2022-01 January

It began when Seok started counseling Seok’s club is one of many that are work- 73.8 newcomers from the North. This came to her ing to give immigrants a positive transition naturally; she’d been an extrovert as a young experience. Rotary clubs in South Korea have Percentage of girl, and liked to help others. When she was long supported defectors from North Korea in females among 18 and still living in North Korea, her friends a variety of ways, such as building schools, of- North Korean had nominated her to attend a National Com- fering scholarships, and providing free health defectors entering munism Good Customs Leaders’ Conference, checks and dental care. During the COVID-19 South Korea from which celebrated citizens who had performed pandemic, five clubs (Ulsan-Dongbu, Ulsan 2001 to 2020 good deeds for their country and comrades. Jayu, Ulsan-Jeil, Ulsan-Muryong, and Ulsan- In the South, she now helped newer refugees Namsan) have delivered quarantine kits to 57.1 acclimate to the culture and joined some of 580 North Korean families in the Ulsan area. them in volunteering at an orphanage. Lately, though, the number of refugees has Percentage of In 2016, Seok was approached by Hae-Sang shrunk dramatically. According to the Minis- North Korean Choi, a Rotarian who at the time was governor try of Unification, only two North Koreans, a defectors who of District 3721. As a member of the National man and a woman, entered the South in the entered South Korea Unification Advisory Council — a national second quarter of 2021 — the fewest since between the ages board, led by the president of South Korea and South Korea began keeping quarterly data of 20 and 39 known today as the Peaceful Unification Advi- almost 20 years earlier, and a dramatic drop sory Council, that consults on rejoining North from the 1,000-plus refugees who arrived 9.4% and South Korea — Choi had helped support each year between 2001 and 2019. A major North Korean refugees. He encouraged Seok cause of the decline is the pandemic. North Unemployment to work with fellow refugees to charter a new Korea tightened security at its Chinese border rate in 2020 among club. “Rotary can be your starting point to along the Tumen and Yalu rivers, placing spe- defectors in South build relationships with the community,” he cial forces troops on the front line to augment Korea, more than said. the work performed by the border guards; in twice the national Choi arranged for the Rotary Club of Ulsan some instances, soldiers were stationed every average Daeduck to mentor the fledgling club. In 2016, 3 to 5 meters (10 to 15 feet). These changes with 25 members, the Rotary Club of Ulsan have made it virtually impossible for brokers Source: South Korean Jayu — or Ulsan Freedom, as it’s known inter- to bribe guards. At the same time, the deploy- Ministry of Unification nationally — received its charter. Its founding ment of electronic identification measures, president was Ju Eun Seok. including vaccination certificates and facial- The Ulsan Jayu club assists North Korean recognition technology on public transporta- refugees, using Rotary connections to link tion systems, has made it difficult to move them to employment services, medical care, through China undetected. legal aid, and education. On holidays like Still, Seok stays hopeful for a united Korea Chuseok (similar to Thanksgiving), Seollal — or at least one in which people can move (Lunar New Year’s Day), and Christmas, the freely between North and South. “Practically club invites North Korean immigrants and speaking,” she says, “I will be glad if North local low-income families to share food and and South Koreans can just visit their loved presents, wear holiday costumes, and enjoy ones and friends.” In the long run, she would time together in order to ease feelings of like Korea to gain the advantages of combined alienation and create a sense of belonging. capital, technology, resources, and people. On the last Saturday of each month, members Beyond the political challenges will be the gather in the orphanage to clean the facility cultural ones. This is where Ulsan Jayu comes and bathe the residents. Some stay and help in. “We call ourselves ‘unification already in the children draw pictures. existence,’” Seok says. “We believe our activities Today, about half of the club’s members will make it easier for the people of the South to are nonrefugees. “I think it’s a positive sign accept people from the North without prejudice, that we are making great progress,” Seok and the people from the North will feel that says. “I want our club to be as vibrant as any they can be accepted, as others see us serving as other club, with diverse members and diverse proud members of the community.” projects.” But she emphasizes that the club’s first priority remains helping North Korean — SEOHA LEE manages Korean-language refugees resettle in the area. communications for Rotary International. She lives in Seoul. JANUARY 2022  ROTARY  49

