By Barbara Muller Chair, Rotary Action Group for Peace Happy New Year, my dear Rotarians! Together we can make 2023 our year for world peace! When my twin granddaughters were born, I was in Trader Joe's and the checkers rang the bells at the counters. "These bells are ringing in an era of peace," I told everyone. That was a few years ago, and I still believe Peace is Possible, which is the theme for my year as 2022-23 Chair of the RAGFP. Peace is something we have to work for,, as I have learned from the 100+ Podcasts with Peacebuilders ( PeacePodcast.org). And our UN Secretary-General made peace in his annual message: "This is not a time to sit on the sidelines; it is a time for resolve, determination, and – yes – even hope." - UN Chief. The UN chief said on Monday, he was determined to make 2023 "a year for peace" and a "year for action", highlighting the need for practical solutions to a raft of pressing problems facing all regions of the world. The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, pledged to make 2023 "a year for peace" and a "year for action." When all 191 UN member states and each of our 35,000 Rotary Clubs continue to work for the peace our world needs, through service projects, our thoughts, and local actions, peace will be a reality. How we create a culture of peace is evolving. Peace building is more effective at the community level where needs are known and solutions come from collaboration and cooperation between all sectors which also creates greater respect for one another and benefits all citizens. As Paul Harris, our founder, sums it up: "Rotary changes us and those we serve. I believe we can change the world one club at a time." | 