"Rotary is a miniature model of a world at peace, one which might advantageously be studied by nations. Rotarians believe that the universal application of tolerance and friendliness would bring about the international peace so earnestly desired by everyone." - Paul Harris Radio broadcast on Rotary's 36th anniversary.
Paul Harris, a genius humanitarian of his time, could not have anticipated the future. After World War 1 (“the war to end all wars”) leaders of many nations were not interested in peace. They want more power. And in a globally irreversible independent world, this mental desire in one - is all it takes to infect many others. This mental sickness spreads via politics, religion, and/or economics thus failing to prioritize healthy citizens and their economic needs within their community.
At the emergence of the next World War, Paul Harris offered some wisdom. "But, we ask, must the best genius of men be devoted to the science of war and none to the science of averting it?" - Paul Harris, 1940
About 9 decades later within our interdependent world -with countless vulnerabilities within any individual or family, ‘Health for all’ appears to be the only scientific way to achieve peace – and in doing so reduce the greater threats to human security (microbial killers and cognitive flaws) that must be urgently tackled for the flourishing and sustainability of our families, our communities and our environment that requires a comprehensive and holist systemic effort. One that prioritizes “Health” above all. The only real path to Peace.
(FYI: This initial 2000-word detailed list below of why ‘Health’ should replace ‘Peace’ as Rotary International’s original principal of service. After it there are two 300-word drafts condensing these same key points if you prefer reading less. At the very bottom there are three extremely valuable links outside of Rotary that can make this campaign resonate with any healthy mind. Go there first if you feel the need to be educated and inspired by anyone outside of Rotary.)
War is not in
our human nature. Monkeys will always
fight other monkeys. But only powerful leaders convince others of weak mind or
bitter heart to mass murder. This mental
vulnerability/sickness will only be cured by ‘we the people’ of the world - prioritizing
health as humankind’s greatest wealth.
Health of mind, body, spirit, family, community, environment,
government, economy, culture... Anything less than this leading to ‘liberty and
justice for all’ is unsustainable.
10 ‘Health’ priority benefits
vs existing Peace appeal (9-18-25
draft)
1.
Why Health should
be Rotary’s Core Peace Priority: Peace
was Rotary’s first goal established over 120 years ago. But Peace is an ambiguous word, and peace efforts
have rarely worked. The evolution of
weapons and war motivated by hate cannot be stopped. The spread of diseases and hate can be. Advances in mental health can out pace advances
in technology’s killing capacity that becomes cheaper and easier each month. Meanwhile efforts to save lives from life threatening
health problems get cheaper, easier, with greater success rates.
2.
Peace is
vague; health is measurable. “Peace”
can mean absence of war. A ceasefire. Trading land for Peace. Peace through strength. Social harmony or inner calm as political polarization
from Truth decay accelerates tensions between religions and nations. Health
outcomes like child survival, reduced disease rates, increased life expectancy,
are relatively easy to achieve, affordable, preventive, and measurable.
3.
Health is the
foundation of peace: Healthy
populations are more stable, resilient, and less prone to conflict. Illness, malnutrition, and epidemics
destabilize societies and can spark violence.
4.
Prevention
saves more lives and resources: Investing in health systems, vaccines, and
nutrition prevents crises that would later require costly peacekeeping or
humanitarian aid. Health unites where peace divides.
5.
Calls for
peace often fall into political debates.
Some rarely end: Health programs—vaccinations, clean water,
maternal care—are universally accepted, embraced, and can be globally
achieved. Rotary’s track record is in
health success with the near eradication of polio Rotary’s most visible
achievement. No memorable equivalent
Rotary “peace” success can be pointed to.
6.
Health investments
address today’s real threats: Pandemics,
bioweapons, climate-linked diseases, extreme climate events, and chronic
illness. These kill far more people than
wars. The greatest security threats remain
health-related, not military. Nearly 10 people die daily from preventable
health problems for each life lost or debilitated in in conflict or community violence.
7.
Health builds
trust and goodwill: Providing health related
services strengthens Rotary’s credibility and global partnerships with other
organizations and governments. Community
family remembers forever remembering who saved their children, not who
delivered a speech on peace. Ceasefires
and Peace Keeping missions rarely succeed. Health efforts almost always do.
