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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
   may25-A-PresMessage.indd   1                                                                          3/24/25   16:38
 mar25-A-PresMessage.indd   1                                                                      1/28/25   22:27
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