Have you ever heard the term “Rotary Action Group” or “RAG” for short? If you have not, you are not alone. Well, what is a “RAG”? Rotary Action Groups are independent, Rotary-affiliated groups made up of people from around the world who are experts in a particular field, such as economic development, peace, addiction prevention, the environment, or water, to name just a few.Action groups offer their technical expertise and support to help clubs plan and implement projects to increase our impact, one of Rotary's strategic priorities. This support includes helping clubs find partners, funding, and other resources. Action groups can also help clubs and districts prepare grant applications, conduct community assessments, and develop plans to monitor and evaluate their projects.
“RAG”’s are akin to, or are, cause-based groups, and in Rotary there are many to choose from.
Our own DG David Alexander presented on behalf of the Environmental Sustainability RAG at the International Conference, and the WASH RAG has worked with some of our clubs on freshwater initiatives. And that is really the tip of the iceberg. If you have a passion for a certain cause, you are quite likely to find a Rotary Action Group that matches your passion.
Now D7090 has an Ambassador for the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery (RAGAS): Joanne Serkeyn, President of the Rotary Club of Lincoln.
A 26-year veteran of the City of Hamilton Police force, working in the DNA Unit, Joanne has spent much time dealing with missing persons and the issue of mental health. These work experiences led for to become aware of the large issue of human trafficking and the impacts it makes on our communities. After learning about Rotary Action Groups at a District training event, Joanne discovered that Rotary actually had an Action Group that dealt with this issue: RAGAS!
Without much to go on, except her passion for the issue, Joanne was able to engage RAGAS in Canada, where she attended a meeting and joined the group. Wanting to make an impact in lives of those who are most at risk and have no voice of their own, Joanne has become our D7090 Ambassador for RAGAS, and helped D7090 become a supporter of the efforts of RAGAS and against the issue of human trafficking.
It is Joanne’s goal to bring more awareness to D7090 about the issue of Human Trafficking, Advocate for legislation on the issue, bring speakers to our clubs, and get clubs to engage RAGAS for upcoming projects.
This is such a big issue affecting so many troubled people in our communities under the surface. It is a complex issue, and cuts across many of the areas of focus in Rotary. More information on this RAG can be found at https://ragas.online
Certainly, you can reach out to our own District Advocate, Joanne Serkeyn, for more direction.
RAG’s offer Rotary Clubs and Rotarians the resources and guidance to take on issues and create projects that you a passionate about, and even enable you to recruit potential members to your club who have a particular interest. We are so fortunate in D7090 to have Joanne Serkeyn, and her passion for service to help and impact those most in need.
- Scott Marcin