Rotary Responds to Flint Water Emergency

 

In light of recent developments and governmental, civic and charitable responses to the water emergency facing the City of Flint, MI; the RC of Flint has been receiving  multiple inquiries per day as to ways in which Rotary can be of support and assistance. Previously, we had explored “ a bottle water campaign” for the Flint Community Schools, in which the FCS and various  civic/charitable leadership groups had informed us this need was being met at that time.   

 

After discussions and input this past week from a number of our Area 7 Clubs and AG Rob Jewell; the RC of Flint seeks your partnership and assistance in promoting a comprehensive effort in which Rotary Clubs and individual Rotarians can be of support through a four pronged approach; club level donations to the Rotary Club of Flint Charitable Foundation, individual donations to the Flint Child Health & Development Fund, and dissemination of information regarding water donations and opportunities to volunteer.

 

The Flint Child Health & Development Fund will support critical public health, medical, and community-based services and interventions that address and mitigate the short and long term impacts experienced by Flint children exposed to lead as the result of the 2014-2016 Flint Water Crisis. The Fund, established at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, is a supplemental resource to the ongoing pursuit of additional state and federal funding.  On Friday, January 15^th the Rotary Club of Flint passed a resolution to support this fund as a collaborative partner. 

 

Attached for your review and support is the document that the Rotary Club of Flint, in partnership with the Rotary Clubs of Genesee County, MI (District 6330, Area 7,) will be using in response to all offers of support (see the download file to the left of this article).  This will also be the foundation for outreach to clubs in our district, region and beyond.  Should you have any concerns about your club being included as part of this effort please feel free to speak with me or  Assistant Governor Rob Jewell.  I apologize for the presumptive nature of this messaging but we feel that it is imperative to respond  quickly to these inquiries and this limited time frame prohibited extensive input and conversation on this issue. 

 

The RC of Flint is proud to take the lead on this initiative however the partnership of Genesee County / Area 7 Clubs and support of District Clubs is greatly valued and deeply appreciated.  Feel free to contact and/or direct inquiries to me regarding clarifications/questions.

 

Yours in Rotary,

 

Amy