Service Above Self: Rotary D6670

Everybody's Cause: Craig Maxey on Rotary's Polio Promise

Episode Summary

DG Heidi and DGE Chuck talk with Craig Maxey (Zone 30 End Polio Now Coordinator) about Rotary’s promise to finish the fight - because if polio exists anywhere, it remains a threat everywhere.”

Episode Notes

October is all about Rotary’s promise to end polio. In this episode of Service Above Self, District Governor Heidi and District Governor-Elect Chuck welcome Craig Maxey, Past District Governor of District 6690 and Zone 30 End Polio Now Coordinator.

Craig shares why polio eradication remains Rotary’s top priority, what “we’re this close” really means, and how every Rotarian can play a role through awareness, giving, and advocacy. From the PolioPlus Society to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation 2-to-1 match, to stories of frontline vaccinators risking their lives, Craig reminds us that polio anywhere is a threat everywhere.

🔑 Topics Covered

• Why Rotary made a promise to eradicate polio in the mid-1980s
• Progress from 350,000 annual cases to just 28 so far in 2025
• The challenges of the “last mile” in Afghanistan and Pakistan
• The role of the PolioPlus Society and how to join
• How the Gates Foundation 2-to-1 match multiplies your gift
• Stories of resilience: frontline vaccinators and community donors
• How clubs can raise awareness and funds during October and World Polio Day

The episode closes with important District 6670 updates, including the Rotary Leadership Institute on October 18, and the return of Sing Out Polio on October 23, and Save the Date for the D6670 Gala on May 1.

🌐 Resources

Rotary End Polio Now: endpolio.org
PolioPlus Society info: myrotary.org
Rotary District 6670: rotarydistrict6670.org