Foundation Thoughts ..................
International Service
This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”
July 15, 2013
The Founder of the Rotary Foundation – Arch C. Klumph
A member of the Rotary Club of Cleveland, Ohio, USA, Klumph served as the RI president in the 1913-14 Rotary year. In 1917, Klumph declared that “we should accept endowments for the purpose of doing good in the world in charitable, educational, and other avenues of community service.” His vision and a contribution of US$26 left over from the RI Convention helped to establish the charitable and humanitarian arm of our organization, The Rotary Foundation.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”
July 22, 2013
………………… is about PolioPlus
In 1985, Rotarians made a promise to the children of the world to eradicate polio. Since PolioPlus began, the number of polio cases worldwide has declined by 99 percent, thanks largely to the efforts of Rotarians around the world. Rotarians have committed nearly US$650 million toward global polio eradication efforts. Already, five million children are walking who would have been paralyzed, and more than 1.5 million lives have been saved. None of this would be possible if it weren’t for Rotary’s leadership and vision. What a wonderful legacy we are leaving to the children of the world. Goodbye Polio. Thank you, Rotary.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”
July 29, 2013
……… is about Every Rotarian, Every Year.
The Every Rotarian, Every Year (EREY) initiative encourages all Rotary club members to help us reach our goal to support The Rotary Foundation financially each year. Our 2013-14: Worldwide EREY fundraising goal (Annual Fund goal) is US$120 million. Every minute of every day someone’s life is being improved by our Rotary Foundation. Wells are being dug in India, blind children are using Braille typewriters in Brazil, toilets are part of improved sanitation in Sri Lanka, and dental treatment is available to the needy in Nicaragua. In a world where the divide between the haves and have-nots is growing, we as Rotarians must do our part and “do good in the world.” Every Rotarian, every project, and every contribution makes a difference every year.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”
August 5, 2013
..............is about District Simplified Grants.
District Simplified Grants allow Rotary clubs to identify, plan, and fund worthy projects in their own communities or internationally. Grants can fund improvements such as kitchen equipment for a food pantry, assistance for after-school programs, dictionaries or encyclopedias for primary school children, or renovations to a playground. The more we contribute to our Foundation’s Annual Programs Fund, the more opportunities and funding we will have for such projects. The Rotary Foundation allows us to “do good in the world” here in our own community, as well as internationally. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”
August 12, 2013
…………is about a Rotary World Peace Fellow at work on the frontlines.
Izabela Pereira, a 2007 graduate of the Rotary Center for International Studies at Universidad del Salvador in Argentina, helped monitor Nicaragua’s recent election as part of an Organization of American States (OAS) mission to the country. Izabela says her experience as a Rotary World Peace Fellow and an OAS observer gave her a firsthand understanding of how democracy is being promoted and strengthened in Nicaragua. She has also conducted fieldwork in Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire for the United Nations Development Fund for Women. Izabela is one of hundreds of Rotary World Peace Fellows who have received the training and field experience necessary to work for lasting peace and stability throughout the world.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”
August 19, 2013
…………..is about bringing smiles to those in need.
Mother Theresa said “Peace Begins with a Smile” Rotarians around the world put that into action every day. One example of this is a Rotary Foundation Volunteer Service Grant that helped Dr. Marco Antonio Bulas, of the Rotary club of Tehuacan Manantrails, Mexico and Rotary volunteers from the Rotary Club of Loveland, Colorado, USA carry out project Sonrisas Sin Fronteras (Smiles without Borders). The Rotary volunteers and a team of 23 university dental students provided dentures for 22 patients. “All of the team watched with great satisfaction as each patient was overcome with joy and happiness” commented Ronnie Hogan, a member of the Loveland club. Every Rotarian, Every Year can bring a smile to the face of someone in need.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”
August 26, 2013
…………………….. is about The Annual Programs Fund.
The Annual Programs Fund is the primary source of unrestricted support for the programs of the Rotary Foundation. It funds programs in more than 160 countries on seven continents. From digging clean water wells for villages in Africa to teaching basic literacy skill to children in Latin America, during any given moment in a day, thousands of Rotarians volunteer their time and expertise ensure that all contributions given to The Annual Programs Fund are spent wisely on quality Rotary projects. Only if Every Rotarian makes a gift to the Annual Programs Fund Every Year, will we will be able to continue to do the great work of our Rotary Foundation.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”
.........................is about Matching Grants.
