Across District 5240, Rotary clubs are engaged in meaningful peace initiatives that inspire dialogue, service, and community connection. From civic conversations and youth education to global partnerships and symbolic acts of unity, the following highlights reflect the depth and diversity of peacebuilding taking place throughout our district.
Westlake Village Sunrise Rotary – Holiday Outreach
This holiday season, Westlake Village Sunrise Rotary, in partnership with Friends of Fieldworkers and generous Conejo Valley residents, brought hope, dignity, and joy to more than 400 Ventura County fieldworker families.
This holiday season, Westlake Village Sunrise Rotary, in partnership with Friends of Fieldworkers and generous Conejo Valley residents, brought hope, dignity, and joy to more than 400 Ventura County fieldworker families.
What began as a simple “need, want, and read” request revealed the profound challenges many children face, including food insecurity and a lack of basic necessities. Through the compassion of volunteers and donors, the outreach became a powerful celebration of community—reminding families that they are seen, valued, and not alone, and embodying the true spirit of service and togetherness.
Rotary Club of Ojai – Community Peace & Dialogue Initiative
On March 18, the Rotary Club of Ojai will host Tami Pyfer of Unite USA, a Utah-based nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of public discourse. Pyfer will present the Dignity Index, a powerful tool designed to encourage respectful communication at every level of society—from national dialogue to everyday interactions.
The event will be held at the newly renovated Hotel El Roblar and is open to all, including local community leaders. Additional details will be shared as promotional materials become available.
On March 18, the Rotary Club of Ojai will host Tami Pyfer of Unite USA, a Utah-based nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of public discourse. Pyfer will present the Dignity Index, a powerful tool designed to encourage respectful communication at every level of society—from national dialogue to everyday interactions.
The event will be held at the newly renovated Hotel El Roblar and is open to all, including local community leaders. Additional details will be shared as promotional materials become available.
International City of Peace – Simi Valley
The International City of Peace – Simi Valley, comprised of Simi Valley’s three Rotary clubs and community partners, recently organized a Peace Vigil in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision for peace. Held at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, the event brought together more than 125 community members for an evening of reflection, inspiration, and unity.
The group extends heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Karen James for generously providing the space and AV equipment and for her willingness to host future events. Guided by emcee Joseph Ayala of Simi Sunrise Rotary, the program featured music, spoken word, meditation, an MLK presentation titled A Blueprint for Your Life, reflections on service and volunteerism, and a moving original poem. Clergy, educators, nonprofit leaders, and peace practitioners participated in candle lighting, shared intentions, and the symbolic passing of Peace Batons. The evening concluded with fellowship and conversation, leaving attendees uplifted and renewed in their commitment to peace and community connection.
The International City of Peace – Simi Valley, comprised of Simi Valley’s three Rotary clubs and community partners, recently organized a Peace Vigil in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision for peace. Held at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, the event brought together more than 125 community members for an evening of reflection, inspiration, and unity.
The group extends heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Karen James for generously providing the space and AV equipment and for her willingness to host future events. Guided by emcee Joseph Ayala of Simi Sunrise Rotary, the program featured music, spoken word, meditation, an MLK presentation titled A Blueprint for Your Life, reflections on service and volunteerism, and a moving original poem. Clergy, educators, nonprofit leaders, and peace practitioners participated in candle lighting, shared intentions, and the symbolic passing of Peace Batons. The evening concluded with fellowship and conversation, leaving attendees uplifted and renewed in their commitment to peace and community connection.
Paso Robles Sunrise Rotary – Peace Pole Project
Paso Robles Sunrise Rotary continues to advance its Peace Pole initiative in partnership with the City of Paso Robles and the UC Davis Master Gardener Program. The City has expressed strong support and is currently reviewing Centennial Park and Uptown Family Park as potential locations, taking into account site logistics and landscaping needs.
