Posted by Gary Huang
The work of Rotary begins in the community, and every community has its own unique needs and concerns.  While we serve in countless ways, we’ve focused our efforts in six key areas to maximize our impact. Our areas of focus not only encompass some of the world’s most critical and widespread humanitarian needs; they also reflect service opportunities in which we have demonstrated a proven track record of success:
  • Peace and conflict prevention/resolution
  • Disease prevention and treatment
  • Water, sanitation and hygiene
  • Maternal and child health
  • Basic education and literacy
  • Economic and community development
Our Foundation places a priority on these six areas of focus by offering global grants of US$30,000-US$400,000 to large scale, sustainable Rotary projects that address them. However, our work in the areas of focus is not limited only to these large scale projects. Every Rotary club is capable of addressing needs within these areas. To encourage them to get involved, I am requiring every club to participate in a project related to at least one area of focus in order to qualify for the 2014-15 Presidential Citation.
 
Please encourage your clubs to become familiar with our six areas of focus and empower them to take action:
  • Read the Rotary’s Areas of Focus guide for an overview of these critical needs and service opportunities.
  • Use our crowdsourcing tool, Rotary Ideas, to post project needs, find funding, and connect with partners.
  • Publicize your impact on Rotary Showcase and show the world how Rotary is making a difference.
You can also help your clubs enhance the quality of their projects by encouraging them to consult with Rotarian Action Groups for assistance. There are currently 19 Rotarian Action Groups led by Rotarians with significant experience in areas of specialty across all six areas of focus. You may receive communications from Rotarian Action Groups from time to time offering to help your clubs. I encourage you to work closely with these groups and facilitate communication between them and your clubs.

Thank you for your leadership and support. If each of us can shine a light by focusing and enhancing our service efforts, together we will Light Up Rotary.
Sincerely,
Gary C.K. Huang
President, Rotary International, 2014-15