By Azka Asif, Rotary Service and Engagement Staff
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteers who come from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and professions. We embrace and celebrate these differences as they are what makes the Rotary community so strong. By leveraging unique perspectives and tapping into their expertise, members address the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges, one of which is creating a more peaceful world.
The Rotary family is committed to contributing time, energy and passion to empower our local communities. Through service projects, peace fellowships, scholarships, and international exchanges, members are taking action to promote peace and international understanding. Here are just a few examples of how Rotarians are advancing world peace:
- The Rotary Club of Marikina in the Philippines hosted a peace forum to exchange ideas on how to progress towards a more peaceful world. Local Rotary clubs attended the half day forum collaborating on how to strive for global peace through Rotary’s unique approach of peace through service.
- In the United States, the Rotary Club of Branchburg Township hosted an interfaith dinner and diversity award program. The club recognized individuals, businesses and community organizations who embrace peace and embody the values of civility, global and community awareness. This collaborative program brought together community leaders and the Rotary family to promote peace, understanding and goodwill.
- The Rotary Clubs of Radolfzell-Hegau in Germany and Istanbul Sisli in Turkey partnered on an exchange for university-level music students. The clubs aimed to facilitate international and cross-cultural understanding. The students studied the international language of music and discussed their respective countries and cultures during the exchange, helping bridge divides and forge new friendships
- The Rotary Club of Bursa-Uludag wants to prevent 500 disadvantaged children in one of the most impoverished neighborhoods in Turkey from getting involved in crime by developing musical talents. The club hopes to provide instruments for each child and establish a music center. The center will be open to all children who want to learn music without any discrimination. Being a member of this music community will increase the child’s sense of belonging, respect and self-confidence.
- In India, the Rotary Club of Mussoorie organized a talk on meditation, discussing the basic concept and potential benefits it brings to those suffering from mental and physical stress caused by everyday life.
February is Rotary’s Peace and Conflict Resolution Month, a great time to take action in promoting peace worldwide. Read more stories about peace and conflict resolution to gain inspiration for club and district service projects. Post your club’s project on Rotary Showcase and join the conversation in My Rotary’s discussion groups. Share your thoughts about peace and conflict resolution in the comments below!
Service in Action 
Reblogged this on shanakyar.
Very interesting & informative. It makes one understand better what Rotary is doing for the greater good.