8.
Health links
directly to each of Rotary’s seven service areas. Education,
water, sanitation, economic development, and even peace all depends on healthy
populations. And progress in them reduce a root cause of conflict – high Infant
Mortality Rates. As Rotarians prioritize their individual focus only one or two,
they diminish the power of a united effect Rotary has to improve health progress
on the others, which would be done by prioritizing health. Rotary International, leading a global ‘Health
for all’ campaign to achieve the SDGs would gain global recognition for reducing
most human and environmental threats (including war). This goes beyond “Uniting for Good” by ‘Uniting
for Humankind and Nature’.
9.
Health gives
Rotary global relevance: By leading in global health, Rotary would exponentially
increase its current and impactful in the 21st century as conflicts persist and
existing peace efforts flounder. Sticking
to “peace” risks becoming symbolic, outdated and ineffective. And with that, humankind
approaches another world war.
10. Health improvements are relatively easy to identify, measure,
and control. Means of violence are not. Advances in technology over the past four decades
have made it harder and harder to monitor and verify the existence of weapons and
the ability to control or stop their use. Meanwhile, advancements in the same
technologies make it easier and easier to monitor, verify and control the spread
of infectious disease, abuse in human rights, and environmental harms. Given the
indebtedness of most nation’s governments when strengthening their military or using
them in conflicts - versus - the cost savings of wise investment in preventing illnesses
(mind or body), the next inevitable pandemic (from nature or lab accident), or
bioterrorist event disrupting supply chains, business profits, student learning,
and food/energy production/safety/distribution/acquisition of supplies – what would
be the wisest investment?
Ten Reasons why Rotarians should reconsider keeping Peace
as a Priority
1.
Peace was Rotary’s
founding vision to build fellowship as a central value was noble. Dropping
peace may feel like abandoning its roots and moral identity. But legacy is sentimental, not strategic. And
clinging to history can prevent adaptation to our modern challenges. Rotary’s
founders could not have anticipated pandemics, climate-linked health crises,
extreme weather events, global inequality, Truth decay, or the hateful/lethal
political polarization now accelerating.
Rotary’s 4 way test remains a global antidote to the spreading insanity
of humanity.
2.
The ultimate
outcome of global Peace is not going to happen without putting justice for all,
the protection of human rights, and the environment - above the protection of
national sovereignty, corporate power. Humankind is held hostage to nations
with nuclear weapons on the UN Security Council. Changing this is highly unlikely. However, addressing the root causes of war,
genocide, and WMD proliferation by achieving the UN 17 Sustainable Development
Goals can affordably take humankind in that direction faster, further, with
fewer barrios. Health, education, and economic development
are the best means to broaden cooperative global conditions that will foster a
change in the flawed global governance system that Rotary contributed to
drafting in 1943. The SDGs will also
contribute most to peace at both the community and personal level - as
reduction in human security threats diminish locally. While peace is desirable, it is intangible and
reactive. Without measurable foundations like health, education, and
development, calls for peace are highly unlikely to produce real-world results.
3. While Peace has s popular universal moral appeal and the
word resonates across cultures and religions as a timeless aspiration, the
global Peace movement has been losing ground.
Especially with the rise in conflicts over the last 3 decades. Rotary is unlikely to change this trajectory
by redefining peace - within this era of Truth decay and increasing political
polarization. Inspirational ambiguous words
alone don’t save lives. Health-focused initiatives are based on objective
evidence and resonate morally and practically with people immediately seeing
and feeling the impacts of vaccines, clean water, nutrition, and other primary
health care benefits.
4. It is true that Peace connects all seven areas of RI focus.
But this connection is indirect. Health, education, and clean water have
immediate, measurable benefits, whereas “peace” remains an abstract goal,
dependent on factors far beyond Rotary’s, the global peace movement, or even
the United Nations control.
