February: Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month
Unite for Good — Building a Culture of Peace in South Texas and Beyond
Each February, Rotary clubs around the world observe Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month. It is a time to reflect on Rotary’s historic role in fostering peace, promoting understanding, and equipping communities with the skills and relationships needed to prevent conflict and heal divisions.
In Rotary’s 2025–2026 Presidential Message, “Unite for Good,” we are reminded that peace is not passive. It is built intentionally through friendship, service, dialogue, and collaboration. Across District 5930 and throughout South Texas, Rotarians are uniquely positioned to serve as bridge-builders—reducing divisions at the local, national, and international levels through acts of service and courageous conversations.
What Is Positive Peace?
Rotary’s approach to peace is grounded in the concept of positive peace, developed by the Institute for Economics and Peace. Unlike negative peace, which is simply the absence of violence, positive peace refers to the attitudes, institutions, and structures that create and sustain peaceful societies.
The Eight Pillars of Positive Peace
Well-Functioning Government
Governments that are transparent, accountable, and responsive to citizens create trust and stability.
Sound Business Environment
Economic opportunity, fair markets, and entrepreneurship reduce poverty-driven conflict.
Equitable Distribution of Resources
When people feel resources and opportunities are fairly shared, social tensions decrease.
Acceptance of the Rights of Others
Respect for human rights, diversity, and inclusion strengthens social cohesion.
Good Relations with Neighbors
Peaceful cooperation between communities and nations prevents escalation of disputes.
Free Flow of Information
Access to accurate information and a free press supports transparency and trust.
High Levels of Human Capital
Education, health, and skills development empower individuals and communities.
Low Levels of Corruption
Integrity in institutions reduces injustice and grievance-driven conflict.
Rotary advances all eight pillars through service projects, education, youth programs, vocational training, and international partnerships.
How Rotary Builds Peace in Our Communities
Rotary’s peace work happens at every level—from neighborhood conversations to global initiatives.
1. Equipping People with Mediation and Conflict-Resolution Skills
Rotary clubs can:
Host workshops on conflict resolution and restorative practices.
Partner with schools, universities, and community organizations to teach mediation skills.
Support training for youth leaders, educators, and community mediators.
2. Providing Safe Spaces for Dialogue
Rotary creates neutral, trusted spaces where people from diverse backgrounds can:
Share experiences and perspectives.
Engage in respectful dialogue on difficult issues.
Build relationships that reduce polarization and misunderstanding.
3. Offering Tools for Reconciliation and Healing
Through service and partnership, Rotary can:
Support trauma-informed programs and mental health services.
Facilitate restorative justice circles.
Promote community healing after violence, disasters, or social unrest.
Unite for Good: Building Bridges of Friendship and Service
The Presidential Message, “Unite for Good,” calls on every Rotarian to look beyond differences and focus on shared humanity.
In District 5930, this means:
Strengthening binational and cross-border friendships.
Partnering with civic, faith-based, and nonprofit organizations.
Engaging youth through Interact and Rotaract.
Expanding service projects that promote dignity, inclusion, and opportunity.
Every handshake, service project, mentoring relationship, and community conversation contributes to a culture of peace.
Become a Peacebuilder: Rotary Action Group for Peace
The Rotary Action Group for Peace (RAGFP) invites Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Interactors to become active peacebuilders by transforming their clubs and communities.
How to Become a Member of the Rotary Action Group for Peace
Membership in RAGFP is open to anyone who supports Rotary’s mission of peace and conflict prevention.
Step 2: Complete the Online Membership Form
Fill out the brief application with your name, email, Rotary affiliation (club, district, or youth program), and areas of interest in peacebuilding.
Step 3: Pay the Annual Membership Dues (if applicable)
RAGFP typically charges a modest annual fee to support programming, training, and global peace initiatives. (Fees may vary for Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, and students.)
Step 4: Receive Confirmation and Access
Once registered, members receive:
Invitations to webinars, trainings, and global peace events
Access to peacebuilding tools and curricula
Opportunities to join international peace projects
Regular newsletters and updates
Step 5: Get Involved
Members are encouraged to:
Join a working group or committee
Support or initiate peace projects locally
Mentor youth peacebuilders
Share expertise and best practices
Learn about the Seven Steps to Becoming a Peacebuilder Club
Join the Rotary Action Group for Peace
Encourage club members to become individual members of RAGFP.
