Our year

Mobilizing for Ukraine: Rotary and Rotaract clubs quickly organized to help Ukrainians after Russia invaded their country. The Rotary Foundation offered expedited grants from the Disaster Response Fund to help people in Ukraine, as well as those who fled to neighboring countries. We raised more than US$15 million for this effort and are funding projects that provide food, water, clothing, medicine, transportation, and more to people who need them. Read more.

Safe shelter: After more than 20 years of working with ShelterBox to provide emergency shelter and essential items for people affected by natural disasters or conflict, we celebrated a decade of formal partnership and extended our relationship for three more years. This will allow us to help more people, in more places, in more ways. Read more.

Vital vaccines: We know from our work to eradicate polio that vaccines save lives. We encouraged clubs to participate in local COVID-19 immunization campaigns and to help stop the spread of misinformation. During World Immunization Week in April, we used our global platforms to spread the word about vaccinations being among the safest, most effective ways to eliminate or control many diseases. Read more.

Breaking records: We raised a record US$1.2 million on Giving Tuesday in November, and by the end of the Rotary year, we raised more than US$434 million for The Rotary Foundation — far exceeding our goal of US$410 million. Read more.

All are welcome: Members’ responses to our first diversity, equity, and inclusion survey shaped a comprehensive plan to incorporate DEI into all facets of Rotary’s culture. We introduced a DEI Code of Conduct to help members create and maintain environments that are more positive, more collaborative, and healthier for everyone. We developed new Learning Center courses and other resources to help people understand DEI principles and apply them in their clubs and communities. Read more. 

Girl power: During Rotary Day With UNICEF in New York City, USA, six Rotary members were named People of Action: Champions of Girls’ Empowerment. They were recognized for working to improve girls’ education, health, and access to better sanitation and hygiene resources. Read more.

Service Above Self: Presidential conferences in Brazil, India, Italy, Korea, Mozambique, and the Philippines highlighted club and district humanitarian work. Speakers discussed creating transformative change, building new partnerships, and celebrating how Rotary projects improve lives and communities. The capstone event in the U.S. showed how Rotary’s work in each area of focus builds more peaceful societies. Read more.

Service in action: Hundreds of clubs heeded RI President Shekhar Mehta’s call to host days of service to engage with their neighbors, contribute to their communities, and showcase how Rotary members are people of action. Read more.

Supporting women and babies: Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria received the 2022 Programs of Scale grant. Using the US$2 million award from The Rotary Foundation and additional co-investments from partners, the program aims to expand its work to reduce mortality rates and improve health care for mothers and newborns. Read more.

A pair of firsts: In honor of their dedication and commitment to helping others, two members became the first Rotaractors to receive the Service Above Self Award: Maria Valentina Martinez Belo, of the Rotaract Club of Ing. Boris Walter, Aragua, Venezuela; and Ignacio González Méndez, of the Rotaract Club of Oriente de Talca, Talca, Chile. 

Partners in service: We collaborated with Kiwanis International, Lions Clubs International, and Optimist International to host a joint service week, during which our members completed a service project with others who share our commitment to making lasting change.

Celebrating Interact perspectives: With the support of the Board of Directors, RI President Shekhar Mehta appointed an Interact Advisory Council, made up of current Interactors and recent alumni to determine the strategic direction for Interact, which is for people ages 12 to 18. The council members will create programming for Interactors around the world to develop their leadership skills, and strengthen the connection among Interactors, Rotaractors, and Rotarians.