Peace Community - The Story

Peace begins with ME + YOU making a difference …

Rotary service projects are projects for peace.
 
Through service projects, Rotarians are taking action to address the underlying causes of disadvantage and disharmony within our communities, locally and globally. These projects are making a difference to ourselves, our families and our communities.The idea of Peace Communities was initiated in District 9700 with Wagga Wagga being declared the world’s first Rotary Peace City in 1993.
Embraced by many Rotary districts and clubs, designated Rotary peace communities can now be found around the world.
 
While the projects speak for themselves, Rotarians committed to furthering peace often set up peace symbols on suitable sites where community members can meet on significant days to recognise the achievements and contributions made by students, schools and organisations within the community using the program’s credo.
 
Credo of the Rotary District Peace Communities Program
Respect for the life and dignity of every person, without discrimination or prejudice
Rejection of violence in all of its forms and towards all people
Resolution of conflict among people within local and global communities
Reconciliation of differences and the pursuit of harmony
Freedom of expression and cultural diversity
 
Rotary clubs can activate partnerships with civic authorities, businesses, organisations and community groups to focus on achieving peace and goodwill in local communities.‘Peace in Action’ projects can include creating a garden for dementia patients, supporting conciliation activities, carrying out breakfast programs in schools. Rotary peace projects successfully make a difference.
 
The D9705 Peace Community Committee Chair
PDG Fred Loneragan (RC of Wagga Wagga Sunrise)  | rotarypeacewagga@gmail.com  | 0413 277 609
 
Other contacts:
Diedre Tome (RC of Wagga Wagga Sunrise)  | rotarypeacewagga@gmail.com  | 0416 263 570
can provide guidelines as to how to officially be recognised as a Rotary Peace Community
 
With peace of mind, body and spirit, there can be ... peace in our home ... peace in our local community and ... peace in our world.

 
Understanding Peace
Peace Projects and Communities
What are peace projects?
Through service projects, Rotary clubs significantly contribute to the health and welfare of others. These projects enhance quality of living by promoting harmony and reducing personal disquiet or dissension within sectors of the community. Any Rotary project that makes a difference in the lives of others is deemed to be a peace project.
Peace projects may be initiated by Rotary clubs or involve Rotary clubs partnering with local civic authorities or other organisations.  These projects should make a difference in practical ways and contribute to harmony within the community by working to resolve conflict being experienced by individuals, families or the wider population.
Peace projects support many different cultural, gender and age groups within the community. They are varied and may include creating a sensory playground for children with disabilities or a garden for dementia patients, supporting activities for refugees or Aboriginal conciliation, conducting a school breakfast program for disadvantaged students or assisting families suffering domestic violence.
 
What are peace communities?
When Rotarians and other citizens recognise that their service projects, contribute to understanding, goodwill and harmony, their community could be identified as a peace community. Together, such projects, whether completed or still operating, provide evidence of a community’s commitment to peace.
In 1993, Wagga Wagga was declared the first Rotary Peace City after the Kooringal Rotary Club had identified numerous projects within their community that enhanced the lives of its residents.  This declaration was made with the support of the city’s other Rotary clubs and the local city council.  As a reminder of the city’s commitment to peace, a symbol was erected on banks of the lagoon.
Using this model, Peace Communities have been established throughout the world on each continent and by many island nations. Rotary clubs and their communities wishing to establish a peace community can seek guidance from the District 9700 Peace Communities Committee.
Following acknowledgement of this commitment to peace, the community can request to be declared a Peace Community by Rotary District 9700.
 
Celebrating Peace
In proclaiming their commitment to peace and conflict resolution, many Rotary Peace communities have erected a symbol to peace at locations where, each year Rotarians and local citizens can meet on special days such Rotary’s World Understanding Day, the International Day of Peace or the anniversary of the community’s declaration as a Rotary Peace Community.