Rotarians do a great deal of good in the world and being a world-class Rotarian includes not only local community projects, but also projects that are beyond the club level. The magnitude of these projects is so significant that the support of all Rotary clubs and allied organizations is necessary. Polio is such a world-wide humanitarian project. Since 1979, with almost 40 years of unswerving commitment, Rotary through Rotarians, is recognized as the world’s primary (non-government) lead organization to lead the way to eradicate “the world’s greatest crippler,” polio.
Our World Class designation is not just because of our substantial $1.6 billion financial support, it is also because of the 38 years of polio efforts from a world-wide distribution of members, and their influence with global leaders. It is also a reflection of a Rotary culture that began during the first 20 years when individual Rotarians and clubs funded and managed local Crippled Children Hospitals to help crippled as well as disabled children.
So it is not surprising that 60 years later, Rotary established a goal to vaccinate millions of children and to join in the World Health Organization (WHO) goal to eradicate polio. Learning the PolioPlus program history is an important part of becoming a complete Rotarian. Please read your October 2017 Rotarian magazine article “Our Goal: A World without Polio” (pages 47 through 53), and make this history become part of your club orientation program.
In the Rotary International (RI) Manual of Procedure you will find PolioPlus remains the highest priority over all other projects until the three year certification of eradication is achieved. It now appears there will be three more years until final certification of eradication. For each of these years, Rotary has pledged $50 million. As Rotarians, your individual contribution is needed, and your District Foundation wants to make sure that contribution is not forgotten!
By contributing $26.50 from each club member, your club is eligible for a 100% End Polio Now Banner There are fourteen District Clubs that have already taken advantage of this rare opportunity to showcase their club as a “100% End Polio Now Club.” These clubs now have lasting recognition for their participation to eradicate polio. As an on-going reminder of this historical eradication effort, these clubs can proudly display the “100% End Polio Now Club” District Recognition Banner during club meetings. This will become even more important as years go by.
For those who can dig a bit deeper, and would like to receive the meaningful Rotary Polio Society pin, you may provide individual support of $100 or more direct to RI (www.Rotary.org/give). In addition to the beautiful PolioPlus Society pin, you will also receive matching Paul Harris points for every dollar contributed to the PolioPlus Fund. This action becomes your personal legacy to eradicate polio and to help change the world into a better place to live.
Does Your Club Have A “100% End Polio Recognition Banner?”
1. Individual District Polio Society Membership, includes a District Rotary Polio Society pin for donors of $100 or more, and also with matching Paul Harris Points for every dollar donated (from District Points so it is important to forward your e-mail of your RI receipt showing Donation Amount to the PolioPlus Fund to David Hurt, District Polio Chair: davidwhurt@sbcglobal.net Please request acknowledgement receipt to ensure delivery.
2. Club: A club banner for 100% participation of $26.50 from each club member to the PolioPlus Fund, (document with the RI Multi Donor Form & send to David Hurt or District Foundation Director, Sharron Miles)