Volunteering and raising awareness
Rotarians are service-minded by nature and often want to get more involved than simply writing a check.
Volunteer
Rotarians in polio-infected or recently declared polio-free countries can learn about how to best support local community immunization efforts and ongoing PolioPlus Partners projects, participate in NIDs, and work with community leaders to promote the benefits of immunization and eradication.
Rotarians in polio-free countries can promote routine immunizations within their communities, stay informed of the global effort, and support PolioPlus Partners in any way possible. Rotarians who wish to travel to volunteer at an NID should carefully consider the difficult working conditions and challenges before planning travel. Download this report for full information.
Raise awareness
Many people are unfamiliar with Rotary’s contribution to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, either because they aren’t members of Rotary clubs or because they’re are new Rotary club members, live in a polio-free country, or simply haven’t kept up with the ongoing effort. Organize a presentation to share the latest news on Rotary’s progress toward polio eradication, share remaining challenges, and discuss ways to play a role in the final push to rid the world of polio.
Educate yourself about the progress made toward polio eradication:
Use every opportunity to create public awareness of the importance of and need for polio eradication and of Rotary’s contribution to the effort in your community.
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PolioPlus Headliner Kit — This public relations tool helps Rotarians give local media outlets a hometown news angle to the international polio eradication effort. The kit contains sample press releases, feature articles, letters to the editor, opinion pieces, and tips on how to distribute items to local newspapers, journals, and trade magazines. No. 322, gratis.
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Rotary Foundation Print PSAs — Six images loaded on a compact disc portray the work of The Rotary Foundation with the tag line "Rotarians Make A Difference." One of the images is of a child receiving the oral polio vaccine. Formatted for both Macintosh and IBM computers, the discs are intended for home use and for professional designers. Members are encouraged to order the CD and send it to a newspaper or other publication or a printer. No. 335, US$8.
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PolioPlus Video Feature Report: "Polio: The Final Chapter" — This 10-minute feature report is a membership tool for presentations at Rotary and non-Rotary venues. The video spotlights Rotary's worldwide commitment to polio eradication as well as the effort's unique volunteer element. No. 328, US$10.
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PolioPlus Poster — This colorful 60 cm x 78 cm (24" x 31") poster features a compelling image of a child receiving the oral polio vaccine with Kofi Annan's quote, "Rotary's PolioPlus program is a shining example of the achievements made possible by cooperation between the United Nations and non-governmental organizations." No. 327, gratis.
Order these items from the RI Catalog.
Alert the media to Rotary’s role in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and correct any omissions or misstatements. More on how Rotarians can work with the media.
Advocating the cause
As we close in on polio, the work of polio eradication becomes more difficult. The support of global, national, and local leaders is critical for conquering polio. Yet the disease’s strongholds remain in the world’s poorest countries, many of which require greater levels of support to reach the goal. A small but dedicated group of Rotary club members is working with national governments and multinational organizations to encourage them to commit the political and financial support required to eradicate polio.
Resources
- Contact PolioPlus committee members at the club, district, and international levels.
- Find out how you or your club can contribute to an existing PolioPlus Partners project to help.
- Contact the Polio Eradication Advocacy Task Force and PolioPlus Partners Task Force (see the Official Directory for contact information).