Conversations with the UC Davis Master Gardeners have opened the door to a meaningful collaboration, with Rotary members offering volunteer service while gaining valuable gardening knowledge to support the Uptown Family Park community garden. This project represents an exciting opportunity for service, education, and partnership, with more updates and volunteer opportunities to come.
Paso Robles Sunrise Rotary continues to advance its Peace Pole initiative in partnership with the City of Paso Robles and the UC Davis Master Gardener Program. The City has expressed strong support and is currently reviewing Centennial Park and Uptown Family Park as potential locations, taking into account site logistics and landscaping needs.
Conversations with the UC Davis Master Gardeners have opened the door to a meaningful collaboration, with Rotary members offering volunteer service while gaining valuable gardening knowledge to support the Uptown Family Park community garden. This project represents an exciting opportunity for service, education, and partnership, with more updates and volunteer opportunities to come.
Cambria Rotary Club – Peace Education & Community Projects
The Cambria Rotary Club Peace Committee is proud to share several impactful projects currently underway. The Coast Union High School Peace Essay Contest has launched, with a special program planned for March 27 to honor three student winners. St. Lucia Middle School has begun this year’s Peace Picket Project, installing student-created pickets along the school fence as part of ongoing peace education.
Additional initiatives include the Coast Union Peace Picket and Mosaic Peace Pickets projects, as well as the club’s second annual Polio Eradication fundraiser—raising approximately $5,000 last year with matching support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation—through the sale of peace pickets for homes and gardens. The Cambria Grammar School Peace Legacy Project will also begin soon, marking the third year of fifth-grade students painting fence panels to surround their campus. Together with the Peace Garden in the heart of town, these efforts reflect Cambria Rotary’s enduring commitment to peace, creativity, and community engagement.
The Cambria Rotary Club Peace Committee is proud to share several impactful projects currently underway. The Coast Union High School Peace Essay Contest has launched, with a special program planned for March 27 to honor three student winners. St. Lucia Middle School has begun this year’s Peace Picket Project, installing student-created pickets along the school fence as part of ongoing peace education.
Additional initiatives include the Coast Union Peace Picket and Mosaic Peace Pickets projects, as well as the club’s second annual Polio Eradication fundraiser—raising approximately $5,000 last year with matching support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation—through the sale of peace pickets for homes and gardens. The Cambria Grammar School Peace Legacy Project will also begin soon, marking the third year of fifth-grade students painting fence panels to surround their campus. Together with the Peace Garden in the heart of town, these efforts reflect Cambria Rotary’s enduring commitment to peace, creativity, and community engagement.
Inner Peace to Outer Peace – A Community Celebration of Unity
Inner Peace to Outer Peace is a community celebration honoring unity, connection, and collective well-being in recognition of United Nations World Meditation Day. This inclusive, all-ages event brings together civic groups, community organizations, and interfaith partners for an afternoon focused on inner peace, community harmony, and positive mental health.
The program features a panel discussion that includes Willow Baker of the Conejo Valley Rotary Club, along with poetry, guided meditation, music, and shared reflection—inviting participants to explore how cultivating inner peace can inspire greater understanding, compassion, and peace in the world around us.
Inner Peace to Outer Peace is a community celebration honoring unity, connection, and collective well-being in recognition of United Nations World Meditation Day. This inclusive, all-ages event brings together civic groups, community organizations, and interfaith partners for an afternoon focused on inner peace, community harmony, and positive mental health.
The program features a panel discussion that includes Willow Baker of the Conejo Valley Rotary Club, along with poetry, guided meditation, music, and shared reflection—inviting participants to explore how cultivating inner peace can inspire greater understanding, compassion, and peace in the world around us.
PeaceBuilder Projects – Carpinteria Morning Rotary (2025–26)
During 2025–26, the Carpinteria Morning Rotary advanced peace locally and globally through a wide range of service and dialogue initiatives. The club planted Peace Poles—including the first in Carpinteria—with schools and youth organizations, partnered with fellow Rotary clubs and the school district, and is planning an artistic Peace Pole with the Carpinteria Arts Center.