Rotary Clubs in Wisconsin, USA created the Power Flour Action Network to make an impact on the lives of infants and severely malnourished children and adults. Power Flour has targeted malnourished populations in 65 countries to date, providing a very small amount of barley malt flour to cooked starchy staples, such as rice, wheat or maize. The supplement helps digest the starch, converting it into sugars the body can absorb quickly and easily. The sugars power the body so that it can grow and function. A Matching Grant from The Rotary Foundation has enabled Rotarians in Wisconsin to bring Power Flour to children in orphanages and feeding programs in Panama. Rotarians in the Rotary del Norte club in Panama will carry out the distribution and training in Panama to reach up to 10,000 children in the first year. Members of the Sturgeon Bay, WI, USA club are now working to develop a commercial model for Power Flour so that it will become self-sustaining. Every Rotarian, Every Year – Nourishing bodies and minds.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”
September 9, 2013
…………….is about how effectively our Foundation matches people with money for positive results.
In the words of Arch Klumph: “Money alone does little good. Individual service is helpless without money. The two together can be a godsend to civilization.” Your financial resources combined with your time, energy and talent is critical to Rotary’s mission. It is worth noting that one hundred percent of our Annual Programs Fund (APF) contributions are spent on Foundation programs. These contributions are invested for a period of three years, with a portion of the investment earnings paying for the Foundation’s administrative and fund development expenses. This unique funding cycle keeps the engine of The Rotary Foundation running throughout the world.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”
September 16, 2013
…………………….. is about bridging the world’s needs.
During the rainy season in Ethiopia many rural communities are isolated by fast flowing flooded rivers that separate them from vital aspects of life. With support from a Rotary Foundation Matching grant eight foot bridges were built to alleviate these villages isolation. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and the Rotary Club of Gloucester, Virginia, USA these bridges will improve the living conditions of local communities and provide them with access to life’s daily needs. So even during the rainy season in Ethiopia, Rotarians will know that through contributions to The Rotary Foundation they helped provide a bridge out of isolation for these eight communities.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”
September 23, 2013
……………….. is about being a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member.
What can you get for US$100 dollars these days? A pair of shoes, a nice dinner for two or a stove for a needy family in rural Guatemala, A contribution of $100 to the Annual Programs Fund will make you a Sustaining Member of The Rotary Foundation but it also provides life-changing opportunities for those in need. When you choose to support our Rotary Foundation you are making a difference in two ways: you are changing lives and you are literally saving lives. What an amazing thing to be able to say!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”
September 30, 2013
…………………………..is about the Rotary Peace and Conflict Studies Program (RPCS) – strengthening the leaders of today for peace.
Mid-career professionals from around the world, representing a wide variety of fields, participate in an intensive three month course at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand. RPCS Program alumnus Richelieu Allison, Regional Director of the West African Youth Network, says, “This course has been the missing link in my [ability] to contribute to the resolution of the numerous problems confronting my region. If I had had the knowledge I am gaining now I would have been in a better position to adequately analyze the conflicts, map out the various actors, go the extra mile, and play a major role in helping to restore peace.” This sentiment has stuck with him, as he wrote in a recent email, “The changes [the program] made in my life cannot be overemphasized.” Create awareness. Take action. Make your annual gift today!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”
October 7, 2013
…………………………….is about Club Goal Setting.
Clubs are asked to set annual giving goals for the Every Rotarian, Every Year effort. We’re asking every Rotarian to support our Foundation with a minimum US$100 contribution. At the President-elect Training Seminar (PETS) this spring, our club president-elect will be asked to submit an annual giving goal for the upcoming year. History has proven that clubs that set goals follow through with them. Many clubs are exceeding that goal now. “We decided to try for a total of $600,000 or $200 per capita in our district,” says PDG Holly Callen, D5950. “It seemed like a real stretch and it took us three years to get there, but by setting an ambitious goal, we were able to achieve it. This year we have raised the goal to $1million - $300 per Rotarian!” As our club sets its goal for the coming year, we should also remember to measure our success by the number of lives we’ve saved and changed.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”
October 14, 2013
…………………………….is about Rotary’s Disaster Recovery efforts.
Pakistani Rotarians are bringing education back into the lives of those in Pakistan and India affected by the earthquake of 2005. In Azad Kashmir more than 80% of the schools were either completely destroyed or badly damaged. The local Disaster Recovery Committee in Pakistan decided to focus its efforts on rebuilding schools. They will help rebuild five new, environmentally-friendly schools equipped with electricity, running water, bathroom facilities, and furniture and school supplies. Children and families throughout Azad Kashmir will be profoundly impacted by the efforts of Pakistani Rotarians. Every Rotarian, Every Year – Working together to make life better – for Everyone!* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”
October 21, 2013
…………………………….is about the generosity and dedication of our Foundation Alumni.