A chance for a future Fleeing violence in his homeland, a young man leaves his family behind and faces the unknown.When he arrives in a place he never knew existed, Rotarians are ready to help Learn how you can I left Somalia when I was 14 or 15. It was would have put me in jail or shot me. I had to help refugees in only about five years ago, but it feels like such a flee without saying goodbye to anyone. your community long time. I left at night. I didn’t know where I was and globally by My mother is a farmer. My parents separated going. My goal was never to get to Europe, visiting the website when I was little, so I never knew my father. Then because I hadn’t even heard of it. I wanted to of the Rotary my mom married my stepfather. At that time, the get across the border to Kenya. In Somalia, we Action Group for war was already going on. don’t have buses or trains like in Switzerland, Refugees, Forced I had never thought of leaving Somalia. But but we have these cars that you can catch a Displacement, a terrorist group called al-Shabaab was taking ride with. I took the first one I could. After and Migration at children from farm families, selling them false a journey that lasted an entire day, I found my- ragforrefugees.org. ideas, bringing them to the cities, and using them self in Ethiopia. I had gone the wrong way. as human bombs. I saw them take a neighbor. In Ethiopia I was arrested and put in jail. I couldn’t tell my mom or anyone because they I was held there for a month. When they let 50  ROTARY  JANUARY 2022

me go, I was walking down the street and heard money, but the ticket only took me as far as a UNTAPPED someone speaking my mother tongue. He told small village in Switzerland on the border with POTENTIAL me that a lot of people come to Ethiopia and Italy, where there was another refugee camp. then go on to Sudan, Libya, or Europe, and he I spent two days in this camp, and then I was In 2018, Rotary members offered to help me. sent to a camp in Zurich. My uncle still wanted in Zurich started a I spent two days in an apartment with a group me to come to Holland, but now I had my nonprofit aimed at of refugees, and then someone picked us up with fingerprints and information in Switzerland, so helping young refugees a car. The car broke down in Sudan, and we had I wasn’t allowed to. integrate into society to walk across the desert for three days. After that I didn’t have a job or anything. I decided I — and helping local we found a car to take us to Libya. They don’t had to do something, it didn’t matter what, so businesses find skilled ask you for any money at the start, but when that I would have a chance for a future. workers. With the you get to Libya, you have to pay for the ride In Somalia, I knew I was going to be a farmer. motto “We give young and for everything you ate or drank on the way. That’s how it is. But when I looked at airplanes people a chance,” eight If you are able to pay the money you owe, you in the sky, I dreamed of flying airplanes. clubs work with dozens can get directly on a boat to Italy. But I didn’t I did a job placement for refugees. I took of local employers, have any money, and when I tried calling my some tests and I chose jobs that I was interest- including tailoring, stepfather, he hung up. When you can’t pay, you ed in. But it was already August, which is when catering, construction, get beaten up. They beat me and some other all the apprenticeships start in Switzerland. and cargo-handling young people, and made videos. We were like an That’s when the organization that was helping businesses, to provide example for the new people who were arriving. me put me in contact with ROBIJ and with Ms. career exploration days, Once they realized I was broken, really Hopsch [see sidebar], who found me an ap- vocational training, and skinny, and almost dead, they decided to let me prenticeship. I had to do a week of job explora- internships to young go. I found work, but I didn’t get paid anything, tion, and then another week where they could people like Mahdi, whose and all I got to eat was flour with salt, and see if I’m punctual. At the end of those two story you can read on sometimes some sugar. The first week I couldn’t weeks, they offered me a two-year apprentice- these pages. eat it and kept throwing up. By the second ship to learn to be a painter. week, I was so hungry that I started eating it. I At the beginning I didn’t know what a Three years earlier, was sleeping outside on the beach. painter was, but now I really enjoy it. Marianne Hopsch had I stayed in Libya for almost a year and a half. A lot of things were difficult at the beginning. been serving as program Finally I was able to get on a boat. It wasn’t a For example, in Somalia, we didn’t have show- officer for the Rotary real boat, just something put together from ers. We wash by using a plate to pour water Club of Zürich City when wood and plastic, and they put as many people over ourselves. In the place where I first stayed she decided to focus on as possible on it. It had two decks, and as we in Switzerland, there was no one from Somalia aid to refugees. She and were crossing the Mediterranean Sea, the who I could ask where I could wash myself. her fellow club members people on the top deck saw a big Italian ship. For a month I used a plate to wash myself. The got to know the various They all stood up at the same time to look at it, whole bathroom was full of water. organizations working and our boat flipped over. In Somalia, my family didn’t have a TV, so in that sphere; their The sea was cold because it was winter. I how can you know all this stuff? The first program, which goes by was lucky because I know how to swim. Many time I saw a white person was in Libya, and it the German acronym people went into the water and drowned. One was so weird. I thought, this is not a real hu- ROBIJ, grew from those friend of mine from Somalia, Mohammed, went man. People had to explain to me that it was a connections. down into the water. Someone I know from human. Other refugees had come from cities Eritrea, who now lives in Lucerne, lost his wife where they have TVs, so they knew about it. As of mid-2021, six and two children. At the beginning, I had no idea of the value of refugees have found I ended up in a hospital in Italy. After two money in Switzerland. I went to a shop to buy apprenticeships and weeks they brought me to a camp, an awful some clothes. I gave my money to the cashier more than 20 others camp. They gave us very little food. I decided I and she took everything I had for the entire have been placed in trial couldn’t stay there. month. I didn’t think it would be so expensive. internships. During three I went to Syracuse, in Sicily. Some people I didn’t know how to cook either. I ate just career exploration days, there were putting refugees on buses, if you had bread and potatoes and drank tea. Then I almost 200 young people money. I have an uncle who lives in Holland, so learned how to cook eggs and found some have been able to meet I created a Facebook account and found him friends to cook with. It wasn’t easy to meet with representatives on there and wrote him a message. The next people in Switzerland. But now with vocational from trade organizations day my uncle called and told me to take a bus school, I have friends. Now I really like Zurich. and learn about job to Holland. A guy made me a fake passport opportunities. For more and bought me a ticket after my uncle sent him — As told to KIM WIDLICKI. Widlicki is a marketing information (in German), and social media specialist in RI’s Zurich office. visit robij.ch. JANUARY 2022  ROTARY  51

