ate and foster a supportive brotherhood in which gia. The cumulative grade point average for the school’s young men help one another to, as Bledsoe puts it, undergraduate students was 2.7; for black males it “achieve lives of purpose and success.” was 1.75. “SAAB’s main objective is shaping young men to So Bledsoe called a meeting. He invited black un- become contributing citizens who will be our leaders dergraduate men to come discuss “what we needed to today and tomorrow,” says Bledsoe. After a long career do differently. What I learned was that the guys loved as a university administrator, most recently at the getting together weekly. It was an outlet for them, a University of Toledo in Ohio, he is now SAAB’s full- platform for sharing, to talk about the issues that were time CEO and president. “We encourage our members common among all of them and the problems that to embrace the ideal of service as the cornerstone of were unique to them.” our organization, while at the same time embracing our four core values: accountability, self-discipline, Bledsoe soon saw the potential for more than just proactive leadership, and intellectual development.” weekly bull sessions. He saw the outlines for a pro- gram that could have deep impact nationwide. “I felt That the organization’s ethos echoes the Rotary we needed to give this some structure,” he explains. philosophy is no coincidence. Bledsoe – “Doc” to the “I’m a structure guy.” young men in SAAB and most anyone else in his orbit – is a member and past president of the Rotary Club Eventually he began taking some of his undergrads of Reynolds Corners in Toledo (where SAAB has its with him to conferences, churches, and other destina- headquarters). He joined Rotary in 2002, he says, after tions. Impressed by the young men accompanying Bled- accepting frequent invitations to speak at club meet- soe, educators from other colleges expressed an interest ings. “I saw Rotary as an opportunity to expand my personal mission of giving back through service,” he BRYAN SMITH explains. “I’ve known Doc for over a decade, and one of the first things he told me is that he would be with me for life,” says Terrance Range, a founding member of the SAAB chapter at Ohio’s Wilberforce University who’s studying for his PhD at Michigan State University. “In my opinion, SAAB is a game changer and Doc a world innovator. As a former member of a California-based Rotaract club, I’m convinced that he’s the epitome of Rotary’s motto: Service Above Self.” To succeed in college, African-American men SAAB’s January retreat in Dallas: Begun in 1990, the organization has more than 12,000 members. need more than affirmative action and financial sup- port, says Bledsoe. “SAAB provides the guidance, in implementing a similar program on their campuses encouragement, and social support that young men – and Doc stepped in to help them get started. of color need in order to define, pursue, and complete their higher education objectives and advance into One of the crucial factors in the newly formed promising careers,” he says – which is no small chal- SAAB’s success was service. It’s a lesson Bledsoe lenge: Among students who enter college, only 33 learned from his 16-year membership in Rotary. “It percent of black men earn a bachelor’s degree within very much aligns,” he says, “with teaching the guys to six years, compared with 57 percent of white men. be fair to others and honest, as well as with the biblical aspect: To whom much is given, much is required. The Bledsoe says that he founded SAAB in response to idea that we’re not measured by what we get, but by similar disparities he encountered while he was as- what we’ve given.” sociate vice president for student affairs at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, Geor- September 2018 The Rotarian | 49
A t the SAAB retreat in Dallas in January – a business, so I dress like a business owner. You have to understand that this adds credibility. Everybody has a prelude to the organization’s larger annual national uniform regardless of what industry they’re in.” conference that would follow a few months later in Atlanta – the young men attend workshops. The overall When Clayton mentioned that he knew someone theme is Be Intentional: about how they look, how they who wore ascots, he laughed along with his SAAB speak, how they think, how they spend their time, how brothers. Then he made his point: The ascot wearer they choose the people who surround them, how they “makes it work. I think it’s dope.” give back to their communities. Andrew Jones, a former chancellor at Coast Com- Flanked by sons Ronnie (left) and Exon, Bledsoe (second from munity College District in Costa Mesa, California – right) and SAAB leaders visit the Potter’s House in Dallas. and a regular speaker at SAAB conferences – highlights another of SAAB’s distinguishing features: its sense That intentionality extends to the organization’s of continuity. “I did a lot of programming with minor- chapters. Under SAAB guidelines, they agree to be ity male programs around the country,” he says. “polite, sincere, hardworking, and encouraging, know- “There were so many unsuccessful models out there.” ing that these characteristics are counter to the popu- lar but offensive negative images of young black and By the force of his personality, Jones says, Bledsoe brown men in America.” steered SAAB in a more successful and surprisingly diverse direction. Today it also welcomes some white, “This is not about telling [each branch] what to do Latino, Asian, Native American, and Pacific Islander or how to run their chapters,” Bledsoe explains. “We’re members. To encourage that diversity, SAAB allows saying, ‘Hey, we want you to be a part of the solution. universities, colleges, and schools to use an alternative Take some responsibility. Hold each other account- local name, such as Brother to Brother, though they able and be a solution to your own ills.’ ” remain part of the SAAB family. Despite the emphasis on discipline and high aca- “If you really believe in something, you’re much demic achievement, there is nothing nerdy, stiff, or more likely to continue it, regardless of the obstacles meek about SAAB. There’s plenty of latitude for how and challenges,” Jones says. “I think unquestionably charters approach the organization’s goals – and how having Dr. Bledsoe in the lead role, with his passion individual members comport themselves. When Ja- and his energy, has made all the difference.” cob Clayton, a SAAB alum from Northern Illinois University and a self-described “image ambassador,” Bledsoe’s passion springs from roots planted appears at the retreat in a perfectly tailored tweed jacket, he is the picture of urban sophistication. firmly in the soil of his humble upbringing. He was born in 1961 in Grenada, Mississippi, a town with links “I dress like this six times a week, sometimes seven,” to slavery, the Confederacy, and the ugly racism that he tells the group. “I knew I wanted to own my own persisted even a century after the Civil War. “We grew up in a culture – you know, Deep South – where we witnessed a lot of the separation and ‘white only’ and ‘black only,’ ” he recalls. “We couldn’t sit with whites in the movie theater.” Bledsoe’s first teachers were his family elders. His grandmother shared her memories of watching rows of black men, backs bent, picking cotton in the fields beneath a blazing sun. His mother, Dora Lee, grew up in the Mississippi Delta, not far from where Em- mett Till was murdered in 1955. With only a seventh- grade education, his father, Tommie Sr., spent long hours on the line at a meat plant. “The powerful thing is that he never complained about one day of hard work,” Bledsoe says. “He was proud of it.” 50 | The Rotarian September 2018
And then there were those visits by King, as the lege (he earned his BA and his master’s in education battle for desegregation found its way to Grenada’s all- at Mississippi State University). He was also the first white schools. A seminal moment captured in an iconic in his family to earn a doctorate, a PhD in counseling Bob Fitch photo shows King accompanying African- and student affairs from the University of Georgia. American children to school in Grenada in September 1966. Five-year-old Tyrone Bledsoe was just off cam- “My early exposure to era. The moment stayed with him always. Dr. King had a tremendous “We were blessed,” he says today. “Dr. King and impact on me.” other civil rights leaders and members of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference spent a lot of time He remains the only member of his family with a at our church, the Belle Flower Missionary Baptist PhD, though that will soon change, Bledsoe explains: Church. At the time I didn’t understand the magnitude One of his nieces is close to getting her doctorate. of all that excitement and the extent of the racial un- rest going on around me. But my early exposure to Dr. During a lunch break at a burger joint near the King had a tremendous impact on me.” Dallas retreat, Clayton, the image ambassador, extols Despite being a middle child – he has three broth- SAAB’s founder and leader. “He is, as you’ve probably ers: Tommie Jr., Herbert, and his twin, Jerome – Bled- guessed, a special guy,” he says. “My development as soe says he was always looked to as a family leader. a man – a black man – comes from the principles that His grandmother predicted he would become a doctor; I’m learning inside and the connections that I’ve made his great-aunt insisted he would be a preacher. “I through SAAB.” heard those conversations and it spoke to some- thing in me,” Bledsoe says. “I always wanted to do He pauses and looks at the young men surrounding something to make them proud.” him. “I’m in a room full of brothers, striving for excel- lence. It’s just a great thing.” Bledsoe lived up to those lofty expectations. There were all the firsts: first Eagle Scout in his Boy Scout Clayton is not alone in his effusive praise of Bledsoe. troop; first person in his family to graduate from col- In an email, Ronald Briggs, the senior director of resi- dential life at Arizona State University and chair of Bledsoe with Exon in May, after his son received his the SAAB board of directors, recalled how Bledsoe master’s degree from the University of Central Missouri. changed his life. “During my undergraduate years in Ohio, I felt I was a young man with a plan, but no real purpose,” he wrote. “Doc and SAAB helped ignite my spirit, and I will be forever grateful.” Back at the retreat, as things wind down, the young men prepare to head out to a bowling alley. Given that the next morning they’re scheduled to attend the Potter’s House, a megachurch run by the Rev. T.D. Jakes, Bledsoe advises them not to stay out too late. “We’re going to have some fun,” he says with a laugh, “but not too much fun.” The service, he continues, begins at 9 a.m.; doors open at 8. The bus leaves at 7:30 sharp, so be there ready to go. The genial tone of Bledsoe’s reminder carries nothing of the drill sergeant, and the men, almost to a person, smile in response. They know – as Doc does – that they would not only be on time, but be there early, ready and eager to roll. n TERRANCE RANGE Bryan Smith is senior writer at Chicago magazine. September 2018 The Rotarian | 51
