PolioPlus

PolioPlus is Rotary’s massive effort to eradicate poliomyelitis from the world by 2000. It was launched in 1985 with the goal of raising US$120 million to immunize the developing world’s children against polio for five years. The PolioPlus fundraising campaign that concluded in 1988 raised a record US$220 million, and by 2005, Rotarians’ contributions to the global polio-eradication effort will approach US$425 million. Of even greater significance has been the huge volunteer army mobilized by Rotary International. Hundreds of thousands of volunteers at the local level are providing support at clinics or mobilizing their communities for immuniza­tion or polio-eradication activities.

In 1988, Rotary joined the World Health Assembly in committing itself to the eradication of polio by 2000, with certification of the medical milestone in 2005, Rotary’s 100th anniversary Rotary works with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, national governments and others in the global Polio Eradication Initiative, the world’s most extensive public/private health undertaking. By 1998, some 120 nations around the world had benefited from PolioPlus grants for polio immunization and eradication efforts, and thanks to the immunization efforts during the decade after 1988, as many as four million children who might have been polio victims were walking and playing normally As a result of the efforts of Rotary International and its partners, more than one billion children have received oral polio vaccine and are protected from poliomyelitis. In 1994 Rotary helped celebrate the elimination of polio from the Western Hemisphere. The Western Pacific is on its way to being certified as polio-free, and efforts are now focused on Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. Polio can be eradicated for as little as US$0.50 worth of vaccine per child.

Achieving eradication will be difficult (only one other disease, smallpox, has ever been eradicated) and expensive (estimated cost to the international community is nearly US$2 billion). It requires National Immunization Days to immunize all of a polio-endemic country’s children under the age of five, continuing routine immunization of children worldwide, systematic reporting of all suspected cases, rapid response to outbreaks, and establishment of laboratory networks.

No other nongovernmental organization has ever made a commitment of the scale of PolioPlus. It may be considered the greatest humanitarian service the world has ever seen. Every Rotarian can share the pride of that achievement.

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PolioPlus Partners

Since 1996 PolioPlus Partners have provided opportunities for clubs and districts to support mobilization activities necessary for National Immunization Days in polio-endemic countries. PolioPlus Partners supply Rotary T-shirts, caps, aprons and vests for immunization volunteers; or posters, banners and leaflets for public announcements of immunization days.

Other PolioPlus Partners supply refrigerated vaccine carriers, vehicles and other equipment needed to deliver vaccine to remote areas of the world.

The partners’ projects also support surveillance laboratories necessary to confirm polio eradication. Most PolioPlus projects are eligible for Rotary Foundation Matching Grants. PolioPlus Partners are essential to the completion of the goal to achieve a polio-free world.

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Disaster Relief Program

When great natural tragedy strikes some area of the world, it is quite possible that within hours the Rotary Disaster Relief program may be at work relieving suffering of hapless victims. Modest Rotary grants of up to US$5,000 may be immediately provided by the RI president to people left homeless by hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, fires and other disasters.

Following an initial grant, the Secretariat will customarily issue a call for help, which could be answered by gifts of money, supplies, food, clothing and household items from Rotarians around the world. Usually the process continues for several months as additional assistance is sent to the appropriate clubs and districts in the disaster area.

The Rotary Disaster Relief Fund was established by the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation to provide small grants that could be immediately available when a catastrophe strikes. The president of Rotary International may act to meet the immediate needs of food, blankets, shelter and first-aid supplies for disaster victims, working through the district governor in the area of the tragedy.

The Disaster Relief Fund is one of the significant ways that gifts to The Rotary Foundation build goodwill and understanding around the world.

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Rotary Peace Programs

A special program of The Rotary Foundation was originally labeled the “Rotary Peace Forum.” The concept of a center or educational program to promote greater understanding and peace in the world was originally discussed in 1982 by the New Horizons Committee and the World Understanding and Peace Committee. In 1984 it was further explored by a New Programs Committee of The Rotary Foundation.