diversity, equity, and inclusion each one, bring one shop houston get pinned! OURCLUBS world, adorns the Fox Theatre in Atlanta). VIRTUAL VISIT After a more modern theater opened How to make the most of an online meeting The show in town in 1950, the Rylander closed its must go on doors — and they stayed closed for more The Americus club shifted to hybrid than four decades. In the 1990s, the city’s meetings in July 2020 and began Rotary Club of then mayor, Tom Gailey, who was also a Ro- looking for ways to best engage online Americus, Georgia tary member, launched a major restoration members in the new format. President effort, and the club made its mark on the Kenny Phillips says the club wanted to With a red velvet curtain providing a dra- theater again with a significant contribu- make sure that those attending online matic backdrop, and ornate plasterwork, tion. A grand reopening was held in 1999 on would feel they were participating and painted murals, and other decor from a the 75th birthday of former U.S. President not just watching remotely. A few tips bygone era setting the scene, members of Jimmy Carter, whose hometown of Plains from the club: the Rotary Club of Americus, Georgia, as- is 10 miles west of Americus. He and first sembled in June for their annual bash at lady Rosalynn attended, and the auditorium Add a second camera and computer the town’s historic Rylander Theatre. In was named in his honor. in the back of the room to allow people addition to celebrating the chance to get online to see those attending in person together in person, the evening commem- Today, the connection between the and to help pick up remarks made away orated a century of connections between club and the theater continues: Last year, from the podium. the club and the theater, which opened in members secured a grant from the district January 1921. to update the projection equipment. Assign a member to run the second unit, muting and unmuting virtual Two charter members of the club — Ar- The club calls its annual party the Trip attendees. The second unit should also thur Rylander and his son Walter — were Raffle: The name is derived from a long- be connected to the room’s speaker among the founders of the theater. In 1919, standing tradition of offering three big system so those who are taking part Walter surprised everyone involved by pri- prizes at the end of the evening in the online can be heard by everyone. vately coming up with $60,000 for the con- form of special getaways. Since the 1990s, struction, alleviating the need for the city, the club has been putting together the Experiment with the setup chamber of commerce, and club to rustle prize trips — which have included a four- beforehand. Angela Smith admits it took up the funds. In return, his family name day cruise in the Bahamas and a “culture- a few meetings to get things working well. went up on the marquee. packed weekend in Atlanta” that featured “We had to figure out a way to share what tickets to Hamilton at the Fox Theatre, a was onscreen,” she says. “It was definitely In its heyday, the theater was billed as tour of the city’s Pratt-Pullman historic an evolving process.” the finest playhouse south of Atlanta: John district, and a visit to the Atlanta Botani- Philip Sousa once performed there, World cal Garden — with an eye toward boosting Keep the limitations of the setup in War I hero Sgt. Alvin C. York spoke there, sales of the raffle tickets. mind. “Some speakers like to roam about and people came from miles around to hear when they talk,” Phillips notes, “but the the “Mini Mo,” a pipe organ made by the Angela Smith, the 2020-21 club presi- microphones only pick up so much.” M.P. Möller Organ Co. (The “Mighty Mo,” dent, describes the event as part fundraiser, the second-largest theater pipe organ in the part just plain fun. “A big part of Rotary is and the need to shift to virtual meetings, the service,” she notes, “but we also really like club built new partnerships in the commu- to hang out with each other.” nity and also brought in 10 new members. A big reason for the club’s recent success At the event, members celebrate the is the way it has embraced the need to re- year’s successes. They had a lot to cheer invent itself during the pandemic. “While this year: Despite the COVID-19 pandemic 52  ROTARY  JANUARY 2022