Rotary führt Menschen zusammen, die weltweit Gutes tun. Unsere Mitglieder setzen sich für Seja oferecendo bolsas de estudo, programas educacionais ou oportunidades de desenvolvimento 로타리는 문제 해결에 앞장서는 세계 각지의 사람들을 ‘인류애 실천’이라는 공통된 목표로 이어줍니다. 우리 nachhaltige Veränderungen in ihren Gemeinwesen ein, damit es Menschen besser geht. pessoal e profissional, nós contribuímos ao aprendizado e inspiramos as próximas gerações. 회원들은 지역사회 주민들과 더불어 오래 지속되는 변화를 일구어 냅니다. 우리는 실천에 나서는 사람들입니다. Wir sind Rotary. Wir tun was. Mehr über uns bei Rotary.org/de Nós somos Rotary. Nós somos Pessoas em Ação. Saiba mais em Rotary.org/pt 함께 연결을 통해 삶을 개선해 가세요. Rotary.org에서 자세히 알아보세요. TOGETHER, WE Your story Rotary believes healthy communities are strong communities. That’s one reason we’ve here. worked tirelessly to help immunize 2.5 billion children against polio. Bringing the world closer Rotary une a personas de todo el mundo para dar soluciones y hacer el bien. Ya sea brindando capacitación to eradicating a deadly disease — that’s what people of action do. Learn more at Rotary.org. vocacional o apoyando a emprendedores de la localidad, contribuimos al fortalecimiento de nuestras comunidades. Somos Rotary. Somos gente de acción. Más información en Rotary.org/es Tell the community about your club – and the world about Rotary. Rotary has launched a global campaign to let the world know we are People of Action. The more clubs that join in, the further our message carries. Go to rotary.org/brandcenter for step-by-step guides, easy-to-follow templates, and ideas and inspiration to tell your club’s story. Help spread our inspiring message around the globe.
ERICH SAIDE our clubs Warm welcomes Rotary Club of Whistler Millennium, British Columbia We’re dangling 1,400 feet above a forested valley. It’s a sea of green: no cars, no build- ings, just uninterrupted forest bordered by snowcapped mountains. It’s a breath- taking view, and to get it, we’ve boarded a gondola that glides between the peaks September 2018 The Rotarian | 53
our clubs continued from page 53 of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Many live and work in Whistler for a local fire station to learn about the area, The Peak 2 Peak gondola, the first lift to season, then move on. Only about 12,000 join two side-by-side mountains, holds people actually call Whistler home. their rights as tenants, local laws, and two Guinness World Records, for height and for length between spans. Seasonal work brought club member how to get help if needed. “Many sea- Liz Peacock to Whistler from Newcastle, Whistler Blackcomb offers more ski- England, in 2010. Like many others, she sonal workers are young people from able acres than any other resort in North and her husband planned to stay and America. The terrain is vast and varied – work for a year. But Whistler felt like other countries,” McCurdy says. “This though much of it is steep – and the snow home. Peacock has put her degree in art is reliable. Since its construction in the history to work managing the art gallery might be their first time abroad.” The 1960s, the resort has attracted skiers and at the Fairmont Hotel; her husband found work first as a chef and later as a workshops help prepare them for life in Many members carpenter. Their one-year-old son, Larry, make outdoor sports is a bona fide Whistler native. He’s also Canada and give them tools to stay safe. a part of daily life. a born Rotarian, regularly attending So it makes sense meetings with his mom. Club members also work to keep the that their annual fundraiser is a The club meets at the Pan Pacific area beautiful, doing things like clear- 10-kilometer run/ Whistler Mountainside hotel at 12:15 p.m. walk called the Thursdays. Larry, who has just learned to ing underbrush to prevent forest fires. Brandywine Boogie. walk, toddles down the hall toward the members as they arrive. Peacock pa- “We don’t have a lot of money, but we snowboarders from around the world; in tiently chases after him again and again. 2010, it hosted the Winter Olympics. In “He’s the greeter,” she says with a smile. like to get our hands dirty,” says club the summer, more visitors arrive to hike, bike, kayak, fish, and rock climb. Today, 10 people are on hand for a member Mary Ann Collishaw. talk by Tom Smith, the District 5040 “This is our backyard,” says Shannon membership chair. He’s there to help With the wonders of the natural Kirkwood. them assess their club and offer ideas on increasing membership. He notes world at their doorstep, club members Kirkwood is president of the Rotary that the club has an impressive age Club of Whistler Millennium. The club range: There are as many members in make outdoor sports a part of daily was founded in 2000 when a few mem- their 30s as in their 70s. Given the bers of the Rotary Club of Whistler, club’s