A foundation for peace is built of many small effort to advance understanding and goodwill among people of different nations and to improve the quality of life.  Rotary International regards the building blocks of International Service as: special international observances and events; international meetings;  international educational and cultural activities;  The Rotary Foundation; and World Community Service.

Rotary International's formal commitment to International Service began in 1921, when it was incorporated into the Object of Rotary.  The fourth Avenue of Service had begun unofficially in 1914, when clubs in England and Ireland housed Belgian refugees, one of a huge range of activities that transcend national boundaries.

International Service Committees

As our global economy continues to grow and strengthen, there has become a greater awareness on global issues and need.  Racine West Rotary has a very vibrant International Service focus.  We participate in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program where we send high school students all over the world and host students to Racine from all over the world to study for an entire year.  This helps promote goodwill and understanding for our youth. If you are interested in participating in our Youth Exchange Program, please contact Rick Granite.  (then have the link go to blind forward to my email address)

Additionally, Racine West has spent over $50,000 on worldwide projects such as Polio Plus (a Rotary program to eradicate Polio), dental equipment in Brazil, building a hospital in Africa, promoting business and literacy in Indonesia and many other great international goodwill programs.  Money raised by Racine West Rotary is matched by the Rotary International Foundation to make all the projects even more successful. If you would like to donate money toward our International Service efforts where your donation is compounded by matching money, please contact Rick Granite.