Rotary District 5160 Promoting Peace
When concerned citizens work together to create peace locally,
we can create lasting change globally.
History
Rotary is a network of service clubs which is also a global movement for Peace. By 1921 we had committed to “creating a world built on dialogue, collaboration and understanding.”
In 1940 Rotary articulated its concern for human rights, a commitment implemented in Rotary’s active participation at the UN, since the UN’s founding in 1945.
Present Day
Recent peace activities by 5160 Clubs and the District include a multi District World Peace Conference was held in Sonoma in 2025 to motivate and prepare people to develop practical action plans and enhance their efforts to bring about a more peaceful work. Other projects include international youth exchange, RYLA, disaster relief, the installation of local Peace Poles, a Peace Grove in Tilden Park, and monthly “civil discourse” meetings among others.
Rotary International maintains a Rotary Action Group for Peace and no-cost graduate Peace Education at eight Rotary Peace Centers in universities across the world.
How Does Rotary Promote Peace?
As a humanitarian organization, peace is a cornerstone of our mission. Rotary invests in peace education and capacity building, fosters strategic relationships, and integrates peacebuilding into all of Rotary’s programs and service.
We believe when people work to create peace in their communities, that change can have a global effect. We foster understanding and interaction between people of different backgrounds and cultures. We take action to support refugees and train adults and young leaders to prevent and mediate conflict. This work creates a safer and more harmonious world for all people.
Rotary International has identified “Promoting Peace and Conflict Prevention” as one of its core areas of focus. By carrying out service projects, supporting peace fellowships and scholarships, our members take action to address the underlying causes of conflict including poverty, discrimination, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources.
The eight pillars of Positive Peace provide framework to connect all of Rotary’s areas of focus with peacebuilding. By reviewing and enhancing projects through the peace lens, we keep peacebuilding center to service and conversations.
How Can You Help?
The District 5160 Peace Building Committee works with the attitudes, institutions & structures that create and sustain peaceful societies. Committee members support the pillars of positive peace in this global peace movement.
Rotary encourages conversations to foster understanding within and across cultures. We train adults and young leaders to prevent and mediate conflict and help refugees who have fled dangerous areas.
The Positive Peace Building Committee is seeking Rotarians who might have skills or interest in building understanding a little at a time, preparing and sharing materials on positive peace activities, expanding peace activities, and supporting Clubs and communities that are ready to become positive peace conscious by viewing activities through the peace lens.
If you’re interested, we invite you to join the District 5160 Positive Peace Building Committee. We welcome you!
Traci Perry
Vacaville
CoChair
traci@spectrumpropertiesre.com
Julie Deck
Brentwood
CocChair
julie@coomoojams.com
Committee Members
Ashley DeBartolo
Gopal Kapur
Helena Meyer-Knapp
Julie Deck
Sali Johnson
Ten Mendelson
Traci Perry
Vacaville
Brentwood
Berkeley
Brentwood
Lafayette
Danville San Ramon
Vacaville
