“Rotary International Programs for Peace”
By Michel P. Jazzar
Rotary Representative to UN-ESCWA 2006-2009
Peace Session - Saturday May 3, 2008 – [0.30PM-2.00PM]
72nd District 2450 Conference -Beirut – Lebanon – [May 1st – 4th, 2008] – Grand Habtoor Hotel
• Introduction: What does Peace mean for Rotary?
• How does Rotary implement Peace?
• Whom Rotary is promoting Peace with?
• Suggestions…
• Conclusion: Rotary brings hope.
Introduction: What does Peace mean for the Rotary?
Paul P. Harris, founder of Rotary said:
“The spirit of tolerance, which has made it possible for Rotary to form a worldwide fellowship of business and professional men, will make all things possible.”
“Rotary allows ordinary people to do extra ordinary things.”
What Does Peace Mean for Rotary?
-Early years 1905: Fellowship, Vocational and Community service: Rotary has started as a National Association
- Year 1912: International Service: Rotary became an International Organization when Canada and other countries have joined
What is Rotary?
RI is a volunteer organization of business, professional and community leaders who provide humanitarian service and help to build goodwill and peace in the world.
What is the Mission of Rotary International?
Provide service to others; promote high ethical standards, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional and community leaders.
What is the Rotary Policy?
“The development of understanding and goodwill among Rotarians and among the people at large is the specific task of International Service in Rotary.”
“Freedom, justice, truth, sanctity of the pledged word, and respect for human rights are inherent in Rotary principles and are also vital to the maintenance of international peace and order and to human progress.”
What does Peace mean for the Rotary?
Goodwill and World Understanding.
The promotion of peace is one of Rotary’s valuable objectives.
What is the World Understanding impact?
Members gain an understanding of global humanitarian issues.
Members have significant impact through service projects and exchange programs of Rotary International and its Foundation.
What are the Paths for Peace?
Patriotism, Conciliation, Freedom, Progress, Justice, Sacrifice, Loyalty. And
Humility, Respect, Tolerance, Goodwill, Ethics, Responsibility, Humanity…
Rotary dates:
February:
February is the Rotary Peace month.
February 23 is Rotary Understanding Day.
February is the month of the anniversary of the birth of Rotary.
September:
International Day of Peace – Observed on September 21 every year, this United Nations observance encourages practical acts of peace.
November:
RI’s representatives to the UN in New York host an annual Rotary Day at the United Nations to celebrate this partnership for peace.
How Does Rotary implement Peace?
“For it isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.
Object of Rotary
The object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:
First. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service; [Club Service]
Second. High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society; [Vocational Service]
Third. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business and community life; [Community Service]
Fourth. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service. [International Service]
Rotary International Programs
-RI offers by its Foundation – TRF - a broad range of humanitarian, intercultural, and educational programs and activities designed to improve the human condition and advance the organization's ultimate goal of world understanding and peace.
-Nine Structured Programs and a Menu of nine Service opportunities help clubs and districts achieve their service goals in their own communities and in communities abroad, fostering fellowship and goodwill in the process.
Special program of RI
PolioPlus, which has priority over all other programs until the certification of eradication is achieved.
Rotarians have mobilized by the hundreds of thousands to ensure that children are immunized against this crippling disease and that surveillance is strong, despite the poor infrastructure, extreme poverty, and civil strife of many countries.
Since the PolioPlus program’s inception in 1985, more than two billion children have received oral polio vaccine. To date, 210 countries, territories, and areas around the world are polio-free, and 134 of these have been certified.
As of June 2007, Rotary has committed more than $633 million to global polio eradication.
2006-07 expenditures: $23.7 million.
PolioPlus Partners
It’s a program that allows Rotarians to participate in the polio eradication effort by contributing to specific social mobilization and surveillance activities in polio endemic countries.
As of June 30, 2007, over 6,000 clubs in 502 districts have contributed to 470 PolioPlus Partners projects, supporting National Immunization Days and other polio eradication activities around the world.
PolioPlus – [May 3, 2008]
To date, Rotary has contributed US$700 million to global polio eradication efforts. In 2007, there were 1307 polio cases in four polio endemic countries including Nigeria, Pakistan, Afghanistan and India.
In November 2007, Rotary received a US$100 million challenge grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Rotary will also have to raise US$100 million by 31 December 2010.
On 1 July 2008, "Rotary's US$100 Million Challenge" will be launched. Each Rotary Club is being asked to raise US$1000 per year, for the next three years by holding fundraising activities that include the general public.
Global Networking Groups
Rotary Fellowships and Rotarian Action Groups.
