Allan Jagger - Rotary International

ePolitix.com speaks to Allan Jagger, president of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland about a recent painting commissioned for the organisation.

Question: Artist Rosa Branson has recently completed a painting for Rotary International, why was the painting commissioned?

Allan Jagger: The painting was donated by the artist to Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland by Rosa Branson who is a great admirer of Rotary's work.

Question: What message do you hope the painting sends out?

Allan Jagger: The diversity of Rotarians work in humanitarian and educational programmes; the impact on communities of the 1.2 million Rotarians voluntary work in 32,000 clubs in 200 countries and geographical areas. 

Volunteers do make a difference and this painting tells a story of people of different religions and beliefs working together for the common good

Question: Polio eradication programme, literacy, health, hunger and water are all illustrated in the painting. Can you give us a brief overview of the work Rotary International does in these areas?

Allan Jagger: Rotary International's strategic goals are in line with the UN Millennium Goals. Each and every one of the world's population has a basic right to clean potable water, effective sanitation, the ability and know how to feed itself, all based on being able to read and write. 

Rotary's PolioPlus programme is the largest public health programme the world has seen. Only one other disease has been eradicated and that was smallpox. Polio is only a plane ride away. It is a virus transferred in the air. 

The immunisation programme by Rotary started in 1986 has reduced the annual cases from 350,000 to less than 2,000 per year. Only four countries remain endemic.  The end is in sight and working with our partners the WHO, Unicef and the American Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, we will end Polio.

A giant Rotary Wheel and the words "End Polio Now" was beamed onto the side of the House of Commons to the left of Big Ben on Rotary International's 103rd Birthday on 23rd February to start a challenge to Rotary Clubs to raise 0m to match the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation 0m grant to the Rotary Foundation for polio eradication. 

Question: There are many other charities depicted in the painting, how does Rotary International work together with other organisations?

Allan Jagger: Understanding each organisation's aims and objectives; agreeing common goals, and working together to create a safer, healthier environment for all. Rotarians assist other charities in many ways including giving their time and skills.

Question: The painting is being unveiled at a reception in the House of Lords - why is it important for Rotary to have an audience of parliamentarians?

Allan Jagger: Again, partnership - we need the help of politicians. Next to the USA, the UK government is the largest donor to polio eradication. Politicians need to understand the power of volunteerism. Rotary and DfID are working on a strategic partnership in raising the awareness of DfID's work.
 
Question: What will happen to the painting after it is unveiled?

Allan Jagger: It will be hung in the Piazza entrance of the NEC Birmingham. It is estimated that over one million people will see the painting prior to Rotary International holding its annual convention in June 2009 at the NEC. At the convention it is hoped the painting will be on a joint stand with Rotary/DfID.

Question: Why is it important that charities work together on an international level?

Allan Jagger: Co-operation between charities working in the developing world is essential. Collaboration and communication in areas of disaster is paramount.  Resources both material and physical can be shared. Rotary being a community base voluntary organisation has members living in 200 countries and geographical areas. The 32,000 Rotary clubs operate a unique partnership between the donor and recipient communities.