Rotarians,
As we begin the month of March do you feel lucky? I hope you answered yes, and that you take a moment to reflect on this month's Rotary International theme of: Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene. We all recognize how critical these essential elements are to health, well-being, and dignity around the world. According to World Vision, 703 million people lack access to clean water. That’s 1 in 10 people on the planet. Women and girls spend an estimated 200 million hours carrying water every day, walking about 3.7 miles every day to haul 40 pounds of water, could you imagine having to do that yourself? It's estimated that 1.69 billion people live without access to adequate sanitation. Looking at these statistics, it's no surprise Rotary International chose this month's theme as one of their top priorities.
In the United States these services are so common that we take them for granted, until we get a boil notice, which are thankfully few and far between. As Americans, we are incredibly fortunate to have reliable access to clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene facilities throughout the majority of our great country. I want to encourage you to take a moment to pause this month and appreciate the easy access we have to these services in our everyday life. Consider how we are more fortunate than many, to prevent countless diseases because of our water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure. Appreciate the shower you enjoy several times a week and the luxurious hot water that is readily available. I, for one, love to drink cool refreshing water, so I will be reflecting on every pure, clean, glass of water I drink. I will strive to truly appreciate what a gift it is, to enjoy the amazing spring water that is abundant in Idaho. We're not just Lucky, we're abundantly blessed! Do you feel it?
May we never lose sight of how fortunate we are and the fact that millions of people around the world still lack these basic services, As a Rotarian you are contributing to ongoing efforts that can make a profound difference for those in need of these life saving services through your contributions to the Rotary Foundation. I feel very lucky to be a part of such an incredible organization, I hope you do too!
Your friend in Rotary,
Rotarians,
As we step into the month of February, we are reminded of Rotary’s enduring commitment to building a more peaceful, equitable world. Rotary’s February focus on peace and conflict prevention resonates deeply with our mission of service, as we understand that peace is not just the absence of violence, but the active presence of understanding, collaboration, and compassion. Through Rotary’s Peace Fellowships, community service projects, and commitment to a more balanced world, we work tirelessly to foster dialogue, provide support, and promote mutual respect. Each of us, in our own way, is contributing to a world where differences are resolved through understanding, and where every voice is heard.
This month let’s reaffirm our collective responsibility to not only maintain peace in our local communities but to also extend our reach as we travel outside of our community to extend the hand of fellowship and kindness. By prioritizing peacebuilding, we can be agents of change, ensuring that future generations inherit a world where peace is not just a goal but a reality. Together, as Rotarians, we are united in our mission to prevent conflict and promote lasting peace and it all starts with each of us as individual influencers.
Yours in service,
Kristin Sanger
President, Rotary Club of Idaho Falls
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
As we embrace the month of December, a time of reflection and giving, it is fitting that we focus our attention on one of Rotary’s most profound commitments: Disease Prevention and Treatment. Rotary International’s efforts in this area are both impactful and far-reaching. I was impressed with the vastness of Rotary’s health initiatives. Did you know that our health focus includes the establishment of temporary clinics and blood donation centers, which serve underserved communities where healthcare resources are scarce? Rotary also builds health training facilities, where we empower local health workers to deliver essential services and improve health outcomes. Did you know that Rotary provides crucial health education alongside routine hearing, vision, and dental care? The more I learn about the impact and focuses of Rotary the more pleased I feel about being a part of it all!
I hope you feel proud to be a part of Rotary’s noteworthy efforts to combat specific diseases such as polio, HIV/AIDS, malaria, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and cervical cancer. Each of these initiatives reflects our unwavering dedication to eradicating disease and fostering healthier communities. As we move forward during this month of giving, let us remember the power of Rotary and the difference we can make collectively. Together, we can continue to create lasting change and promote health in our community and across the globe.
Thank you for your continued dedication to Rotary and our shared goals. I wish you all a joyful holiday season filled with the spirit of giving and service.
Yours In Rotary Service,
Kristin Sanger
President, Rotary Club of Idaho Falls
Dear Rotary Family,
As we focus on the month of Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible impact of The Rotary Foundation which is our focus for the month of November. The Rotary Foundation has some remarkable achievements that have been accomplished because of Rotarians like you! Since its formation in 1917, our foundation has been a beacon of hope and change, earning a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for its commitment to transparency and effectiveness.
As you all are aware one of the most significant achievements The Rotary Foundation has made is the fight against polio. Through the PolioPlus program, we have reduced polio cases by an astounding 99.9% worldwide. Our collective efforts, bolstered by over $2 billion in contributions, including matching funds from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, have brought us closer to eradicating this disease for good.
In addition to The Rotary Foundation's work on polio, Rotary’s commitment extends to growing local economies, saving mothers and children, and providing essential sanitation and hygiene services and more. Each of these initiatives reflects Rotary’s dedication to improving lives and making a lasting impact in communities around the world.
We have so much to be thankful for, and Rotary is an easy item to add to your gratitude list. Together, we are making a difference, and we’re so close to bringing larger grant dollars to our community because of your contributions to the Rotary Foundation. Don’t let this month pass by without setting up your recurring Rotary Foundation donation; just $10 a month will help our club qualify for a $10,000 grant, which means greater community impact for Idaho Falls. I am humbled to be part of such a dedicated and compassionate group, who lives the “Service Above Self” motto. May we continue to work hand in hand, inspired by our mission and the lives we touch.
In service and fellowship,
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Service Above Self
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
United States of America