World Polio Day: How Clubs Can Participate and Educate

Each year on October 24, Rotary members around the world unite to recognize World Polio Day, a moment to reflect on the incredible progress made toward eradicating polio and to raise awareness of the work still needed. For clubs in District 6910, this day presents an opportunity not only to educate the community but also to inspire action, both locally and globally.

Here’s how your club can get involved and make a meaningful impact.

1. Educate Your Community

Awareness is the first step toward action. Clubs can host informative sessions—online or in-person—highlighting:

• The history of polio and Rotary’s leading role in its eradication.
• The current global status of polio and the countries still affected.
• How vaccination campaigns save lives and prevent outbreaks.

Consider partnering with local schools, libraries, or community centers to reach a wider audience. You could even create a small exhibit with visuals, stories, and facts about polio’s impact and Rotary’s efforts.

2. Use Social Media to Spread the Word

Social media is a powerful tool for raising awareness. Here are a few ideas:

• Post short videos or graphics explaining what polio is and how Rotary fights it.
• Share personal stories from Rotarians who have participated in vaccination campaigns.
• Create a #WorldPolioDay challenge, encouraging your followers to share or donate.

Tagging Rotary International and using relevant hashtags like #EndPolioNow can help your content reach a broader audience and connect with the global movement.

3. Fundraise to Support Polio Eradication

World Polio Day is an excellent opportunity to raise funds. Clubs can:

• Organize a community walk/run or other event, with proceeds going to polio eradication programs.
• Hold a silent auction or charity dinner featuring local businesses.
• Encourage members to donate individually or match contributions to amplify impact.

Remember, every dollar raised is multiplied through Rotary’s partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, making your contribution go even further.

4. Engage Youth in Your Efforts

Youth engagement ensures the next generation of advocates. Clubs can:

• Involve Rotaract and Interact clubs in awareness campaigns or service projects.
• Partner with schools for educational workshops or creative projects like poster contests.
• Encourage youth to share social media posts or videos about polio eradication.

5. Collaborate with Local Media

Local media coverage amplifies your message. Pitch stories to:

• Newspapers and community newsletters. [Check out this Press Release Template]
• Local TV or radio stations for short interviews or features.
• Online community boards or local influencers.

Highlighting local Rotary members’ involvement in polio vaccination campaigns can make the story personal and relatable.

6. If You Do Nothing Else… Paint Your Pinkie!

Even the smallest gesture matters. In honor of World Polio Day, paint your pinkie purple—just like children do when they receive the polio vaccine in countries around the world. It’s a simple, symbolic way to show solidarity, spark conversations, and remind everyone that the fight against polio is not over

World Polio Day is more than a calendar date—it’s a call to action. By educating, fundraising, engaging youth, leveraging social media and local media, or even just painting your pinkie purple, your club can help keep polio eradication in the spotlight and continue Rotary’s historic mission.

Even small actions ripple across communities and inspire others to join the fight against polio. This World Polio Day, let’s make a mark—literally and figuratively!

---