One Drop at a Time: Rotary’s Commitment to Clean Water

Rotarians have a heart for service. It is what drives us to seek out the needs in our communities and around the world, finding ways to make a difference where it matters most. Here in District 5230, from the towering Sequoias to the rugged coastline of the Pacific, we know the value of water. We see its power in the rivers that carve our valleys and in the crops that sustain families and economies throughout the Central Valley. Water is life, and access to clean water is something we can never take for granted.

March is Rotary’s month dedicated to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene—one of the seven areas of focus that guide our mission of service. Clean water is not just about hydration; it is about health, dignity, and opportunity. Without it, children cannot thrive, families struggle, and entire communities are held back from their potential.

As a father, I look at my son and am grateful that he is growing up with clean, safe water every day. I never have to wonder if he will contract a waterborne illness or if he will have the basic sanitation necessary for a healthy life. But I know that for millions of children around the world, this is not the reality. I want every parent to have the same peace of mind that I do—the assurance that their child’s water is safe to drink, that their community has the sanitation necessary to prevent disease, and that proper hygiene education is accessible to all.

Rotary is uniquely positioned to make this a reality. Here at home, we can work with local leaders to support sustainable water projects, assist in sanitation improvements for schools and shelters, and educate our communities on the importance of water conservation. Across the globe, we can help fund and develop infrastructure to bring lasting change to villages that still rely on contaminated water sources. Rotary clubs have the power to transform lives—not just for today, but for generations to come.

I encourage each club in our district to take action this month. Consider how your club can contribute to a project, whether it’s through a hands-on service initiative, a fundraising effort, or a partnership with another Rotary club working in an underserved area. Every effort, big or small, creates a ripple effect of positive change.

Together, let’s be the reason a child wakes up each morning with access to clean water, the reason a school has proper sanitation, and the reason a community can thrive. Because Rotarians have a heart for service, and when we come together, we change the world—one drop at a time.

Yours in Rotary Service,

DG Mike