In her May 2022 Newsletter, written from Manilla, Philippines, where she and mark are attending their District conference, Rotary International Vice-President and Director and Valarie Wafer talks about her recent activities: Rotary International Board meetings, the Council on Legislation, and the many District Conferences she is attending. She notes that polio immunization , part of the 3 H program started in the Philippines. She hopes to see many from our District in Houston at the RI Convention and the Beyond Borders Rotary Roundup. She encourages all of us to look to May and June as a chance to revisit goals set with a final push to achievement: Each One Bring One, Do More Grow More, Rotary Days of Service and Foundation Giving ..........
Dear Rotarains, Rotaractors and the whole Rotary family in District 7070,
There are times during the last two years where time seemed to stand still, move in slow motion, yet as I reflect back it is hard to believe that my term as RI Director is coming to an end.
We have accomplished much and we should be proud of the journey we have taken and the road ahead.
My term is ending in a flurry of in person events and meetings and it feels fantastic!
Two weeks in Chicago in April were very busy and productive with RI Board meetings and the Council on Legislation 2022. This was a historic Council as many delegates (approx. 33%) were unable to travel due to the pandemic. With the hard work and flexibility of our incredible Rotary International staff this event was held as a hybrid event, and it went quite seamlessly.
We reviewed many enactments, each moving our organization forward. Three key themes, in my observation, were evident; Innovation, Flexibility and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. It was a forward thinking Council with the representatives willing to set a path for the future of Rotary. Thank you to all our Zones 28 and 32 delegates you served your district well!
As I write this second-to-last Beyond Borders chapter I am looking over the skyline of Manila during my first visit to the Philippines. What an incredible welcome from Rotarians in D3830 who are so dedicated to Serve to Change Lives. Here to attend a district conference, Mark and I have been visiting project sites every day and yesterday saw where it is all began.
The very first drops of the oral polio vaccine were delivered right here in Makati as part of a 3H (Health, Hunger and Humanity) Grant. I actually got chills, which is hard to do when it is 32 degrees celsius, as I felt I was at ground zero. Here where RI and the Government of the Philippines joined together for a 5-year project to immunize Filipino children. Which resulted in us making a promise to the children of the world.
After nearly 15 months without any reported cases of wild polio in Pakistan, a 15-month-old boy in North Waziristan was paralyzed by the wild poliovirus. This case underscores that our work is not over and it is critical for Rotary members to continue our strong advocacy and fundraising to ensure no other child or parent receives this devastating news.
May and June will round out the Rotary year with many celebratory events. District conferences with many of you and our RI Convention in Houston. Join us at the Beyond Borders Rotary Roundup event, we are expecting over 300 attendees for a chance to connect while at the convention and a chance to share experiences. It is a wonderful tradition and I look forward to seeing each of you there.
Let’s look to May and June as a chance to revisit goals set with a final push to achievement. Each One Bring One, Do More Grow More, Rotary Days of Service and Foundation Giving. How have we done? Let’s celebrate on June 30th that this Rotary year has been one of the best ever!
Yours In Rotary,
Valarie
Valarie Wafer
Rotary International Vice President (2021-2022)
Rotary International Director (2020-22)
valarie.wafer@gmail.com
Rotary International statement on Ukraine conflict
It is a tragic and sad time for the people of Ukraine and the world.
At Rotary, we are deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Ukraine and the escalating loss of life and humanitarian hardship there. Continued military action against Ukraine will not only devastate the region, but also risk spreading tragic consequences across Europe and the world.
As one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, we have made peace the cornerstone of our global mission. We join the international community in calling for an immediate cease fire, withdrawal of Russian forces, and a restoration of diplomatic efforts to resolve this conflict through dialogue.
In the past decade, Rotary clubs in Ukraine, Russia and nearby countries have transcended national differences and have actively engaged in peace-building projects to promote goodwill and to marshal assistance for the victims of war and violence. Today, our thoughts are with our fellow Rotary members and others in Ukraine coping with these tragic events. Rotary International will do everything in its power to bring aid, support and peace to the region.
Rotary International