The fourth Avenue of Service, International Service, describes the many programs and activities that Rotarians undertake to advance international understanding, goodwill, and peace. International service projects are designed to meet humanitarian needs of people in many lands.  When a Rotarian understands and travels down the four Avenues of Service, the Object of Rotary takes on even greater meaning.

Rotary Youth Exchange

An important Rotary International activity is the Rotary Youth Exchange which has enabled high school students to study abroad while staying in the homes of Rotarians. This program has been active for 77 years.

Elk Grove Rotary sponsored an Outbound student, Caitlin, recently.  Read more about Caitlin's experience in Belgium by clicking here.

Rotaplast

One of the aims of Rotaplast International is to provide free reconstructive surgery and treatment for underprivileged children worldwide. (It is not affiliated with RI.)

District 5180 (which Elk Grove Rotary Club is a part of), sponsored a Rotaplast mission to Nagamangala, India in September 2009.  The group was made up of 23 Americans and 4 Australians.  Of the 7 American Rotarians, 3 were from the Sacramento area and one from the Elk Grove Rotary Club.  During the two weeks in India the group of surgeons, anesthesiologists, orthodontist, nurses and non-medical volunteers helped to perform 92 surgeries 133 procedures.  The surgeries repaired cleft lips and palates, and relieved burn scars on patients that ranged from less than a year old to over 60 years old.  The medical value of these surgeries in a US hospital would have been $500K; the cost for Rotaplast was $55K.