Structured Programs
Interact ,Rotaract, Rotary Community Corps, Rotary Friendship Exchange, Volunteer Service Grant , Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, World Community Service, Youth Exchange.
Menu of Service Opportunities
Children at Risk, Disabled Persons, Health Care, International Understanding and Goodwill, Literacy and Numeracy, Population Issues, Poverty and Hunger, Preserve Planet Earth, Urban Concerns.
Bringing peace on earth
Whether they’re bringing aid to a country in need or sending youth to another country to take part in an exchange program, Rotarians take an active role in promoting peace and goodwill around the world.
Peace-Making and Peace-Building
In Rotary, we have always practiced & have an ongoing policy of promoting Better Understanding & Peace.
Our Ambassadorial Scholarships, G.S.E., Humanitarian Grants of all types, Peace and Conflict Peace Centers, Short Term Peace Scholarships speak of how we promote Better Understanding among all countries, cultures, religions, etc.
Rotary Foundation Programs:
Ambassadorial Scholarships
Rotary Centers for International Studies
Rotary Peace and Conflict Studies Program
Group Study Exchange - GSE
Rotary grants for University Teachers
Volunteer Service Grants
District Simplified Grants
Disaster Recovery
Matching Grants
Health, Hunger and Humanity (3H) Grants
Polio Plus and Polio Plus Partners
Ambassadorial Scholarships
The Rotary Foundation's oldest and best-known program is Ambassadorial Scholarships, established in 1947. Since that time, more than 30,000 men and women from 100 nations have studied abroad under its auspices. Today, the Ambassadorial Scholarships Program of The Rotary Foundation is the world's largest privately funded international scholarships program.
More than 1,200 scholarships were awarded for study in 2000-01.
Through grants, totaling approximately $26 million, recipients from some of the 69 countries will study in more than 64 different nations.
The Foundation sponsors one of the largest international scholarship programs in the world. Scholars study in a country other than their own, where they serve as unofficial ambassadors of goodwill.
Since 1947, more than 38,000 scholars from over 100 countries have received scholarships at a cost of more than $490 million.
In 2006-07, 822 scholars from 50 countries studied in 80 countries. Program awards were $13.9 million.
Can be used to fund studies at most post-secondary study institutions worldwide. Can be used for studies in most subject areas and may be used for undergraduate, graduate or vocational studies.
Are selected and awarded at the Rotary district level, with TRF giving final approval and making study institution assignments.
Are generally not intended for the completion of a degree (+ exception of Multi-Year Ambassadorial Scholarships).
Ambassadorial Scholars include students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Ambassadorial Scholars may or may not have significant work experience.
Pursue studies and careers in any academic and professional area.
Rotary World Peace Fellowships.
Today, more than ever, the world needs leaders committed to peace. Through the Rotary World Peace Fellowship program, Rotary is providing tomorrow’s leaders with the tools to promote peace in the world.
Rotary has partnered with seven leading universities around the globe to develop the Rotary Centers for International Studies in peace and conflict resolution.
The Rotary World Peace Fellowship Program trains professionals in conflict resolution and mediation strategies to foster policies and create settings that ensure peace worldwide.
The master’s level degree program is aimed at mid-career professionals in governmental, nongovernmental organizations and private corporations. Alumni Program has found high-ranking positions for organizations such as USAID, the United Nations, Interpol and the World Bank.
Each year, up to 60 fellows are sponsored to study at one of the six Rotary Centers for International Studies in peace and conflict resolution for a master’s-level degree.
Since the program’s inception in 2002-03, 283 fellows from over 50 different countries have participated at a cost of more than $18 million.
In 2006-07, 50 peace fellows from 27 countries began studies at the six Rotary Centers totaling $4.3 million for the two-year program.
Can only be used to fund studies at a Rotary Center.
Can only be used to pursue graduate studies in international relations, peace studies, conflict resolution, and related areas.
Are selected based on the results of a Rotarian and Rotary Center university partner selection committee appointed by the Trustees, that meets annually to review all applications submitted.
Are awarded on a world-competitive basis.
Rotary World Peace Fellows recipients:
RWPF have already earned a bachelor’s degree or equivalent before starting their fellowship.
RWPF have significant, relevant work experience in the areas of conflict resolution, mediation, diplomacy, international relations, and similar fields.
RWPF demonstrate a commitment to a career dedicated to peace and conflict resolution following their fellowship.
Rotary Peace and Conflict Studies Program:
Open to professionals, this three-month program is offered at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand.
Health, Hunger and Humanity (3-H) Grants:
Fund large-scale, two- to four-year projects that enhance health, help alleviate hunger, or improve human development.
