Each week we will be publishing a message from the Rotary International Foundation.  This week's message is:
 
WHAT ARE ROTARY’S AREAS OF FOCUS? (2 OF 2)
 
Rotary is dedicated to causes that build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever.
 
We talked last week about peacebuilding and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; and water, sanitation, and hygiene. Our other areas of focus are:
 
     • Maternal and child health: Nearly 6 million children under age five die each year because of malnutrition, poor health care, and inadequate sanitation. We expand access to quality care, so mothers and their children can live and grow stronger.
 
     • Basic education and literacy: More than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. Our goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy.
 
     • Community economic development: We work with communities to create opportunities for decent and productive work for young and old. We strengthen local entrepreneurs and community leaders, particularly women.
 
     • Environment: We develop projects that conserve and protect natural resources, advance ecological sustainability, and foster harmony between communities and the environment. We empower communities and spur innovation to address the causes and effects of climate change and environmental degradation.
 
How do you want to get involved in the causes you’re most passionate about?