routine is good,” Angela Smith notes, “it also a member of the club — to join online form and accomplish some things and still can also be crippling.” and share their group’s needs, as well as ways Rotary could help. Meetings became be in my work environment.” She continued: “We knew that not brainstorming sessions for service projects meeting wasn’t an option for us. The pan- — and, later, working sessions to carry out The club’s connection with President demic created an environment that forced those projects remotely. us to pivot from the way we have always Carter, who is an honorary member, con- lived, met, served, and given.” Members used the money they were no longer spending on lunches to purchase tinues to influence its work: A recent proj- Angela Smith’s husband, Rene, who was snack baskets and meals for staff at the serving as club president at the start of the hospital. Events that couldn’t be held in ect included buying computers for the Boys pandemic, had experience with online person went virtual, and their budgets meeting platforms; the club immediately were rerouted to help local businesses. and Girls club that the Carters support. scrapped its previous format, dedicating its Collaboration with other organizations first remote meeting to sharing news and became a priority. In 2020, the Trip Raffle was held virtu- helping members acclimate to getting to- gether online. The club then began inviting “People wanted a way to help,” says ally, so organizers got creative, designing representatives from local organizations, Angela Smith. “This gave them that way.” including the CEO of the hospital — who is an online scavenger hunt that had mem- The club has created plenty of opportu- “The pandemic nities for members to get involved in more bers and guests scrambling through their created an traditional types of projects, too, such as cleanups of the downtown area. Members homes to find toilet paper, thermometers, environment that also volunteer at a wreath-laying event at forced us to pivot another of the area’s major tourist attrac- hand sanitizer, and other items representa- from the way we have tions, the Andersonville National Historic always lived, met, Site, which is situated on the grounds of tive of the pandemic. The participants had served, and given.” the infamous Civil War prison camp where more than 12,000 Union soldiers died. to photograph the items and text them back “We’ve had more people take part in our in order to collect points. service projects than we did before,” notes Kenny Phillips, the current club president. Phillips says that kind of resiliency is “It’s easy for me to flip on whatever plat- what defines the club. “Seeing the level of commitment and ef- fort individuals are making to serve keeps me humble,” says Phillips. “It’s a small town. But these people have a heart, a pas- sion, a desire, and a drive to make a dif- ference in our community, the state, and the world.” — arnold r. grahl Leah Overstreet From left: Americus club members Angela Smith, Sybil Smith, Kenny Phillips, Cindy Pryor, and Kathryn Moore at the historic Rylander Theatre, with which the club has a century-long connection. JANUARY 2022  ROTARY  53

OUR CLUBS FOUR QUESTIONS Barrier free Increasing access for people with disabilities requires a shift in attitude Jeremy Opperman 1 You have a condition called retinitis 3 You have written about the differences Rotary Club of pigmentosa, which can result in total between a surface understanding of Newlands, South Africa blindness. You also run your own accessibility, such as wheelchair access, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task consulting firm that focuses on diversity and a fuller understanding of what it means Force member and disability issues. How has being blind to have disability equity. What are some Learn more about Rotary’s shaped your work?  barriers that people often overlook? Diversity, Equity, I didn’t become a diversity practitioner and a dis- A major attitudinal barrier prevents us from bring- and Inclusion ability equity specialist because I was blind; I had a ing disability equity into mainstream inclusion. Statement at perfectly good career for more than 10 years before For generations and generations, we’ve had a para- rotary.org/dei. I started working in this field. But what my blind- digm that embraced exclusion. It’s not unlike the ness did was give me credibility in the subject. It paradigm that has kept women down for millennia. gave me a personal understanding of an impair- We are at the tail end of that, but it’s hard to undo ment, and empathy. As a result, I have been able those things. to pursue these issues with greater understanding and empathy. But as I like to say, physical barriers don’t make themselves. Your inaccessible building didn’t make 2 As a member of Rotary’s Diversity, itself; it was made by people. And if people were to Equity, and Inclusion Task Force, what think more about disability inclusion, you would have less inaccessibility. That’s what I mean by an experiences can you share with Rotary attitudinal barrier. To overcome the physical barri- ers, we need to overcome the attitudinal ones. And leaders that will help to create a more that’s our greatest challenge.   inclusive experience for all? One of the most glaringly obvious reasons why 4 Why is it beneficial to all to make corporations struggle with disability equity and disability equity a priority? diversity is because leadership is not truly invested. Because inclusion makes more sense than It’s vital that our leadership be invested and knowl- exclusion. If we categorically exclude people, even edgeable about diversity, and especially disability, if we do so without realizing it, we exclude more because it is very nuanced, involved, and complex. than just one individual. Say you are a party of four going out to eat at a restaurant, and one of you is There is often activity in diversity areas, but or- in a wheelchair. Can you go anywhere you’d like? ganizations might be doing it in an ad hoc or reac- Chances are you can’t, because of accessibility is- tive way. The diversity activities of an organization sues. Now, that restaurant you could not go to — might be confined to certain segments that don’t did it lose one meal, or four? We can’t afford to lose intersect with other aspects of the business. It’s people through thoughtlessness, carelessness, or very important that we ensure there’s integration in even tacit exclusion. — arnold r. grahl all parts of an organization such as Rotary. It’s stra- tegic; it’s not just something you do here and there. Illustration by Viktor Miller Gausa 54  ROTARY  JANUARY 2022

