February- World Understanding Month

The month of February is special in the Rotary calendar since it is designated World Understanding Month. The month also includes the anniversary of the founding of Rotary International on February 23 1905, now designated World Understanding and Peace Day. In designating World Understanding Month, the Rotary International Board asks all Rotary clubs to plan programs for their weekly meetings and undertake special activities to emphasize "understanding and goodwill as essential for world peace." To observe this designated month, many clubs arrange international speakers, invite Youth Exchange students and international scholars from schools and universities to club meetings, plan programs featuring former Group Study Exchange team members, arrange discussions on global issues, present entertainment with an international cultural or artistic theme, and schedule other programs with an international emphasis. We are focusing on our efforts in the preventable blindness program in Mexico under the leadership of Dr. Brad Habermehl of the Burton club, who will speak on February 11. Our own Richard Morley Barron, District World Peace Fellowship Chair, will speak on February 25. World Understanding Month is a chance for our club and every Rotarian to pause, plan and promote the Fourth Avenue of Service - Rotary's continued quest for goodwill, peace and understanding among people of the world.