By Ashiraf Kangave
Speaking the media at Next Media Park, Naguru on January 6, 2025, Urchick highlighted how the power of collective action creates meaningful change in communities around the world.
During her African Magic Tour 2025, Rotary International president Stephanie Urchick emphasized the importance of growing Rotary’s membership to ensure the organization’s long-term impact and continuity.
Rotary International, a global network with over 1.4 million members in more than 46,000 clubs, has a strong presence in Uganda. The country boasts nearly 5,000 Rotarians and 2,700 Rotaractors spread across 129 Rotary and 124 Rotaract clubs.
EXPANDING MEMBERSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Urchick encouraged Rotarians to embrace the “magic of Rotary,” a concept she described as the transformative impact Rotary projects have on individuals and communities. However, she stressed that sustaining this magic requires attracting new members.
“We have the strongest, best organization in the world,” she said. “But when I look in the mirror, I know I don’t have 30 or 40 years to continue doing Rotary. Growing our membership ensures the magic will continue even when we’re no longer here.”
Urchick outlined three key strategies for membership growth: attracting new members to existing clubs, retaining current members, and forming new clubs. She praised Uganda’s efforts in forming new clubs and encouraged continued expansion to bolster Rotary’s reach and effectiveness.
FOCUS ON PEACEBUILDING AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Urchick expressed deep interest in Rotary’s peacebuilding efforts, which she described as integral to the organization’s mission of fostering world understanding and harmony.
While acknowledging that Rotary cannot directly stop wars, she noted that the organization creates the conditions necessary for peaceful societies through its service projects.
“Everything we do—feeding the hungry, helping communities recover from floods, providing education, and vaccinating children—builds the foundation for peace,” she explained. “Desperate people do desperate things, and Rotary works to alleviate those conditions.”
She highlighted Rotary’s work in providing hope to families and individuals, whether through improving living conditions or addressing urgent needs like healthcare and education. “Each time we help a family or a community, we create hope. That’s what Rotary is all about,” she said.
SUSTAINING THE “MAGIC OF ROTARY”
Urchick called on members to ensure Rotary’s legacy by engaging with potential new members and fostering a welcoming environment within the organization.
“Membership development is critical,” she said. “It’s about creating a future where Rotary’s impact continues to grow, helping those in need and bringing communities together.”
Rotary International’s emphasis on service, peacebuilding, and sustainable development continues to resonate worldwide. Urchick’s call to action reflects Rotary’s commitment to creating a lasting impact and ensuring that its mission endures for generations to come.
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