TROOTACRYORVESIPDO-N1D9S  Visit Rotary’s COVID-19 resource center to help your club take action in support of COVID-19 vaccination and prevention rotary.org/covid19

GROWING IMNECMRBEEARSSHEISP THE GOOD WE CAN DO! Introducing the Membership Society for New Member Sponsors To recognize those who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment and success in growing our membership, we have launched a new recognition program. The Membership Society for New Member Sponsors is a virtual gallery for those members who have sponsored 25 or more new members. Visit rotary.org/membershipsociety

OUR CLUBS CALENDAR January events Take the plunge Utensils ready! So hot it’s chili Event: Event: Event: Lyme Lunge Fork It Over Crazy Pepper Chili Cook O Host: Host: Host: Rotary Club of Rotary Club of Edmonton-Mayfield, Rotary Club of Highlands County, Florida Lyme Regis, England Alberta What it benefits: What it benefits: What it benefits: Local charities Local charities Local and international charities Date: 22 January Date: 1 January Date: 8 January Think your chili recipe is the best in Winkingly described as a “fancy dress To mark the 20th edition of this the world? Why not put it to the test dip in the balmy waters of Lyme Bay,” fundraiser, this year’s event will be a at this 10th annual chili cook-o this event is actually a bracing plunge formal gala, in the style of the Academy event? Cooking teams can win cash into chilly water — about 12 degrees Awards. A professional auctioneer and prizes, including $500 for first place. Celsius (54 degrees Fahrenheit). an emcee will keep attendees enter- If your expertise lies more in tasting, Some participants wear bathing suits, tained and motivated to bid on various this is also a delicious way to spend an while others opt for formalwear or live and silent auction items. Many of afternoon. Besides the main course, festive costumes. Local businesses the prizes are food- and travel-related the event features a chili-dog eating provide refreshments to help swim- (hence the “Fork It Over” name). contest, live music, and a car show. mers warm up. A festival weekend Shop till you drop Fifty years of art Event: Event: Event: Federation Festival Market Summer Market Mornington Art Show Host: Host: Host: Rotary Club of Corowa, Australia Rotary Club of Ocean Grove, Australia Rotary Club of Mornington, Australia What it benefits: What it benefits: What it benefits: Local projects Local and international charities Local and international projects Date: 23 January Date: 2 January Dates: 20-30 January The Rotary Club of Corowa hosts a This monthly summer market has Celebrating its 50th year, this art show monthly market, but this additional been held for two decades and fea- features some 800 paintings for sale one held annually on the weekend tures a wide variety of items for sale from artists around Australia. Following closest to Australia Day is bi ger and — from fresh produce and snacks to an opening-night gala, the pieces will better than most. Expect the usual clothes, crafts, and toys. Locally made be exhibited at a community center for array of food, including a farmers’ goods are a crowd favorite. Donations a week; and starting 23 January, digital market, along with live entertainment, are collected to benefit causes such versions can be viewed on the event’s a miniature railway, an inflatable as bushfire relief. website: morningtonartshow.com.au. castle, and free face-painting for kids. Tell us about your event. Write to [email protected] with “calendar” in the subject line. JANUARY 2022 ROTARY 57

