Mentors: Carl Treleaven, Steven D. Rickard, and Rakesh Babuji
Editor, Designer, Content Creator, and Webmaster: Gomathy T M
Editor: Gomathy T M
President's Message
Rotary Action Group for Community Economic Development (RAGCED): Unlocking Rotary's Unique Value Proposition in Economic and Community Development
Every successful organization – both business and non-profit - offers its customers a unique, compelling value proposition. Rotary is certainly a very successful organization, so what is our value proposition? A common answer I hear is “service”, and we Rotarians are quite invested in serving others, but that is hardly unique. In fact, what makes Rotary unique isn’t that we seek to serve others, it’s in how we do it. Our approach includes the following:
- Serving based on our respective vocations
- Drawing upon our networks to help bring the right resources to bear
- Insisting our high ethical standards in everything we do.
It’s pretty easy to do this at the local level in a Rotary Club. After all, we see our fellow Rotary Club members on a regular basis, and we have pretty deep connections. But once you get beyond your local Rotary Club, connecting with
the right resources gets much more difficult. For example, let’s say a Rotarian in India and another Rotarian in Canada both have an idea for a microfinance project in India. They each know a lot of people, but how do they connect with
each other? There isn’t a global Rotary member directory, and while ChatGPT is pretty amazing, I don’t think it can connect these two Rotarians.
In my mind, that’s where Rotary Action Groups (RAGs) come in. Each RAG is a worldwide network of Rotarians and Rotaractors who are passionate about serving others in a particular area. In the case of RAGCED, that’s economic and community development, one of the Rotary Foundation’s 7 Areas of Focus. Here’s how RAGCED helps the average Rotarian, Rotaractor, or Rotary Club. If you want to do projects and programs in economic development, we can help connect you to the right resources to help you accomplish your goal:
- Potential economic development projects
- Clubs that have similar interests to yours
- Advice on how to prepare grants
- People who can review your grant applications prior to submission
- Connections to third-party organizations with specialist resources.
Ever run into a problem with computer software and you just can’t solve it by watching YouTube videos or web searches? Maybe you need to contact the vendors' online support and speak to someone who knows the software inside and out.
That’s the way I like to think of RAGCED: In short, we’re Rotary’s worldwide help desk for all things related to economic development. We don’t know everything, but I’m pretty confident we can help you find the answer.
Welcome to the first monthly edition of what we hope will become a Monthly Newsletter about the Rotary Action Group for Community Economic Development (RAGCED). The purpose of making this a monthly Newsletter will be to share the rich trove of information and resources which the RAGCED has at its disposal. Our most valuable resource is, of course, our people, some of whom you will meet on these pages. We hope that you will be inspired by this issue or issues to come and that you will consider joining us in making the world a more connected, interdependent, resilient and, ultimately, prosperous place for all humankind. Thank you for giving us your attention.
Just a Quick Note
We hope you find this message both inspiring and informative. Rotary Action Group for Community Economic Development (RAGCED) is at the forefront of enabling Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Rotary Clubs to achieve remarkable impact in economic and community development. Your involvement can truly make a difference.
Have any questions?
If you have any questions or would like more information about RAGCED, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you make the most of your Rotary journey. Contact us through the following channels:
Rotary Action Group for Community Economic Development (RAGCED) has been making a global impact for years. But did you know that RAGCED India Chapter, 'Dakshinpatha,' was instrumental in initiating the 'Women's Entrepreneurship Festival,' inspiring and supporting women entrepreneurs across India? Stay tuned for more fascinating facts about our work and achievements!
By Past RAGCED President Nick Frankle. Nick was RAGCED President in 2019-2021
Explore the transformative potential of Community Economic Development (CED) in creating a more equitable and inclusive world. Discover how Rotary clubs and the Rotary Action Group for Community Economic Development (RAGCED) collaborate to uplift underserved communities through sustainable economic opportunities. Learn how RAGCED can be your invaluable partner in realizing projects that eliminate poverty and foster lasting change.
By Margaret Thorpe Williamson Immediate Past President RAGCED 2021-2023
Serving as president of the Rotary Action Group for Community Economic Development –RAGCED, I had the opportunity to engage with Rotarians throughout the world and that interaction made me more aware of the importance of information sharing. Last year, RAGCED expanded communication and information sharing, connecting Rotarians undertaking sustainable community economic development projects by utilizing the following strategies:
Global Grant Process Simplified: Transforming Communities Through Rotary's Commitment
The Global Grant process, spearheaded by Rotary International, is a structured and comprehensive approach that empowers Rotary clubs and districts to fund and implement high-impact, sustainable projects addressing critical community needs. These projects span a wide array of areas, including clean water, healthcare, education, economic development, and more, aligning with Rotary's areas of focus. Here's a detailed overview of the Global Grant process:
Defining Community Economic Development: Empowering Communities for a Brighter Tomorrow
Community Economic Development (CED) is not just a term; it's a transformative approach that lies at the heart of the Rotary Action Group for Economic and Community Development (RAGCED) and its mission. But what exactly is CED, and why is it so vital? Understanding Community Economic Development: At its core, Community Economic Development is a holistic strategy aimed. Read more >>
Empower communities for a brighter tomorrow. Donate today!
At RAGCED, we believe that every contribution, no matter how big or small, plays a significant role in our mission to empower communities through Community Economic Development. Your generous donations enable us to support projects, provide resources, and make a positive impact in underserved areas around the world.
Join us in making a meaningful impact today. Click the 'Support RAGCED Today' button below to contribute to RAGCED and be part of our mission to create a better tomorrow for communities worldwide.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our donors who have already made a difference. Together, we can continue to empower communities and change lives.
