Leading with Love: Building a More Peaceful World Through Rotary

February is Rotary International’s Peace and Conflict Resolution Month, a time to reflect on our role in building a more peaceful world. With Valentine’s Day also in February, I can’t help but see the connection between love and peace. True peace isn’t just the absence of conflict—it’s the presence of understanding, compassion, and a willingness to put love above power.

This month, my family celebrated a special milestone—my son’s 10th birthday. As we gathered to celebrate him, I couldn’t help but think about the future he will inherit. Like all parents, I want my son to grow up in a world that is safer, kinder, and more peaceful. He, in turn, already thinks about his own future children and hopes they will never know violence, division, or hatred—only a world shaped by unity and love.

Rotary gives us the tools to turn that hope into action. Whether through conflict resolution programs, peace fellowships, or simply how we treat one another in our clubs and communities, every act of kindness and understanding brings us closer to a more peaceful world.

I encourage you all to use this month’s District email signature as a powerful reminder of this vision for all of us, as Rotarians:

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” – Jimi Hendrix

Let’s live those words—not just in February, but every day. Let’s lead with love, serve with compassion, and work together for a world where peace is not just a dream, but a reality.

Much love to you all,

DG Mike