Posted by Isabelle Martinez Hayer on Oct. 01, 2025
From Poverty to Possibility – Strengthening Communities through Economic Opportunity
In October, Rotary focuses on Community Economic Development. This theme reminds us that sustainable, thriving communities are built on opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, education, and access to resources that empower people to lift themselves out of poverty and build resilient futures.
Rotary District 5050, through its 62 vibrant Rotary Clubs and additional Interact Clubs, have an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the communities we serve by supporting new and existing initiatives that bring vital resources to those in need or those on the brink of suffering the devastating results of unexpected economic hardship.
Focusing our efforts on the most vulnerable and fostering innovative ideas, Rotarians help create environments where marginalized individuals can support their families with dignity. The outcome is stronger local businesses, flourishing partnerships, and resilient communities where prosperity is shared. Rotary plays a vital role in addressing the root causes of poverty, building skills and infrastructure, and fostering innovation that opens the door to sustainable change. Our community scope is vast, extending not only to those we encounter as we travel through our communities on a regular basis, but also to remote and sometimes secluded areas, including indigenous communities.
The importance of Community Economic Development is reflected in powerful projects and stories across District 5050 and beyond:
The Rotary Club of Surrey, under the leadership of President Sam Sangha, has taken an innovative approach through participation in Inclusive Employer Awards. This event recognizes businesses that provide meaningful employment opportunities for adults facing physical barriers. In partnership with Community Living BC, local sponsors, and organizations such as the City of Surrey, Milieu Family Services, PICS, and Work BC, this initiative highlights the importance of local business working to not only create an environment for citizens to succeed but also set the standard for how employers can create inclusive workplaces that are highly valued, supported, and celebrated. https://inclusiveemployerawards.org/
Local Club Initiatives: During my visits, I notice that many clubs provide scholarships for vocational training, support youth entrepreneurship programs, and address food and housing security. This work directly reflects Rotary’s belief that through economic empowerment for those most in need leads to healthier, safer, and more hopeful communities.
Microfinance Partnerships: Globally, Rotary clubs are making a transformative impact. For example, the Rotary Club of Abbotsford-Sumas, led by President Kris Foulds, is a leader in this area. One of their club projects supports microfinance initiatives through Kiva, a name that means "unity" in Swahili, an organization that provides small loans to individuals who would otherwise lack access to capital. https://www.kiva.org/
The International Project Alliance, (IPA) group of fourteen Rotary clubs in the Rotary District 5050, including La Conner, Anacortes, Fidalgo Island, San Juan Island, Oak Harbor, Stanwood-Camano, Monroe, Lake Stevens, Burlington, Mount Vernon, Sedro Woolley, Bellingham, Bellingham Bay, and Semiahmoo have initiated an outstanding program in Western Honduras for adults. Their program provides vulnerable adults with access to trade schools, giving them opportunities to diversify income and reduce dependence on coffee harvesting or migration for survival. https://ipafoundation.org/
Looking ahead, the Rotary Club of Coquitlam, led by President Roya Raifei, is preparing a Vocational Training Team Project in Peru (May 2026) to deliver healthcare to one of the poorest regions in the world.
Community economic development is about building resilience locally and globally. In a world shaped by climate challenges, technological shifts, and economic inequality, Rotary’s investments in local economies empower families and communities to adapt and thrive. By focusing on long-term solutions rather than short-term aid, Rotarians create pathways to sustained prosperity.
As Rotarians, we are called on to see the potential in every individual and every community. October serves as a powerful reminder that our service can change the trajectory of lives, families, and communities, by providing opportunities for growth and self-reliance. Each of us has a role in building stronger, more inclusive economies.
Your collective and collaborative efforts embody Rotary’s belief that economic empowerment for those most in need leads to healthier, safer, and more hopeful communities. Well done, Rotarians of District 5050, you continue to inspire through your service!
Let’s keep pushing forward, asking what more we can do, individually and collectively, to create resilient and thriving economies for the future.
Polio is a devastating, even deadly – and utterly avoidable disease! Let us unite and draw attention to WORLD POLIO DAY and to the need to keep the children of the world safe!
Successes:
over 3 billion children immunized
21,000,000 children saved from the paralysis of polio
1.6 million lives saved thanks to polio vaccines
Current Challenges:
lowering vaccination rates allow the virus to mutate
tense political situations hinder vaccination campaigns (paralysis case in Gaza in 2024)
movement of peoples spreads the virus across the world (paralysis case in New York 2024)
30 cases of Wild Polio cases in last endemic countries Afghanistan and Pakistan this year
environmental samples positive for polio in many countries around the world
Reaffirm commitment
This weeksenior global health leaders met to discuss the final push to eradicate polio in a side event of the 80th United Nations General Assembly.