OUR CLUBS “There’s a difference between being a member and belonging. You don’t belong until people take care of you, and you, in turn, start taking care of other people.” — Elizabeth Usovicz HANDBOOK Each One, Be flexible Start a cause- Bring One (back) or interest-based Innovate Rotary offers a variety club to recruit Former members — as of ways to create a club well as current members experience that appeals Clubs everywhere Each One, Bring One who may have lost their to new and potential are looking to engage initiative offers fresh passion for Rotary — can members. From corporate members by focusing on opportunities be a valuable resource. To and alumni-based their passions. In District learn how to best engage memberships to e-clubs 5030 (Washington), Increasing Rotary’s member- all members, talk with and satellite clubs, you Governor Howard Cohen ship isn’t a new concept. It’s people who haven’t been can choose when, where, has helped charter two an ongoing process, says RI attending club meetings how, and why you meet. cause-based clubs — one Director Elizabeth Usovicz, to find out why, and ask “Flexibility is key,” says focused on environmental “but we’re bringing fresh ways former members what Usovicz. “Shake up the sustainability and another of thinking about it.” The em- was missing from their time you meet and where on ending sex trafficking phasis now is on encouraging Rotary experience. Then you meet. Look beyond — and is planning others innovative new clubs, and “each look for ways to meet your inner circle to your that will pull in members person can bring someone to those needs. secondary circle. You’re who are veterans, part of that effort,” she says. more likely to find a the LGBTQ+ community, greater representation of or involved with the From starting new clubs your community.” Muslim Association of that are focused on a cause or Puget Sound. (See the interest to promoting a sense of “Resources” box on how belonging in existing clubs, an to start a new club.) effort to embrace flexibility and prioritize the needs of members Illustration by James Graham — both current and potential — can help Rotary grow. With a goal of reaching — and sustaining — a global membership of 1.3 million Rotary club members and 300,000 Rotaract members, the Each One, Bring One initia- tive is a call to action for every member. Read on for ideas on how to introduce someone you know to Rotary. — maureen vaught 58  ROTARY  JANUARY 2022

“Personal testimony — not only what you were able to give back to the community but also how Rotary has impacted your life and what you gained from it — can make a real difference.” — Erica Murphy, Rotary Club of Shades Valley, Alabama Contact your Hold an Each One, Get into the action RESOURCES Innovative Club Bring One event advocate When members are Refer a Member online tool Club events that focus involved in Rotary Action Know someone who would make In North America, each on service, or simply on Groups and Fellowships, a great member but need help zone has two Innovative fun and fellowship, are they’re more likely to determining which club is right for Club advocates who can a great way to introduce remain in Rotary, says them? Rotary members can use the help you create new clubs, new people to Rotary and Jacque Howard, a past Refer a Member tool to help match explore new meeting show them how your club governor of District 6080 a potential member with the right formats, and discover is making a difference in (Missouri). Find out club. Find it at my.rotary.org/ different membership the community. When what your members’ member-center. options. To find your you organize such events, interests are so you can advocates, contact your encourage each member connect them with like- Visit myrotary.org/membership district governor, zone to bring at least one new minded people. Or get to find a variety of tools to help your coordinator, or director, person along. And make the whole club involved: club engage members. Learn how to: or look on your zone’s sure you follow up with The Rotary Action Group website. attendees to let them for Peace, for example,  C onnect with potential members know about the different can help set you up as a  C onduct a club health check ways they can become peacebuilder club.  C reate a membership plan for involved in Rotary. your club  E ngage your current members  I ncrease your club’s flexibility  S tart a new club JANUARY 2022  ROTARY  59