small size and baby Larry run- life. A quick survey reveals that they which meets at 7:15 a.m., decided to ning around, the meeting feels almost start a lunch club. Kirkwood, one of 13 like a family gathering. enjoy everything from sailing to snow- women in the 23-member club, says she joined for a sense of community in a The setting is so idyllic, even the view boarding. So it makes sense that their town where not only the tourists but from the conference room window is many of the residents are transient. impressive. A visitor might wonder, annual fundraiser is a 10-kilometer what kind of service project could a Previous page: Rotary Club of Whistler Millennium luxury resort town like Whistler possi- run/walk called the Brandywine Boo- members Jack Carlson (from left), Shannon Kirkwood, bly need from Rotary? and Lyn Stroshin. gie. Kirkwood says that last year they Member Patrick McCurdy says one of the club’s most important projects is raised about $6,000, which they used to help the town’s seasonal workers ac- climate to a new and unfamiliar coun- to sponsor a Youth Exchange student try. The club hosts a pancake breakfast every November, when new seasonal and to support a local cycling associa- workers arrive, as part of the Whistler Community Services Society’s “Wel- tion that builds and maintains the trails come Week.” Everyone gathers at the used for the run. The club also supports the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, and it recently sent three students to a weekend RYLA event. As members finish their lunch (ei- ther a Cobb salad or a ham and cheese sandwich), a piggy bank makes the rounds. This being Canada, the bank is actually in the shape of a bear. Each person adds a dollar or more and shares a bit of news. A visiting Rotarian, Roz, from Guernsey thanks the club for wel- coming her. And member Jens Ronne- berger highlights one of the simple joys of living here: “I went skiing on Mon- day,” he says. – VANESSA GLAVINSKAS This is part of a series of visits to clubs around the world to highlight the diversity of the Rotary experience. 54 | The Rotarian September 2018
Holding a World Polio Day event with Mary Van Hout Past governor of District 6250 (parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin) 1 How did your district We wanted to provide information to non- 3 What tips do you have celebrate World Polio Day Rotarians about it. We did outreach with the for Rotarians planning last year? governor of Wisconsin and the mayor of Mad- their events? Our state Capitol in Madison [Wisconsin] has a ison, and we received proclamations from Start early! In retrospect, I wish we had planned square around it, and it is a popular place for them citing the day as World Polio Day. We for a big-name speaker, but we ran out of time. people to rally for a cause. About 75 Rotarians also advertised on television and on the Communicate frequently with clubs and club from our district met on the steps of the Capitol radio, so even if people could not be at the members. at 4 p.m. on 24 October. At that time of day, rally, they heard about Rotary’s work with po- there are a lot of people coming and going on lio through the media. 4 What is your district the square. We had short presentations from Another goal was helping district Rotarians doing this year? our district governor and other club leaders and understand our polio eradication efforts. In the There is a committee planning a “Pints members to provide some information and some months between the initiation of this project for Polio” event. They’re working to have local inspiration, and then we marched around the in late August through World Polio Day, there bars and restaurants around the district share square holding banners that said End Polio Now. was lots of communication to district Rotari- proceeds from the sale of a pint of beer or other We ended up at a local establishment for a beer ans, such as through our assistant governor beverage toward polio eradication. Their goal is and a bite to eat. groups, direct emails to area club presidents, to be in lots of small communities so that the The unfortunate part was that the weather our district newsletter, and presentations at awareness about ending polio is broader based, that day was really awful. Not only was it really local Rotary clubs to encourage their aware- which I think is a fabulous idea. cold, it was extremely windy. It was a nasty day. ness and attendance. And that diminished the size of our crowd sig- VIKTOR MILLER GAUSA nificantly. The weather can play such an impor- TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORLD POLIO DAY EVENT tant part in turnout. How will your club celebrate World Polio Day? Will you hold a rally, sponsor 2 What was your goal? a run, have a booth at a farmers market, or host a music festival? Rotary Part of the focus was to be seen. We has an event planning guide with ideas to get you started. It includes details have a brief window to firmly attach about how to use virtual reality during your World Polio Day celebration to Rotary’s name to the eradication effort. show people in your community the impact that Rotary has had in the fight This was all about awareness that there is to end the disease. Find the guide, sample press releases, social media graph- polio in the world and that Rotary has been ics, and more at endpolio.org/worldpolioday, then tell us what you’re plan- working so hard to do something about it. ning at endpolio.org/promote-your-event. Your event may end up featured on the World Polio Day livestream or in other End Polio Now promotions. September 2018 The Rotarian | 55
