DG Jim's Corner February 2026
Fellow Rotarians, Retractors & Interactors,
As February brings winter chill, Rotarians remain steadfast in their dedication to Service Above Self. Throughout the month, club members are actively engaged in a variety of projects focused on helping those in need, supporting local events, and generously giving their time and energy. At the heart of our mission lies an unwavering commitment to volunteerism, whether it’s spending time at local shelters, organizing food drives, or lending support to youth programs. Each effort is a testament to our goal of making a positive impact in our neighborhoods. The dedication shown by Rotarians not only strengthens our community but also motivates others to join in and make a difference.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the Rotary Clubs in District 7120 for their enthusiastic support and participation in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge fundraiser held on February 1st. Your efforts have made a meaningful contribution, exemplifying the spirit and values of Rotary service.
Stay Informed and Get Involved
We encourage all members to take the time to review the latest information, Learning Sessions offered, and activities from our various Action Groups and Committees featured in this month’s Grapevine. Your participation is essential as we strive to Unite for Good across Rotary’s Areas of Focus.
Your involvement in any of these Learning Sessions and Committee Activities will not only make a meaningful impact but also provide valuable opportunities to connect and collaborate with others who are committed to service within our district.
*February Focus - Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention.
As a humanitarian organization, peace is a cornerstone of our mission. We understand peace not as an abstract concept but as a living, dynamic expression of human development. By carrying out service projects and supporting peace fellowships and scholarships, our members take action to address the underlying causes of conflict, which include poverty, discrimination, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and an inequitable distribution of resources.
Rotary was present at the inception of the United Nations in 1945 and was one of only 42 organizations invited to serve as consultants to the U.S. delegation to the UN charter conference in San Francisco, California, USA.
Today, Rotary holds the highest consultative status offered to a nongovernmental organization by the UN Economic and Social Council, which oversees many specialized UN agencies.We launched the Rotary Peace Centers program in 1999 to train new generations of peacebuilders, and the inaugural class of Rotary Peace Fellows began their studies in 2002. Alumni work around the world as leaders in governments, nongovernmental organizations, educational institutions, media, the arts, and at international organizations like the UN and the World Bank.
We approach the concept of peace with cohesion, inclusivity, and a broad scope to find more ways for people to get involved.
Rotary invests in peace education and capacity building, fosters strategic relationships, and integrates peacebuilding into all of everything we do.
We refuse to accept violence as a way of life. That’s why peacebuilding and conflict prevention is one of Rotary’s areas of focus.
By engaging in community-based programs and supporting our fellowships and scholarships, Rotary members take action to end violent conflict and create environments of peace around the world. During the past 20 years, The Rotary Foundation has committed more than US$125 million toward community grants, scholarships, and initiatives.
Through these investments, we leverage our community relationships and take collective action to create lasting peace — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Rotary’s peacebuilding initiatives rely on local and regional people of action who seek to create environments where lasting peace is possible. We do this by investing in:
- Education and capacity building including youth programming and community-based skill acquisition and education
- Network building and convening including developing regional ecosystems of action for peace
- Integrating peace frameworks into Rotary service projects
As we expand these efforts in an increasingly complex world, our goal is to empower Rotary members to address existing and emerging issues in peacebuilding. This is made possible through strengthening cross-sectional networks and working together to create healthy communities that can build peace and sustain it into the future.
Yours in Rotary
Jim and Nancy
