As we enter the last week of February and its theme of Peace and Conflict Prevention & Resolution, it is important to remember that peace is embedded in all that we do as Rotarians. Each of our seven areas of focus has an impact on peacebuilding and conflict prevention, and it is incumbent on us as Rotarians to become true ambassadors for peace. There is also so much available to us in which to promote peace, from joining the Rotary Action Group for Peace, learning about the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery and Rotary Safe Families, starting a Rotary Friendship Exchange across the international Rotary community to erecting Peace Poles and undertaking other peace projects. Rotary has a rich history in promoting peace and there is much we can do to continue this into the future.
Rotary in Australia and New Zealand has promoted the advancement of international goodwill and peace for 100 years through its many humanitarian aid and education programs. This centenary of peacebuilding is worthy of celebration. Through The Future of Peace Leadership symposium, we will bring together leaders in peace and conflict resolution to provide perspectives on challenging global and domestic issues and discuss how we can all contribute towards building a more peaceful world. The symposium will take place on 21st and 22nd April 2021, and for more details, or to register, go to: https://peaceleadership.org.au/
There is a new range of learning and resource materials now available to Rotarians and clubs on the My Rotary Learning Centre website called ‘Australia & New Zealand’s Centenary’. These resources will assist you with promoting Rotary through your events and initiatives during this year of celebration and I encourage you to visit this site.
During this past week, I visited the Calder Cluster (Castlemaine, Daylesford, Gisborne, Kyneton and Woodend), the Rotary e-Club of Melbourne and my own Rotary Club of Southbank. It is so pleasing to see the full range of projects in which these clubs are involved and that most now are back to face-to-face meetings. The e-Club that of course meets via Zoom has attendees from different parts of the world and it is wonderful to see such diversity of conversation.
On a final note, I’m pleased to advise that our District 9800 Bushfire Committee has now fully allocated all the funds (approximately $650,000) that were raised last season. It is pleasing to see the difference these funds have made, and are making.
Have a great week everyone … Rotarians are peacebuilders, doing good in the world day-by-day.
Rotary District 9800 Governor Philip Archer