Hello from PDG Ron Petersen, Sr., 

As the District Chairman for the Health and Hunger Committee, I would like to encourage Rotarians of D6110 to become involved in A Rotarian Action Group Fighting AIDS and a Rotarian Action Group for Diabetes.  These two critical areas are of great concern and need your help.  Please read the below information and follow the links – you hopefully can be of assistance.   Thanks.       

 Rotarians for Fighting AIDS: A Rotarian Action Group

Founded by Marion Bunch, a Rotarian who lost her child to AIDS, Rotarians For Fighting AIDS, Inc. (RFFA) embraces a Mission that commands members to “Mobilize Rotarians in the fight against HIV/AIDS.” They provide the following services for Rotarians, clubs, and districts:

1. On Site “Discovery of Needs” with recommended actions.

2. Links from available resources, funds and program experts to Rotarians in global communities implementing HIV/AIDS programs.

3. Partnerships formed between Rotary and other charitable organizations to secure support for designated AIDS projects.

4. Proven, sustainable, Rotary programs helping Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Africa through three initiatives ‐ Orphan Rescue, Kidz Clubs and HIV Free Generation.

The ANCHOR Partnership includes RFFA, HOPE Worldwide, The Coca‐Cola Africa Foundation and Emory University. In four years, ANCHOR has provided care and support for 102,000 children across seven African countries, many of whom have had their school fees paid by RFFA’s “Orphan Rescue” and “Kidz Clubs” programs.

In 2008, RFFA joined business and entertainment industry giants in a bold initiative sending visions of hope for creating an AIDS free world. The “HIV Free Generation” pilot project launched in Nairobi, Kenya, promoting behavior changes that are “cool” and prevent the transmission of HIV among youth.

Before the launch in Kenya, RFFA, Rotary clubs and districts in Kenya and USA conducted the largest Medical Mission in Rotary history. Seventy‐two professionals and volunteers treated more than 10,000 children in one ten‐day period.  To learn more and find out how you can help, visit www.rffa.org

Rotarian Action Group for Diabetes

As a new RAG, the Rotarian Action Group for Diabetes (RAGDiabetes) is off to a very successful start as we facilitate the opportunity for Rotarians to get involved in Rotary service for diabetes. The booth hosted by the RAGDiabetes in the House of Friendship at the recent RI Convention was very active with Rotarians seeking information. Also, I attended a breakout session on Diabetes there in Birmingham. 

Rotarian Action Groups Update | October 2009

One session featuring International Diabetes Federation and Rotary presentations on the current state of the diabetes worldwide epidemic and Rotary programs was overwhelmingly received by an overflow audience. RAGDiabetes has been involved in the recent initiation of six clinics in Cameroon for the treatment of children with diabetes sponsored by Rotarians in Italy and Cameroon and the expansion of the Caribbean foot care program for diabetics led by the Rotary Club of Ledbury and Caribbean Rotarians. Information on these programs and other diabetes service opportunities are featured at www.ragdiabetes.org with information on becoming a member of RAGDiabetes.

Fellow Rotarians are encouraged to join in to create a creative, strong force for Rotary service in diabetes related areas. Go to www.ragdiabetes.org for information.