Join Us in Strengthening Substance Use Prevention Through Rotary
Dear ISSUP Member,
Dear Fellow Rotarian, Rotaractor,
I hope this message finds you well.
Rotary International supports various Rotary Action Groups (RAGs), including the Rotary Action Group for Addiction Prevention (RAG AP). However, RAGs cannot directly approach clubs and must rely on District Governors and Service Chairs, a process that has proven ineffective. As a result, many Rotarians engaged in substance use prevention may not even be aware that RAG AP exists.
Through working with the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP), we have identified several ISSUP members who are also Rotarians. This presents a unique opportunity to strengthen prevention efforts by connecting ISSUP’s expertise with Rotary’s global reach.
Why Join RAG AP?
By becoming a member of RAG AP, you can:
- Connect with other Rotarians and experts working in substance use prevention
- Inspire your Rotary or Rotaract Club to engage in meaningful substance use prevention projects
- Gain access to high-quality resources and training, including:
- Workshops for club members on prevention strategies
- Guidance on working with NGOs, schools, and youth organizations
- The Youth Prevention Influencers (YPI) project—an initiative supported by Rotary that empowers young people to take an active role in prevention efforts
If your club is not yet engaged in substance use prevention, this is the perfect opportunity to get started. If your club is already involved, we invite you to join RAG AP to amplify your impact and inspire more clubs to take action.
How to Take Action:
- Become a member of RAG AP – Join us and bring your expertise and passion to our global network.
- Invite ISSUP to your club – We encourage you to host an ISSUP representative to present their prevention initiatives and discuss opportunities to work together. For clubs that would like to build a partnership with ISSUP, please contact Olha Myshakivska via email at olha [dot] myshakivska [at] issup [dot] net.
- Sign the Oviedo Declaration on Prevention – Strengthen Rotary’s voice in the fight against addiction by endorsing this global initiative: www.oviedodeclaration.org.
By working together, we can drive real change in substance use prevention, ensuring a healthier future for generations to come.
Let’s connect and explore how you and your club can get involved.
With Rotarian regards,
Johan Maertens
Co-Founder, RAG AP
Chair, Scientific Committee, RAG AP
Cadre Member, Addiction Treatment & Prevention
