October 24 is World Polio Day—and District 5495 has an opportunity to make our voices count. For more than 40 years, Rotary has led the global fight to eradicate polio. We have come extraordinarily close, but “almost” isn’t enough. Polio remains a threat as long as the virus exists anywhere in the world. World Polio Day is our chance to remind our communities why Rotary made this commitment and why we must stay engaged until the job is finished.
This October, let’s put polio in the spotlight. Dedicate a club meeting to End Polio Now. Invite a public-health professional, polio survivor or Rotarian involved in the campaign to share the story. Use your club’s Facebook, Instagram, newsletter and website to share facts about polio and Rotary’s role in the eradication effort. Organize a Purple Pinkie event, a community walk, a Pints for Polio fundraiser or another creative activity that gets people talking. Partner with local businesses, schools, civic organizations and other community groups. The goal is simple: raise awareness, start conversations and keep the promise of a polio-free world in front of our communities.
And let’s turn awareness into action. Challenge every member of your club to make a personal contribution to PolioPlus. Set a club fundraising goal for October and celebrate your progress along the way. Consider dedicating happy dollars, fines or a portion of club fundraising proceeds to End Polio Now. Encourage members to share their reason for supporting polio eradication with friends and family and invite others to join the effort. Every gift—large or small—helps Rotary and its partners continue the work necessary to finish the fight. Make your contribution today - Donate Now.
District 5495, this is our moment to act. On October 24, let's make sure our communities hear the message: Rotary is still committed to ending polio, and every Rotarian has a role to play. Learn. Share. Give. One club meeting can educate members. One social media post can reach hundreds of people. One fundraiser can inspire a community. One donation can help protect children from a devastating disease. Together, our clubs can help Rotary finish what we started. End Polio Now!
Brad Gamble, Polio Plus Chair, bradjgamble@gmail.com
David Faragher, Polio Plus Committee, davidcfaragher@yahoo.com