As we embark on a new Rotary year, our focus remains on enhancing the value RAGCED provides to its members. In this issue, we address common concerns about membership dues and spotlight the various ways RAGCED supports you and your Rotary Club. From assisting with Rotary Foundation grants to piloting innovative economic development projects, we are dedicated to offering valuable resources and opportunities that drive positive change.
This month, we are proud to feature a compelling story from Kenya, where the GG2015629 project is making a significant impact on women and girls in the Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties. This initiative exemplifies the transformative power of community economic development, providing not only essential resources but also dignity and empowerment to those in need. We encourage you to read about this inspiring project and consider how similar efforts can be championed in your own communities.
In addition, we are excited to introduce our new local chapters and highlight our educational programming and global networking initiatives. Your engagement and feedback are vital as we strive to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
We hope you find this issue both informative and inspiring. As always, we welcome your thoughts and suggestions on how we can continue to improve and deliver exceptional value to you.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to RAGCED.
If you’ve ever served as an officer or board member of a Rotary Club, you’ve likely been involved in discussions or debates about dues. The common debate is whether the club’s dues are too high. Interestingly, those who complain about high dues are often the same people who spend hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars on discretionary purchases. Have you ever bought concert tickets or dined at an expensive restaurant? Such one-time purchases can far exceed your Rotary Club’s annual dues.
Are you being irrational or inconsistent in your spending and complaints? I don’t think so. If anything, you’re being rational. The issue isn’t the price; it’s the value. Rotarians often leave Rotary Clubs or other Rotary-related activities not because the cost is too high, but because they feel they aren’t receiving enough value for their money. Club leaders should ask themselves: What are we doing to provide enough value to our members to justify their commitment?
As the Chair of RAGCED for 2024-25, I pose the same questions to you: Are you getting enough value from RAGCED? What could we do to provide you with more value for your membership? I welcome your feedback, especially if you’re unsure or feel you’re not receiving enough value. Please reach out to me at president@ragced.org. Here’s how RAGCED’s leadership believes we provide value. Let me know if you agree:
RAGCED Features: Empowering Women and Girls in Kenya Through Economic Development
Changing Lives: GG2015629 in the Meru Region
The Rotary Action Group for Community Economic Development (RAGCED) is pleased to feature an inspiring story from the Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties of Kenya in this edition of our newsletter. The Global Grant 2015629 project, completed in June 2024, has made a significant difference in the lives of women and girls, showcasing the powerful impact of community economic development initiatives worldwide.
Revitalizing Economically Depressed Areas: The Role of RAGCED in Global Sustainable Development
by Rakesh Babuji
Revitalizing economically depressed regions is a complex challenge that requires a careful balance between driving economic growth and ensuring social equity. In various parts of Africa, South America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, communities face significant hurdles such as high unemployment, crumbling infrastructure, and insufficient investment. The Rotary Action Group for Community Economic Development (RAGCED) plays a pivotal role in addressing these challenges by offering essential resources, expertise, and fostering partnerships that promote sustainable development.
