Joan Robertson Wins
2024 Rotary Agent of Peace Award
The Rotary Clubs of Southeastern Wisconsin recently honored three exceptional individuals as the recipients of its second annual Agent of Peace Award during a ceremony on November 7th, 2024. This award reflects Rotary’s commitment to fostering peace, understanding, and collaboration within communities, resonating with Rotary International’s vision to “see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.”One of this year’s award recipients was Joan Robertson of Milwaukee who received the Decades of Peace Advocacy and Education award.
At 108 years old, Joan Robertson has spent her life building a culture of peace. For over 80 years, she has been an active member of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, and she served as president of Milwaukee’s chapter of the United World Federalists, now Citizens for Global Solutions. Her impact on peace education includes establishing the A.D. Robertson Fund for the United Nations with the Rotary Club of Milwaukee, which educates the community and celebrates United Nations Day. Joan also launched the United Nations School of International Learning (UNSIL) curriculum, now part of Milwaukee Public Schools, educating thousands of students on global peace efforts.
“The Agent of Peace Award embodies Rotary’s vision of peace as a proactive journey – a mission to create trust, to embrace diversity, and to cultivate harmony,” said Peter Bosch, Rotary District Governor. “Tonight’s honorees … have each made unique contributions to this mission. Their work inspires us all to consider our roles as peacemaker – reminding us that true peace is achieved through the efforts and dedication of individuals who believe in a world united by shared goals and mutual respect.”
From left, Carol Alexander-Barnes, Rotarian and Joan’s granddaughter who accepted the award on her behalf with fellow award winners Jan and Bob Blazich, and Rotary District Governor Peter Bosch at the Rotary District 6270 Foundation Dinner in Hartford, WI.