Stories
by PDG Carl W. Treleaven As they say, “time flies”! It seems I just began serving as President of the Rotary Action Group for Community Economic Development (RAGCED), but in just a few weeks, my two-year term will end, and I will turn the reins of RAGCED over to Wally Gardiner, the very capable President-Elect. Serving as President has been a great pleasure! |
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Empowering Communities Through Technology: Community Economic Development in Action
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RAGCED LATAM in Action: Empowering Communities Through Economic Development
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: MAY 2025by Carl W. Treleaven PDG May is Youth Service Month in the Rotary calendar—a time when we celebrate and amplify the incredible potential of young people around the world. Rotary has long supported youth through initiatives like scholarships and youth exchange programs. But perhaps today, the most impactful way we can serve young people is by taking bold action on one of their greatest concerns: climate change. |
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: APRIL 2025by Carl W. Treleaven PDG April is the month when Rotarians around the world celebrate our collective commitment to peace and conflict resolution. Our emphasis on peace is not incidental—it is embedded in the very foundation of Rotary. Each Rotary club’s constitution aligns with The Object of Rotary, which calls on us to “encourage and foster the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.” But how do we truly live this out—both in spirit and in action? And how does RAGCED play a vital role in advancing this vision? |
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: MARCH 2025The Power of Limited Resources – The Three Cs for Sustainable Change |
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A Gift of Sight: RAGCED Nigeria Eye Project Shines Bright in March 2025It is with immense joy and gratitude that we share the latest chapter of RAGCED’s mission to transform lives through community economic development—this time, with a focus on restoring sight. Our recent Nigeria Eye Project, alongside inspiring work in Tamale, Ghana, has brought light to dozens of children and adults, proving once again the power of your support and our collective zeal. |
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: FEBRUARY 2025by PDG Carl Treleaven No doubt, we Rotarians are people of action! Around the world, we’re connecting with each other and third-party organizations to make impactful change. RAGCED’s goal is to help facilitate such impactful change in the form of community and economic development projects for Rotarians worldwide. To accomplish this, we’ve undertaken the following five initiatives:
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Transforming Lives in the Sahel: PDG Sunny Akuopha’s Mission for SanitationThe Sahel region, like much of sub-Saharan Africa, faces significant development challenges, particularly in sanitation. Open defecation and urination remain rampant, contributing to public health concerns and a lack of dignity in daily life. ![]() |
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: JANUARY 2025By PDG Carl Treleaven Happy New Year!I hope that 2024 was good for you and your family, that you enjoyed the end-of-year holidays, and that 2025 is off to a great start for you. |
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: DECEMBER 2024By PDG Carl Treleaven ROTARY ACTION GROUP FOR COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DECEMBER, 2024 As the calendar year 2024 draws to a close, it’s a time for reflection and planning. This season encourages us to focus on three key areas: celebrating with our families and friends, completing the goals we set for ourselves, and formulating our plans and goals for 2025. Of course, end-of-year celebrations are paramount, so please take time to celebrate with your loved ones. |
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: NOVEMBER 2024By PDG Carl Treleaven Celebrating the Rotary Foundation MonthNovember is a special month when Rotarians and Rotaractors worldwide come together to recognize and celebrate the incredible work of our Rotary Foundation. Over the past twelve months, the Foundation has continued to make remarkable contributions across Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus: |
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: OCTOBER 2024PDG Carl Treleaven October is the month when Rotarians worldwide celebrate the critical focus on Community Economic Development (CED). This celebration might not have the fanfare of other areas of focus like disease prevention, providing clean water, or protecting the environment, but its impact resonates deeply across all these areas.
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RAGCED AND CADRE – A SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP
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EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES: THE TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY of RAGCED’s INDIA CHAPTER
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REVOLUTIONIZING ENGAGEMENTBy Rakesh Babuji RAGCED Public Image Director |
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE FEBRUARY 2024As I’ve said many times before, one of the most important ways that Rotary Action Groups can help individual Rotarians, Rotaractors, and their clubs is to help in developing global grant projects. The members of every club within the Rotary world know the needs of their local communities, and when they identify a need, they usually know exactly how to bring the right resources together to solve the problem. However, how do you solve the problem when it’s a continent, or maybe even half-world, away? One of the first tasks is to identify like-minded Rotary Clubs in other countries that might be interested in working with you and your club. I want to share with you a not particularly well-known way to help make the right connections: project fairs. |
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CED Projects in Latin America![]() By Juliana Corredor, Deputy Director Cadre Community Economic Development – CED - is one of the most critical areas of focus, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, thousands of small entrepreneurial families lost their livelihoods because the global economy, in general, entered into a crisis. Following the pandemic, larger businesses managed to survive, but the smallest ones simply disappeared.
