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To health and happiness

One small act create lasting change in the world as well, and mental
That fellowship gives us the courage and means to
his month’s special issue of Rotary
M T arch is here, and for Rotary Interna- amplified when we work together. Through our stra-
magazine is all about happiness, that
Partnerships remind us that Rotary’s impact is
health services are in desperate need of improvement.
most elemental of human yearnings.
tional, that means celebrating Water,
More than a feeling, though, this state of
The WHO reports that governments on average de-
Sanitation, and Hygiene Month — a
tegic alliance with the United Nations Environment
positive well-being, and the conditions
vote only 2 percent of their health budgets to mental
time to shine a spotlight on one of the
necessary to create and sustain it, should be consid-
health, and only 11 percent of that funding reaches
most transformative areas of our work.
for Fresh Water initiative. This program equips Ro-
ered a universal right. Programme, we’re advancing the Community Action
community-based services. In some countries, only
This month is an opportunity to reflect on The Magic tary members with the tools and resources to protect,
one trained mental health professional is available
December also marks Rotary’s Disease Prevention
of Rotary and the profound impact we create when we restore, and sustain freshwater ecosystems.
for every 100,000 people. The WHO has called for
and Treatment Month, when we highlight our mem-
come together with determination and purpose. When we make use of Rotary grants and advocate
strategic and urgent action to close the gap.
bers’ work to promote health and wellness, including
Years ago, I experienced this magic firsthand in for clean water in our communities, we create a ripple
Rotary can answer that call by championing
mental wellness. Globally, nearly 1 in 7 people have a
the Dominican Republic. When a group of members effect that extends far beyond individual projects.
mental health disorder, according to a recent World
mental health awareness in our clubs, working with
helped people install water filters, three children As we embrace the spirit of the month, I encourage
Health Organization report. Yet only 9 percent of
local health systems, funding training for community
watched with amazement as dirty water entered one every Rotary member to seek out new partnerships.
people with depression receive adequate treatment.
health workers, and supporting initiatives that bring
end of a filter and clean water emerged from the other. Collaboration multiplies our efforts and helps us
We are fortunate in Rotary to have a powerful
care to places where none exists. Even small invest-
When we paused the demonstration, one child tugged reach more people in need.
ments in mental health yield enormous returns in
way to support emotional well-being and happiness:
at my sleeve and pleaded, “Show me the magic again.” Whether it’s joining forces with local organiza-
productivity, public health, and happiness.
friendship. The connections we build in Rotary can
To them, it felt magical. It was also the result of tions, forming alliances with international agencies,
be a powerful force for change. I know this from
While we are creating lasting change in the world,
countless hours of effort — planning, transporting, or mobilizing your community, every step we take
we cannot forget to take care of each other. Past RI
personal experience.
and installing the filters — alongside local partners together brings us closer to a world where everyone
When my fellow members first proposed that I
President Gordon McInally wisely reminds us that we
who were dedicated to making clean water acces- has access to clean water and safe sanitation.
must go beyond asking, “How are you?” We owe it to
become club president, I demurred. I had a stutter.
sible. In that moment, I realized that what seemed The Magic of Rotary shines brightest when we
I was terrified of speaking. But having club mem-
each other to instead ask, “How are you really?”
like a small act could change residents’ lives. That is work in harmony with others to create lasting good.
bers who supported me and surrounded me with
As we transition to a new year filled with new
The Magic of Rotary. Together, we can turn dreams into realities that
affection enabled me to face my fear, and I found a
possibilities, let us Unite for Good — for healing,
This story is a testament to the incredible potential transform lives and communities. The result may feel
way to stand confidently before a crowd.
friendship, and access to happiness.
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 STEPHANIE A. URCHICK DECEMBER 2025 ROTARY 1
Today, I regularly address audiences — some num-
ects exemplify our reach, our partnerships, and our
of our collective commitment and compassion. Let’s
bering in the thousands — in a language that is not
harness this magic to make a difference this month
native to me. The Rotary members in my life helped
FRANCESCO AREZZO
and beyond.
Rotary’s work with USAID. That partnership has en-
President, Rotary International
me create lasting change within myself.
abled us to work with communities and governments
to improve access to sustainable water and sanitation
services for thousands of people in the Dominican
4
臺灣扶輪 2025.12
President, Rotary International
Republic, Ghana, the Philippines, and Uganda.
MARCH 2025 ROTARY 1
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