The Rotary theme for this month, March, is ‘Water, Sanitation & Hygiene.’ As Leonardo da Vinci famously said, “Water is the driving force of all nature.” This profound statement resonates with all of us, as we recognize the vital role water plays in sustaining life.

The Rotary Club of Chicago’s first known service project, in 1907, was the construction of public toilets, or “comfort stations,” to improve sanitation in the city. This project marked the beginning of Rotary’s journey, making it the world’s first service club.

In our District, clubs have partnered with local organizations to build toilets, rainwater collection systems, communal handwashing stations, and water filters. We’ve also worked on establishing water supply and delivery systems, educating communities on maintenance, and providing hygiene education.

Globally, The Rotary Foundation has invested over $130 million in more than 2,000 WASH Global Grant Projects since 2013. These efforts have improved access to safely managed and basic WASH services for communities, schools, and healthcare facilities while safeguarding water resources. Incidentally, Past District Governor Wade Nomura chairs the Rotary Action Group WASH’s Operations Team. (https://www.wash-rag.org/)

The unwavering commitment, dedication, and generosity of Rotarians continues to inspire me. Last week, I visited the Wasco Rotary club, which has around 23 members. Recognized as the go-to service club in their community, they are expanding their impact by building wells in Africa. The list of  service projects within our district is nothing short of remarkable.

District Governor Sherry Sim

March 14, 2025