Tag Archives: Rotary Action Groups

Celebrate Earth Day with resources from the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group

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Wildfires, heatwaves, droughts, and floods leave many people wondering what they can do to address the environmental challenges facing our world. In Rotary, the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG) has provided a platform for environmentally-minded Rotary and Rotaract members to come together to seek solutions that have a sustainable impact. For Earth Day, 22 April, check out some of the many resources the action group makes available to members to carry out effective environmental actions. 

Environmental action group deepens interest in Rotary

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Kris Cameron’s hens line up at feeding time. Helen peeks through the window acting as spokeshen for Betty, Martha, and Geraldine.
Kris Cameron with one of her hens.

By Kris Cameron, a member of the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group, and the Rotary Club of Wenatchee Confluence, Washington, USA

About a year before I retired, I began to think about how I might meet new people and find an avenue to continue to serve my community. I had been a public school teacher and union leader for almost three decades and was anxious to start a new chapter.

When I saw a humorous video that a friend of mine who is younger than I had posted on social media about his Rotary club, I was intrigued. I had a positive view of Rotary from growing up with Rotary parks in my community and Rotary Youth Exchange students who attended my high school. My friend agreed to bring me to a meeting as his guest. The warm reception I received and the interesting people I met there were an irresistible draw, and I soon joined the club and began serving in leadership roles.

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Restoring habitat and helping pollinators in Colorado

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Terry Shueler and Marilyn Treharne plant native species that will attract pollinators.

By Ashley Kasprzak, past president (2022-23) of the Rotary Club of Longmont Twin Peaks, Colorado, USA

I may have “cause-related” Attention Deficit Disorder. Yes, I made up that phrase, and I am smiling. I would bet there are some others reading this who have a similar disposition. I believe that there are so many ways to improve the world, and I want to do them all. I want to engage with nonprofits that feed the hungry, provide housing for the homeless, educate children from preschool through graduation, bring the arts to more people, and much more.

I fell in love with Rotary because it addresses diverse issues. I currently serve on the Board of Directors for Twin Peaks Rotary Club Longmont. As an organization, Rotary members believe we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. In 2020, Rotary added protecting the environment as one of its areas of focus.

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“I Found a Purpose in My Pain:” Nigerian Oncologist Changes Lives

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Line for screening
People line up for cervical cancer screening and testing during a health day in Ikeja, Nigeria, organized by the Rotary Action Group for Family Health & AIDS prevention.
Dr. Omolola Salako
Dr. Omolola Salako

The pandemic did not just slow down the delivery of essential health services to vulnerable populations. In many cases, it completely cut it off. On 23-24 June, health days were organized at 60 sites in Nigeria. At two sites at Ikeja, Dr. Omolola Salako, a clinical oncologist, and her team witnessed hundreds of women queueing up to get their cervical cancer screening and tests done. Salako is founder of three organizations – Sebeccly Cancer Care and Support Centre, Oncopadi Technologies and Pearl Oncology Clinic, and has spent over 16 years providing quality care and education to cancer patients in Nigeria. She recently shared her experience with Sneha Saloni, a communications specialist with the Rotary Action Group for Family Health & AIDS prevention.

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How I found a sense of belonging in Rotary

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Maricler Botelho de Oliveria, left, takes part in a program promoting Rotary in Brazil.
Maricler Botelho, right, takes part in a program promoting Rotary in Brazil. Maricler says the support and acceptance she has found in Rotary has given her a sense of belonging and demonstrates the organization’s commitment to inclusion.

By Maricler Botelho, a member of the Rotary Club of Marilia-Pioneiro, and assistant governor of District 4510

When I share my Rotary story, it is one of recognition, support, and acceptance. I believe it also tells the story of Rotary’s commitment to inclusion.

I was born in Tupi Paulista, in the countryside of São Paulo, and grew up in the northern part of the state of Mato Grosso, in the city of Juara. I come from a simple family that set a high value on respecting others. I had to move about 600 miles away from my town to pursue my desire to be a lawyer. I’m the first on my mother’s side of the family to get a college degree. Our socioeconomic status created real limitations, which is why I grew up accepting a feeling that I didn’t really belong. Then I was introduced to Rotary.

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