our clubs Remembering 1987-88 RI President Charles C. Keller by RI Director-elect Stephanie Urchick I DON’T REMEMBER EXACTLY president and donated the money to ROTARY INTERNATIONAL when I met Chuck. He has just been a benefit the peace centers. part of my life since I joined Rotary in 1991. He was my GPS, my guide. If I had At that time, he also passed on a a problem or a question about some- little model ship he had that was orig- thing in Rotary, I always knew he was inally owned by Paul Harris. When there as a sounding board. That was Chuck was RI president, Will White, what we did for each other. I describe who was then the editor of The Rotar- him as my “godfather” in Rotary. ian magazine, had given it to him. Chuck passed it on to Ron Burton and I joined the Rotary Club of Califor- asked him to carry on the tradition. He nia, Pennsylvania, the same club Chuck called it “the good ship Rotary.” had joined in 1950, because I was look- ing for fellowship. I had gone through Chuck continued to practice law at a divorce and wanted to use my time his firm, Peacock Keller, until about a to give back. I knew that Chuck was a year ago. It had become tough for him past Rotary International president, so and Carol to get out except to go to I would chat with him about the Rotary the doctor or to church. That’s when topics I was interested in knowing I started going to their house to visit. more about. He became my mentor and We would talk all things Rotary. I encouraged me to take on a leadership role. He found the good in would bring crackers and make the dip anybody and would nurture whatever skill or talent you had. he liked. Carol would put the coffee pot on. It was an informal but special time. He loved it; they both did. Carol is a nurse, so she was When I eventually became a district governor, Chuck attended taking care of him, and I know that was hard on her. my first Rotary institute. It was in Battle Creek, Michigan, and there One Sunday I came home from a district conference and received was an event one evening at which they introduced all the incom- a text message that said Chuck was in the hospital. I went to see ing governors. I watched as the district governors and their spouses him, and I’m glad I did. His breathing was labored, but he was still walked down the aisle together to be introduced. That’s when quick-witted and kind. In fact, I never heard him say a bad word about Chuck jumped up and said, “I’m walking you down. I’m escorting anybody. He died four days after that visit. you.” I have a photo of the two of us somewhere. He’s beaming, and I’ll miss him. I know we feel this loss so deeply because of the kind I have a big smile on my face too. of guy he was. When you look back on his year as RI president, so many amazing things happened. He saw the organization through a time of Several years ago, Chuck started to write his memoirs. He wrote transition as women were first admitted. At the convention in Phila- four of them, actually. He wrote one about his Rotary life; another delphia, we learned that we had far surpassed our fundraising goal of about his service as a bomber pilot in World War II; a third about his $120 million for polio vaccination, which led to our commitment to law career; and a fourth about his family. Chuck and his wife, Carol, eradicate the disease. He held the first Rotary Peace Forum. were an adorable couple. When they married, she had the words “you Chuck had an amazing and profound impact on Rotary. But the lucky guy” engraved on the inside of his wedding band. thing I’ll miss most is talking to him. I always knew that if there was something I couldn’t figure out, I could bounce it off Chuck. Chuck was also very committed to the Rotary Peace Centers. I It was nice to know he was there. He provided the signal for my think his service in World War II may have had something to do with personal GPS. Although I’ve lost that, I find comfort in knowing his interest in peace. One of the last conversations I had with him was that Chuck left us a detailed road map drawn from his lessons, his about the peace center program. He was so proud of all 1,150 of our wisdom, and his kindness. graduates. When he and Carol downsized their home, they auctioned off many of the items he had collected while circling the globe as RI 56 | The Rotarian September 2018
