Pam Dean introduced PDG Bill Gormont who provided members with an in-depth presentation on the subject of Rotary International Service. Currently the District 7120 International Service Director, Bill used a series of slides to drive home the ever pressing need for humanitarian service projects around the world to alleviate human suffering and promote peace among nations.
First, he noted six "Areas of Focus" in which Rotary International – in collaboration with other like-minded individuals, agencies and organizations – are making a difference around the world. He then offered concrete examples of how this is happening today, and cited many resources available to help individual Rotarians and their Clubs to "make a difference".
The six "Areas of Focus" are:
– Peace and Conflict Resolution (over 51 million people have been displaced by armed conflict, and children are at risk to injury and death due to land mines).
– Disease Prevention and Treatment (more than 100 million people worldwide suffer from inadequate health care and access to proper medical facilities).
– Water and Sanitation (1400 children die each day from unsafe drinking water!)
– Maternal and Child Health (millions of children under the age of 5 die every year because parents lack understanding of basic hygiene and health care measures).
– Basic Education and Literacy (57 million people today have no access to education).
– Economic and Community Development (1.4 billion people live on less than $1.25 per day).
In response to each of these critical areas of need, Bill noted that solutions depend on people who are willing to invest, collaborate, and "give themselves permission to win!" Many of the resources that individuals need to do this are readily available on the district website: www.Rotary7120.org under the heading of International Service.
Thanks to PDG Bill for inspiring our members with his passionate and lively presentation.
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PDG Bill Gormont and AG and Pal-mac Rotarian Pam Dean
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Pal-Mac Students Kierstin Hammond and Madison Ross
