Progress report recognizes Rotary's gains
Rotary International News -- 29 October 2010
Significant progress has been made in the effort to rid the world of polio, one of the accomplishments noted in the RI Strategic Plan 2007-10 Progress Report.
Photo by Joseph Lorenzo
Rotary International's membership has grown nearly 38 percent in sub-Saharan Africa since 2001, significant progress has been made in the effort to rid the world of polio, and the image of Rotary has been enhanced through public service announcements and the illumination of landmarks with the End Polio Now message.
These are just a few of the achievements listed in a recently released progress report on the organization's strategic plan. The report highlights major gains RI has made within the seven priorities established by the RI Strategic Plan 2007-10.
In January, the Board of Directors approved a revised RI Strategic Plan , which carries forward many of the successes of the old one. The streamlined plan, which took effect 1 July, places an increased emphasis on individual clubs, with the aim of allowing them to better advance the goals and priorities of RI.
The progress report highlights gains that Rotary has made in eradicating polio, advancing the recognition and public image of RI, increasing Rotary's capacity to serve, expanding membership globally in number and quality, emphasizing Rotary's unique vocational service commitment, optimizing leadership talents within RI, and fully implementing the strategic planning process.
Achievements in polio eradication have been most remarkable in Nigeria, where only 8 cases have been reported through 26 October, compared with 382 during the same period in 2009. Also, more than US$147 million has been raised toward Rotary's US$200 Million Challenge through 30 September.
Rotary's public image has advanced through the continued distribution of Humanity in Motion public service announcements, worldwide media coverage of more than 20 End Polio Now illuminations on 23 February 2010, and the “This Close” campaign, which features notable figures including Jane Goodall, Itzhak Perlman, and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. Public relations grants of $5.2 million have resulted in about $24.7 million in in-kind and district donations.
RI also has awarded nearly 100 graduate and professional certificate fellowships in peace and conflict resolution between 2007 and 2009, totaling $4 million; increased membership by more than 80 percent in Central and Eastern Europe over the past 10 years; and developed the new Rotary coordinator program to increase Rotary's capacity to provide service.
In 2009, Rotary completed a triennial review of the strategic plan, including a survey of 14,000 Rotarians worldwide. After the review, the Board adopted the revised plan, which identifies three strategic priorities: support and strengthen clubs, focus and increase humanitarian service, and enhance public image and awareness.
Many of the aims of the 2007-10 plan have been folded into the 16 goals that support these three strategic priorities.