CONVENTION COUNTDOWN A message from Foundation Trustee Chair Day trips Ron D. Burton H amburg offers a lot of exciting ex- periences for those attending the I was a district governor in 1987-88, the year that Charles C. Keller 2019 Rotary International Conven- was the RI president. (You can read a tribute to Keller, who died in May, tion from 1 to 5 June. But there is also much on the facing page.) As district governor, I attended the 1988 Rotary to discover when you take an excursion into the International Convention in Philadelphia. There, I heard that there were surrounding region. an estimated 350,000 cases of polio in 125 countries. But I also heard some exciting news: We had surpassed our goal of raising $120 million Did you know, for example, that there is an for the eradication of polio. We had raised $219,350,449 (and later, after island in the North Sea that is part of Hamburg the accounting was done, that figure was revised to $247 million). What even though it is 60 miles from the city center? a celebration we had. We proved to ourselves and the world the strength At low tide you can walk across the tidal flats to of Rotary and that we could take on a global health challenge. Neuwerk, through the Wattenmeer (a 300-mile stretch of seacoast where the water recedes a In the ensuing 30 years, we, along with our partners – the World full 10 miles at low tide, leaving the tidal flats Health Organization, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preven- bare). Or, if the trip to the island on foot seems tion, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – have raised too daunting, you can take a horse-drawn carriage even more funds, organized National Immunization Days, and advocated instead. Enjoy the amazing views of the coast with world governments. Our goal has always been to keep our promise from Neuwerk’s massive lighthouse, built in the to give children a polio-free world, and in 2017, there were only 22 cases. 14th century as a watchtower. We’ve done incredible work, but we know the job isn’t over. Once Another ecological wonderland is Lüneburger we reduce the number of cases to zero and no viruses are detected in Heide, a nature preserve some 30 miles south of the environment, we must wait for WHO to certify the world officially the bustling harbor city. Here you can find peace polio free. That requires at least a three-year period without a single and quiet in a unique habitat. On the way, stop detection of the wild poliovirus in a person or the environment. During for a traditional hearty lunch at the Gasthaus that three years, we will still have to vaccinate children and ensure Zum Heidemuseum. through surveillance that the virus never regains a foothold. Or experience typical Northern small towns. Rotarians have always been on the front lines of this effort – we Just across the Elbe River, the Altes Land region still are. So, what can you do? Tell everyone you know about Rotary has always been the city’s food pantry and gar- and polio. Make a donation. Update your club and explore how den. The area is famous for its cherry and apple together you could participate directly in the fight. orchards. Day tours start in the city. –STEFANMEUSER On 24 October, we’ll celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Global Po- Register for the 2019 lio Eradication Initiative’s formation at our sixth annual World Polio Day Rotary Convention in Hamburg at event, in Philadelphia, the city where it all started. Host a World Polio Day fundraiser or watch party, and tell us about it at endpolio.org/ riconvention.org. promote-your-event. For more inspiration, check out endpolio.org. I need your help. I’m depending on you to help us keep our promise. Ron D. Burton FOUNDATION TRUSTEE CHAIR September 2018 The Rotarian | 57
our clubs Friends and family Rotary Club of Maidenhead Bridge, Berkshire, England CLUB INNOVATION: Chartered: 2012 Biweekly meetings at a local coffee shop have an air of Original membership: 25 informality and flexibility along with an emphasis on being Current membership: 48 family-friendly, with members often bringing their children. They even give the kids roles to play in club meetings, helping nurture the next generation of Rotarians. In keeping with the family-friendly focus, club members serve as marshals at local festivities that are a hallmark of this fun-loving town. A BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE: When it was built in the 1830s, the Maidenhead Railway Club members used their business know-how to help Food- Bridge, which connects communities across the Thames River, share, a nonprofit providing food and assistance to those in was declared a marvel of engineering. The Rotary Club of need, expand operations and reduce waste by better organizing Maidenhead Bridge, formed to accommodate the schedules of its shelves. “Several of their members are regular – and pop- young professionals and parents with young children, also ular – volunteers at our food bank and have organized regular engineers connections across the community, cultures, and collections of shopper donations from a local supermarket,” generations. Members emphasize hands-on service and says Lester Tanner, a trustee of Foodshare Maidenhead. “It’s routinely log about 2,000 cumulative volunteer hours each good to know that there is another organization with so much year. They set aside at least as much time for play. goodwill and capability that we can call on.” While doing serious work in the community, the club has Several charter members of the Rotary Club of Maiden- a flair for the irreverent, says Hunter. Every year, as a fund- head Bridge had been members of the Rotaract Club of Maid- enhead. “We hit 30 and we asked ourselves, ‘What are we raiser for The Rotary Foundation, the club organizes a 24-hour going to do now?’ ” says Lisa Hunter, charter president of the Rotary club. “We started talking about what we wanted Ro- event featuring 24 challenges tary to be for us. The main club in town met at lunchtime, and for those of us with careers and young children, it didn’t really that members have to tackle. work. And we needed to be family-friendly so that members could bring little ‘members’ along.” “We’ll start at 8 a.m. on a Sat- Hunter’s daughter, Chloe, 7, has been attending meetings urday and go to 8 a.m. Sunday. since she was born. Like the 10 or so children who usually show up, “she is very much in tune with helping other people,” There’s quite a lot of physical Hunter says. “As they get older we’ve given them jobs to do,” including handing out birthday cards and helping with an- activities and some mental nouncements. “They also help us drum up sales at community events. It’s quite something. They are future salespeople.” ones. Origami at 3 a.m. is prob- A signature community initiative has heightened the club’s ably one of the most difficult exposure and forged bonds with other local groups. “There are a lot of charities that are starting up and need support,” I’ve ever done,” she says. Hunter says, such as the Thames Valley Adventure Play- “One lovely byproduct of the event was the team build- From top: A community ing, getting to know fellow cleanup project; diabetes testing members better and having fun at the same time.” with nonprofit Silver Star. The amusements are part of the club design. “I think it’s the flexibility of our meetings that has fostered growth,” Hunter says. “Don’t be scared or put off by change. Rotary can be what we want it to be.” — BRAD WEBBER ground, which caters to children with physical and learning What is your club doing to reinvent itself? disabilities, and Family Friends, an organization that aids Email [email protected]. people who are facing hardship. 58 | The Rotarian September 2018
Welcome YOUNGER PROFESSIONALS into your club and share your passion and energy for DOING GOOD LEARN HOW AT Rotary.org/engaging-younger-professionals
HGAOVTEAAMMEEMMBBEERRSSHHIIPPQQUUEESSTTIIOONN?? WE’VE GOT THE ANSWER! HOW DOES MY CLUB… ANSWER Accommodate the varying Learn about options to needs of our current and make your club flexible. prospective members? Attract emerging leaders? Explore the Engaging Younger Professionals digital toolkit. Become more diverse, Discover solutions welcoming, and engaging? to realistic challenges by taking an interactive online membership course. Find these answers and more at rotary.org/membership
DEUTSCHLAND DOINGS Across 52 Cuba, por ejemplo 15 Links alert 1 Close copy 56 Cal. column 19 Collins or Donahue By Victor Fleming 8 Toots one’s own horn 57 Chicken Little’s 22 Shrimper’s net Rotary Club of Little Rock, Arkansas 14 Wall-to-wall concern 23 Least recent 24 Sierra Club carpeting alternative 58 Bill for 15 Kind of pen screwdrivers, say founder John 26 Value 16 With 22-Across, theme 60 Comic book legend 27 Presley’s label of the 2019 Rotary 63 See 49-Across 29 Broadcast agcy. Convention 64 Confers holy 30 Triumphant cry 31 Dolts 33 The same size 17 Narrowest election orders upon 35 Vegas roller 36 Philadelphia win margin 65 They’re prayed summer hrs. 18 Ancient ascetic for in court 38 Caffeinated quaff 40 Golf ball’s platform 19 Boston tower, 66 Destiny 43 Grand Ole ___ with “the” 67 Fox’s quality 46 Not in class 48 Air Force rank 49 Comforting comment 20 Scampered Down 50 ___-Grain 21 Cinco follower 22 See 16-Across (cereal brand) 1 Speeds 51 Four-stringers 25 Country singer Gibbs 2 Clear 53 Wild West vehicle 28 Hazy memory 3 Vending machine buy 54 Interstate divisions 55 Gaping pit 58 Maine college 29 Groovy 4 Breaking news 59 War party 32 Italy’s La ___ 61 Saigon’s site, informally 5 Britney Spears’ 62 Be deceitful 34 LED part “___ Away” 63 Mdse. 37 Mississippi tribe 6 Heal 39 Olympian’s no-no 7 What candles 41 Paddler’s craft might indicate 42 Oft-pierced places 8 Remove feeling from 44 Came together 9 Roar of approval 45 Zeno’s home 4 7 Michelangelo work 10 Off-road wheels, for short 49 With 63-Across, where 11 Pantry, e.g. 2019 Rotary Conven- 12 Magnate tion is to be held 13 Dog-tired Solution on page 18 FIND A CLUB Learn more about our 2019 Rotary Convention PRE & POST TOURS • HAMBURG, GERMANY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD! Get Rotary’s free Club Locator app Our trip itineraries have been set. Visit hamdenrotaryclubtours.org and find a meeting wherever you go! to see the 2019 Hamburg trips. Many exciting options are available. www.rotary.org/clublocator Hamden Rotary Club Tours - 844-768-2799 • hamdenrotaryclubtours.org WWHATACTHWTILOLDYAOYU? www.wyo.yuotutbueb.ce.ocmom/ro/rtoatrayrinyitnetrenrantaiotinoanlal watch. learn. connect. September 2018 The Rotarian | 61
our clubs Rotaract clubs earn awards for excellent service The annual Rotaract Outstanding Project Awards recognize the work Rotaract clubs do in developing innovative solutions to community problems. This year, one overall project and one multidistrict project each received $1,000 for a future service project. The awards, which were announced in April, also recognized outstanding service projects in each of six regions. To nominate a project for next year’s awards, go to on.rotary.org/ROPA1819. OVERALL PROJECT develop those skills and to provide them with basic business Rotaract Club of Edulink International and personal finance training. Campus, Sri Lanka The club also arranged with several major companies, in- The Rotaract Club of Edulink International Campus in cluding the largest gift shop firm in Sri Lanka, to carry the women’s products. The club hopes it can remove some of the Colombo