One of the six focus areas of Rotary is peace and conflict resolution and prevention.   It is often the local and regional conflicts that are the root causes of poverty, despair, economic hardship and poor health.  For example, the major deterrent to polio eradication has been the difficulty in vaccinating children in war torn countries.   We see conflicts occurring in some form within our own communities with the same results: broken families, poverty, hunger, poor access to education and health care.  Chagrin Valley Rotary understands this relationship and therefore is deeply invested in supporting individuals and programs that will develop leaders such as our student of the month who are committed to community service.  The path toward peace begins with understanding and respect for the differences that make us unique.