5. While Rotary “Peace” efforts give Rotary a seat at
high-level conversations with governments, the UN, and NGOs diplomatic -- this
symbolic influence and high-level recognition does not guarantee
effectiveness. Being “at the table” is
hollow if Rotary cannot demonstrate concrete outcomes. Health programs provide
fast, relatively cheap, and measurable credibility. Such credibility can help
frame issues within more workable geopolitical terms.
6. Peace can transcend politics. But in practice, peace
can be highly political. And deciding who is “at fault” in conflicts remains highly
controversial. Health projects tend to avoid political entanglements, enabling
action in more effective and sustainable contexts.
7. Health campaigns can be controversial (vaccines,
reproductive health, Female Genital Mutilation). Rotary’s non-political brand only means
non-partisan politics. Rotary’s 4-way test depends on objective Truths, not personal
or political party truths. These can
vary within every community, even every family.
Under these conditions Rotary risks appearing symbolic rather than
effective when we prioritize an unmeasurable goal like peace. Especially when compared to organizations
achieving dramatic health outcomes.
8.
While Rotary may
be widely recognized for promoting peace through dialogue, youth exchanges, and
conflict resolution programs that are much needed and valued, rebranding around
health will NOT dilute what makes these Rotary distinctive efforts unwanted or not
needed, even when compared to other health-focused NGOs. Prevention, the key Health concept, addresses
root causes of violence. Violence that
often stems from poverty, disease, and malnutrition, concrete health
interventions that directly reduce conflict more reliably than abstract peace
programs. Existing Rotary Peace Programs have great value in linking these on
the community level. Suggesting they
will have a sustainable and effective impact on global peace efforts in this era
of multiple accelerating negative forces...appears naïve or overly optimistic. Optimism feels good and boost one’s immune
system but too often fails to contribute to measurable results.
9.
Peace is
ambiguous. Trading land for peace or rewarding those who
commit war crimes, ethnic cleansing, or genocides can be extremely divisive and
unresolvable. The symbolic power of
“peacebuilding” does not save lives at that level. Health programs provide tangible stories of
success, motivating members and attracting new partners and uniting larger
health organizations more effectively than abstract ideals.
10. United, the three major movements (Peace, Environment, economic/social/human rights Justice)
can overpower any other specialized advocacy coalition (economic, political or
religious). Uniting these movements into
a MoM (Movement of Movements would exponentially increase awareness of RI
globally, as well as making measurable progress on many of the 169 subgoals within
the UN 17 SDGs. And do this by
encouraging every nation to create an annual “Service above Self” day event (2026
in the US 4th of July daytime?) where months before (Dec 10th
Human Rights Day -UDHR anniversary, or April 7, World Health Day) bring local
community leaders from organizations within each of the MoMs, together to
identify 1, 2 or 3 of the SDG subgoals they will all participate in working
together on that day. Uniting we stand a
chance! Continuing divided as we have always been- will not end well.
Health must be prioritized, Peace may
remain a cherished principle. Unfortunately, its ambiguous nature will not be
changed by trying to redefine it. To
engineer a new bridge to achieve global peace the builders must use precise words. And these must be agreed to globally by
everyone involved - if reliable and sustainable products are intended to reliably
save lives and protect Mama nature. This
is how the SDGs were arrived at in 2015, to be achieved by 2030. Far more progress on these are needed, and RI
could be the leader needed in making this happen.
Health is unambiguous: Health of minds, bodies, the human spirit, families,
communities, environment, governments, businesses, economics...
(FYI: Below are two attempts
to condense this initial 2000 word list of detailed reasons, down to two
shorter 300 word drafts. Plus some extremely
valuable links outside of Rotary to make this campaign resonate with any
healthy mind.)
Prioritizing Health will greatly elevate Rotary’s
Impact for the rest of the 21st Century
For over 120 years, Rotary International has
championed peace as its defining mission. While noble, “peace” is an abstract
and ambiguous goal. Today’s global challenges—pandemics, malnutrition, and
preventable diseases—pose far greater risks to stability and human flourishing
than conflicts between armies alone. Rotary’s seven areas of focus already
include health, education, clean water, and economic development, demonstrating
that the organization recognizes the practical levers of global well-being. Yet
the movement’s rhetorical centerpiece remains peace, leaving its most
measurable and transformative work in the shadows.
