What are peace projects?Through service projects, Rotary clubs significantly contribute to the health and welfare of others. These projects enhance quality of living by promoting harmony and reducing personal disquiet or dissension within sectors of the community. Any Rotary project that makes a difference in the lives of others is deemed to be a peace project.
Peace projects may be initiated by Rotary clubs or involve Rotary clubs partnering with local civic authorities or other organisations. These projects should make a difference in practical ways and contribute to harmony within the community by working to resolve conflict being experienced by individuals, families or the wider population.
Peace projects support many different cultural, gender and age groups within the community. They are varied and may include creating a sensory playground for children with disabilities or a garden for dementia patients, supporting activities for refugees or Aboriginal conciliation, conducting a school breakfast program for disadvantaged students or assisting families suffering domestic violence.
What are peace communities?
When Rotarians and other citizens recognise that their service projects, contribute to understanding, goodwill and harmony, their community could be identified as a peace community. Together, such projects, whether completed or still operating, provide evidence of a community’s commitment to peace.
When Rotarians and other citizens recognise that their service projects, contribute to understanding, goodwill and harmony, their community could be identified as a peace community. Together, such projects, whether completed or still operating, provide evidence of a community’s commitment to peace.
In 1993, Wagga Wagga was declared the first Rotary Peace City after the Kooringal Rotary Club had identified numerous projects within their community that enhanced the lives of its residents. This declaration was made with the support of the city’s other Rotary clubs and the local city council. As a reminder of the city’s commitment to peace, a symbol was erected on banks of the lagoon.
Using this model, Peace Communities have been established throughout the world on each continent and by many island nations. Rotary clubs and their communities wishing to establish a peace community can seek guidance from the District 9700 Peace Communities Committee.
Following acknowledgement of this commitment to peace, the community can request to be declared a Peace Community by Rotary District 9700.
Celebrating Peace
In proclaiming their commitment to peace and conflict resolution, many Rotary Peace communities have erected a symbol to peace at locations where, each year Rotarians and local citizens can meet on special days such Rotary’s World Understanding Day, the International Day of Peace or the anniversary of the community’s declaration as a Rotary Peace Community.
In proclaiming their commitment to peace and conflict resolution, many Rotary Peace communities have erected a symbol to peace at locations where, each year Rotarians and local citizens can meet on special days such Rotary’s World Understanding Day, the International Day of Peace or the anniversary of the community’s declaration as a Rotary Peace Community.