Page 6 - 2025年11月號

Let us give with gratitude
One small act
M T his November, as we celebrate The Rotary district and global grants, supporting projects large
arch is here, and for Rotary Interna-
Partnerships remind us that Rotary’s impact is
Foundation, I invite you to consider not
and small. A clean water well for a rural community,
amplified when we work together. Through our stra-
tional, that means celebrating Water,
scholarships for young professionals, medical care
only what we give but why we give. The
Sanitation, and Hygiene Month — a
tegic alliance with the United Nations Environment
Foundation is more than a fund for proj-
in the wake of disaster — these are not temporary
time to shine a spotlight on one of the
ects. It is the beating heart of our promise
gestures, but steps toward dignity, resilience, and
most transformative areas of our work. Programme, we’re advancing the Community Action
for Fresh Water initiative. This program equips Ro-
opportunity. This is how Rotary service becomes
that service, rooted in trust and friendship, can cre-
This month is an opportunity to reflect on The Magic tary members with the tools and resources to protect,
lasting impact. And when natural disasters strike,
ate lasting change.
of Rotary and the profound impact we create when we restore, and sustain freshwater ecosystems.
Our Action Plan calls us to increase our impact,
our Foundation allows Rotary to act quickly with
come together with determination and purpose. When we make use of Rotary grants and advocate
disaster response grants.
and the Foundation is how we make this vision
Years ago, I experienced this magic firsthand in for clean water in our communities, we create a ripple
Our Foundation is not about what we can do
real. Since 1988, Rotary and our partners have im-
the Dominican Republic. When a group of members effect that extends far beyond individual projects.
alone but what we can do together. Each contribu-
munized nearly 3 billion children against polio. We
helped people install water filters, three children As we embrace the spirit of the month, I encourage
tion, no matter its size, joins with others to create a
have committed more than $2.6 billion to this cause,
watched with amazement as dirty water entered one every Rotary member to seek out new partnerships.
collective act of faith in humanity and in the future.
and last year alone we directed $146 million toward
end of a filter and clean water emerged from the other. Collaboration multiplies our efforts and helps us
The last mile of any great journey is always the
the final push for eradication. These numbers are
When we paused the demonstration, one child tugged reach more people in need.
hardest. We see this in our final steps toward ending
significant, but the true impact is not in statistics —
at my sleeve and pleaded, “Show me the magic again.” Whether it’s joining forces with local organiza-
it is in the lives of children who will never again fear
polio, in our work for peace, and in every project
To them, it felt magical. It was also the result of tions, forming alliances with international agencies,
that seeks to lift people out of despair. Yet every
polio. It is in the hope restored to families and the
PHOTOGRAPH: CHRISTOPHE VISEUX
countless hours of effort — planning, transporting, or mobilizing your community, every step we take
time we give, we declare that our work will continue
peace built in communities once defined by disease.
and installing the filters — alongside local partners together brings us closer to a world where everyone
PHOTOGRAPH: CHRISTOPHE VISEUX
regardless of the challenge.
But polio is only one story among many. Each year,
who were dedicated to making clean water acces- has access to clean water and safe sanitation.
This November, let us give with gratitude, with
Rotary Peace Centers train new generations of leaders
sible. In that moment, I realized that what seemed The Magic of Rotary shines brightest when we
who will transform conflict into dialogue and division
joy, and with hope. Through our Foundation, we
like a small act could change residents’ lives. That is work in harmony with others to create lasting good.
into understanding. In 2023-24, nearly 100 new fel-
Unite for Good, and in doing so, we leave behind
The Magic of Rotary. Together, we can turn dreams into realities that
not only projects but a legacy of peace, trust, and
lows began their studies, continuing a legacy of more
This story is a testament to the incredible potential transform lives and communities. The result may feel
Service Above Self.
than 1,800 peacebuilders from over 140 countries.
of our global family to create change. Water proj-
like magic at times, but we know it’s from the power
PHOTOGRAPH: LUCY HEWETT unwavering commitment to improving lives. Consider harness this magic to make a difference this month NOVEMBER 2025 ROTARY 1
When we invest in them, we are planting seeds of
of our collective commitment and compassion. Let’s
ects exemplify our reach, our partnerships, and our
FRANCESCO AREZZO
peace that will bear fruit for decades to come.
President, Rotary International
The Foundation also touches lives through
Rotary’s work with USAID. That partnership has en-
and beyond.
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 2025.11
President, Rotary International
Republic, Ghana, the Philippines, and Uganda.
MARCH 2025 ROTARY 1
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