BY JAMES WERNICKE
President-Elect
Rotary Club of Los Alamos

For over 100 years, Rotary International has been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts, championing international aid and peace initiatives across the globe. With over 46,000 clubs worldwide, Rotary’s motto “Service Above Self” transcends borders, cultures, and politics, allowing it to respond swiftly with the help of organizations like USAID to provide immediate and long-term aid to communities in need, particularly in response to natural disasters, poverty, and health crises. Relying solely on voluntary contributions through its Rotary Foundation, the organization funds projects that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, such as disease prevention, clean water access, education, and economic development. 

One of Rotary’s greatest international contributions is its role in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Since launching its PolioPlus program in 1985, Rotary has worked alongside partners like WHO and UNICEF to reduce polio cases by 99.9%, saving millions of children from paralysis and death. Rotary continues to fund vaccinations and surveillance efforts in regions where the disease remains a threat.

Working with UNICEF and local governments, Rotary helps immunize 100,000 children from rotavirus, pneumococcal disease, and cervical cancer across the South Pacific. Courtesy photo

Through partnerships with organizations like ShelterBox, Rotary has provided emergency shelter, food, and supplies to families affected by earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, and conflict. Beyond direct aid, Rotary actively promotes global peace by addressing the root causes of conflict—poverty, lack of education, and inequality. Rotary Peace Centers train peacebuilders and conflict resolution experts who work in diplomacy, law, and international relations. Each year, Rotary Peace Fellowships provide scholarships for professionals to study at leading universities, equipping them with the skills to mediate disputes and foster reconciliation in conflict zones. Additionally, Rotary supports grassroots peacebuilding efforts, from youth education programs to interfaith dialogue initiatives. Rotary members work in communities to reduce tensions, combat extremism, and promote understanding among diverse groups. As Dr. Martin Luther King said, peace is not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice and opportunity.

Since 1917, the Rotary Foundation has invested over $3 billion in humanitarian causes. Courtesy photo
Rotary’s commitment goes beyond immediate relief to catalyzing self-sustaining projects in the following areas:

• Ensuring communities have access to safe drinking water, reducing disease and improving health.
• Funding schools, scholarships, and literacy programs to empower future generations to break the cycle of poverty.
• Combating infant mortality, malnutrition, and maternal health for healthier families and stronger communities.
• Providing microfinance programs and vocational training help people gain skills and financial independence.

Rotary’s hierarchical structure allows clubs to diffuse their efforts across international, regional, and local projects. By working with Rotary International, Rotary District 5520, and other Rotary clubs, Rotary Club of Los Alamos has been able to send an ambulance from White Rock to Ukraine through US Ambulances for Ukraine and build drinking water systems in Guatemala. We also organize Meals of Hope food packing events for The Food Depot which distributes food across northern New Mexico. Through the Purple Pinky campaign, we raise awareness and funds for PolioPlus which provides vaccinations to children in polio-endemic countries. The LAHS Interact Club supports these efforts, but also spearheads their own projects. For example, they raised money to combat human trafficking in South America through Vos Tambien, provide Shelterboxes for Syria and Turkey earthquake victims, and held a peace glow and fundraiser for Ukraine.

Hundreds of Los Alamos community members gathered at Overlook Park to show their support for Ukraine at a peace glow organized by the high school Interact club. Courtesy photo

Rotary’s work is driven by volunteers and donors who believe in making a difference. You can help by joining us a member, volunteer, or donor with the Rotary Club of Los Alamos. As this year’s president, I hope to raise funds for a solar-powered well and greenhouse project for remote desert communities of the Navajo Nation as well as grow our endowment to support the many worthy causes and organizations around the world. As conflicts persist and humanitarian challenges evolve, Rotary International remains steadfast in its commitment to service. Even in the face of adversity, people united by a common purpose can create a more just and compassionate world.

We invite you to join us for Crabfest—our biggest fundraiser of the year—only a week away on Saturday, February 22 at 5:30pm at Cottonwood on the Greens. Please purchase tickets in advance. The event features a delicious meal, an auction of unique and interesting items from around the world, and opportunities to learn more about our local and international projects. Email losalamosrotary1312@gmail.com for more info.