Rotary International

In Appalachia, resilience is woven into the fabric of community⛰️ In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which brought devastating rains and destruction to Tennessee and North Carolina, the strength of this community has shone through. One powerful symbol of this resilience is a time capsule created by young folklorists at Unicoi County Hospital. Filled with local stories, objects, and memories, it reflects the rich heritage of the region and the enduring spirit of its people. Set to be opened in 2044, the capsule is a reminder of how the community, even in times of crisis, comes together to preserve its history, support one another, and build a legacy for future generations.

How often do we pause to consider what it means to truly listen? The Rotary Club of Bogotá Centenario in Colombia recently partnered with the deaf community to host an accessible Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) to make their leadership development more inclusive. With the help of interpreters and sign language, participants experienced the power of inclusive communication. Find the full story here: https://lnkd.in/gkgbWqnk

Yesterday’s exercise rings closed early, thanks to our amazing guests! Dr. Stephanie Urchick, EdD, Rotary International President visited Next Media and because of this, I managed to hit two birds with one stone: close my exercise rings 😊 (PR and protocol duties will keep you on your feet ensuring your guests are satisfied!) and met the incredible woman leading Rotary, alongside other amazing people doing great work. From the press conference to my conversations with the various delegates, one thing stood out: their deep passion for this cause. As a communicator, I’m proud that the #NextMediaUG platforms we serve continue to make such a meaningful impact. #NextMediaHostsRIP #RIPresidentVisitsUG

Coming together to protect our local ecosystems 🤝 💚 🌿 When Vallisneria, an invasive aquatic plant, began threatening the natural habitat of Saga City’s river in Japan, the Rotary Club of Saga South partnered with their community to help. 🐟 With support from local nonprofits, junior high students, city officials, media, and community members, they organized a hands-on service day to remove the invasive plant and restore the river’s ecosystem. 📚 Before the cleanup, the club led an educational session at a local school, teaching students about environmental preservation. 🌎 Thanks to their efforts, dragonflies, freshwater fish, and aquatic plants are thriving again, protecting endangered species and preserving the river’s biodiversity.

In the heart of Maharashtra, Rotary District 3131 brought hope to street vendors in Pune and Raigad with the "Chatrachaya" project ☂️ 2,425 umbrellas were distributed to shield vendors from the sun and rain, offering protection and security. This initiative, powered by 105 Rotary clubs and supported by Quick Heal Technologies, is a beautiful example of empathy, teamwork, and the Rotary spirit in action. Together, we can create lasting change🌦️

Introducing Jonghyeong Park, a Rotary Global Grant Scholar tackling climate change in the Solomon Islands 🌍 💚 As a Project Officer with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Jonghyeong helps communities adapt to rising sea levels and natural disasters. He earned his Master’s at the Geneva Graduate Institute with Rotary’s support, serving as a stepping stone that turned his passion for global peace into action. Today, he’s using his expertise to amplify local voices and empower communities to face one of humanity’s greatest challenges. How are you taking local action to make a global impact?

On this New Year’s Day, I want to join the international community in remembering President Jimmy Carter. He redefines the meaning of retirement and his post-presidential life is a testament to the power of service. His tireless peacebuilding efforts and decades of work on disease eradication/prevention resonate with Rotary. During Carter’s presidency, he met with three Rotary International presidents at the White House. Currently, Rotary International is in partnership with the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University to provide education and help Rotary clubs promote peace at local and global levels. "I have always looked with admiration and sometimes envy at Rotary International, and I've traveled all over. [My wife] Rosalynn and I have been in more than 100 countries. Almost everywhere we go, we see evidence of volunteerism among lay, non-governmental leaders inspired by Rotary and the opportunity to invest a portion of their time, knowledge, and experience in improving their own communities.” —June 1994 Rotary magazine interview (https://lnkd.in/eSBnhPfH)

Happy New Year! Here’s to a joyful and healthy 2025 🎊 We're looking forward to all we can achieve together this year. What projects does your #Rotary club have in store for the upcoming year?

2024 in Review 🗞️✨ A year of inspiring stories, impactful projects, and moments that brought us together 🌍 Each cover of Rotary magazine tells a part of our shared journey. Which story or moment stood out to you the most this year?

What are you holding space for in 2025? Whatever it is, we hope it brings you joy, builds new friendships and strengthens your community 🩷💚