story by: crez dickens

Positive peace anywhere starts from within each of us, explained Alison ​Sutherland, Chair of the newly-launched Peace Chapter of Rotary in Great Britain ​& Ireland.

Alison, from Cardiff Bay Rotary Club, together with Rotary International ​President, Stephanie Urchick, began a new phase in the global peace group in ​June with the online launch of the GB&I chapter which attracted Rotarians from ​across the globe.

Formed 12 years ago, there are chapters in several countries including Hong ​Kong, Germany, Serbia, Ohio, Italy, India and Eqypt. The UK and Ireland chapter ​initially met during Covid and each one is autonomous. Each chapter has at least ​five peace builder clubs in their area.

The chapters have a template constitution and teams of people to help provide ​help and information to clubs locally and globally.

Alison Sutherland spoke at length about plans for the Great Britain & Ireland ​Peace Chapter, and she wants to see more peace builder clubs.

She said: “It isn’t about ending all areas of conflict, but creating positive peace ​which comes from within yourself. First heal yourself.

“If you look at a jigsaw puzzle it has lots of separate pieces that come together to ​create a whole. If we all work together, we can achieve peace. Take the analogy ​of a swimming pool. Instead of watching and sitting on the edge, tip a toe in, get ​into the water and be involved.”

Whoever holds the information is king people think. But that is wrong, says ​Alison. “No, that strength comes from working together. Every piece of that ​jigsaw matters. Collaboration is crucial,” she adds.

Alison has been Peace Officer for Rotary for several years now and is passionate ​about making a success of the new Great Britain & Ireland chapter.

She concludes by stating we need to start with ourselves, work on equity and ​inclusion, be tolerant, understanding and progress these values in our clubs.

Four more chapters are due to be launched soon with a further four in their early ​stages of development.

At the June launch, both the Los Angeles Community and Rotary Great Britain & ​Ireland chapters were introduced, adding to the 430 which exist worldwide.

It was explained that the new regional approach to peace building creates ​leverage from a combined strength. The creation of chapters addresses well the ​four pillars of Rotary service and aligns with the direction Rotary wants to take.

A council of chapters will meet bi-monthly to share project ideas and best ​practice. The chapters will educate, empower and engage clubs in each region to ​encourage the setting up of conferences and seminars, as well as helping with ​access to District and global grants. So far 70 clubs are linked with Peace Fellows ​and peace activators.

For more information, contact: ragfp.RGBI.chapter@gmail.com

A website for the chapter is currently under construction.