There is a sense of urgency to not let the current challenges let our pending success get away from us!
Arrange an event to raise awareness and funds, examples:
Pints Against Polio, 6 October (Rotary Club of Semiahmoo)
PolioPlus Luncheon, 19 October (Rotary Club of White Rock)
All donations of US$100/year or more qualify for membership in our District 5050 PolioPlus Society
Bill Gates matches every dollar 2 to 1, so every $100 donation will turn into $300.
Remember: Polio is only a plane ride away!
*Did you know Actor Robert Redford, who passed away recently, contracted Polio as a child in the 1930s? The illness left him bedridden for weeks, during which time his mother read to him constantly. That experience nurtured his imagination and planted the seeds for his later interest in storytelling, film, and the arts.
Miss Vicky’s on the move again for PolioPlus! Snow tires, a mountain or two and off to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada!
DG Dave’s surprise Key Note speaker at his District Conference was none other than Ramesh Ferris, now District Governor of 5370. Ramesh’s presence and his story of polio survival was nothing short of spectacular. Following his address, Dave presented a check for $50,000.00 from the Miss Vicky PolioPlus campaign. Using a new “challenge/match” fundraising paradigm, by the time of the Calgary International Convention, that check had increased to just over $109,000. Winston Conyers, Polio Champion from White Rock Rotary, then drove Miss Vicky to Calgary to make the ceremonial check presentation at the Pancakes for Polio event. From that experience was hatched a plan to capitalize on Miss Vicky’s notoriety by expanding the effort to Ramesh's District 5370. With an ambitious $100,000.00 as the new goal, when the efforts of both districts achieve the $100,000 dollar match, the combined effort would garner a whopping $200,000.00… to be matched by the Gates Foundation 2:1 or… $600,000.00 to TRF/PolioPlus!
The project is well underway. Additional “challengers” are being sought to add to the $50,000 “treasure chest” already on board the 1931 Model A Ford Victoria. A route to Edmonton has been plotted and members of District 5370 are readying themselves for programs, fireside visits and accommodations for all three visitors: Winston, Lee and Miss Vicky. They will depart October 19th, following Winston’s annual Luncheon for PolioPlus in White Rock, B.C. The route will once again be daunting for the 94 year old vehicle, which has already nearly circled the globe in its effort to promote awareness and fundraising for Rotary’s 41 year signature project, PolioPlus. With 13 Clubs in Edmonton, there will be plenty of opportunity to spread the Miss Vicky story before its Grand Finale on World Polio Day: Glendora Rotary’s High Level Bridge project “Light It Up Purple!"
While Winston and Lee fly home to continue their work in district 5050, Miss Vicky will remain in Edmonton to be “campaigned” by District 5370 PolioPlus Champions in further fundraising activities. Winston, Lee and Miss Vicky will reunite in the Spring with plans to present a ceremonial check to DG Isabella at her District Conference, May 1-3, in Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia. Miss Vicky will then trek northward to repeat the presentation for DG Ramesh’s conference in Whitehorse, the Yukon Territory, May 15-17, 2026.
That’s quite a challenge and effort for Miss Vicky and members of both Rotary Districts. "Why do it," you ask? Simple: To prove once again that difficult things are achievable… even once and for all, ridding the world of polio!
Invitation to Apply for the Position of District 5050 Governor 2028-2029
The deadline to apply to be the District Governor in the Rotary year 2028-2029 for District 5050 is approaching - 15 October 2025.
Being District Governor is one of the most critical roles in the District. It is rewarding, challenging, exciting and highly responsible. It is the epitome of Service Above Self. The District Governor provides leadership, inspiration and guidance to Rotary Clubs in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
In each District, the Governor serves as the official representative of Rotary International. They are charged with upholding the Constitution and Bylaws of Rotary International, fostering success in their District at the Club level. The District Governor is nominated by their Club and all qualified candidates are interviewed by the District Nominating Committee composed of five past District Governors.
Each District Governor serves a one-year term, but that individual often fills many roles in the lead-up to and following their year as Governor.
Be sure to get your nomination in right away so you don’t miss out, as it truly is the experience of a lifetime! Your Club must nominate you. See the detail in the application form provided in the link below.
A Club may only submit one candidate who must be a member of that Club.
Note: All training is provided and expenses of required activities are covered.