Former Rotary Peace Fellow from Norway Gert Danielsen, out of a desire to give something back, pledged to donate US$1,000 every year for the rest of his life to the Rotary Centers program and challenged other peace fellows to do the same. Inspired by Danielsen’s generosity, Peace Fellow Scott Lang of the United States took up the challenge and also pledged $1,000 annually. “My challenge and support reflects a keen desire to give back to the Rotary family now that I am able to do so,” Danielsen says. “Giving a gift annually that I know will inspire Rotarians and others to give more and provide peace-building opportunities for even more people is a huge privilege to me.” The commitment made by these two Foundation Alumni is a true testament to the quality of the Peace Fellows and the Rotary Centers program.* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”
October 28, 2013
…………………………….is about what a US$100 can do.
It is as simple as having a notebook, pencil and glue. In Pavas, a poor district in San Jose, Costa Rica a packet of educational materials means the difference between an education and working on the street. Most public schools in Costa Rica are underfunded and lack many basic supplies, so the Rohrmoser Rotary Club, Costa Rica developed a packet of teaching materials for students and partnered with the Vancouver Rotary Club, Canada to distribute 777 packets to children in five very poor elementary schools. $100 buys 15 packets. Without this project many students would not be able to continue their education and would be forced to drop out of school. When Every Rotarian, Every Year participates, our foundation is able to continue to build a brighter future for the children of the world. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”
November 4, 2013
…………………………….is about fundraising for PolioPlus Partners.
What would you do to eradicate Polio? Would you shave off all your hair? Rotarians in District 5040 did just that and raised $10,000 for PolioPlus Partners. Would you hike 2,658 miles over six months? Rotarian Chrissy Wallace of California did to raise money for Rotary’s PolioPlus program. Would you cycle 4,165 miles on the TransAmerica Trail? Rotarian Robert Keegan of Tennessee did to benefit PolioPlus Partners. Dedicated individuals, clubs and districts continue to promote and support PolioPlus Partners at every opportunity possible. Many districts also gift their District Designated Funds to the polio effort. What can you do for PolioPlus Partners?* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”
November 11, 2013
…………………………….is about becoming a Paul Harris Fellow or what a $1000 dollar contribution can do.
A US contribution of $1000 helps provide seven toilets in Sri Lanka. More than 2.6 billion people still lack access to proper sanitation. Most people in the developed world do not think about their sanitation system unless it is not working properly, but in Sri Lanka many people lack access to proper sanitation facilities. The Rotary club of Ja-Ela Kandana, Sri Lanka partnering with the Rotary Club of Madras Northwest, India took the matter into their own hands and obtained a Rotary Foundation Matching Grant to provide sanitation to a small community comprising 15 families. They built14 toilets providing the families with proper sanitation. This will insure a reduction in illness and increase the health and wellness of this community. Rotarians meet the needs of the world by working through the Rotary Foundation.* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”
November 18, 2013
…………………………….is about how a Matching Grant can make a difference.
Last year Rotary clubs in Brazil and Mexico and the United states joined together in a matching grant to aid the Lar das Criancas Children’s Home in Tanabi, Brazil. This institution provides free extracurricular activities and much needed daycare for low income families. A matching grant was used to help the Home purchase uniforms for all of the children. Each student also received school supplies, gym shoes, swimsuits and caps. Tanabi Rotarians have seen the student’s interest in learning and participating in activities improve as well as the children’s sense of self worth after the uniforms and equipment arrived. This is just one of the many examples of how the Foundation’s humanitarian grants programs can make positive changes for children.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”
November 25, 2013
…………………………….is about why we support our Foundation.
Every minute of every day someone’s life is being improved by our Rotary Foundation. Rotary clubs on every continent are working to improve the living conditions and health of their fellow citizens. Rotarians like you and me can make a difference by continually supporting our Foundation and the Annual Programs Fund. As Rotarians we determine where funds are allocated through District Designated Funds, which we can use for local projects or matching grants in another country. When we contribute to our Foundation we are promoting worldwide Peace and Understanding. Only if Every Rotarian Every Year makes a gift to the Annual Programs Fund will we will be able to continue to do the great work of The Rotary Foundation.
This week’s “Rotary Foundation Thought”
December 2, 2013
…………………………….is about the Programs of The Rotary Foundation.
When the Foundation’s founder Arch C Klumph said: “The Rotary Foundation is not to build monuments of brick and stone. If we work upon marble, it will perish; if we work on brass, time will efface it….but if we work upon immortal minds, if we imbue them with the full meaning of the spirit of Rotary, we are engraving on those tablets something that will brighten all eternity. "
The Educational, Humanitarian and PolioPlus Programs are the monuments of the Foundation and Rotarians should be proud to yell it from the roof tops. We will eradicate polio, hunger and poverty. We will help the world find peace. By supporting the Rotary Foundation with an annual gift you help build these immortal monuments of Rotary.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Continued in Foundation Thoughts, Part Two
Download the website sponsorship guide