Thank you, Rotary, for caring!
In June, District 7910 and District 7980 in Massachusetts chartered cause-based Rotary clubs created with innovation and diversity at their core. Read about them here:
District 7910 - RC of World Disability Advocacy (WDA) of Central MA
Human rights need for people with disabilities is worldwide. There are many opportunities for Rotary to improve the dignity, respect, and quality of life for people with disabilities. Disability advocates around the world teamed up for the cause and formed a very diverse club. The twenty charter members represent eight countries, with eighteen members being new Rotarians. Also, it is a very young club - the average age is 32.
This cause-based e-club is affiliated with the district’s Rotary Disabilities Advisers Group (RDAG). Since January, RDAG has been focusing on helping Rotary become more welcoming to people with disabilities.
The club’s mission is to identify disability human-rights needs around the world, to develop strategies to address them by coordinating and teaming up with entities like local Rotary clubs, non-governmental organizations, municipalities, and corporations. New committees are working in Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Nepal, Malawi, and Uganda. Projects include Education, Government Services, Inclusion, Career Training, Awareness and Self Improvement.
There is no other Rotary club whose number one priority is disability rights. Disability rights have always been lowered down in priorities in many human rights endeavors. The club will have a huge impact in many counties and many people’s lives. There are no better rewards than to change a person’s life for the better. When you change one, you change the world.
The WDA club welcomes new members who share a passion for disability human rights. Please, contact Ken Masson rotarydag@gmail.com and follow the club’s Facebook group.
District 7980 - RC of Global Diversity and Environment of Southern CT
A group of non-traditional Rotarians, alumni and non-Rotarians formed this club with flexible schedule that was conducive to work, family, travel, months on the sea and more. Diversity of Humanity and fully embracing the Environment, makes the club open to anyone on the planet. They also celebrate and promote the individual choice charities – AIDS Foundation Houston, local Food Pantries, Anti-Bullying in Diversity, Turtle Hospital in Florida, Elephant Rescue location in Nairobi – Kenya and more. These are their Signature Causes. They also have two Master causes – The Rotary Foundation and ShelterBox, USA.
The meetings are a combination of e-meetings, meetings with other clubs and in person meetings for hands-on work and friendship. The youngest member, twenty-two, is headed to a boot camp. Club president, Lex age 23, is on his third Club Presidency in 5 years. A member from the UK, a survivor of CoVid-19 lost her hands and feet, still continues to help children with disabilities in Kenya. There are members in Houston and Michigan, a former Interactor, a Principal of the Year from MA, the DGE for 2022-23. And they have FUN.
Please, contact Tari Marshall Day tealtravel@gmail.com and follow club’s FB Group.