The Rotarian Action Group for Polio Survivors and Associates is the living legacy of the Rotary Polio-Plus polio eradication program through humanitarian assistance to polio survivors of the world. This Action Group operates in accordance with Rotary International policy, but is not controlled by Rotary.
Search this site for information about polio and see what we are doing to help survivors worldwide. We are constantly working to update and improve this website so check back often for more information.
PSA Officers and Directors
Executive Director- Ann Lee Hussey, PDG (D7780) South Berwick ME
Chairman – Gretchen Bren (D5650), Omaha, NE, USA
Secretary – Al Bonney, PDG (D6290) Traverse City, MI
Treasurer – Patricia Meehan, PDG (D7280) Sharon, PA, USA
Director – Manjit Sawhney, PDG (D3010) Delhi, India
Director – Ashok Mirchandani (D9100) Cotonou, Republique du Benin, West Africa
Director – Saliu Ahmed, PDG (D9125) Kaduna, Nigeria
Director – Dino Marzaro, (D7790) Quebec, Canada
Advisor – Joan Headley, Director Post-Polio Health Intl., St. Louis MO USA
Our Mission
PSA is a Rotarian Action Group dedicated to the humanitarian assistance of polio survivors. PSA is a logical extension of Rotary’s concern for the health needs of the world and serves as the living legacy of the worldwide PolioPlus program to eradicate polio. This Action Group operates in accordance with Rotary International policy, but is not controlled by Rotary.
BACKGROUND
PSA was founded in 2003 as a Rotarian Fellowship whose members were individuals and groups with a common interest in polio survivors; health issues such as postpolio syndrome; polio support groups; related organizations and institutions. In 2005, the Rotary International Board of Directors recognized the value of these Fellowships and their potential for assisting RI in implementing humanitarian programs throughout the world, and formed Rotary Action Groups.
PSA PROGRAMS AND OBJECTIVES
- Support in any way possible, the Rotary PolioPlus program to eradicate polio throughout the world
- Initiate Community Based Rehabilitation Centers (CBR) where feasible to identify and provide restorative care for polio survivors
- In partnership with the Rotary Heritage and History Fellowship to advocate and promote an existing project to house the Smithsonian Exhibit, “Whatever Happened to Polio?” in Warm Springs GA, USA
- To assure that the history and heritage of the personal contribution by Rotarians to the eradication of polio is understood by the public and is properly displayed, promoted and maintained
- To engage Rotarians in a world-wide project to collect the personal stories of polio as it affected individuals and communities
- To form associations with individuals, organizations and institutions already engaged in assisting polio survivors
Revised May 2007
Our By-Laws
POLIO SURVIVORS AND ASSOCIATES (PSA)
1. The official designation (name) of PSA is “Rotarian Action Group for Polio Survivors and Associates”
2. As a Rotarian Action Group (RAG) we operate in accordance with Rotary International policy, but we are not controlled by Rotary.
3. Membership in PSA is open to all Rotarians, Spouses and Rotaract members. Associate members are those not included above.
4. Administration of PSA shall be the responsibility of:
- Chairman
- Vice-Chairman
- Executive Secretary
5. Chairman is the spokesperson for PSA and a Member-at-Large of Rotary Network of Fellowships and Action Groups. The Chairman coordinates work of PSA programs and projects with PSA Board, Administrative positions, and Associated individuals and organizations, and is responsible for submission of required information to Rotary International.
6. Vice-Chairman: Acts in concert with Chairman in all phases of operation and succeeds to Chairmanship upon its vacancy.
7. Executive Secretary is responsible for response and disposition to all inquiries. Assists Chairman and Vice-Chairman in conduct of their duties and is the keeper of records, archives, etc.
8. Board of Directors: Responsible for assisting Administrators in determining policies, projects and personnel. They are expected to furnish creative ideas and to assist in finding Associates to further our Mission.
9. Terms of Office: Chairman is designated every year and may serve three consecutive terms. When Chairman vacancy occurs, the Vice-Chairman succeeds to the office. The Executive Secretary serves at the pleasure of the Chairman.
10. There is no dues requirement for membership in our “List”. As specific projects develop we will determine the need for dues and assessments.
Revised May 2006