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RAGCED NEWSLETTER

JANUARY 2024

VOLUME 11 | ISSUE 07

President's Message

I hope each of you enjoyed the many holidays in December, and are now refreshed and ready to start a new year: welcome to 2024! Rotary’s theme for January is Vocational Service. Sadly, most Rotarians don’t think much about Vocational Service these days, but it’s the most distinguishing form of service that we have, something we should celebrate. What makes Rotary unique is the idea of applying one’s vocational expertise in service to others. The skills we’ve all gained in our work lives can and should be used to serve both one another and those in need. That’s been a core principle of Rotary since Paul Harris started Rotary 119 years ago.

RAGCED Partnership Committee Fosters Meaningful Collaborations in the Last 6 Months

By Biswajit Ghosh

In the dynamic landscape of community development, the Partnership Committee of RAGCED has been working actively across geographies & has been actively building impactful partnerships over the last six months focused on the pursuit of sustainable community solutions worldwide. Sharing the highlights of the journey:

1. Inter-Rotary Action Groups Synergy:

In a concerted effort to address multifaceted challenges, RAGCED has forged alliances with other Rotary Action Groups, starting with, the Rotary Action Group for Peace (RAGFP) and the Rotary Action Group for Menstrual Hygiene Management (RAGMHM). Collaborating with RAGFP has enabled a holistic approach, integrating economic development initiatives with peacebuilding efforts. Simultaneously, partnering with RAGMHM underscores the organization's commitment to addressing menstrual hygiene challenges, and recognizing the intersectionality of economic development and health.

2. Global Partnerships with International NGOs:

RAGCED has engaged in promising collaboration conversations with internationally renowned non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Yunus Centre Bangladesh (for global youth entrepreneurship education), World Vision USA (for projects in Central America & Africa), Welthungerhilfe Germany (for projects in Africa), and VisionSpring India (for projects in South Asia).

These dialogues signify a commitment to leveraging global expertise and resources. The collaboration with Yunus Centre Bangladesh (an organisation set up by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus), holds promise of commencing an innovative social entrepreneurship education for Rotaractor Club youth globally. Engagements with World Vision USA, WHH Germany, and VisionSpring South Asia highlight RAGCED's dedication to creating a broad impact, by combining Rotary energies with organizations that bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the table.

3. Grassroots Collaborations with Regional NGOs:

RAGCED is on the verge of completing collaborations with regional and state-level NGOs, exemplifying its commitment to ground-up impact. Partnerships with organizations like Àavni & People's Trust in Karnataka, Vivekananda Institute of Biotechnology in West Bengal, and Career Society in Madhya Pradesh in India, showcase a localized approach too.

These collaborations are poised to address specific economic challenges in these regions, emphasizing the importance of understanding and working within the unique context of each community and locality.

4. Empowering IT Professionals for Social Impact:

Recognizing the transformative potential of technology, RAGCED is actively supporting a new fellowship of Rotary IT Professionals. This fellowship aims to harness the power of Rotary technology professionals to create innovative & scalable solutions for pressing social sector challenges.

Looking ahead, RAGCED is optimistic about the above partnerships & collaborations to be implemented on the ground in the next six months, as well as forging new partnerships for the future. The plan is to showcase some of these collaborative efforts at the forthcoming Rotary International Conference on May 24 in Singapore.

These initiatives reflect a commitment to a unified global effort, and RAGCED is keen to make a sustainable impact on the communities it serves, driving positive change and development.

Strengthening Communities

RAGCED Global Collaborates with District 3191 and Rotary Bangalore Yelahanka for Mental Wellness

We are thrilled to share the latest strides in our ongoing mission to promote mental health awareness and support within our communities. In collaboration with District 3191 and Rotary Bangalore Yelahanka, RAGCED Global recently helped organize a transformative mental wellness program on January 6th, 2024.

Project Leadership:
Led by Past President Rtn. Raghu Allam, Director of Mental Wellness for District 3191, and RAGCED Global Secretary Rtn. Gomathy T M from Rotary Bangalore Yelahanka and Domain experts Dr Radhakrishnan and Dr Bala Murugan, both esteemed professionals from The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS).

Future Plans:
Adhering to the guidelines set by RI President Rtn. Gordon McNally, our program aims to reach a minimum of 80 schools in Bangalore City by June 2024. The initiative will extend beyond, covering other parts of Karnataka with the support of Rotary Clubs and Districts. Our plans include volunteer training, active involvement of Rotarians, Rotaractors, and parents, promotion of online certification programs, panel discussions with international doctors, and expanding mental awareness sessions to premium educational institutions and the police force.

Program Highlights:
Since August 2023, the team has undertaken various initiatives to reach diverse segments of society. Key events include the launch of the Mental Health Awareness program, sessions for police personnel, collaboration with Inner Wheel for Government School Teachers, and awareness programs in various educational institutions.

Outcomes:
The outcomes have been encouraging, with a substantial increase in mental health awareness among teachers and students. Students in government and aided schools have opened up about their challenges, addressing issues ranging from domestic concerns to learning difficulties and exam stress. Integrating yoga and meditation, along with providing information on the government's helpline number, has added depth to our efforts.

Acknowledgement:
In closing, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants, collaborators, and supporters who have propelled our mission forward. Together, we continue to make a lasting impact on mental health awareness and support, paving the way for a brighter and healthier future for all.

RAGCED's Relevance:
RAGCED recognizes that mental health is a key component of human well-being and economic development, and supports projects that address mental health issues in communities around the world

Best Regards,
Raghu Allam
Director of Mental Wellness, District 3191

CED Projects in Latin America

By Juliana Corredor, Deputy Director Cadre

Community Economic Development – CED - is one of the most critical areas of focus, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, thousands of small entrepreneurial families lost their livelihoods because the global economy, in general, entered into a crisis. Following the pandemic, larger businesses managed to survive, but the smallest ones simply disappeared.

The absence of an income source that allows a basic quality of life for families marks the beginning of poverty. The CED projects, financed by our Rotary Foundation, provide new opportunities for recovery and income generation through self-employment, entrepreneurship, training, and leverage.

Our Rotary Foundation offers clubs and districts invaluable tools such as the Cadre Advisers Committee, Rotary Action groups, and District resource networks. Additionally, there is counterpart economic support aligned with the source of the project funds.

Unfortunately, the quantity of implemented projects is insufficient, particularly in the Latin America region. Between 2019 and 2023, in Latin America - Zones 25A and 23B - 759 GG projects were implemented, of which only 60 focused on CED, representing just 8% of the resources from TRF directed towards combating poverty. This issue, often referred to as "the other pandemic" in the region, is the root cause of numerous social problems, including gender violence, malnutrition, inequality, and diseases.

The more common CED projects in Latin America revolve around vocational training and micro-finances.

Image Source: TRF. Basic Analysis by Amalia Calderón, Subregional Organizer CADRE Zone 23B, and Juliana Corredor González, Adviser CADRE Latam.

Considering the preceding indicators, as members of RAGCED and CADRE, it is our responsibility to promote, encourage, and accompany clubs and districts in carrying out projects focused on reducing poverty in our countries through Community and Economic Development projects – the areas of expertise for RAGCED.

Our Rotary Foundation equips us with the tools and resources to improve the conditions of life for the most vulnerable people. Our role as Rotarians is to listen to our communities, empower them, involve them, and support them in becoming agents of their development.

Join RAGCED and make a difference in the world!

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