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RAGCED Partnership UpdateRAGCED Partnership Committee Fosters Meaningful Collaborations in the Last 6 MonthsBy Biswajit Ghosh
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Strengthening CommunitiesRAGCED Global Collaborates with District 3191 and Rotary Bangalore Yelahanka for Mental WellnessWe are thrilled to share the latest strides in our ongoing mission to promote mental health awareness and support within our communities. In collaboration with District 3191 and Rotary Bangalore Yelahanka, RAGCED Global recently helped organize a transformative mental wellness program on January 6th, 2024. ![]() |
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE – JANUARY 2024I hope each of you enjoyed the many holidays in December, and are now refreshed and ready to start a new year: welcome to 2024! Rotary’s theme for January is Vocational Service. Sadly, most Rotarians don’t think much about Vocational Service these days, but it’s the most distinguishing form of service that we have, something we should celebrate. What makes Rotary unique is the idea of applying one’s vocational expertise in service to others. The skills we’ve all gained in our work lives can and should be used to serve both one another and those in need. That’s been a core principle of Rotary since Paul Harris started Rotary 119 years ago.
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Unlocking Human Dreams: Empowering Lives Through MicrofinanceBy PDG Nick Frankle Over 700 million people, constituting 10% of the global population, live on less than $1.90 a day. Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis, conflicts, and climate change, these numbers are expected to rise. Addressing poverty, especially for the most vulnerable, is at the core of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and takes centre stage in Goal 1: No Poverty. |
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Editor's Message - December 2023Welcome to the December 2023 edition! This month, our spotlight falls on two transformative Global Grants: GG 2015466 – CED for Jundiaí's Poor Community Project Report and GG 2096194 - Ntenjeru Women's Empowerment Project Report. PDG Nick unfolds the nuances of microfinance, showcasing how RAGCED steers change. Mark your calendars for upcoming 2024 project fairs: Uniendo America (Jan 25-27, 2024) and Colombia 9th Project Fair (Feb 01-03, 2024). Join us in anticipation of the possibilities ahead. Wishing you all a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year! Warm regards, Gomathy Editor, RAGCED Newsletter Contact: editor@ragced.org
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GG 2015466 – CED for Jundiaí's Poor Community Project ReportIn the project, GG 2015466, Rotary Club Jundiaí Serra do Japy, in collaboration with global partners, spearheads an impactful initiative focused on Economic Development through microcredit. Led by Alexandre Censi, the project aims to uplift Jundiaí's underserved communities by providing low-value loans, technical training, and financial education to small entrepreneurs. The comprehensive approach involves partnerships with local entities, educational institutions, and governmental organizations, creating an ecosystem that fosters sustainable growth. With an initial budget of US$30,135, the project has already made a significant impact, empowering individuals and businesses to thrive within their communities.
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GG2096194 - Ntenjeru Women's Empowerment Project ReportThe Ntenjeru Women Empowerment Project, a three-year initiative by the Rotary Club of Kampala Maisha, was implemented in Ntenjeru Sub County, Mukono District, Uganda. The Project is funded by the Rotary Foundation with substantial support from 8 Rotary Clubs subscribing to the Frankfurt Plus alliance with the Rotary Club of Frankfurt Staedel as Lead International Partner. This project aims to foster sustainable development and empowerment among women while nurturing community growth.
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West Africa Project Fair: RAGCEDGlobal CollaborationIntroduction: Rotary International, renowned for its commitment to humanitarian service, has been a driving force in fostering community development and international collaboration through various initiatives. One such pivotal event is the West Africa Project Fair, an annual gathering that epitomizes Rotary’s ethos of service and partnership. This article delves into how this fair, in collaboration with the Rotary Action Group for Community Economic Development (RAGCED), is expanding its visibility and impact, both in West Africa and globally. |
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Rotary_RAGs_RAGCED_PartneringImpactROTARY ACTION GROUPS AND THE ROTARY FOUNDATION: A Synergistic Partnership By Carl W. Treleaven, PDG
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PDG Jim Louttit: RAGCED Chapters Empowering Community Change
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – NOVEMBER 2023November is the month when Rotarians worldwide come together to celebrate the remarkable people and impactful work of the Rotary Foundation (TRF). President Carl Treleaven, in his insightful message, highlights the significance of supporting TRF and provides five compelling reasons to rally behind this cause.
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RAGCED's Partnership Committee: Pioneering Collaborative Impact
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October 2023: A Presidential Reflection
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – OCTOBER 2023
Carl W. Treleaven, President (RY 2023-25)
Defining CED: 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?
Unlocking the Power of Community Economic Development
IPP Margaret Sep23 Message
Rotary Action Group for Community Economic Development – Reviewing Program and Projects 2022-23
Dakshinpatha: Empowering Communities Through Rotary
Dakshinpatha, a prominent chapter within the Rotary Action Group for Community Economic Development (RAGCED), has earned a reputation as one of India's most successful and impactful Rotary chapters. Its journey towards success is characterized by a commitment to community development and a track record of delivering tangible results.
Global Grant Process Simplified: Transforming Communities Through Rotary's Commitment
PRESIDENT’S SEPTEMBER 2023 MESSAGE
ROTARY ACTION GROUP FOR COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (RAGCED) – PRESIDENT’S SEPTEMBER 2023 MESSAGE!
Carl W. Treleaven
President (RY 2023-25)
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: RAGCED's Women's Entrepreneurship Festival Inspires Success and Innovation

