The Rotary Peace Community Program is truly a worthy exercise to breathe new life into Community Service. It is an opportunity for local Clubs to form an alliance with local town or city councils, the police service and other community agencies in making a declaration of Community Peace.
As Rotarians and community leaders, we can foster the promotion of world peace and understanding by rewarding communities, citizens, government representatives, organizations and students for their participation in voluntary service. They deserve recognition and can provide great examples for others to follow.
This project is based on the philosophy that peace begins in the Family, in the Home and in the Community. In Rotary, we believe that peace belongs in the hearts and minds of each individual. Through awareness, goodwill and rejection of discord, we can stimulate a shift in attitudes within both our local and global communities.
In proclaiming Peace Communities, cooperative partnerships are formed between Rotary and Local Government bodies. It is recommended that a “Community Peace Sub-Committee” of the local Rotary Club be formed to encourage and help support any existing Community Service organizations. There may already be other interested groups or peace initiatives in the community which should be researched and helped in a cooperative spirit.
Peace begins at home and in each community. It transcends the simplistic view of an absence of war and encompasses all those measures that improve human relations with positive and harmonious outcomes. The rejection of violence, the respect for life and human dignity, the resolution of personal and urban violence and the reconciliation of differences can realize those freedoms under which peace and harmony can flourish.
We hope that you will discuss this project with your District Governor and Club Members with the object of developing this great Peace Project in your local community and helping to spread Peace throughout our world.
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