Dear Friends and Fellow Rotarians,

It is an honor for me to address you at the beginning of this new chapter in my Rotary journey as Chair of the Rotary Action Group for Community Economic Development (RAGCED).

I am excited about the opportunity to lead this global initiative, which works tirelessly to strengthen community economic development and improve the living conditions of the world’s most vulnerable communities. My main objective in this role is to continue building on RAGCED’s strong foundation and deepen our commitment to combating poverty and creating a more prosperous and equitable future for all.

What is RAGCED?

The Rotary Action Group for Community Economic Development (RAGCED) is one of several organizations in Rotary’s global ecosystem. Our mission is to promote economic development in regions around the world through programs and projects that:

• Facilitate access to resources,

• Foster entrepreneurship, and

• Create sustainable growth conditions.

RAGCED collaborates closely with other Rotary initiatives and both local and international partners to improve the quality of life, reduce poverty, and build economic opportunities where they are needed most.

Expanding Through Regional Chapters

One of our strategic goals is to expand RAGCED’s reach by forming new regional chapters. A great example of this is our newest chapter—RAGCED LATAM, led by Julianna Corredor Gonzales, which focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities in Latin America.

A Metaphor: RAGCED as a Tree

To help explain how RAGCED operates, let me offer a visual metaphor:

• The trunk represents RAGCED Global—the center that nurtures, supports, and connects all Rotary members around the world. From here, we share the tools, knowledge, and resources needed for every initiative to flourish.

• The roots symbolize our core Rotary values: solidarity, service, and the pursuit of the common good. These roots give us strength and direction, allowing us to connect meaningfully with communities worldwide.

• The branches represent our regional chapters and projects, each tailored to meet local needs while staying grounded in Rotary’s shared mission. In the case of RAGCED LATAM, these branches reach into communities full of potential but facing great economic challenges.

When the branches grow strong and the roots are nourished, the whole tree thrives. Every local success strengthens our global mission—and vice versa.
 

The Path Ahead

I feel truly fortunate to be part of this incredible organization. The opportunity to lead RAGCED at such a crucial time motivates me to work tirelessly to create life-changing opportunities for communities around the world.

As a team, we must continue to innovate, learn, and collaborate—always keeping our focus on a better future and the well-being of the generations to come. With the support and shared commitment of each of you, I am confident we can make a meaningful difference.

Together, let’s keep the tree growing—and the leaves on every branch green.
 

Yours in Rotary Service,
Wally Gardiner
Rotary Club of High River, Alberta, Canada
President, RAGCED (RY 2025–27)