was recognized for an initiative that teaches entre- stigma around HIV and AIDS by helping the women to show- case their talents, creating a sustainable income source for preneurial skills and provides business opportunities to them through commerce, and holding events aimed at educat- ing the public about the disease. women with HIV/AIDS. “Before, these women were unemployed because nobody The club created the Dream Store online platform, where would provide them jobs,” says Nipun Peiris, past president of the club. “They had no choice but to beg on the street.” the women sell products they make (below); their earnings are deposited directly into their bank accounts. Club mem- MULTIDISTRICT PROJECT bers met with the participants to assess their skills and then European Rotaract Information Centre worked with local experts and Rotarians to help the women This multidistrict organization, founded in 1988, promotes collaboration and development of service projects among 115 districts and 24,000 Rotaractors in more than 45 countries. The Information Centre uses the internet to facilitate con- nections. It compiles project descriptions and uploads them to an online library that Rotaractors can access. The library includes over 150 projects that can be sorted by subject to help find projects of interest. A “twinning accelerator” serves as a search engine to con- nect clubs with mutual interests in service and friendship. Clubs can form long-term relationships to promote interna- tional understanding and goodwill, and to carry out service projects in their communities. 62 | The Rotarian September 2018
REGIONAL AWARD RECIPIENTS ASIA PACIFIC SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA Rotaract Club of Makati San Miguel, Philippines Rotaract Club of St. Jude’s Arusha, Tanzania The San Miguel Rotaractors held a mini-hackathon to develop The St. Jude’s Arusha club led workshops in which 12 unem- new apps to solve community problems. Three prototypes that ployed young people learned skills including how to make soap were tested at the event were developed further afterward. One and juice. With the help of app allows users to find hospitals, evacuation sites, and fire sta- Rotarians, the Rotaractors tions during an emergency. Another builds résumés for partici- then placed the participants pants at a job fair and connects them with employers. The third app in three-month paid intern- reroutes supply trucks during a flood to reduce response times. ships with local firms. Six were offered jobs by those SOUTH ASIA companies at the end of the program, and two started Rotaract Club of the their own businesses. Caduceus, India LATIN AMERICA The Rotaract Club of the Caduceus in Mumbai Rotaract Club of Belo Horizonte-Leste, Brazil launched the Ground Real- ity Journey project to com- The Rotaractors partnered with community members and bat the negative effects of volunteer teachers on a project that offered college entrance coal mining in its commu- preparation courses and exams to students. The students also nity. Members worked with took part in extracurricular activities such as visiting muse- local organizations, the government, and village residents to ums and art galleries. offer medical examinations, install waste segregation systems, conduct health education seminars, plant trees, and raise money U.S., CANADA, for school improvements. AND CARIBBEAN EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST, AND CENTRAL ASIA Rotaract Club of New Kingston, Rotaract Club of Hippocrate, Morocco Jamaica Students in the rural community of Imintlit, Morocco, The New Kingston club have to walk about 6 miles to school, resulting in a high teamed with Rotarians and health professionals on its dropout rate. In response, Back to School Medical the Rotaract Club of Hip- Project, which provided pocrate launched a project medical exams, dental cleanings, and eye screenings to stu- to raise money to buy bi- dents in several underserved communities. Parents also re- cycles and distribute them ceived education on a variety of health topics. to the students. Within a year, the dropout rate de- — ARNOLD R. GRAHL creased from 45 percent to 23 percent. September 2018 The Rotarian | 63
last look XIMENA JERIA KEEP ON TRAVELIN’ Rick Steves has tips for you on what to see in Hamburg, including In his essay on page 40, Rick Steves – travel writer, host of the long-running PBS series Rick the Elbphilharmonie concert hall. Steves’ Europe, and friend of Rotary – makes a compelling case for the way that visiting other countries opens our hearts to new friends and our minds to new ideas. One place where that can happen is Hamburg, the cosmopolitan city that will host the 2019 Rotary International Convention. Steves is giving Rotary the chapter on Hamburg from his most recent guide to Germany; it will be available to convention goers so they can read all of his recommendations. Save on your registration for the Rotary Convention through 15 December. Sign up now at riconvention.org. 64 | The Rotarian September 2018
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What sort of people read The Rotarian? People of action. We surveyed our readers and found that 82% took action in the past 12 months as a result of reading The Rotarian. SOURCE: 2018 Rotarian Reader Survey conducted by GfK MRI
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