Presidents monthly message for February 2014 - World Understanding
In the Rotary calendar, February is World Understanding month; February is also the month in which we celebrate the formation of the first Rotary Club in Chicago, on 23rd February 1905 which has been designated World Understanding and Peace Day. The theme of world Understanding encompasses the Fourth Object of Rotary: “The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service. “
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."
In the past, our Club has played its part in helping to promote better understanding and goodwill through our responses to environmental disasters that have afflicted many parts of the world; viz: the Asian Tsunami, the Philippines earthquake, Hurricane Ivan and closer to home, the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti and recently the flood damages in St Vincent and St Lucia. In all these and others, Rotarians in our club, across the district and the world have come together to bring relief to those in need. And doubtless we shall do so in the future.
The eradication of Polio from the world has been and continues to be the major crusade of Rotary and in doing so has created much goodwill, brought peace to areas where before there was conflict and brought hope to many millions of children whose lives would otherwise have been one of pain and misery.
Let us during this month of World Understanding reflect on how as Rotarians we can foster World Peace, and bring relief to those around the world who are victims of conflict or other adversity. Close to home, let us bring help to those in St. Lucia still suffering from the effects of the Christmas Eve storms, by contributing clothing and dry goods; if you haven’t done so yet, please become a sustaining member of the Rotary Foundation by donating $100, and bring an additional $20 to meeting to contribute to the Polio Fund.
These are positive things that we can do this month that will help change the lives of those less fortunate. Please take few moments to reflect on one of the reasons why you became Rotarians – to help change lives for the better . Please do the right thing!