Dreaming of Local and Global Positive Peace

by Christine Rendell and Brian Carnahan - Rotary Club of Calgary East, District 5360

When Brian and I first discussed our Rotary Legacy, the Promoting Peace Area of Focus came to mind immediately. We agreed that without conflict prevention or resolution, many of the projects and programs that Rotary has around the world would be at risk or withdrawn completely.

Every day we see and hear about the ongoing cases of war, human trafficking, racial atrocities, modern slavery and child abuse. One of the challenges that are faced to end polio has been ongoing conflict.

Brian and I are amazed at the impact the Peace Fellows from Rotary’s Peace Centers are having across the globe since the program launched 20 years ago! I have been sharing with many non-Rotarians and Rotarians about how peace education at Rotary’s eight Peace Centers is making an impact in the prevention and mediation of conflict. This vital work relies on your continuing support for The Rotary Foundation

We would also like to speak to the incredible partnership between Rotary International and the Institute for Economics and Peace. Their Pillars of Peace framework provides a roadmap to overcome adversity and conflict, and to build lasting positive peace.

The foregoing represents why Brian and I decided in June 2020 to establish a named Endowment Fund for Peace so Rotary can continue its peace work year after year. This is also why I accepted an invitation from past Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair and past RI President, K.R.(Ravi)Ravindran, to join The Rotary Foundation’s Peace Major Gifts Initiative. This is a global committee of Rotarians who are passionate about Rotary’s work on sustainable positive peace and are determined to ensure the work continues.

Here is an excerpt from a poem that resonates with Brian and I:

“It is what we have hungered for.
Not just the absence of war, but true Peace.
A harmony of spirit, a comfort of courtesies.
Security for our beloveds and their beloveds.”

(Amazing Peace by Maya Angelou, American poet and civil rights activist)

To learn more about the Peace Major Gifts Initiative and the ways and means that you can create your Rotary Legacy for Peace please contact me ChristineRendellRotary@gmail.com

The Rotary Foundation named endowments are established with a gift of US $25,000 or more. Rotarians or friends of Rotary may create a permanent legacy in their own name or in honor of a friend or family member. Rotary pools these gifts for investment purposes but maintains a separate accounting for each named endowed fund. Donors receive a personalized endowed fund certificate suitable for framing when their fund is established, as well as annual financial updates. www.Rotary.org/en/rotary-endowment