TRUSTEE CHAIR’S MESSAGE SERVICE ABOVE SELF The value of partnerships THE OBJECT OF ROTARY We all came into Rotary because we This level of impact can also be seen The Object of Rotary is to encourage wanted to join with others in service and in collaborations across our other areas and foster the ideal of service as a make a difference. Similarly, when Rotary of focus. Rotary partners with the United basis of worthy enterprise and, in teams up with like-minded organizations States Agency for International Develop- particular, to encourage and foster: to work toward our shared goals, there is ment (USAID) on major initiatives at a nothing that we can’t accomplish. Partner- national scale. The Rotary-USAID WASH First The development of ships amplify our impact. partnership has helped communities and acquaintance as an opportunity for governments in countries such as Uganda service; Leading through partnerships is noth- and Ghana provide safe water, sanita- ing new for Rotary: We helped spearhead tion, and hygiene, impacting hundreds of Second High ethical standards the formation of the Global Polio Eradi- thousands of lives. We are also teaming up in business and professions, the cation Initiative. Later, when the Bill & with USAID to help fight COVID-19 and recognition of the worthiness Melinda Gates Foundation joined the cause, its long-term financial and social impact of all useful occupations, and we gained a long-term fundraising and in Italy. Meanwhile, the Hearts of Europe the dignifying of each Rotarian’s technical partner in the fight against polio. program, which is funded jointly by USAID occupation as an opportunity to Through our partnership and the 2-to-1 fun- and Rotary, assists communities in East- serve society; draising match agreement with the Gates ern Europe through global grants. Foundation, Rotary generates $150 million Third The application of the ideal of annually to end polio.We are proud that they Proving our value as a trusted part- service in each Rotarian’s personal, are a part of the effort to end this disease. ner often spurs multiple mutual projects. business, and community life; Through the Power of Nutrition initiative, Many people may not know that our we are partnering with our polio eradica- Fourth The advancement of work with the Gates Foundation and our tion partner UNICEF and the Eleanor international understanding, other partners doesn’t end with polio but Crook Foundation to tackle undernutri- goodwill, and peace through a includes other disease-prevention efforts. tion during early childhood. world fellowship of business and The Rotary Foundation has joined with the professional persons united in the Gates Foundation and World Vision U.S. to The Rotary Foundation is far too great ideal of service. co-fund a Rotary member-led program to to keep to ourselves. Let’s make sure to help eliminate malaria in Zambia. Based let the Foundation’s light shine bright. In THE FOUR-WAY TEST on past partnership and future collabora- doing so, we will find new partners, gain tion around this effort, each co-funder is new supporters, and increase the good Of the things we think, say, or do: contributing $2 million for the Partners we’re all doing in the world. for a Malaria-Free Zambia program, the 1. Is it the truth? first recipient of The Rotary Foundation’s JOHN F. GERM 2. Is it fair to all concerned? Programs of Scale grant. 3. Will it build goodwill and better Foundation trustee chair friendships? 60  ROTARY  JANUARY 2022 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned? ROTARIAN CODE OF CONDUCT The following code of conduct has been adopted for the use of Rotarians: As a Rotarian, I will 1. Act with integrity and high ethical standards in my personal and professional life 2. Deal fairly with others and treat them and their occupations with respect 3. Use my professional skills through Rotary to: mentor young people, help those with special needs, and improve people’s quality of life in my community and in the world 4. Avoid behavior that reflects adversely on Rotary or other Rotarians 5. Help maintain a harassment-free environment in Rotary meetings, events, and activities, report any suspected harassment, and help ensure non-retaliation to those individuals that report harassment. Illustration by Viktor Miller Gausa

OUR CLUBS IN BRIEF ROTARY ACTION GROUPS Rotary pledges grants at Rotary Action Groups help clubs and districts plan and carry out community development and humanitarian service projects in their Global Citizen areas of expertise. The groups are organized by Rotarians, Rotarac- event tors, and Rotary Peace Fellows with skills and interest in a particular field. Membership is open to anyone who wants to share their Rotary International President-elect expertise to make a positive impact. Action group members have the Jennifer Jones took the stage at the opportunity to engage in meaningful service activities outside their Global Citizen Live concert on 25 Sep- clubs, districts, or countries. Clubs can draw on these groups to tember in Paris and pledged that Rotary enhance projects, engage members, and attract new ones. Find out would provide $97 million in grants to more by emailing or visiting the website of the group you’re inter- sustainable, club-led projects in 2022. ested in, or by writing to [email protected]. Global Citizen Live, a 24-hour broad- Addiction prevention Hepatitis cast with events and performances across Andrew Esiebo / Rotary International rag-ap.org ragforhepatitiseradication.com six continents, was put on by the inter- national advocacy organization Global Alzheimer’s and dementia Malaria Citizen to unite people to take action adrag.org ram-global.org to defend the planet, end the COVID-19 pandemic, defeat poverty, stop the hunger Basic education and literacy Menstrual health and hygiene crisis, provide education for all children, belrag.org www.ragmhh.org and promote equity and justice for every- one. Some of the world’s best-known per- Blindness prevention Mental health forming artists, activists, and government rag4bp.org ragonmentalhealth.org leaders participated in the event. Blood donation Multiple sclerosis “Every day, millions of girls walk miles ourblooddrive.org rotary-ragmsa.org to fetch clean water, and millions of boys are on the streets instead of going to Clubfoot Peace school. Every day, moms and dads strug- rag4clubfoot.org rotaryactiongroupforpeace.org gle to find ways to feed their children,” Jones said. “And every day, members of Community economic development Polio survivors Rotary and Global Citizen start our days ragced.org rotarypoliosurvivors.org knowing that we can make a difference.” Diabetes Refugees, forced displacement, “This year we’re putting a special focus rag-diabetes.org and migration on empowering girls worldwide, opening ragforrefugees.org doors for young women to build brighter Disaster assistance futures,” Jones said. “Today Rotary is dna-rag.com Reproductive, maternal, committed to helping end poverty globally and child health and to protecting the planet by pledging Domestic violence prevention rotaryrmch.org $97 million in grant funding during 2022 ragfamsafe.org for sustainable, member-led projects.” Slavery prevention Endangered species ragas.online She added: “We stand together with rag4es.org Global Citizen as people of purpose, Water, sanitation, and hygiene people of action.” Environmental sustainability wash-rag.org esrag.org Rotary has worked with Global Citizen for more than a decade, primarily in the Family health and AIDS prevention effort to eradicate polio worldwide. rfha.org In conjunction with the Septem- Food plant solutions ber event, governments, corporations, foodplantsolutions.org and other organizations announced fi- nancial commitments totaling more than Health education and wellness $1.1 billion, along with pledges to plant hewrag.org 157 million trees and donate 60 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to develop- Hearing ing countries. ifrahl.org — ryan hyland JANUARY 2022  ROTARY  61

