Welcome to "World Understanding" Month!

Posted by Patricia Steward

on Feb 02, 2011

As set forth in the Object of Rotary, the aim of this fourth avenue of service is "to encourage and foster . . . the advancement of international understanding, good will, and peace through a world fellowship of business professionals united in the ideal of service." In no other service activity are you so likely to develop an appreciation of the full scope of Rotary, for with this aim in mind you join forces with more than 1.2 million fellow Rotarians in more than 200 countries or geographical regions in a never-ending effort to bring better understanding among the peoples of the world through personal contacts, group discussion, and student aid. As a Rotarian you know that freedom, justice, truth, sanctity of the pledged word, and respect for human rights are inherent in the principles of Rotary. Through International Service you can give evidence of your belief that these things are vital also to the maintenance of international peace and order and to human rights.

Anyone who gives the least thought to the problems of mankind in the 21st century will subscribe to the importance of this goal of Rotary, because international relations dominate our lives.

What influence can Rotary bring to bear on international relations? The simplest answer is that found in the Object of Rotary. The existence of Rotary clubs in so many countries justifies the description of "a world fellowship." And it is through this "world fellowship of business professionals united in the ideal of service" that the individual Rotarian finds his unique opportunity.

Is it not amazing, when you come to think of it, that Rotary introduces you to personal acquaintances with members scattered over the globe in some 33,000 clubs, often in positions of exceptional knowledge and leadership in their nations, these Rotarians are accessible to you as allies and partners in the work of international service. You cannot know all of them personally, of course, but when the occasion arises you can approach any one of them with the assurance of sharing a common interest and purpose.

That is only one side of the unique equipment for international service found in Rotary. The other is supplied by the ability and influence of Rotary in our own community.

Contrary to popular belief, the power that produces decisions in world affairs is not in the hands of diplomats or heads of states. Rather that power is controlled by public opinion as it develops at the grass roots. And what group of people in our community have a greater ability to influence local opinion than the members of our own Rotary club? They are the employers of labour, the teachers of youth, the directors of newspaper and radio, etc.

When the Object of Rotary refers to "world fellowship," the impact of the local club on local opinion as well as the world-wide liaison is included. Actually both aspects are involved in almost every activity of international service. When you get a letter from a Rotarian in another country giving background information or a special view of some situation that is disturbing international relations, you will not keep his message to yourself. You will tell your friends about it, and according to its significance have it reported in the club or even in the newspaper or on the radio. Or the efforts to mobilize international enthusiasm in your community may be directed toward meeting a need in another country in cooperation with Rotary clubs there. Victims of war, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, etc., are among the many beneficiaries of international good will generated by Rotary clubs.

The personal touch is the keynote for each undertaking in international service. Personal acquaintance is Rotary's prime commodity and contribution. It may seem the longest way round as an approach to the critical issues that divide the nations, but time and again it has proved the shortest way home to real and lasting understanding. Around the world, clubs that are near international boundaries cultivate personal acquaintance through inter-city meetings. Such clubs in Canada and the US hold a good-will meeting each year in Winnipeg and meetings held at the International Peace Park, which Rotarians of Alberta, Canada, and Montana, persuaded their governments to establish. In Europe, inter-country committees of Rotarians foster many kinds of contact across national boundaries.

Perhaps the most dramatic illustration of the power of personal acquaintance to overcome differences of language, religion, and nationality is the annual International Assembly. Here are gathered for a week of hard preparation the incoming district governors of all the countries where there are Rotary clubs. Many firm and lasting friendships result from this brief experience. And you can enjoy similar contacts yourself at international conventions held each year.