The essence of the Rotary Peace Program is to utilize the nongovernmental but worldwide resources of Rotary to develop educational programs around the issues that cause conflict among nations in the world as well as those influences and activities that promote peace, development and goodwill. The program includes seminars, publications or conferences as a means to initiate a global dialogue to find new approaches to peace and world understanding.

Specific Rotary Peace Programs are selected twice a year by the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation. Many peace programs are held each year in conjunction with presidential conferences.

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Paul Harris Fellows

Undoubtedly the most important step to promote voluntary giving to The Rotary Foundation occurred in 1957, when the idea of Paul Harris Fellow recognition was first proposed. Although the concept of making US$1,000 gifts to the Foundation was slow in developing, by the early 1970s it began to gain popularity The distinctive Paul Harris Fellow medallion, lapel pin and attractive certificate have become highly respected symbols of a substantial financial commitment to The Rotary Foundation by Rotarians and friends around the world.

The companion to the Paul Harris Fellow is the Paul Harris Sustaining Member, which is the recognition presented to an individual who has given, or in whose honor a gift is made, a contribution of US$100, with the stated intention of making additional contributions until US$1,000 is reached. At that time the Paul Harris Sustaining Member becomes a Paul Harris Fellow.

By 1998 more than 625,000 Paul Harris Fellows and 215,000 Sustaining Members had been added to the rolls of The Rotary Foundation.

A special recognition pin is given to Paul Harris Fellows who make additional gifts of US$1,000 to the Foundation. The distinctive gold pin includes a blue stone to represent each US$1,000 contribution up to a total of US$5,000 in additional gifts. Red stone pins signify gifts of US$7,000 to US$9,000. A Diamond Circle pin is given to donors for major gifts in excess of US$10,000.

Paul Harris Fellow recognition provides a very important incentive for the continuing support needed to underwrite the many programs of The Rotary Foundation that build goodwill and understanding in the world.

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Citation for Meritorious Service and Distinguished Service Award

Two very special awards of recognition occasionally are presented by the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation to Rotarians who render outstanding service to The Rotary Foundation. The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service recognizes significant and dedicated service by a Rotarian to promote the programs of The Rotary Foundation and thus advance the Foundation’s goal of better understanding and friendly relations among people of the world.

The second award, called the Distinguished Service Award, is presented to a Rotarian whose outstanding record of service to The Rotary Foundation is on a much broader basis and spreads beyond the district level and continues over an extended period of time. The Distinguished Service Award acknowledges the efforts of a Rotarian who has already received the Citation of Meritorious Service, for continuing efforts to promote international understanding.

Both of these select awards are presented for exemplary personal service and devotion to the Foundation rather than for financial contributions. No more than 50 Distinguished Service Awards are granted by the trustees in any one year and there is only one recipient of a Citation for Meritorious Service in any district each year. A recipient of the Citation for Meritorious Service is not eligible for nomination for a Distinguished Service Award until two or more years have elapsed.

It is a very proud distinction for any Rotarian to be selected for one of these high levels of recognition by The Rotary Foundation Trustees.

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Public Relations of Rotary

Historically Rotarians perpetuated a myth that Rotary should not seek publicity, but rather let our good works speak for themselves. A 1923 policy stating that “publicity should not be the primary goal of a Rotary club in selecting an activity” of Community Service was frequently interpreted to mean that Rotary clubs should avoid publicity and public relations efforts. Actually, the 1923 statement further observed that “as a means of extending Rotary’s influence, proper publicity should be given to a worthwhile project well carried out.”

A more modern public relations philosophy was adopted in the mid­1970s that affirms that “good publicity, favorable public relations and a positive image are desirable and essential goals for Rotary,” if it is to foster understanding, appreciation and support for its Object and programs and to broaden Rotary’s service to humanity. Active public relations is vital to the success of Rotary.

A service project well carried out is considered one of the finest public relations messages of Rotary. It is essential that Rotary clubs make every effort to inform the public about their service projects that have been well performed.

