The classification I was given when I joined Rotary was “Economic Development”, because I worked at that stage for the former Ministry of Economic Development. 
 
In the Rotary Calendar, October is the month focusing on Economic and Community Development.  This reinforces that Rotarians support investment in people to create enduring economic improvement in their lives and communities. 
 
We can do this, for example, by building the capacity of communities and their leaders, developing opportunities for productive work, and reducing poverty in communities.  We can facilitate financial services for the poor, such as through microcredit.  We can help communities develop small businesses, social enterprises and income-generating activities.  We can help with agricultural development for subsistence and small farmers.
Economic and Community Development is also one of the six areas of focus of The Rotary Foundation, but we need funds to allow Rotarians to continue this important work.  Our Foundation giving this year has had a very slow start and I urge Clubs to make your Foundation contributions as soon as possible.
On 24 October, we recognise World Polio Day.  There have been a total of 26 cases of the wild polio virus detected in children so far this year compared with 74 for the whole of 2015.  It was disturbing to hear that this year there have been three cases of the wild polio virus affecting children in Nigeria, when we considered we had eradicated polio in Nigeria two years ago.  This just reinforces why we need to keep giving to support vaccinations of children even after the last case of the virus is detected, as it will still exist in some environments.   
Some Clubs have already registered with the World’s Greatest Meal and have held, or are holding, events to raise funds to see polio totally eradicated.  I encourage all Clubs to participate either in October or when you can fit it in to your calendar of events – and it could even be one of those events, such as your Christmas function.