February is Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month in Rotary and we kick things off with a focus on one of the major peace initiatives of Rotary – Peace Fellowships.
Rotary sees peace not as an abstract concept but as a living, dynamic expression of human development. Peacebuilding is a cornerstone of the Rotary mission as a humanitarian service organization, and it is one of Rotary's six areas of focus – the channels of activity through which our members make their mark on the world. Rotary's programs, grants and fellowships focus on creating environments where peace can be built and maintained. Rotary believes that if concerned citizens work together to create peace locally, lasting change can happen globally.
Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of its peace centers.
Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centers program develops the capacity of peace and development professionals to become effective catalysts for peace.
Since the program began in 2002, the Rotary Peace Centers have trained more than 1,500 fellows who now work in over 115 countries. Many serve as leaders in governments, NGOs, education and research institutions, peacekeeping and law enforcement agencies, and international organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank.
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is designed for leaders with work experience in peace and development. Our fellows are committed to community and international service and the pursuit of peace. Rotary Clubs and districts have the power to shape the next generation of peacebuilders by recruiting Rotary Peace Fellows and helping them stay involved with Rotary after their studies. Each year, The Rotary Foundation awards up to 50 fellowships for master’s degree programs and 80 for professional certificate programs at premier universities which serve as the seven Rotary Peace Centers around the world. By supporting a peace fellow, your club or district can engage with the program in meaningful ways.
“Through years of being involved in the peace fellowship process, I’m still thrilled and admire the serious and high quality of the candidates who apply to the program,” says Gideon Peiper, Rotary Peace Fellowships subcommittee chair for District 2490. “It’s a wonderful experience to follow this process, developing a personal connection with Rotary members and knowing that peace fellows will have a memorable experience that will contribute to their professional as well as their personal life, all made possible by the tremendous support of Rotary members worldwide.”
Districts interview applicants and endorse candidates for consideration by The Rotary Foundation. Clubs can help in these ways:
- Recruit candidates (view the Peace Fellowship Application Process)
- Support candidates. Complete an online training course in how to do this effectively.
- Provide a club recommendation for a candidate, which is optional but highly encouraged.
- Encourage members to join your district’s Rotary Peace Fellowships subcommittee, which interviews candidates.
Contact your district Rotary Peace Fellowships subcommittee chair or district Rotary Foundation chair for more information.
Learn more about members’ role in selecting peace fellows and check out some of the additional resources available for download on this page.