A description of the District Governor position and those positions leading up to District Governor will be sent upon request.
Please note:
It is not a requirement to be an Assistant Governor before being a District Governor.
You do need to have been a successful Club President.
Completed seven years of Rotary membership prior to taking office as Governor.
Expenses required to carry out the required duties of the District Governor and District Governor Elect are reimbursed by funding provided by Rotary International and District 5050.
Expenses of the District Governor and their spouse (if applicable) to attend the RI Convention in their Governor-Elect year are coverd by District 5050.
Expenses required to carry out the required duties of the District Governor and District Governor Elect are reimbursed by funding provided by Rotary International and District 5050.
Expenses of the District Governor and their spouse (if applicable) to attend the RI Convention in their District Governor Elect year are covered by District 5050.
This past May, in Santa Rita, Copán, Honduras our district’s International Project Alliance launched a new program of classes.Those classes were offered by ETAOO,a local non-profit trade school, and sponsored by a new partnership of the Rotary Club of Copán Ruinas and fourteen Rotary Clubs in District 5050 that form the International Project Alliance (IPA).Established in 1989, ETAOO is a non-profit trade school in Santa Rosa de Copán, Honduras, committed to community development through education and skills training.For three decades, ETAOO has offered many courses, including gastronomy, carpentry, barista skills, beauty and cosmetology, electrical work, barbering, welding, and computer skills, among others.
Needs for trade school education have long gone unmet in the 40 rural villages around Copán Ruinas where for ten years the IPA has been working.We have sponsored numerous successful programs and individual students within the traditional schools in the area.Each village has a primary school, and many have middle schools, that emerged from this partnership of Rotary clubs.But these 60 small villages have not been able to offer more specialized education, focused on the occupations needed in the region, because of the small population base in the individual villages.
Fortunately, the IPA works with many small villages that all share this need, challenging us to explore, with the villages, the possibility ofa collaborative solution. Our Club, under the leadership of Mark Lascelles (Anacortes) and Walt Guterbock (Fidalgo Island), and logistical work of our in -country contractors, identified families who might have students interested in the idea of expanded offerings.Concurrently we were able to find an educational organization with an excellent reputation already conducting trade education in Honduras.That group, ETAOO, was operating in the town of Santa Rosa a couple of hours from Copán Ruinas from where the IPA operates.Meetings to explore the feasibility and nature of expanding their offerings led over time to a successful contract under which a new set of classes to meet the needs of IPA villages was established.
Interests in trade education have been great in the villages, but not a sense of how those needs might be addressed.That type of awareness and serving as a neutral broker and financial supporter was something IPA could bring to the table. Getting funding by the local school system was not a possibility given how far their resources were stretched already.However, we knew our alliance of Rotary Clubs could foster the planning and bring together the needed funding and do so in a sustainable fashion.
A contract with ETAOO for facilities, equipment and teachers was negotiated and signed.Tuition and fees for each student was funded by the IPA.Each student paid for transportation from their village to and from the school.Because of those costs, and the ongoing need for students to work in support of their families, a scheme was devised to bring these mostly adult students to the school on Saturdays.
Villages will rarely send more than two students since villages are small and the program, although inexpensive, is not free. After a ride to school of 30 minutes or so students will attend class and return home that day.Admittedly these school days will be grueling, but students are highly motivated and well aware of the challenges their remote locations pose for continuing their education.
Village needs and family interests led IPA to float a proposal for a partnership initially offering education in four trades: carpentry, sewing, gastronomy and cosmetology.These are trades for which there are needs in the region, if not in every village. Fortunately, given ETAOO’S other offerings, there was no need to purchase equipment to launch these programs, using the existing facilitiesat the public Cashapa secondary school in Santa Rita. The IPA did agree to maintain the machines.
Pictures that accompany this article were taken on the first day of class. Excitement among students, teachers and Rotarians was palpable. For some it was the culmination of a lot of planning.For others it was the opening of a door to new work opportunities, and the hope they’ll be bringing salaries back to their villages.
If you would like more information about or are interested in joining the International Project Alliance, please contact Marty Pease of the La Conner Club or at 720-291-1979.While Rotary Clubs from Canada, the United States, and Honduras constitute the bulk of the membership, individual Rotarians and friends are welcome to join and/or contribute to these projects and Club activities.
Now is the time for high school students to apply for our District’s Rotary Youth Exchange Program! This is one of Rotary’s most impactful opportunities—where students not only experience the adventure of a lifetime, but also return as true ambassadors of peace, service, and global understanding.
