 For nearly a century, Rotarians have been putting the
motto Service Above Self into action, using the resources of Rotary International and their club
members to make a difference in communities around the world. For every Rotarian who is passionate
about the call to serve, there are countless communities around the world that desperately need
help. Yet these communities don’t merely want a handout; they seek long term solutions that community
members can implement themselves. An excellent way to foster enduring community development is to
sponsor a Rotary Community Corps (RCC).
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| A Rotary Community Corps (RCC) is a group of non-Rotarian men and
women who share Rotarians’ commitment to service and creating a better world for us all. Under the guidance
of a sponsoring Rotary Club, dedicated RCC members put their own skills to work to improve the quality of
life right in their own community, by spurring long-term economic development and self-sufficiency. By
establishing an RCC, community members can help provide long-term solutions to problems that they can
implement themselves.
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The purpose of the RCC program is to:
- Promote grassroots self-help projects;
- Develop local leadership abilities;
- Maximize local resources; and
- Use appropriate cost-efficient technology.
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| Since 1985, the Rotary Community Corps program has been spurring
economic development and self-sufficiency in communities around the world. Corps can be rural or urban and
may comprise an entire village or community or a smaller group within the community. Geographic location has
no bearing on the feasibility of an RCC — they are appropriate anywhere Rotarians and non-Rotarians want to
work together.
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All RCCs share four major goals:
- To encourage individuals to take responsibility for the improvement of their community, village, or neighborhood.
- To recognize the dignity and value of all useful occupations.
- To mobilize self-help activities and collective work to improve the quality of life.
- To encourage the development of human potential to its fullest, within the context of the local culture and community.
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| The greatest asset of the RCC program is its flexibility. RCCs can be
rural or urban, and may comprise an entire village or community, or a smaller group within the community.
Today, there are more than 4,400 Rotary Community Corps in some 68 countries sponsored by over 1,800 Rotary
Clubs. An estimated 103,000 RCC members are making the world a better place to live, one community at a time.
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| To be truly effective, RCCs must consist of active participants who can
mobilize to articulate, design, and carry out their own plans for change. Organizing an RCC involves a major
commitment from the sponsoring Rotary club, but in time, Rotarians oversee projects less closely as corps members
become increasingly independent. And as corps members take on ever-greater responsibility, real community development
is achieved and sustained.
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ROTARY COMMUNITY CORPS
OF
SIERRA FOOTHILL RESIDENTIAL CARE (SFRC)
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| The Rotary Community Corps of Sierra Foothills Residential Care (SFRC) was
issued a charter by Rotary International in December, 2004. The Rotary Club of Sonora Sunrise is the sponsoring
club for the RCC. Rotarian Dawn Sarto is the club’s representative to the RCC of SFRC.
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| SFRC is a nonprofit residential care home that obtains placements through the
Valley Mountain Regional Center, San Andreas office. SFRC has adults with moderate developmental disabilities, 18 to
59, who receive room, board, and an opportunity to live as independently as possible. The residents of SFRC are all
members of the RCC of SFRC.
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| While the RCC of SFRC is newly formed, the members have helped in several
community projects. They helped and participated in the Orient Express Run, a fundraiser for Special Olympics, which
was organized and coordinated by the Sonora Sunrise Rotary Club. Members of the RCC of SFRC also help with the Special
Olympics BBQ and helped with the Meals on Wheels Program which delivers meals to seniors.
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