As Rotary clubs and districts consider effective public relations, it is important to remember that when Rotarians think of Rotary, we think of our noble goals and motives. But when the world thinks of Rotary it can only think of our actions and the service we have performed.

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Use of "Rotary" and the Rotary Emblem

The Rotary International emblem and the word “Rotary” are officially registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as trademarks and “service marks,” which gives RI certain rights regarding their use and puts unauthorized individuals on notice against any infringing use. The Rotary emblem should not be altered or modified in any way

Rotarians are encouraged to wear the emblem as a lapel button. It is frequently used on jackets, pens, caps and other personal items manufactured by firms or individuals licensed by the RI Board of Directors. Rotary badges, banners, road signs and official Rotary club stationery naturally use the emblem as a mark of identification.

The Rotary emblem cannot be used for any commercial purpose. It is not permissible to use it in a political campaign or in connection with any other name or emblem not recognized by Rotary International. Individual Rotarians should not use the Rotary emblem on business cards or stationery or for any other use intended to promote business. Nor is it considered proper for Rotarians to use the emblem on doors or windows of their business premises.

It is the responsibility of all Rotarians to use the emblem with pride. The restrictions are provided to assure that the Rotary emblem will not be misused and that it will always bring distinction to the organization.

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Special Rotary Observances

In the annual Rotary calendar several months are designated to emphasize major programs of Rotary International.

•    January is Rotary Awareness Month. This is a time to expand knowledge of Rotary and its activities among our membership and throughout the community

•    February is designated as World Understanding Month. This month was chosen because it includes the birthday of Rotary International, 23 February. During the month, Rotary clubs are urged to present programs that promote international understanding and goodwill, as well as launch World Community Service projects in other parts of the world.

•    World Rotaract Week is the week in which 13 March falls. It’s a time when Rotary clubs and districts highlight Rotaract by joining in projects with their Rotaract clubs.

•    April is set aside as Rotary’s Magazine Month. Throughout the month, clubs arrange programs and activities that promote the reading and use of THE ROTARIAN magazine and the official regional magazines of Rotary

•    July is Literacy Month, a time for clubs to develop their own literacy projects, as well as raise awareness of Rotarians’ efforts worldwide to eradicate illiteracy.

•    August is Membership and Extension Month, a time to focus on Rotary’s continuing need for growth, to seek new members and form new clubs.

•    September is New Generations Month. Rotary clubs of the world give special emphasis to the many Rotary-sponsored programs that serve children and young people. During this month many clubs give increased attention to Youth Exchange activities.

•    October is Vocational Service Month. During this period, clubs highlight the importance of the business and professional life of each Rotarian. Special activities promote the vocational avenue of service.

•    November is selected to be Rotary Foundation Month. Clubs and districts call attention to the programs of The Rotary Foundation and frequently cultivate additional financial support for the Foundation by promoting contributions for Paul Harris Fellows and Sustaining Members.

Each of these special months serves to elevate the awareness among Rotarians of some of the excellent programs of service which occur within the world of Rotary

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Extending Rotary

Every 14 hours of every day a new Rotary club is chartered in one of the more than 150 countries in which Rotary exists. This steady growth in new clubs is extremely important in extending the worldwide programs and influence of Rotary International. New Rotary clubs may be established anywhere in the world where the fundamental principles of Rotary may be freely observed and wherever it can reasonably be expected that a successful club can be maintained.

A club must be organized to serve a specific “locality” or clearly identified territory in which there are enough business or professional persons of good character engaged in proprietary or management positions. A minimum of 40 potential classifications is necessary for a proposed new club, and from that list a permanent membership of at least 20 members must be enrolled. Occasionally an existing club will cede a portion of its territory or will share the same territory with a new club.

In the process of organizing a new club, the first step is to conduct a survey of the locality to determine the potential for new club extension. The district governor’s special representative guides the organization of the new club. Among the requirements for a new club is the adoption of the Standard Rotary Club Constitution, a minimum of 20 charter members with clearly established classifications, payment of a charter fee, weekly meetings of the provisional club and the adoption of a club name that will distinctly identify it with its locality A provisional club becomes a Rotary club when its charter is approved by the board of Rotary International.

