Sharing Our Foundation Good News
Our Rotary Foundation – A Global Force for Good
By: Gregg Dowty, Dover RC
At a January meeting to discuss ShareForever and the significance of The Rotary Foundation, I shared some thoughts. The Rotarians present felt that they were inspirational and asked me to share them with you.
Recently Rotary International responded to the decision of the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization, a partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). RI stated that “we remain resolute in our mission to eradicate polio.” Through GPEI efforts, in which Rotary has had a significant role, we stand on the verge of eliminating this dangerous disease from the face of the earth. Other announcements and decisions have been made which cause us to consider our own role as Rotarians and members of our society regarding the needs of our fellow human beings.
Rotarians take pride in supporting worthwhile projects in their communities and throughout the world. Whether it be through hands-on action to provide food for the hungry, promoting literacy and education in our schools, ensuring clean water for people in remote communities, or working toward peace across the globe, Rotarians have stepped forward to make a difference in our world. Rotarians have given of their time, their talents and their wealth when called upon and have contributed to the well-being of countless children, families and individuals.
It has been said that our existence as a society can be thought of as a three-legged stool that requires the three legs to function together. Government ensures our safety and well-being through laws and programs supporting individuals and communities. The for-profit sector produces and delivers the goods and services that meet our needs to ensure our survival. The non-profits sector attends to the fabric of our society by delivering on the missions that enhance our daily lives. Just as the stool cannot stand without all three legs, our society cannot stand without all three sectors remaining healthy and working together.
Rotary is a critical part of that non-profit sector and support for the Rotary Foundation is a way Rotarians can ensure our many efforts to care for and improve the lives of our fellow human beings will continue. The ShareForever Initiative is designed to provide funding for our work in perpetuity. Through your contributions and commitment to Rotary we can continue to make a difference in our world. In this uncertain time when change is happening quickly, and we often do not know the ramifications of these changes, Rotary and Rotarians can stand as a calming and stabilizing factor through our actions and our resolve.