Appoint a Club Peace Chair
Designate a leader to coordinate peace initiatives and partnerships.
Learn About Peacebuilding
Host programs and discussions on positive peace and conflict prevention.
Engage in Local Peace Projects
Identify community needs related to conflict, division, or social cohesion.
Partner with Other Organizations
Collaborate with schools, NGOs, and faith-based groups.
Support Youth Peace Initiatives
Empower Interactors and Rotaractors to lead peace projects.
Share Your Peace Stories
Publicize your club’s peace efforts and inspire others.
A Call to Action for District 5930
This February, let us:
Host at least one peace-themed program or event in every club.
Invite local mediators, educators, or peace practitioners to speak.
Launch or expand a peace-focused service project.
Encourage members to join the Rotary Action Group for Peace.
Promote youth participation in the District Youth Summit and the Four-Way Test Speech Contest.
Together, by Uniting for Good, we can create safer, stronger, and more compassionate communities across South Texas and around the world.
Proclamations for Rotary International Day – February 23
In celebration of Rotary International Day on February 23, Rotary District 5930 invites all Rotary Clubs to submit proclamations to their city and county governments recognizing Rotary’s 121 years of service to local and global communities.
These proclamations are a meaningful way to:
Highlight Rotary’s legacy of service and leadership
Increase public awareness of Rotary’s impact
Strengthen relationships with local elected officials
District Youth Summit & Four-Way Test Speech Contest
District 5930 Youth Summit Saturday, April 11, 2026 Time: 10:oo am
Location: Los Fresnos CISD
District 5930 is proud to host a Youth Summit that will bring together Interactors and Rotaractors from across South Texas for a day of connection, learning, and service.
Participants will:
Meet new friends from other clubs and communities
Learn about peacebuilding and positive peace
Explore leadership development opportunities
Partner on meaningful service projects
This summit reflects Rotary’s commitment to empowering young people as the next generation of peacebuilders and community leaders.
District Four-Way Test Speech Contest Saturday, April 11, 2026 Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Location: Los Fresnos CISD
The District Four-Way Test Speech Contest will be held during the afternoon of the Youth Summit. This inspiring event will identify this year’s first-, second-, and third-place winners, who will be formally recognized at the District Conference 2026. More information HERE
District Conference 2026 April 24–25, 2026 Location: McAllen Plaza Hotel & Suites
The District Conference will celebrate Rotary’s service impact, recognize outstanding Rotarians and youth leaders, and honor the winners of the District Four-Way Test Speech Contest.
Registration Information
Registration for both the Youth Summit and the District Conference will open in February 2026.
Lone Star PETS is the combined efforts of ten Rotary International Districts. They all converge on the Hyatt Regency Hotel at the DFW International Airport to jointly provide the best possible training for future Presidents of Rotary clubs.
Using Rotary Foundation Recognition Points generously donated by anonymous donors, we will match contributions of New Cash made to the Annual Fund-SHARE during Rotary Year 2025- 2026 on a 1:to:1 basis in amounts of $100.00 to $500.00 for any active Rotarian in District 5930 who is not yet a Paul Harris Fellow +8. The intent of this initiative is to help increase the number of Paul Harris Fellows in our District and also support the Annual Fund-Share program.
To celebrate Rotary’s 121st Anniversary, we invite each club to participate by submitting two photos that represent the spirit and purpose of your club.
Photo Guidelines:
• Each club must submit:
• One group photo of the club, and/or
• One photo of the Club President.
• In both photos, Rotarians should be wearing their Rotary t-shirt, cap, and/or Rotary pin.
• Photos do not need to be taken during a service project.
• Only one set of two photos per club will be accepted.
• Selected photos will be featured as part of our 121st Anniversary Celebration.
Caption Requirement:
• Include:
• One short phrase from the Club President, and
• One short phrase from the Club,
explaining why you love being part of Rotary and the impact your club has in the community.
Send your photos to: rotary5930@gmail.com
Submission Deadline: February 16th
Let’s celebrate 121 years of service, fellowship, and making a difference together.
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