Do you know any students who may be interested?
Do you have a school administrator or teacher in your Club?
A community group, church, or youth program staff person in your circle?
An Interact Club looking for inspiration?
Or simply want to bring new and youthful energy to your Rotary Club?
They need this information as soon as possible!
Here’s how you can help right now:
Distribute the flyers (attached) at your Rotary Club, local high schools, and youth organizations.
Share the opportunity with your Interact Club members.
Follow and share our posts on Instagram: @rye_5050
Post information on your Club Newsletter and Social media account (attached)
Preliminary Applications (long-term exchange): 31 October 2025
Full Applications (after approval): 31 December 2025
While this may seem early for the 2026–27 academic year, there’s good reason: Clubs need time to interview students, and selected applicants will advance to District Interviews on January 11–12, 2026. From there, students begin preparing for their exchange—learning a new language, securing visas, and building excitement for their journey.
Every student who participates learns the true meaning of being a peace ambassador and experiences firsthand the value of Rotary in action.
Thank you for your dedication to our youth and for promoting this life-changing program. Together, we can open doors for students in our communities and inspire the next generation of leaders.
World Polio Day is 24 October. What is your Club doing to recognize this? Are you sending a press release--yes, that's still a thing--to your local press (be it paper, social media, radio)? Are you promoting this in your own Club? Is your Club doing an emphasis in raising funds for the PolioPlus Campaign? I ask that you share with the rest of the District.
Make sure you read up on the IPA projects above. This has been a hugely successful program borne of a Rotarian's visit to Honduras many year's ago. You may feel insignificant in the world, but sometimes you can be the world to one person.
Also, the District Youth Exchange Committee is now accepting applications for youth to be part of THAT program. This is a great opportunity for your Club to do an outreach in your community. Who knows, you might create a future Rotarian.
The District Finance Committee is seeking Rotarians to join the Committee to help manage District finances. Previous experience as a Club Treasurer or a background in accounting or finance is required. The Committee meets once a month for an hour via the Zoom system. Contact District Finance Director PDG Bev Harrington for more information and to apply.
You are welcome to share the Peace Arch Journal with your family, friends and even Rotarians in other Districts. Share the wonderful things that District 5050 Rotarians are doing!
Rotarians! I asked for Club's to share reports and photos of the Governor's Club visits. Our Inbox is quite lonely. We want to know what your Club has been up to! Besides, it might inspire Rotarians in other Clubs to Unite for Good. Please be mindful of our deadline and photo requirements.
If you want your Club's program, initiative, fundraiser and success story to be seen by the entire District (and our friends outside of the District), send us the information! With graphics or photos. And please make sure you identify everyone in the photos. Remember, the deadline is the 23rd of the month before publication. Thank you to those that are sending material. Best to use the Story Submittal forms available at the District website and photos should be separate in jpeg format with everyone identified. Word documents are the best. Make sure any graphics or images you use in your submissions are original, perhaps even created by your own members and not taken off of the internet unless you have received copyright permission.
The Rotary Club of Bellingham is, once again, hosting Mountainfilm On Tour. Mountainfilm has been celebrating the indomitable spirit through film since 1979, using the power of film, art, and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world. The event will include an evening of short films about community, nature, and overcoming adversity.
Event Details:
November 15th at Whatcom Community College Syre Theater 237 West Kellogg Rd Bellingham, WA 98226
The evening will include films, food and beverages will be available; we will also have a silent auction with several valuable items donated by local businesses.
View Mountainfilm On Tour trailer:
Mountainfilm On Tour is a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Bellingham
This monthly publication is a service to District Members and Friends. It is intended as a source of news and opinion from throughout the District.
The mission of the Peace Arch Journal is to promote communication, understanding, fellowship and fun beyond club meetings, in a manner complementary to shared efforts at placing Service Above Self.
Please send articles and news with or without pictures attached to emails. Photographs are always a plus! Note that the editor appreciates conservation of space in order to meet the sender’s needs and the editor’s time.
The deadline is the 23rd of the month.
Address any and all information to the Peace Arch Journal Editor.
Rotary’s History in KoreaThe first Rotary club in Korea was chartered in Seoul on 10 November 1927. Since then, Rotary members in Korea have maintained their commitment to fellowship, service, and leadership through difficult times —
From night markets to tea plantations, American chef Rick Bayless leaves no avenue unexplored as he tastes his way through Taipei. Find out what flavors he’ll never forget. Then, get ready to pick up the culinary journey yourself during the 2026 Rotary International Convention.
