Page 6 - 2026年3月號

The reach of community action

W ater connects us all. From a river in a families. What began as a water project became a
remote forest to a stream running past
foundation for healthier, more resilient communities.
One small act a city neighborhood, freshwater eco- leadership with global partnerships, technical exper-
This is how we extend our reach: combine local
systems sustain humanity. Yet these
tise, and long-term thinking.
waters are increasingly under strain.
arch is here, and for Rotary Interna- Partnerships remind us that Rotary’s impact is
Pollution, overuse, and climate pressures remind us That same spirit is at the heart of Rotary’s
tional, that means celebrating Water,
amplified when we work together. Through our stra-
that protecting freshwater is a global challenge. tegic alliance with the United Nations Environment
partnership with the United Nations Environment
Sanitation, and Hygiene Month — a
M Rotary has always believed change begins within Programme through the Community Action for
time to shine a spotlight on one of the
Programme, we’re advancing the Community Action
communities. Now we are working to see how far the Fresh Water initiative. Around the world, Rotary and
for Fresh Water initiative. This program equips Ro-
most transformative areas of our work.
Rotaract clubs are restoring waterways, protecting
impact of community action can travel. When local
This month is an opportunity to reflect on The Magic tary members with the tools and resources to protect,
service is connected, measured, and shared, it becomes
wetlands, and safeguarding vital freshwater sources.
of Rotary and the profound impact we create when we restore, and sustain freshwater ecosystems.
a force that extends beyond geography and borders.
By collecting data to map and measure this work, we
come together with determination and purpose. When we make use of Rotary grants and advocate
A water project led by the Rotary Club of Panamá
can better understand its impact and show how local
Years ago, I experienced this magic firsthand in for clean water in our communities, we create a ripple
service contributes to worldwide solutions.
Nordeste exemplifies this idea. The project served In-
the Dominican Republic. When a group of members effect that extends far beyond individual projects.
digenous communities in Panama’s Darién province,
Data is not an end. It is a tool that helps us learn
helped people install water filters, three children As we embrace the spirit of the month, I encourage
and improve so that Rotary’s service delivers real,
a region accessible only by canoe and small boat.
watched with amazement as dirty water entered one every Rotary member to seek out new partnerships.
With no roads, limited electricity, and reliance on un-
measurable change. Each project entered and each
end of a filter and clean water emerged from the other. Collaboration multiplies our efforts and helps us
waterway restored adds to a shared story of steward-
treated river water, families faced serious health risks.
When we paused the demonstration, one child tugged reach more people in need.
ship and responsibility. You can learn more and get
To reach these communities, Rotarians had to
at my sleeve and pleaded, “Show me the magic again.” Whether it’s joining forces with local organiza-
involved at communityactionforfreshwater.org.
rethink how supplies and services could be delivered.
To them, it felt magical. It was also the result of tions, forming alliances with international agencies,
Working with a partner club in the United States and
As we observe Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
countless hours of effort — planning, transporting, or mobilizing your community, every step we take
PHOTOGRAPH: MONIKA LOZINSKA
Month, I encourage you to reflect on the freshwater
a specialized water organization, they introduced
and installing the filters — alongside local partners together brings us closer to a world where everyone
systems that sustain your community and the role
solar-powered water treatment systems for an area
who were dedicated to making clean water acces- has access to clean water and safe sanitation.
PHOTOGRAPH: MONIKA LOZINSKA
Rotary can play in protecting them.
without access to an electrical grid. Local leaders
sible. In that moment, I realized that what seemed The Magic of Rotary shines brightest when we
were trained to operate and maintain the system, en-
When we connect local action to a global vision,
like a small act could change residents’ lives. That is work in harmony with others to create lasting good.
suring that clean water would continue flowing long
we strengthen Rotary’s ability to make lasting change.
The Magic of Rotary. Together, we can turn dreams into realities that
after installation crews departed.
Together, by extending our reach and working side by
This story is a testament to the incredible potential transform lives and communities. The result may feel
side, we truly Unite for Good.
The results were immediate. Children who once
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 MARCH 2026 ROTARY 1
missed school due to illness returned to classrooms.
ects exemplify our reach, our partnerships, and our
of our collective commitment and compassion. Let’s
FRANCESCO AREZZO
No longer needing to haul water from rivers, adults
gained time and strength to work and support their
and beyond. President, Rotary International
Rotary’s work with USAID. That partnership has en-
abled us to work with communities and governments
to improve access to sustainable water and sanitation
STEPHANIE A. URCHICK
4
services for thousands of people in the Dominican
臺灣扶輪 2026.3
Republic, Ghana, the Philippines, and Uganda.
mar26-A-PresMessage.indd 1 President, Rotary International MARCH 2025 ROTARY 1 2/2/26 01:39
mar25-A-PresMessage.indd 1 1/28/25 22:27