Rotary International provides the world's greatest opportunity for ordinary people to do extraordinary things internationally.  Elmbrook Rotary Club takes full advantage. More than writing checks, ERC offers its members an opportunity to make a difference with hands-on leadership in efforts that match member interest. Specifically:

Polio Plus is a Rotary International program that aims to change the world by removing Polio from the face of the planet.  Only one disease in the history of the world has been eradicated.  Polio will be the second.  While there are many governmental and intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations involved at this point, it was Rotary International who gave the initial push to start down the road toward eradication.  Its commitment over the past 20 years has not faltered: currently, Rotary is on a campaign to raise $100 million to be matched by the Gates Foundation.

ERC is a full member in this effort.  Our members give and give generously to the efforts that focus on immunization in places like India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria.

ERC strives to give all of its members the tools to use turn their passions into significant results.  A great example of this is a member's passion for the people and culture of Vietnam.  

This member partook in several cultural exchange projects with Vietnam and the Vietnamese government.  With ERC's support, he was able to offer a hand up to people in Vietnam: ERC became a partner in a program to provide a loan to women in Vietnamese villages who could invest in textiles and equipment to sell sewn goods.  The program is a great example of intelligent investment: money spent in the developing world that goes as far as possible.  

Rotary International provides a great amount of opportunity for young people to spend time overseas.  Elmbrook Rotary Club is an active participant in encouraging young people in our communities to take advantage of these opportunities, and of hosting international students in our own community.  It provides a great opportunity for members to see the effect of their work as these students grow with an increased understanding of the world.

ERC also supports students in the World Affairs Seminar, an internationally recognized weeklong program to teach high school students about international political, economic and cultural issues.