Peace isn't simply the absence of war. It's the presence of dignity, opportunity, understanding, and hope.
My Grandma taught me about kuleana — the responsibility and privilege of caring for others.
I've come to believe that building peace is part of our collective kuleana. And that's what Rotary does.
Through education, clean water, disease prevention, economic opportunity, disaster response, and international friendship, Rotarians work every day to address the conditions that allow conflict and suffering to grow.
Here in Hawaiʻi, we've seen Rotarians respond to devastating storms, support children and families, and strengthen communities through service.
Around the world, that same spirit of compassion connects people across borders, cultures, and languages.
November is Rotary Foundation Month, and we're launching an ambitious effort called E Ulu Kākou — Let's Grow Together.
Our goal is to raise $1 million for The Rotary Foundation during this Rotary year, expanding our capacity to change lives and help build a more peaceful world. But E Ulu Kākou is about more than money. It's about growing in generosity, leadership, friendship, and service. I went to Hiroshima believing in peace. I left understanding why we must never stop working for it.
Everywhere in the world there is need. And everywhere in the world there is Rotary.
E Ulu Kākou. Let's grow together. Aloha.
DG Benson Medina
P.O. Box 3325 Honolulu, Hawaii 96801