Since 1978, 305 projects in 77 countries have been funded at a cost of $74 million. In 2006-07, 18 new projects were approved.
Program awards were $4.2 million.
Group Study Exchange:
Since its inception in 1965, the GSE program has provided grants for countless teams of men and women in the early stages of their business and professional careers to travel abroad and share vocational information with the representatives of their respective professions in another country.
More than 500 exchanges between paired Rotary districts occur each year, advancing the program's ultimate goal of promoting international understanding and goodwill.
These annual awards are made to paired Rotary districts to provide travel expenses for a team of non-Rotarians from various professions. Rotarian hosts organize a four- to six-week itinerary of vocational, educational, and cultural points of interest.
Since 1965, about 60,000 individuals (i.e 12,500 teams) from 100 countries have participated at a cost of more than $96 million.
In 2006-07, 558 teams traveled abroad. Program awards were $4.3 million.
Rotary Grants for University Teachers:
Are awarded to faculty members to teach in a developing nation for 3 to 10 months. Since 1985, 460 university teachers have shared their expertise with a college or university in a developing country at a cost of $4.5 million.
In 2006-07, 29 university teachers from 9 countries taught in 22 countries. Program awards were $0.4 million.
Matching Grants:
Provide matching funds for international service projects of Rotary clubs and districts. Since 1965, almost 27,000 Matching Grant projects in 171 countries have been funded at a cost of more than $291 million.
In 2006-07, 2,008 new grants were approved for projects in 124 countries. Program awards were $34.3 million.
Volunteer Service Grants:
Support the international travel of qualified Rotarians and their spouses to provide a needed service to a community or to plan the implementation of a needed project. This program began in 2006-07, and 202 grants were awarded to support travel to 47 countries.
Program awards were $1.0 million.
Rotary Conferences:
Peace Forum
Rotary World Peace Symposium
Presidential Conference
Zone Institute
District Conference
International Convention
Intercountry Committees – ICC:
Facilitate home visits between Rotarians from two countries and strengthen friendships and service relationships that can lead to international projects. ICC Examples:
Egypt: with France , USA , Germany etc..
Lebanon: with France , USA
Jordan: with France , USA , UK etc…
Awards:
RI Best Cooperative Projects Award
Recognizes clubs that conduct outstanding projects in cooperation with other local, national, or international organizations; thereby, increasing awareness and understanding of Rotary within the international community.
The RI Best Cooperative Projects Award recognizes clubs that conduct outstanding projects in cooperation with other local, national, or international organizations, thereby, increasing awareness and understanding of Rotary within the international community. Projects requiring active involvement are given priority. Projects done in cooperation with the United Nations, UN agencies, or other international humanitarian organizations [Red Cross/Red Crescent, Scouts…] are also given priority.
Eligible projects must have been well established during the 12 months before March 15. The award application must be submitted to the District Governor by March 15 and received at RI World Headquarters no later than April 15.
Up to five nominations can be selected per district. The District Governor must endorse each nomination form.
The Rotary Award for World Understanding – RAWU.
Honors individuals or organization whose actions promote international peace and understanding.
Past Recipients:
Pope Jean Paul II, UN Secretary Javier Perez de Cuellar, Vaclav Havel, Jimmy Carter, James Grant [UNESCO], Nelson Mandela...
Resources:
-Human resources: Resource groups, Rotary Officers, External Relations Dept., Rotary Centers Dept.
-Informational resources:
Books; Publications; DVD: Humanity in Motion, Peace is Possible, Rotary and UN; -RI Website: >www.rotary.org
-Peace Websites
http://www.peace.ca/rotary.htm
http://www.peace.ca/rotarypeaceandme.htm
http://www.peace.ca/rotarybusinessandethics.htm
http://rotarypeacebuilding.homestead.com/
http://www.peace.ca/rotarypeaceeducation.htm
http://www.rotarypeacesummit.org/
http://www.rotary.org/en/StudentsAndYouth/EducationalPrograms/AmbassadorialScholarships/Pages/ridefault.aspx
http://www.peace.ca/rotarypeaceparks.htm
http://www.peace.ca/peaceparksandrotarymarketing.htm
http://www.peace.ca/rotarynetwork.htm
http://peaceforlebanon.blogspot.com/
Whom is RI Promoting Peace with?
Clubs and Districts, Individuals, United Nations, ONGs, Private sector, Other Organizations/Associations
Rotary and United Nations
Special historical relationship with UN [1945] & key impetus to establish UNESCO [1943].
Highest consultative status for NGO with ECOSOC.
Rotary’s Representative Network to UN bodies, programs, commissions, agencies. PolioPlus with WHO and UNICEF since 1987.
