Our theme this year “Peace Through Service” is a great example for all Rotarians to follow. We are all given opportunities within our club to help make a difference in the world by moving one step closer to peace--and we must all do our part.

That being said, it is a tall order in a world where ethnic conflict, terrorist attacks, and civil strife fueled by hate threaten stability in so many regions. But the second part of Rotary’s mission tells us how we can reach this ambitious goal: through improving health, supporting education, and alleviating poverty. Today, 6000 diverse Foundation grant projects are addressing those issues.

Rotarians are digging wells in Guatemala, providing clean water in Africa to those in need, equipping schools in Afghanistan, helpingwith dental needs, and funding microcredit programs throughout the world. Foundation is setting the stage for peace by making life more stable for people in need. As Rotarians, we promote international understanding and enjoy international friendships. Those friendships take root every time an Ambassadorial Scholar meets his or her host family or a District welcomes a Group Study Exchange team.