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Rotary’s young
people of action

No matter how long we’ve
been with Rotary, we all
benefit from the energy
and fresh perspectives of
our young leaders. It is my
privilege to place this month’s
presidential message in the
capable hands of one young
leader, Vitor Joventino. In his
column, Vitor reminds us how
teamwork and inclusivity can
spark transformative change.
As you read his message,
I encourage you to reflect
on its insights, share in his
excitement, and embrace new
opportunities to learn.
One small act
— stephanie urchick
M arch is here, and for Rotary Interna- amplified when we work together. Through our stra-
I
Partnerships remind us that Rotary’s impact is
thought for someone so young, yet it perfectly cap-
remember the exact moment when I realized the
tional, that means celebrating Water,
power of Rotary’s youth programs. It was a Sat-
tured the essence of our experience.
Sanitation, and Hygiene Month — a
tegic alliance with the United Nations Environment
Interact empowers young people to create service
urday morning in Australia during my year as a
time to shine a spotlight on one of the
projects with real and lasting impact. Youth Exchange
Rotary Youth Exchange student. I stood among
most transformative areas of our work.
for Fresh Water initiative. This program equips Ro-
a group of young leaders at a Rotary Youth
builds global citizens who return home with broader
tary members with the tools and resources to protect,
This month is an opportunity to reflect on The Magic Programme, we’re advancing the Community Action
Leadership Awards event. The organizers challenged
perspectives and stronger leadership skills. RYLA
of Rotary and the profound impact we create when we restore, and sustain freshwater ecosystems.
us to stand on a large tarp spread across the floor and,
develops young leaders equipped to inspire and
come together with determination and purpose. When we make use of Rotary grants and advocate
without stepping off, find a way to fold it in half.
mobilize others. All of this is The Magic of Rotary,
Years ago, I experienced this magic firsthand in for clean water in our communities, we create a ripple
At first, the task seemed simple. But as we moved,
emerging through the actions of youth. These pro-
the Dominican Republic. When a group of members effect that extends far beyond individual projects.
grams are the heart of Rotary’s ability to grow and
strategized, and adjusted, the reality set in — it required
helped people install water filters, three children As we embrace the spirit of the month, I encourage
teamwork, agility, and constant communication.
adapt in a changing world.
watched with amazement as dirty water entered one every Rotary member to seek out new partnerships.
Rotaractors and Rotarians guided us, but no one
But the success of these programs depends on
end of a filter and clean water emerged from the other. Collaboration multiplies our efforts and helps us
more than young leaders — it requires Rotary mem-
dictated how to succeed. The decisions were ours to
PHOTOGRAPH: COURTESY OF VITOR JOVENTINO
When we paused the demonstration, one child tugged reach more people in need.
bers who believe in their potential. I encourage you to
make. And then something remarkable happened.
at my sleeve and pleaded, “Show me the magic again.” Whether it’s joining forces with local organiza-
Without being instructed, we collectively decided
sponsor an Interact club, host an exchange student,
PHOTOGRAPH: COURTESY OF VITOR JOVENTINO
To them, it felt magical. It was also the result of tions, forming alliances with international agencies,
and support a RYLA participant. Your involvement
that no one would be left behind as our space on
countless hours of effort — planning, transporting, or mobilizing your community, every step we take
the tarp shrank.
does more than sustain these programs; it multiplies
and installing the filters — alongside local partners together brings us closer to a world where everyone
their impact and ensures that young leaders are not
One of our teammates was a person who uses
who were dedicated to making clean water acces- has access to clean water and safe sanitation.
just beneficiaries of Rotary but active contributors.
a wheelchair, giving us an opportunity to adapt,
sible. In that moment, I realized that what seemed The Magic of Rotary shines brightest when we
To those already supporting youth programs,
ensuring that he was fully part of the experience. We
like a small act could change residents’ lives. That is work in harmony with others to create lasting good.
shifted, lifted the tarp, and reconfigured our positions,
thank you. Your mentorship and commitment make
The Magic of Rotary. Together, we can turn dreams into realities that
all the difference. And to those considering getting
using our time to think, plan, and act as a team. In the
This story is a testament to the incredible potential transform lives and communities. The result may feel
involved, now is the time! Because youth leadership
end, we successfully completed the challenge together.
of our global family to create change. Water proj-
like magic at times, but we know it’s from the power
PHOTOGRAPH: LUCY HEWETT unwavering commitment to improving lives. Consider STEPHANIE A. URCHICK MAY 2025 ROTARY 1
isn’t just Rotary’s future, it’s Rotary’s present.
As we celebrated our success, one participant said,
of our collective commitment and compassion. Let’s
ects exemplify our reach, our partnerships, and our
“Society works the same way — challenges will come,
VITOR JOVENTINO
harness this magic to make a difference this month
but instead of leaving people behind, we must find
Rotary’s work with USAID. That partnership has en-
and beyond.
ways to include everyone.” It was such a profound
Rotaract Club of Penápolis, Brazil
abled us to work with communities and governments
to improve access to sustainable water and sanitation
services for thousands of people in the Dominican
4
臺灣扶輪 2025.5
Republic, Ghana, the Philippines, and Uganda.
President, Rotary International
MARCH 2025 ROTARY 1
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