Why health should lead:
- Measurable outcomes:
Health initiatives—vaccinations, maternal care, disease prevention—deliver
quantifiable results that save lives and strengthen communities. Peace, by
contrast, is difficult to measure and often reactive.
- Prevention builds
stability: Healthy populations are more resilient, economically
productive, and less likely to experience conflict. Addressing health
threats prevents crises before they destabilize societies, making peace a
natural byproduct rather than an aspirational target.
- Universal acceptance:
Health programs transcend political, religious, and cultural barriers.
Everyone benefits from clean water, disease prevention, and child
survival. Peace initiatives, while morally compelling, often encounter
controversy and ambiguity in practice.
- Track record of
success: Rotary’s near-eradication of polio demonstrates what a
health-focused campaign can achieve. Comparable successes in peace are
symbolic at best, leaving communities unable to see tangible impact.
Health does not replace peace—it enables it. By prioritizing health, Rotary directly addresses
root causes of instability and builds trust, goodwill, and long-term
resilience. Peace becomes the outcome, not the elusive target.
Conclusion: Rotary
can honor its legacy while embracing the realities of the 21st century.
Elevating health to the highest priority ensures that Rotary is not only
inspiring but effective, delivering measurable impact that creates the lasting
peace, human security, and a sustainable environment the world truly wants and needs
(Condensed logic for
Health as the root of peace.)
Health First: Rotary’s Path to Sustainable Peace
For over a century, Rotary has championed peace as its
defining mission. Yet today, “peace” is abstract and unlikely, while
preventable diseases, malnutrition, and weak health systems threaten millions
and destabilize societies - with Rotary’s seven areas of focus—especially
disease prevention and maternal-child health—already tackling some of the greatest
root causes of human suffering. Yet RI’s
rhetorical centerpiece remains peace, leaving its most effective work
underemphasized.
Prioritizing health is not charity or service for the
sake of service above self. Health is
strategy. Healthy populations are more resilient, productive, and less prone to
conflict. Vaccines, clean water, nutrition, and clean environment prevent
crises that later demand costly interventions. Health and environmental programs
are measurable, almost universally accepted, and deliver tangible results,
unlike symbolic calls for peace alone.
Peace can remain Rotary’s guiding principle—but as the
outcome, not the primary driver or target. By placing health first, Rotary can honor its Polio
legacy while adapting to the 21st century, saving lives, strengthening
communities, and achieving a sustainable environment with the lasting peace humankind
has always sought.
Remember! “Everything is connected, everything is
interdependent, so everything is vulnerable.... And that’s why this has to be a
more than whole of government, a more than whole of nation [effort]. It really
has to be a global effort....” Jen Easterly, Director of CISA (Cyber and
Infrastructure Security Agency - our nation’s newest federal agency established
in 2018) Oct. 29, 2021 https://www.c-span.org/video/?515706-1/protecting-critical-infrastructure FYI: CISA was
hacked in January 2025 shortly after Trump replaced her as CISA’s
Director. And, the word ‘everything’ is
an autological word – defining itself.
Additional RESOURCES:
World Economic Forum illustrates how all issues are globally connected.
https://intelligence.weforum.org/topics/a1Gb0000000LHN7EAO
Next is one example of a large global health
organization now putting health in the context of human safety, national
security, and a healthy environment.
https://globalhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/GlobalHealthSecurityBrief.pdf
“National security cannot
be the primary justification for global health security decisions. This
approach is not only unsustainable, but also unjust.” Global Health Council 2025
As their Issues and Advocacy Director on global health
concerns in the mid-90s I submitted Congressional Testimony to the House
Foreign Operations Subcommittee of Appropriations in both 1996 and ’97 linking
biosecurity to every aspect of national security. For copies by email requests from Project250@earthlink.net.
July 2025 Brookings Inst. Published ‘From
aid-driven to investment-driven models of sustainable development’ Amar
Bhattacharya, Homi Kharas, and co-authors call for shifting from aid-driven to
investment-led sustainable development in emerging economies, outlining
priorities, financing gaps, and policy pathways.
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