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Introduction and Background:
Rotarians for Mine Action was formed spontaneously at the Rotary
International conference in Barcelona in June 2002 by Rotarians
from Canada (D7070 Night of 1000 Dinners); Spain, Andorra,
France, and Portugal (La maldade evitable - Avoidable
wickedness); Switzerland (Mine Ex); the United States of America
(District 5030 and Zones 23 & 24). The Founding Chairman was
Scott Fairweather from the Rotary Club of Toronto-Forest Hill in
District 7070.
Approximately 200 Rotarians from 27 countries attended a
conference hosted by District 5030 and sponsored by Rotary
International, Zones 23 & 24 in Seattle, Washington, September
30- October 1, 2002. This conference, developed under the
leadership of Rosemary Barker Aragon, then 5030 District
Governor, resulted in the adoption of the Seattle Resolution.
At the Brisbane International Convention, the Rotarians for Mine
Action held a general meeting at got the approval of those
assembled to form a Rotary Fellowship.
The Rotarians For Mine Action was approved by Rotary
International in October 2003 as a Fellowship. In 2005 the
Rotary International Board of Directors decided to create a new
category of organizations called Rotarian Action Groups (RAGs).
The RFMA Annual Meeting in June 2005 approved a motion to become
a Rotarian Action Group.
In July 2005, the RFMA applied to R.I. to switch to become a
Rotary Action Group and is one of the inaugural group of RAGS.
The purposes of the RFMA include:
Increasing Rotarians and Rotaractors awareness and knowledge of
landmine related issues·
Encouraging Rotarians, Rotaractors and their clubs to become
involved and/or share in projects to:
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Promote
landmine risk education in countries afflicted with
landmines and other unexploded ordinances,
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Support the
removal and decommissioning of landmines,
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Provide
survivor assistance to landmine victims and their families,
and
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Support the
rebuilding of sustainable community development in landmine
cleared communities.
The RFMA encourages Districts to form District Chapters to
encourage and assist District Rotary and Rotaract clubs and
members become involvement in Landmine Action projects of their
choosing.
The RFMA does not itself undertake projects.
As of July 31, 2006, RFMA has chapters
in Districts – 7070, 5030, 7080, 7090, 5130, 5150, 5240 & 1470.
For more information on the RFMA check out their website at:
www.rfma.org
Richard Clarke
President Rotarians for Mine Action
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