About RAWCS
Rotary Australia World Community Service Ltd (RAWCS) is the Australian arm of Rotary International that assists Rotary Clubs with the development and management of international community service projects.
Whether it's projects to help rebuild in the aftermath of disaster, programs to bring education to countries where illiteracy stifles development or bringing health care and medical aid to those who can least access it, RAWCS so often has a hand in helping the world stand on its feet.
RAWCS supports Rotary Clubs in sending teams of volunteers to developing countries to provide assistance upon the development of much needed facilities, especially within the health and education areas.
Advice, assistance and training in building, construction and commercial operations (for example, assistance in obtaining microfinance) are are also provided by RAWCS to support developing communities in establishing themselves.
Who's Behind It?
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RAWCS is an Australian based program, run by people like you and me. Everyday people volunteer their time as Rotarians and Friends of Rotary to make each RAWCS project happen. The contributions of everyday people just like yourself, along with fundraising and donations from Rotarians, corporate partners and other members of the public, enable these projects to go ahead.
Of course with Rotarians being community-service minded individuals who volunteer their time, donors can be assured that contributions made to RAWCS go directly to helping communities around the world.
Just some of the programs and projects RAWCS has run can be found here.
They include programs and projects that have:
- established medical, dental and general health facilities across second and third world countries
- brought clean water to villages
- helped street children into homes and education
- protected thousands against malaria
- provided shelter for those left homeless after tragedies
- transported medical equipment to remote regions
- provided microfinance to poverty-struck communities
- established care homes for the elderly
- brought literacy programs to villages
- provided AIDS education programs
- established vocational education training programs
- Constructed staff accommodation to bring volunteers and professionals into remote regions needing assistance
- helped provide critical post-natal care for mothers and babies
Where Does RAWCS Operate?
While RAWCS is a locally organised body within Australia, its reach is global. RAWCS programs and projects have been run in countries including:
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RAWCS Structure
The national governing body of RAWCS serves as a council assisting and coordinating five regional RAWCS committees:
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The national council assists by seeking and selecting appropriate subcommittees and officers to coordinate World Community Service activities whilst helping Rotary Clubs and Districts to implement these activities.
It also acts for the Rotary regions, districts and clubs in dealings with Governments, National Insurance Underwriters, Corporate Affairs Commissioners and other bodies and/or departments, concernning requests for overseas assistance and all matters consistent with the objectives of RAWCS.
While these committees act in support of RAWCS programs and projects, the initiative, drive and goodwill behind them stem from your local Rotary club - members of your community wanting to make a difference in the lives of others. (To find a club in your area, click here.)
Funding
RAWCS projects and programs are funded largely by local Rotary Clubs and Rotary International, with the help of generous public, corporate and government support.
The Rotary Foundation Grants program has often provided "matching grants" to Rotary Clubs for individual programs, contributing additional funding to that raised by the individual Rotary Club. Additional AusAID subsidies have also enhanced the effectiveness of local Rotary clubs' efforts on such world community service projects.
If yourself or your company would like to contribute to or become involved in a RAWCS project, you can click here to find out more.