In November 2024, the Rotary Club of Garuga took a bold and significant step towards deepening its impact in the communities we serve. During her visit to our club, our district governor had the honor of launching our very first Rotary Community Corps (RCC). This milestone marks a new chapter in how we manage and sustain our projects, particularly in Gerenga and other areas where we are actively making a difference.
But what exactly is an RCC, and why does it matter?
The Rotary Community Corps (RCC) is a grassroots movement within Rotary that empowers local volunteers to take ownership of service projects in their communities. Unlike Rotary Clubs, RCCs are non-Rotarian groups that work closely with their sponsoring club to implement sustainable initiatives. First introduced by Rotary International in 1986, RCCs have since grown to more than 12,000 corps in over 100 countries.
The key advantage of RCCs is their ability to mobilize local talent and leadership, ensuring that projects are not only successful but also sustainable long after Rotary’s direct involvement ends. Members of an RCC understand their community’s challenges and strengths better than anyone, making them crucial partners in Rotary’s mission of service above self.
With the establishment of our RCC, the Rotary Club of Garuga now has an even stronger link to the people we serve. Our RCC members—drawn from passionate individuals in Gerenga and surrounding areas—are already taking charge of key community projects. Here’s how they are making a difference:
- Sustaining Projects: Instead of relying solely on our club’s periodic visits, the RCC ensures that projects in education, health, and economic empowerment continue running smoothly.
- Community Ownership: Local members take pride in leading initiatives, strengthening civic engagement, and fostering long-term development.
- Rapid Response: Because RCC members are community-based, they can quickly identify needs, propose solutions, and act efficiently without delays.
- Expanding Rotary’s Reach: RCCs allow Rotary to extend its hands beyond club meetings, helping us impact more lives without geographical limits.
The formation of our RCC is just the beginning. To maximize its potential, we need to support, mentor, and collaborate with our RCC members to ensure they have the tools and resources to succeed. As Rotarians, we are encouraged to visit them, engage with their initiatives, and empower them with training and guidance.
We urge all members to embrace this new model of service. Together, with our RCC partners, we can amplify The Magic of Rotary and make a lasting impact in Gerenga and beyond.
Let’s keep the fire burning, and let’s make Rotary even more simply irresistible!
Rtr. Christine Mmeeme Ssemengo
Rotaract Club of Garuga