The Rotary Club of Conroe hosted Peace Fellow Kathy Doherty at last Tuesday’s meeting.
She talked about how her Master Degree and certifications acquired through her involvement in the Rotary Peace Fellow programs impacted her life and those of Kenyans where she regularly served.
Her area of peace promotion is through family intervention programs. This impact is especially felt in third world countries where women are not on the same social level as men and where child brides are accepted. She and her associates intervene in physically abusive situation and help to level the social field between men and women. Her focus on this type of peace initiative is one small part of being a Rotary Peace Fellow. Rotarians are excluded from being considered as a part of this Rotary Peace Fellow Program.
The Rotary Peace Fellowship provides comprehensive financial support, ensuring that fellows can focus entirely on their studies and professional development without financial burden. Focus is in either Master Degree Programs and/or certification programs. Rotary Peace Fellowships are prestigious awards designed for leaders with substantial work experience in peace and development. These fellowships are granted to individuals committed to community and international service and who are dedicated to the pursuit of global peace. Fellows have the opportunity to study at one of the Rotary Peace Centers, where they receive advanced training and education to enhance their effectiveness in promoting peace and resolving conflicts.
Below are the primary benefits of becoming a Rotary Peace Fellow:
• Full coverage of tuition and fees: All educational expenses are fully covered.
• Room and board: Accommodation and meals are provided.
• Round-trip transportation: Travel expenses to and from the host country are included.
• Internship and field-study expenses: Costs related to practical experiences are covered.
• Health insurance: Comprehensive health coverage is provided for the duration of the fellowship.
In order to be eligible for this Program, the applicant cannot be involved as a member of any Rotary organization. He or she must meet the following requirements for the Mater’s or Certification programs:
Master’s Degree Fellowship:
• Strong academic record
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Minimum of three years of work experience
• Demonstrated leadership potential
• At least three-year gap since the most recent academic degree
Certificate Program:
• Mid-career peace and development leaders
• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of five years of work experience
• Demonstrated leadership potential
• At least a year gap since the most recent academic degree
Applications for the Rotary Peace Fellowship 2026-27 will be open in February, 2026 and must be submitted online by May 15, 2025. The application process involves these steps:
1. Prepare your application: Gather all required documents, including your resume, professional/academic recommendations, transcripts, personal video statements, and essays. These documents include:
• Resume
• Professional/Academic recommendations
• Transcripts
• Personal video statements and essays
• English proficiency test scores (for Master’s degree applicants)
• Social impact plan (for certificate program applicants)
2. Submit your application: Complete and submit the application form through the Rotary Foundation’s online portal.
3. Confirmation: After submission, you will receive a confirmation of receipt of your application and endorsement.
Being a Rotary Peace Fellow doesn’t mean you along will solve the world’ peace problems. However, working with others in implementing programs which implement and support peaceful resolutions means you are part of the solution! You are not a Diplomat of a country. You are one of many working together to provide and promote peaceful solutions!
The Rotary Club of Conroe meets at noon Tuesday at Honor Cafe in downtown Conroe.