Transform Lives: The Impact of Rotary Youth Exchange

In a recent discussion with Rotary International President Stephanie Jurczyk, she elaborated on the organization's enduring mission and her unique experiences with Rotary's global health initiatives. As president, Jurczyk oversees an expansive network of 1.4 million Rotarians across the globe, all united by a common goal to foster peace and humanitarian service.

Rotary, known for its commitment to community service and leadership opportunities, targets various global challenges, with a significant focus on polio eradication—a pivotal aspect of Rotary's mission since the mid-1980s. Despite the availability of effective vaccines since the mid-1950s, polio persists in regions with vaccination gaps. Jurczyk highlighted the insidious nature of the polio virus, emphasizing the necessity of global eradication to ensure universal safety. The organization has dramatically reduced polio incidence worldwide, with current efforts concentrated on challenging terrains like the border areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Jurczyk personally participated in vaccination drives, underscoring the perilous conditions faced by frontline workers, particularly in regions with political instability. Her visits aimed to bolster morale and demonstrate Rotary's global support network. She shared, "These women have to climb mountains and they get shot at by the Taliban... I went to tell them that Rotarians around the world appreciate what they're doing and we have their backs."

Under her leadership, Rotary also focuses on peace-building through its Rotary Peace Centers and other educational programs, which train scholars in conflict resolution and peace. Looking ahead, Jurczyk is enthusiastic about the upcoming presidential peace symposium in Istanbul in February 2025, aiming to spotlight Rotary's commitment to global peace-building efforts.

For those inspired by Rotary’s impactful work, Jurczyk’s message is clear: "This is a gift that we're gonna give children of the world... We really have to get rid of [polio] everywhere so that everybody's children are safe."

To learn more about Rotary International’s initiatives or to get involved, visit www.rotary.org.



Listen to the Full Interview: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/ewUYlTnfCNb