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The Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy is the most diverse club in District 7910 – and one of the most diverse in the world. The 20 charter members represent eight countries – and 18 of the members are new Rotarians. The e-club is comparably also young, with an average age of around 32.
World Disability Advocacy is a cause-related e-club in Rotary District 7910, which covers the Central and Metrowest regions of Massachusetts in the United States. Chartered on June 24, 2021 by Rotary International, the Club flowed from a District committee formed in early 2021 as the Rotary Disabilities Advisors Group. The Group’s focus is to help Rotary become more diverse, equitable, inclusive for – and welcoming to – people with disabilities.
The Club’s mission is to identify the human-rights needs of people with disabilities around the world. As those needs are identified and prioritized, the Club develops action strategies by coordinating and teaming with several entities around the world. They include Rotary clubs, non-governmental organizations, municipalities, and corporations.
2021-2022 Rotary International President Holger Knaack (shown left) stated in June 2021, “I am incredibly pleased and proud to welcome your Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy for Central Massachusetts and Metrowest into the Rotary family. Rotary clubs provide a place for those with a passion for community service to connect, share ideas and discover how to improve the lives of others. I am delighted that your Club will join us as we confront some of the world’s most critical and widespread humanitarian issues.
“Chartering a new club is exciting and challenging,” he continued. “The key to success is building a strong, engaged membership dedicated to the idea of service, ranging from local community-based projects to major global initiatives. Together, we will accomplish great things as we serve local and international communities as Rotary opens opportunities. Congratulations to the Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy. I wish you great success for many years to come.”
“There is no other club quite like this,” says founding club President Ken Masson (shown left), who had been – until RI approved the WDA Club’s charter – a long-time member of the Rotary Club of Merrimack Valley in Massachusetts who resides presently in Colombia. “Disability rights have always been lowered down in priorities in many human-rights endeavours. However, for us, it is our No.1 priority – and we plan to have an impact in many countries.”
The WDA Club welcomes new members who share a passion for human rights for people with disabilities. Those who are interested may e-mail one of Rotary International’s newest worldwide e-clubs at RotaryWorldDA@gmail.com.
For more information on both the Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy and the Rotary Disabilities Advisors Group, contact Ken Masson, founding Club president and founding Group co-chair, at kennethmasson@gmail.com.
3, Willis Holden Dr, Central MA and MetroWest, USA
Tel: +15083970385