Peacebuilding Group

Join Sydney Rotary's Peacebuilding Group

Today, the globe faces a series of interlocking challenges that are manifesting in violent conflict around the globe. Yet we refuse to accept conflict as a way of life.

Rotary invests in peace education and capacity building, fosters strategic relationships, and integrates peacebuilding into all of Rotary’s programs and service. We believe when people work to create peace in their communities, that change can have a global effect. By carrying out service projects and supporting peace fellowships and scholarships, our members take action to address the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, discrimination, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources.

Designated Peacebuilder Club

Sydney Rotary has been formally designated by the Rotary Action Group for Peace (RAGFP) to recognise our club's active prioritising, focus on, and projects promoting peace and conflict resolution within our community and internationally.
 

Click to download the Rotary Peacebuilding brochureWhat is a Peacebuilder Club?

A Formal Commitment:
It is a declaration by a club that it will actively work toward peace, not just as a abstract concept, but through actionable service.

Focus on Positive Peace:
Peacebuilder Clubs focus on the eight pillars of Positive Peace (as defined by the Institute for Economics & Peace), which include low levels of corruption, good relations with neighbors, and free flow of information.

Recognition:
Designated clubs are included on an online Peacebuilder Club map and recognized for their efforts. 

Requirements to Become a Peacebuilder Club

While specific standards can vary slightly by district, they generally require the following to be completed annually: 

Form a Peace Committee:
A team of at least two members dedicated to educating the club on peacebuilding.
 
Conduct Peace Projects:
At least one project per year aimed at peacebuilding, which could include peace poles, anti-bullying programs, or conflict resolution workshops.
Educational Activity:
Hosting at least one club meeting or speaker focused on peace and conflict resolution.
Financial Contribution:
Making a donation to the RAGFP or the Rotary Peace Centers (often a small per-capita amount, e.g., $5). 

What it Means in Practice

Connecting with Peace Fellows:
Clubs often invite Rotary Peace Fellows to speak and partner with them on projects.

Tackling Underlying Causes:
Projects focus on addressing the root causes of conflict, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of resources, rather than just the absence of war.

Community Impact:
Clubs often engage youth in peace education, organize peace conferences, or partner with local organizations for peace-related events. 
 
Being a Peacebuilder Club helps clubs attract new members with peacebuilding values seeking an opportunity to provide impactful service.

The Rotary Club of Sydney Community Peace Award

The Award is awarded to an organisation or an individual whose life and work has demonstrated:

  • Commitment to the advancement of peace with justice or the promotion of non-violence within the community, nationally or internationally.

  • Contribution to the promotion and attainment of human rights
     
  • The philosophy, language and practice of nonviolence
     
  • Evidence of building bridges between different groups to work toward peaceful communities in an increasingly diverse society.

  • Actions as a 'peacemaker' within the local community.

Click here for more information about the Sydney Rotary Community Peace Award

Click here for information about Sydney Rotary's Consular Day Luncheon