Peace is fundamental to Rotary’s mission. In a time of heightened tensions and uncertainties due to COVID-19 and other factors, it is critically important that we work together to create environments where peace can thrive. Our members are addressing the underlying causes of conflict every day through service projects and peace fellowships and scholarships.
February is Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month. This month, take advantage of some of the many ways to get involved in peace through Rotary.
- Find experts who can help make your projects more effective and sustainable by connecting with one of the Rotary Action Groups that focuses on promoting peace:
- Recruit candidates for a Rotary Peace Fellowship. Up to 130 fellowships are offered each year for studies at one of the Rotary Peace Centers. The 2023-24 application opened on 1 February.
- Join your district’s Rotary Friendship Exchange program to experience a new culture, make new friends, or do vocational service in another country while fostering international understanding.
- Register for Serve to Bring Peace, the Rotary presidential conference to be held 3-4 June in Houston, Texas, USA. There, you’ll learn how Rotary’s areas of focus support the eight pillars of Positive Peace, and you’ll have the opportunity to network with the Rotary peacebuilding community.
Increase your impact
Find support from our partners
Work with Rotary’s partners to develop your peacebuilding skills and carry out projects:
- Mediators Beyond Borders International offers a Peace Conversation Facilitation Program that is designed for Rotary members, who can train to become more effective peacebuilders in their own clubs, districts, and communities.
- The Institute for Economics and Peace worked with Rotary to develop the Rotary Positive Peace Academy. Use this free online course to learn how to apply peacebuilding methods and mobilize communities to address the causes of conflict.
- Peace Corps provides opportunities for Rotary and Rotaract clubs to work alongside Peace Corps volunteers in the humanitarian development sector to empower communities and lay the foundation for peace. Learn how you can collaborate with Peace Corps Volunteers.
- ShelterBox provides emergency shelter and tools to displaced families. Learn how you can support emergency disaster relief efforts.
Enhance your engagement
Build bridges through intercountry committees
An intercountry committee (ICC) brings together two or more districts or countries to improve intercultural understanding, establish networks across borders, and strengthen ties between members, clubs, and districts in different countries. The more than 400 intercountry committees are a key resource for expanding Rotary networks while fostering cooperation and peace.
Help promote understanding and peace by working with an ICC to:
- Develop a sister or twin club relationship between clubs
- Set up a Rotary Friendship Exchange
- Work on international service projects
- Find fresh ideas for sponsoring new clubs and engaging existing members