It is a great opportunity and special duty of all Rotarians to assist and cooperate in organizing new clubs. Knowing that two new Rotary clubs will be chartered someplace in the world today, tomorrow and every day provides a strong endorsement of the vitality and extension of Rotary service throughout the world.

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Colorful Governors’ Jackets

One of the newest Rotary traditions began in 1984-85 when the district governors decided to wear a distinctive yellow sport coat to official Rotary events. In succeeding years the president of Rotary International has selected a colorful jacket for the district governors and other international officers of Rotary The distinctive yellow jacket of Carlos Canseco was followed by such blazing colors as Paulo Costas’s “green coats” (1990-91), Clifford Dochterman’s “red coats” (1992-93), Luis Giay’s “brick coats” (1996-97), and Glen Kinross’ “sea foam green” (1997-98). President Rajendra Saboo selected “wheat-colored tan” (1991-92) and Hugh Archer picked maroon (1989-90). Other traditional navy blue jackets were worn during the years of Charles Keller (1987-88), Bill Huntley (1994-95), Herbert Brown (1995-96) and James Lacy (1998-99). An array of colors and shades has been picked by other presidents. Rotarian leaders annually speculate on the jacket color to be worn by the incoming world Rotary president.

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Urban Peace

By the year 2000, the United Nations estimates more than half the world’s population will live in urban and suburban areas, many in cities of over 10 million inhabitants. The challenges of life in such densely populated areas with increasingly shared resources will no doubt lead to rising tensions.

Many problems, once associated with poverty and urban decay in large cities, are spreading into communities remote from large cities. These include:

•    The negative impact of drug and alcohol abuse;

•    The spread of street gangs and community violence;

•    The growing number of homeless people; and

•    The rising rate of teenage pregnancy

The causes of these problems are many:

•    Unemployment and unemployability;

•    Poverty and hunger;

•    Erosion of family values;

•    Domestic violence;

•    Lack of literacy and numeracy skills;

•    Deterioration of inner cities.

All people have the right to enjoy life free of the fear of violence and crime. Rotary gave special attention to these issues in 1996-97, sponsoring seven urban Peace Conferences; and more than 6,000 Rotary Conferences for New Generations were held worldwide. Rotarians returned to their communities, empowered by the realization they could make a difference in the lives of those around them.

Recognizing the magnitude of the need, the RI Board of Directors approved a three-year emphasis on Urban Peace, beginning in 1997, to focus the organizations resources on this central aspect of Community Service. Rotarians and Rotary clubs can survey residents to identify the problems that threaten their communities and — working to unite local civic groups, governmental and nongovernmental organizations —develop plans of action to help solve them.

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Substance Abuse Prevention

Drug and alcohol abuse has grown to alarming proportions worldwide. The problem is closely linked to crime, violence, poverty, child and spousal abuse, AIDS, homelessness and other ills in society.

Rotary International launched an anti-drug campaign in the early 1980s, urging clubs to assess the problem in their communities and identify resources to combat it. Concluding that preventive education is the best investment of Rotary’s efforts, RI focused attention on substance abuse prevention through forums, recognition of clubs and districts for outstanding projects, and highlighting them in THE ROTARIAN magazine and other RI publications.

In 1992 the RI board renewed its commitment to substance abuse prevention, making it a 10-year emphasis of the organization. RI encourages Rotary clubs to work with government and non-government agencies to:

•    increase awareness among members and the community about local programs dealing with substance abuse;

•    undertake or support substance abuse prevention programs that instill positive values and self-esteem in young people;

•    support local family-based substance abuse treatment programs.

How have clubs responded? Some have contributed financial support to drug and alcohol treatment and rehabilitation agencies. Others have created projects that educate communities, provide alternative activities to youth at risk of using drugs, and match young people with Rotarian mentors who help build their self-esteem. Io help assure a healthy, hope-filled future, Rotary clubs must continue to aggressively confront substance abuse today.