Economic and Community Development is an area of focus that Rotary has asked all clubs to focus on, especially in October.What is your club doing? Here are some ideas:
Microfinancing: 190 million people are funding their business endeavors through microfinance programs. Entrepreneurs use microloans to become street vendors, rickshaw drivers, weavers, and tailors. Entrepreneurs in rural communities can borrow money to buy livestock or plant crops, or get training in sustainable farming.
When supporting service projects in a developing community, purchase goods and supplies locally to stimulate the economy and avoid unnecessary shipping fees.
1.4 billion people — nearly half of them employed — live on less than $1.25 a day
Expand vocational training opportunities, including job placement programming, at local nonprofit organizations
Send a vocational training team to teach business leaders in developing communities how to create a business plan and maintain accurate financial accounting.
Partner with a cooperative that provides training, joint economic ventures, and ownership of assets to its members through a democratic structure
Provide equipment or supplies to a cooperative to increase production and sales in the local market
Support entrepreneurs and small businesses in developing communities. The success of local business leaders can multiply
TRAINING: Rotary International and Heifer International are teaching farmers to extend their growing season and help residents eat healthier, local food. https://www.rotary.org/en/rotary-and-heifer-help-farmers
THE POWER OF LIGHT: Rotary members team up with the Navajo Nation to bring solar lights to remote, off-the-grid homes, allowing people to work and learn at night. https://www.rotary.org/en/rotarians-bring-light-navajo-checkerboard
HUMAN RIGHTS: Rotary helps Tanzanians with albinism overcome stigma and superstition to find safety and a livelihood. https://www.rotary.org/en/rotary-helps-tanzanians-albinism