Inspiring Speakers: Renowned experts and successful women entrepreneurs, including the event Organizers Rtn. Rakesh Babuji, Rtn. Gomathy, Rtn. Vanitha shared their insights, experiences, and valuable advice on various aspects of entrepreneurship, including starting a business, scaling up, accessing funding, and leveraging technology.
Unlocking the Potential of Colombian Youth
With an extreme level of economic disparity, the odds are stacked against the youth of Colombia. 41.5% of the male youth, and 45.7% of female youth live below the poverty line. And before the pandemic a staggering 61.2% of rural youth were living in poverty. At first glance these numbers may seem discouraging, but for Investing Hope Foundation they also represent a significant opportunity. IHF sees the potential that these youth possess and seeks to unlock it by providing entrepreneurship and savings education that will have a lifelong impact. The organization has seen first hand how with the right education and resources the youth are able to overcome economic and social challenges to not only meet their basic needs, but even save for their future.
President Margaret's Message December 2022

2022 RAGCED Virtual AGM
You are cordially invited to attend:
The 2022 RAGCED Annual General Meeting (AGM)
To Register: https://ragced.org/1/217/Contact_Us/
Please note the limit of 100 participants
Wednesday July 27, 2022 at 10:00 AM EST 09:00 Central (Chicago)
Community Solutions Program
The Community Solutions Program is a professional leadership development program for the best and brightest community leaders worldwide.
Rotary International is excited to announce a partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Community Solutions Program (CSP) that offers Rotarians across the United States the opportunity to host international fellows for a professional practicum at their workplace or a rich cross-cultural exchange through a homestay from August through November 2022
Supporting Rural Women Entrepreneurs in Nepal
Rotary and Community Economic Development

Our members and our foundation work to strengthen local entrepreneurs and community leaders, particularly women, in impoverished communities.
Rotary and the Savings Revolution
The Informal Economy
According to a recent report by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, 60% of the world's population participate in the informal sector - these are the legions of subsistence farm owners, market traders, street food sellers, seamstresses, and cobblers we see when we visit a poor country.
Since the 1970s, international development practitioners, including many International Rotarians, have supported the idea that with a small loan, those running "microbusinesses" in this informal economy will begin to prosper. Over the past several years, however, a growing body of evidence shows that while those with the best established businesses are prospering, most loans are used for immediate needs - food, medicine, school fees. For those living on the edge of survival, repaying these often costly loans is very difficult.
Honduras Economic Development
HECD – Honduras Economic & Community Development – was birthed in 2012. It is a multi-faceted, multi-staged vision, founded on the principles of microfinance and sustainable development.
Goal: for HECD to have 10 Phases and raise $1M for holistic microfinance/community economic development in Honduras.
Empowering Women Video

In this short video clip the focus is on supporting women through joining the Rotarian Action Group for Community Economic Development.
Uniendo America Project Fair - 2022

Uniendo América Project Fair District 4240 - 4250, is a space in which Rotary clubs of the world meet to visualize, talk, exchange and decide to help less favored communities in our countries Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.
Yumbe Uganda Microcredit with TCP Global
