In his recent article (A simple people’s Brexit plan can replace May’s flawed strategy, 2 May), Paul Mason describes a “galaxy of pub bores, Rotarians and golf-club sexists”. It was a disappointing read as this does not reflect what Rotary and its members stand for.
The primary focus of Rotary is to provide humanitarian relief across the world, and with changes in the economic climate, our place in society is more important than ever. Far from it being “fashionable to sneer at those who queue for free food”, it is in fact Rotarians who work tirelessly at food banks to ensure families in need eat that week.
We hear daily stories from our clubs about our members being out and about in the community, not only welcoming those seeking asylum but working with people to help them find homes, jobs and relevant support. Rotary is made up of people who are passionate about improving communities and our diverse membership reflects this with different ages, backgrounds, cultures and viewpoints, all working together on one common ethos: to make a difference to our world. We have six areas of focus that we carry through with us in each of our endeavours, including educating those without access to basic education, saving the lives of mothers and children worldwide, helping communities to get access to water and sanitation, helping economies and communities develop, brokering peace and preventing diseases.
Rotary has campaigned since 1985 to eradicate polio, and we, and others, are on the brink of achieving the goal of a polio-free world, with just five cases so far this year globally. As a non-political and non-religious organisation, Rotary welcomes members from all sectors of the community.
Eve Conway
President, Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland
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