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ABOUT US

The Rotary Action Group for Multiple Sclerosis (RAGAMS) is a global network of Rotarians dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS). We work to promote awareness, foster collaboration and support research aimed at preventing and ultimately curing MS.

RAGAMS brings together Rotary Clubs and MS Societies across the world, encouraging joint efforts to develop and implement impactful community projects. With MS Societies present in over 47 countries, and Rotary’s extensive global reach, we believe that powerful partnerships can be formed wherever both exist.

In collaboration with the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF), RAGAMS helps connect Rotarians with local MS organizations, facilitating projects that are both locally relevant and globally significant. We also champion the support of MS research initiatives, providing guidance through both RAGAMS and MSIF platforms.

By strengthening global partnerships and promoting open dialogue among the MS community, RAGAMS empowers Rotarians to take action – together, we can raise awareness, improve lives, and move closer to finding a cure.

Rotary operates on three levels: Club, District, and International. RAGAMS works across all these levels, taking advantage of Rotary’s unified structure. While the scale may differ, the interests and goals remain the same,-making collaboration smooth and effective at every level.

Our Objectives

  • Promote global awareness of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
  • Foster collaboration between Rotary Clubs and MS Societies worldwide.
  • Support the development and implementation of joint community projects related to Multiple Sclerosis.
  • Encourage and facilitate contributions to Multiple Sclerosis research aimed at prevention and cure.
  • Strengthen international partnerships through coordination with the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF).

Rotary International Recognitions

  • 2006 – Jacob Martin Taurins received the Royce Abbey
  • 2007 – Diana received the Paul Harris Fellow award.
  • 2014 – Martin received a Double Sapphire Paul Harris Fellow, and Diana received a Sapphire Paul Harris Fellow Award.
  • 2022 – Diana and Martin were Awarded the Royce Abby Awards.
  • Taurins family have attended 22 conventions to promote MS Awareness and projects.

Achievements

  • Rotary Club of Wyndham North Container of Disability aids sent to Argentina
  • Funded MS Vocational exchange with Argentina, Japan, India, NZ
  • Rotary Club of Melton upgraded a bathroom for a young person with MS in Melton.
  • With D9800 supplied renewed Computers to people with MS
  • Provided Seed funding for the MS Longitudinal Study, Tasmania, Australia, with ANU (Taken over by the Australian Government and expanded to New Zealand)
  • Funded and Installed a Wishing Well at Mooroopna, Victoria Australia
  • Funded Video, Living with MS: Adjusting the Sales” for people newly diagnosed with MS
  • 2005 Rotary 100-year Centenary funded and organised MS Awareness float for the Chicago Street Parade. Most D9800 Clubs Participated in the Procession.
  • Completed First PhD scholarship partnering Australian Rotary Health, Florey and Melbourne University
  • Top up funding for second PhD scholarship partnering Australian Rotary Health, Florey and Melbourne University
  • Advertising for applicants for the Jacob Taurins Progressive MS Memorial PhD Scholarship
  • Completed MSIF Middle East Communication project. Global Matching Grant by Rotary Club of Philadelphia
  • RAGAMS Funded minor research equipment aids for Florey
  • Rotary Club of Gisborne organised the Macedon Ranges Bike Ride for 7 Years (Donations to MSRA and ARH)
  • Rotary Club of Essendon North, Keilor East and Gisborne ran the MS Global Dinner for 13 years
  • Supported MSV Bike Ride BBQ for 13 years
  • Rotary Club of Malvern /Chadstone Managed the Albert Park MS Walk for approx. 20 years
  • MSIF volunteers attended the Peace Conference, Coventry, England
    RAGAMS, D9800, RC of Philadelphia awarded Rotary Foundation Scholarship to French MS Researcher Laura Dumas for 1-year assignment in Melbourne.
  • Promoting MS Megaswims in D9800-RC of Fitzroy (20 years), RC Balwyn North, Rotary Club Bendigo.

The TEAM

  • Martin Taurins – Chairperson
  • Richard Stewart – Public Officer, Secretary:
  • Diana Taurins – Treasurer
  • Virginia Billson – Vice Chair
  • Barry Coleman – Vocation
  • Shankar Subramanian and Martin Taurins – Newsletter Committee
  • Stuart McArthur – Webmaster
  • Kaz Aston – Country Manager UK
  • Martin Garcia – Country Manager NZ
  • Shankar Subramanian – Country Manager India

Our journey is not measured by milestones, but by the lives we touch, the hope we inspire, and the change we ignite in the MS community.

Event Participation

RAGAMS has maintained a strong presence at international conventions, showcasing its commitment to global collaboration and awareness. Since 1993, the RAGAMS exhibition booth has featured at events across the world—from Melbourne to Montreal to Atlanta – hosted by dedicated members and volunteers including Diana, Martin and others. Whether in-person or virtually during the pandemic years, our participation has helped build meaningful connections, highlight our mission, and amplify voices from the MS community on a global stage.

  • 2023 Melbourne, Australia Diana & Martin
  • 2022 Houston, Texas –Managed by MS Society Houston Volunteers
  • 2021 Taipei, Taiwan –Virtual Convention (Covid)
  • 2020 Hawaii- Virtual Convention (Covid)
  • 2019 Hamburg, Germany- Diana & Martin
  • 2018 Toronto-Bronwyn Martin (RAGMSA Vice Chair managed Exhibition Booth)
  • 2017 Atlanta, Diana & Martin
  • 2016 Seoul, South Korea- Diana & Martin
  • 2015 San Paulo, Brazil -Martin
  • 2014 Sydney, Australia, Diana, Martin, Jacob and his carer Maria
  • 2013 Lisbon, Portugal -Diana & Martin. – Bronwyn Martin from the Rotary Club of Philadelphia, USA attended the International Assembly in San Diego, USA
  • 2012 Bangkok, Thailand- Diana and Martin
  • 2011 New Orleans, USA-Diana& Martin
  • 2010 Montreal, Canada-Diana &Martin
  • 2009 Birmingham, UK- Diana, Martin and Guest Speaker Zoe Burr (MSIF)
  • 2008 Los Angeles, USA-Diana & Martin
  • 2007. Salt Lake City, UTAH, USA. Martin
  • 2006 Malmo, (included Sweden, Copenhagen, Denmark). Martin
  • 2005 Chicago, USA- Diana, Martin, Jacob and Kel Sidebottom
  • 2004 Osaka, Japan-Diana, Martin & Jacob
  • 2003 Brisbane, Australia-Diana, Martin & Jacob
  • 2001 San Antonio, Texas-Diana, Martin& Jacob
  • 2000 Buenos Aires, Argentina- Diana, Martin & Jacob
  • 1999 Singapore, Diana, Martin and Don Jago
  • 1993 Melbourne, Australia, Diana & Martin