Q: Supporting Rotary World Peace Fellows seems like a good idea for my district, but I can’t help but wonder if these scholars really can make a difference. Do you think there will ever be peace on earth?

Answer from Bill Boyd: Yes, I think peace is possible – if we’re willing to work for it. And as Rotarians and community leaders, we can’t afford not to do something. It’s not easy, but our fellows are a positive step forward.

So far, more than 200 fellows – many with incredible stories – have graduated from Rotary Centers for International Studies in peace and conflict resolution throughout the world. Some, like Susan Stigant, have gone on to work in war-torn areas such as Sudan. Others, like Path Heang, know what it feels like to grow up without peace. I’m amazed by the life Heang has led. When he was six years old, the Khmer Rouge forced him into a labor camp and took him away from his parents. He now works at the World Bank on a project called Justice for the Poor.

We need our fellows in this world. It’s an honor to be able to contribute to their education and future because they contribute so much to ours. Please read about funding the Rotary Centers and Rotary’s newest peace program, Rotary Peace and Conflict Studies.