Gualala Rotary is part of Rotary International (RI), District 5130. A portion of a member’s annual dues go to Rotary International.
So, what is Rotary International? RI, as it is known, is an old and historic humanitarian organization, founded in Chicago in 1905 by Paul Harris. Harris formed the Club for professionals of all backgrounds to exchange ideas and make new friends. Today RI has clubs on six continents and over 1.2 million members. Gualala Rotary has provided over $100,000 to RI to support these international humanitarian projects. Find out more at:
To local Rotary Clubs, RI provides through on-line resources, Webinars and person-to-person conventions. District Rotary has a matching grant program for local service projects.
Rotary International’s President for 2022-23 is Jennifer Jones from Ontario, Canada. Jones has challenged us to “Imagine Rotary,” and during her year in office will focus on four presidential initiatives: advancing our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI); creating a welcoming club experience; empowering girls; and expanding our reach.
The 2021-2022 focus for Rotary International was literacy, especially for girls and women, where, in certain countries, literacy can be a life-or-death issue. RI’s President, Shekhar Mehta, from India, pioneered medical and literacy programs in India, so he knows the tough road ahead
