2021 Interact Award Winner: Learning through service

By Isabelle Oh and Meththa Sumanasekara, Balwyn High School Interact Committee, Australia Editor’s note: this essay was submitted to Rotary International’s 2021 Interact Awards. Walking down Flinders Street, the constant banging of coins echoed in my ear. I took in a sharp breath as the harsh clinking carried on, before it was lost to the … More 2021 Interact Award Winner: Learning through service

Sharing joy during the holiday season

By Rotary Service & Engagement staff This holiday season, we’re grateful for the generosity and dedication of Rotary members. Amid the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, members are still finding innovative ways to make connections and serve their communities. Whether it’s providing meals and essentials to those in need, supporting public health efforts, or … More Sharing joy during the holiday season

Rotary Community Corps: Steadfast support amidst a series of unfortunate events

By Mary Ann V. Castillejos, Vice President of Rotary Community Corps – Pasig Premier, Philippines In April 2019, months before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the Rotary Club of Pasig Premier decided to sponsor a Rotary Community Corps (RCC). Our community group had worked with the Rotary club on previous projects and were glad to form … More Rotary Community Corps: Steadfast support amidst a series of unfortunate events

Kiwanis, Lions, Optimist, and Rotary join to celebrate community

Celebrate Community 2021, a joint initiative of Kiwanis International, Lions Clubs International, Optimist International, and Rotary International, launched 10-16 October. During this first celebratory week, our organizations asked their clubs to work together on projects to improve and benefit local communities. … More Kiwanis, Lions, Optimist, and Rotary join to celebrate community

Million minds, one being: Interact nurtures a passion to do good

By Hiya Jain, member of the Interact Club of Birla Vidya Niketan Interact clubs are a window to the world that lies beyond the reach of our limited access to society’s abundant elements. This resonates with all the community-based exposure Interact has given me. For the past couple of years, Interact has acted as the … More Million minds, one being: Interact nurtures a passion to do good

Why support community economic development?

By PDG Jim Louttit, Rotary Club of Toronto-Sunrise, Canada, and a member of TRF’s Community Economic Development Major Gifts Initiative Committee RI President Shekar Mehta recently stated, “If you feel the need to reignite the spark of service in yourself or your club, October – Community Economic Development Month – is a great time to … More Why support community economic development?

Celebrate International Day of Peace – and support girl empowerment!

By Fergal McCarthy, Peace Programs Manager  To mark International Day of Peace on 21 September, we are focusing on girl empowerment one of RI President Shekhar Mehta’s presidential initiatives.   Equality is a fundamental human right, and a key element of many of the eight pillars of positive peace.  It’s a prerequisite for the creation of a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world.  Yet still today, girls and young women across the globe continue to endure inequities in all parts of … More Celebrate International Day of Peace – and support girl empowerment!