Members supported disaster relief by packing 15,000 meals with Rise Against Hunger, launched a Community Conversations pilot to foster understanding across diverse groups, and strengthened international ties through projects in Mexicali, Guatemala, and a developing sister-club relationship. Locally, the club delivered school supplies, supported arts and volunteer recognition, raised nearly $5,000 for nonprofit mini-grants, served families through holiday and Thanksgiving programs, offered advance directive workshops, maintained the Tomol Interactive Children’s Park, created a Community Relief Fund for families impacted by ICE actions, and increased districtwide engagement as liaison to Unite to Light—demonstrating a strong, multifaceted commitment to peace, service, and community connection.
During 2025–26, the Carpinteria Morning Rotary advanced peace locally and globally through a wide range of service and dialogue initiatives. The club planted Peace Poles—including the first in Carpinteria—with schools and youth organizations, partnered with fellow Rotary clubs and the school district, and is planning an artistic Peace Pole with the Carpinteria Arts Center.
Members supported disaster relief by packing 15,000 meals with Rise Against Hunger, launched a Community Conversations pilot to foster understanding across diverse groups, and strengthened international ties through projects in Mexicali, Guatemala, and a developing sister-club relationship. Locally, the club delivered school supplies, supported arts and volunteer recognition, raised nearly $5,000 for nonprofit mini-grants, served families through holiday and Thanksgiving programs, offered advance directive workshops, maintained the Tomol Interactive Children’s Park, created a Community Relief Fund for families impacted by ICE actions, and increased districtwide engagement as liaison to Unite to Light—demonstrating a strong, multifaceted commitment to peace, service, and community connection.
Rotary Club of Westlake Village – Peace Day
As a humanitarian organization, peace is a cornerstone of Rotary’s mission. Five years ago, the Rotary Club of Westlake Village created an annual Peace Day to share Rotary’s commitment to peacebuilding with local children throughout the Conejo Valley.
Working alongside nonprofits serving children and families—including Safe Passage, Conejo Park and Recreation, and Art Trek—Peace Day teaches children that peace begins with them and that they have the power to be peacebuilders at school, at home, and in their neighborhoods. Through age-appropriate games, activities, and art projects—mixed with laughter and fun—more than 100 children participate each year. Each child leaves with a Rotary goodie bag and a peace-centered message to carry forward.
This year’s Peace Day will be held on Friday, February 13, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Thousand Oaks Community Center. Clubs interested in learning more are welcome to contact past president and Peace Day creator Mary Olson at maryolsonrcwlv@gmail.com.
As a humanitarian organization, peace is a cornerstone of Rotary’s mission. Five years ago, the Rotary Club of Westlake Village created an annual Peace Day to share Rotary’s commitment to peacebuilding with local children throughout the Conejo Valley.
Working alongside nonprofits serving children and families—including Safe Passage, Conejo Park and Recreation, and Art Trek—Peace Day teaches children that peace begins with them and that they have the power to be peacebuilders at school, at home, and in their neighborhoods. Through age-appropriate games, activities, and art projects—mixed with laughter and fun—more than 100 children participate each year. Each child leaves with a Rotary goodie bag and a peace-centered message to carry forward.
This year’s Peace Day will be held on Friday, February 13, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Thousand Oaks Community Center. Clubs interested in learning more are welcome to contact past president and Peace Day creator Mary Olson at maryolsonrcwlv@gmail.com.
A Shared Commitment to Peace
Together, these initiatives reflect the powerful and diverse peace work taking place across District 5240. We invite Rotary clubs and community members to get involved, share their stories, and join us in advancing peace through service, education, creativity, and collaboration.
Together, these initiatives reflect the powerful and diverse peace work taking place across District 5240. We invite Rotary clubs and community members to get involved, share their stories, and join us in advancing peace through service, education, creativity, and collaboration.