Service in Action

By Rotary Service & Engagement Staff

In July, protecting the environment became one of Rotary’s areas of focus. Our global Rotary family is committed to supporting activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, advance ecological sustainability, and foster harmony between communities and the environment. Rotary can help your club advance environmental causes through local and international projects. You can also access grants and other resources, embrace local solutions, and spur innovation to address the causes and reduce the effects of climate change and environmental degradation.

Start or expand your environmental efforts by partnering with one of numerous Rotary Action Groups working to protect the environment:

• The Rotary Action Group for Endangered Species (RAGES) bring together Rotary’s members with expertise in and passion for protecting endangered species. RAGES helps clubs and districts plan impactful service projects and connects their members to a global network of likeminded peers passionate about protecting endangered species around the world. For example, last year RAGEs partnered with the Guatemala chapter of the Rotary Club of Carpinteria Morning to co-sponsor a symposium on pollinators in Central America. Connect with RAGES to get involved.

• The Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Groups (ESRAG) is one of Rotary’s fastest growing groups. ESRAG inspires and empowers the Rotary family with extensive expertise, networks, education, and best practices to implement sustainable and impactful environmental projects. These projects promote environmental sustainability, awareness of climate change, and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to mitigate climate disruption. As a recent strategic initiative, ESRAG formed a partnership with Project Drawdown to jointly produce educational materials to help clubs and districts reduce carbon dioxide levels and the greenhouse effect. Reach out to ESRAG to get involved.

• The Food Plant Solutions Rotary Action Group, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Rotary Action Group, and Rotary Action Group for Community Economic Development also undertake projects that prioritize environmental protection and conservation. They can help you complete a community assessment, design a sustainable project, identify partners, and incorporate measurement and evaluation frameworks to assess your project progress.

Browse more than 1000 club-led environmental projects in Rotary Showcase for inspiration from around the Rotary world. Through The Rotary Foundation, you can support environmental projects around the world or request funding assistance for an eligible project.