February 2023
February is World Understanding / Peace Building and Conflict Prevention month, which is one of the cornerstones of Rotary International. This past year the world has seen the effects of Global Conflict with the war in the Ukraine, the tensions between global powers, supply chain demands and the tensions in our own economy and communities. Now more than ever WE Rotarians around the world, in Ohio and in our district have taken action to help those in need.
It has been said that poverty, inequality, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources are some of the triggers of conflicts in our world. Our recent global pandemic has certainly 
altered their experiences at home, school and in the community, and the effect on mental health should not be understated. Rates of anxiety and depression are documented to have significantly increased, and certainly played a role on interrupting peace for those affected by these stresses. Providing mental health support will undoubtedly reduce conflict and promote peace.
altered their experiences at home, school and in the community, and the effect on mental health should not be understated. Rates of anxiety and depression are documented to have significantly increased, and certainly played a role on interrupting peace for those affected by these stresses. Providing mental health support will undoubtedly reduce conflict and promote peace.I am encouraged by many of our club service projects and your continued support of our youth programs. Our clubs are actively engaged in mentoring their sponsored Rotaract and Interact clubs. Your support of our youth in RYLA, the Four Way Test speech contest, Interaction and our District Youth Exchange program help us to develop young leaders that will understand how to positively adjust in our ever changing world.
DID YOU KNOW – that Rotary has Centers for International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution? That they offer a Rotary Peace Fellowship program that includes a two-year Master’s Degree Program as well as a 3-month certificate program? That OUR District has sponsored 15 Peace Fellows?
Each year, The Rotary Foundation awards up to 50 fellowships for master’s degrees and 80 for certificate studies at premier universities. Those who attend will be a part of tomorrow's solution in promoting greater tolerance and cooperation among people worldwide. Rotary World Peace Fellows, who are chosen from a wide variety of countries, can help future leaders advance knowledge and understanding.
Centers for International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution are located in seven leading universities around the world, three of which are located in the United States. Rotary Centers provide Fellows the chance to study in a master's level program in conflict resolution, peace studies, international relations, and other related disciplines.
Rotary Peace Fellows work toward mediation, conflict resolution, and peace where there is war, understanding where there is disharmony, food security where there is hunger, health care where there is disease, education where there is illiteracy, conservation where there is environmental degradation, and sustainable economic development where there is poverty.The Rotary Peace fellowship program includes a two-year Master’s Degree Program as well as a 3-month certificate program.
At a time when the world seems to be on edge, I again thank our clubs for promoting peace and conflict prevention and I encourage all our Clubs to be intentional in building peace through service.
Have you hugged your AG lately? Seriously, this is a special shout-out to all of our Assistant Governors. In addition to their unique relationships with your clubs, these volunteers also frequently work behind the scenes on your behalf. Thank you, AGs, for bragging about the clubs in your area, and for all you do!
All-Ohio Presidents-Elect Training Seminar is a multi-district P.E.T.S. training seminar supporting the five Rotary Districts in Ohio. It serves all of the Rotary Clubs in Ohio — more than 250 clubs. This event brings together the club and district officers for inspiration, education and fellowship opportunities. There are almost 550 participants.
During the weekend you will meet your fellow Presidents-Elect classmates and develop new and lasting friendships, and of course learn about the operations of a successful Rotary Club.
You will hear presentations by Rotary leaders. You will participate in discussions led by the workshop facilitators, all of whom were outstanding club presidents. You will meet the leaders of your district. Your District Governor-elect, aided by your assistant governors, will conduct special district meetings.
The entire program is designed so you can JOIN LEADERS – EXCHANGE IDEAS - TAKE ACTION during your year as a successful club president.
Come and meet RI President-elect Gordon McInally and his wife Heather. 2023-24 theme CREATE HOPE in the WORLD
David E Jones |
