Rotary International District 5170

Water, Health and Hunger for a number of years have been recognized as major themes by past and current Presidents of RI:

Past RI President William Boyd selected water as his first emphasis: "Without clean water, little else is possible. If you are thirsty, nothing else matters," he said. Citing high childhood mortality rates caused by illness and malnutrition, he chose health and hunger as his second emphasis. "Without food, there is no health," he said. "And without health, there is no hope." http://www.rotary.org/newsroom/events/060630_newyear.html

RI President Wilf Wilkinson: "Continuity is essential to Rotary's success, and so health, literacy, and water will remain our service emphases for the year. For many clubs, that will mean continuing ongoing, successful projects in their communities and internationally. For those who want to start new projects, I urge you to think creatively and consider some new approaches. For example, let's look at how we can use new technologies to purify water, teach people to read, or provide safe sources of energy for homes. Then let's share those innovative solutions with other Rotary clubs that are looking for successful project ideas." http://www.rotary.org/newsroom/downloadcenter/pdfs/900en07.pdf

Solar energy can play an important role in providing innovative solutions to the world's problems.

Our 2007-2008 Mission: Be a resource, SHARE and provide knowledge, motivation and support for clubs to become very active in pursuing innovative water, sanitation, health, hunger and solar projects/solutions, both internationally and locally.

District Goals and Action plan for this year include:

• To have every Rotary Club involved in Water, Health, Hunger and Solar project(s) – for international and/or local project(s).
• Provide club presentations, programs or training opportunities to help educate Rotarians about global and local issues relating to Water, Health and Hunger, and potential solutions including solar technologies
• Participate in Area WCS meetings for information sharing.
• Facilitate clubs working together, to accomplish joint Water, Health, Hunger & Solar projects – Matching Grants, 3 H Grants, COG Grants.
• Conduct surveys of existing and planned club projects involving Water, Health, Hunger and Solar.
• Motivate clubs to go after RI’s Gold or Silver Health & Hunger Awards.
• Encourage clubs to have at least one club member join the new Water and Sanitation Rotary Action Group (WASRAG: www.wasrag.org ).
• Develop a Database of knowledgeable Rotary and non-Rotary experts in the many aspects of Water, Health, Hunger & Solar – resulting in leveraging our knowledge base and leading into "Best Practices".
• Attract motivated Rotarians to join the Water, Health, Hunger & Solar Taskforce to form a long-term resource group that lasts many years.
• Work with Interact to encourage international/local project in Water, Health, Hunger & Solar. (Note: 2007 solar cooker workshops for Congo project and emergency response/preparedness).
• Continue workshops with Early Act on making and using solar cookers.
• Explore working with Rotaract on WHH&S issues.
• Brainstorm ideas to "make a greater difference" – for those who’s survival is often threatened by poverty and lack of resources (safe drinking water, sanitation, medical care, food, energy, etc.)

Please contact me regarding your club projects, ideas, issues or needs related to Water, Health, Hunger and Solar programs -- Or volunteer to join the taskforce or serve as an expert. Looking forward to support you and work with you all.