change residents’ lives. That is work in harmony with others to create lasting good.
ties, empowering individuals, families, and societies.
woman received a certificate for completing the pro‑
The Magic of Rotary. Together, we can turn dreams into realities that
gram, and the sewing‑machine provider offered free
Together, we can support economies that work for
This story is a testament to the incredible potential transform lives and communities. The result may feel
everyone and enact community development projects
long‑term maintenance for the machines. The project
like magic at times, but we know it’s from the power
of our global family to create change. Water proj-
PHOTOGRAPH: LUCY HEWETT unwavering commitment to improving lives. Consider harness this magic to make a difference this month OCTOBER 2025 ROTARY 1
offered vital income and dignity to women ostracized
that last.
ects exemplify our reach, our partnerships, and our
of our collective commitment and compassion. Let’s
by society after widowhood.
FRANCESCO AREZZO
This story is one example of Rotary leadership in
and beyond.
Rotary’s work with USAID. That partnership has en-
action: local people guiding solutions that address
President, Rotary International
abled us to work with communities and governments
to improve access to sustainable water and sanitation
STEPHANIE A. URCHICK
services for thousands of people in the Dominican
4
臺灣扶輪 2025.10
Republic, Ghana, the Philippines, and Uganda.
President, Rotary International
MARCH 2025 ROTARY 1
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