Rotary pledged to meet the 8 UN-MDGs.
Rotary and UN Day - November [UN-HQ]
Best Cooperative Projects Award – with a NGO
External Relations Department.
To help expand our reach and strengthen our network, Rotary is in the process of identifying Rotarians who are professionals in the international community. We hope to build a database of contacts.
Specifically, RI is looking for Rotarians who are professionals at UN agencies and other major NGOs that specialize in the following areas of focus:
Children’s issues, Disabled persons, Education, Environmental concerns, Healthcare, HIV-AIDS, Hunger, Literacy and Numeracy, Microcredit/Revolving loans, Peace/Conflict resolution, Poverty, Substance abuse, Urban concerns, Water, Women's issues .
If you would be interested in being added to the database, I have forms to be completed. Send your request to RI External Relation Department – jazzar@dm.net.lb
District 2450 and UN-ESCWA
Since 2004
RI’s representative::
2004-2006: PDG Tawfiq Kawar
2006-2009: Michel P. Jazzar
I am in the process of identifying Rotarians who are professionals, experts and would act as volunteers to help by their expertise the ESCWA countries members in issues: Social, Economic, IT, Population Dev., Water … If you are interested, send your email to jazzar@dm.net.lb
from Solidarity toward Peace
District Simplified Grants.
Disaster Recovery.
Solidarity in South Asia.
Solidarity with Lebanon.
Solidarity with Iraqis handicapped.
Humanity help to Darfur.
Solidarity after hurricane in New Orleans.
Sponsor the Arabic Rotary Publications.
Suggestions for Peace activities in RI District 2450
“Peace starts with me.” to build personal peace, family peace, community peace, regional peace and world peace.
Social Intelligence by its nature works to change behaviors, forge values and incite institutional transformations from the current culture of war and violence to a Culture of Peace and Non-violence.
We need a new leadership ideal:
Corrupt, unjust, exploitative, lying, violent, cowardly leaders are to be shunned; Replaced by honest, just, truthful, transparent, non-violent, brave, competent, committed, servant leaders = truly ‘public servants’ with a social purpose.
Peace Education: Schools [Adopt a Peace Book], Universities.
Peace Building: Young people, RYLA, Scouts….
Peace Making: Peace minded organizations or Associations [LIONS, UN agencies and Commissions, Red Cross/Red Crescent ...]
Peace Keeping in mind:
Partnership: Schools/Universities/Medias/Banks/Industries
Country Vision: Country Scholarship in Conflict Resolution Studies funded by the local Rotary Clubs.
E.g. any country: Conflict Resolution Studies Scholarship. (Yearly project)
Rotary Lebanon and Scholarship Partners: Rotary Clubs of Lebanon + University + Bank + Industry + Newspaper +T.V Station.
Conclusion: The Role of Rotary
"Rotary: UN of Service”?
Is it our aim?
On October 16, 2005, the newspaper “La Voix du Nord" titled by referring to RI Institute held in Lille: "Rotary, UN of Service."
While others have questions and inquiries about "Justice and efficiency" of the United Nations in the world, we ,Rotarians, endeavor to give answers, thanks to our determination and willpower, our organization, our transparency, our values, our concerns for development, which will contribute in achieving this goal: Rotary, UN of Service .
Globalization or Glocalisation? Where Does Rotary International fit? And how to reconcile the Local and the Global? Considering the trend of globalization that has resulted in many local, inhuman and non-environmental consequences for some persons, and unfair and hasty for others:
- Rotary, through its human values, has founded the osmosis among populations by respecting the Being.
- The Rotary has committed itself to bear the responsibilities in order to succeed and to educate in order to understand and excel; to fight hunger and diseases in order to live in dignity; to raise hope by the means of goodwill for peace to govern each one of us, around us and the entire world.
Human Supporters, JOIN IN ACTION.
Bibliography:
1- “Seven Paths to Peace”- First printing April1959 – 118p.
2- “My Road to Rotary”- by Paul P. Harris - Ref.: CD3-922- January 1990.
3- “From Conflict to Peace” RCIS Monograph Series edited by Marianne Hanson – Ref.: 908 – May 2007.
4- “Peace Book”- January 2008 – Illustrations by: Todd Parr [2004], Translated by: Laura Mogheizel , Editor: Dar El Ilm Lilmalayin – Beirut – Lebanon - info@malayin.com - .www.malayin.com.
5- “Manual of Procedure” -035 - RI – Edition 2007.
-For correspondence: jazzar@dm.net.lb
-To download the presentation into ppt format go to: http://rlild.hautetfort.com
-For more and photos go to:
