Welcome, Southern Connecticut! As we pass the midpoint of this 2024-2025 Rotary year, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the remarkable work accomplished by our Rotarians and Rotary Clubs across the District.

Each club lives our “Service Above Self” mantra, creating lasting impacts in their communities. Through advancing local goals and supporting those in need, your dedication brings meaningful change across our district. You are the heartbeat of Rotary, reflecting the best of humanity.

One of the most remarkable achievements this year has been the embrace of Positive Peace and the district’s transformative Opus for Peace initiative. Together, we have ignited global conversations about peace that resonate deeply within our communities. Through a unique blend of music, spoken word, visual arts, and more, this initiative has become a beacon of hope, unification, and kindness. By fostering empathy and understanding, Opus for Peace has opened hearts and inspired purposeful connections, proving the arts’ intrinsic power to unite people in pursuit of a better world.

Rotary’s mission is not confined to our local communities. We are a global force for good, changing and saving lives worldwide. This year, we celebrate incredible examples of international impact, such as the Biwindi Hospital Dental and Vision Clinics in Uganda, the Vocational & Social Training Grant for Rwanda, and my Governor’s Global Grant: The Uganda Opus for Peace and Water Project.

The Uganda Opus for Peace and Water Project is a groundbreaking initiative in partnership with Call to Care Uganda. This $225,000 Global Grant will fund the construction of 25 freshwater wells in the Soroti District, providing clean, safe water to over 25,000 villagers. Access to clean water is not just a basic need but a catalyst for education, health, and prosperity. By eliminating the daily burden of unsafe water collection, especially for young women and girls, we are opening doors to brighter futures filled with opportunity. Moreover, this initiative’s Opus for Peace component will celebrate the transformative power of clean water while fostering a legacy of peace and unity. Together, we are creating a sustainable framework for harmony and empowerment that will resonate for generations to come.

Our work also continues in the critical fight to Eradicate Polio worldwide. With only a few cases remaining in Pakistan and Afghanistan, we are closer than ever to achieving this historic goal. Rotary’s partnership with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the Bill Gates Foundation remains steadfast. In the midst of the recent Middle East crisis, Rotary helped secure a 72-hour ceasefire in Gaza to immunize children, halting the spread of polio and saving countless lives. This is the power of Rotary in action, showing what we can achieve when we unite for a common cause.

As we reflect on these achievements, let us remember that hope and peace begin with each of us. By sharing these values with our families and communities, we create a ripple effect that extends across the world. Together, we can inspire change, foster understanding, and build a brighter future for all.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Let’s continue to work with passion and purpose, transforming lives and communities through The Magic of Rotary.

With passion and purpose,

Robert B. Friend
District Governor, 2024-2025
Rotary Southern Connecticut
District 7980