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT AN OFFICIAL CAUSE OF ROTARY Rotary’s new cause focuses on comprehensively solving specific issues that have a detrimental effect on the environment. As people of action, let’s take on projects that can make a positive, measurable, and sustainable impact on the one place we all call home. Learn more about Rotary’s new cause at rotary.org/environment

2022 CONVENTION michelShSmuhotunttdetresrtsotcokc.kc.ocomm Houston in the bag When you come to Houston Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, few dozen charming, hip, Houstonians. And when the for the 2022 Rotary Interna- Chanel, Gap, H&M, and Saks and homegrown shops. With shopping is over and all you tional Convention 4-8 June, Fifth Avenue. unique offerings that include want to do is eat, there is also you might want to bring an a cigar shop, a café whose dé- a good assortment of restau- extra suitcase. The city is The River Oaks Shopping cor evokes space exploration, rants, ranging from authen- famed for its shopping — and Center is one of Houston’s old- and a jewelry store featuring tic French-Mediterranean it has something for everyone, est and most stylish centers. local and international arti- cuisine to sushi to Mexican from luxury fashion stores to Dating to 1937, it’s known best sans, this shopping center is a street food. charming local gems. for its Art Deco buildings, its favorite destination for many open-air concept, its award- — miyoki walker At the Galleria in Uptown winning movie theater, and its Houston, you’ll find hun- blend of vintage and contem- Learn more and register at convention.rotary.org. dreds of stores spread over porary aesthetics — not to an astounding 2.4 million mention its 70-plus stores square feet. It is the largest and restaurants, all adding up shopping center in Houston to an impressively elevated and among the largest in the experience. country. Tourists and locals alike come for stores such as Houston’s fashionable Uptown Park is home to a CROSSWORD ACROSS 55 Tsar, e.g. 26 Word written on an 1 Whitish gem 58 Got to spend more, as invoice, perhaps Frosty’s Winter 5 Not together Punderland 10 Certain TVs a customer 28 Clock part 14 Canceled 59 American —– 29 Castle of dance By Victor Fleming 15 Art piece, familiarly 61 Frosty’s stash 30 True stuff Rotary Club of Little Rock, Arkansas 16 Golfer Isao —– 31 Advanced degree 17 Frosty’s reply when for dealing with       headaches? tests told there are 63 Kitten’s cry 34 Crazy —–    64 Baseball phrase after difficulties ahead? a leadoff single (card game)    65 Famously ticklish 35 Fencing blade 19 Argument Muppet 37 Adjective for    20 “Mature” viewers 66 Federico of Clinton’s 21 “I’m impressed!” cabinet formalities and     23 Admit, as to a meeting 67 Puccini opera technicalities 24 Device that comes 68 Caught a glance at 38 Quaint past-tense       contraction with a saline wash DOWN 39 Frosty’s occasional     1 At reduced prices tantrum? 27 Pennsylvania port or 2 Consider at length 44 Aromatic plants of      lake 3 Cousin of a guinea pig Eurasia 4 Less lofty 46 Spanish rice dish    28 Inventory system, for 5 “A pity!” 49 1966 U.S. Open winner short 6 Avocado’s middle Fred        7 Abbr. on a business 50 “Out with it!” 32 Preferred strategy 51 —– favorite    33 It’s out back letter (bettors’ choice) 36 Pet project of RWR 8 Prefix with -stat 53 Attraction near     37 Lou Grant production 9 Egg-laden cake Orlando 10 Nadal of the court 54 Smartphone     co. 11 Frosty’s preferred download, casually 56 Panicking one’s cry    40 Frosty’s array of method of payment? 57 7-up and 4-all headwear? 12 Alias, for short 58 Wrist-to-elbow    13 Bit of a beverage bone 41 Brick hauler 18 Rainier or Shasta, 59 Mischievous sort 42 Sheep that might be 60 Ruby or Sandra briefly 62 —– cit. pregnant 22 Avoid 25 Fix an onscreen error, Solution on page 26 43 Closest to being lamblike say 45 —– Waldo Emerson 47 In —– (actually existing) 48 About 52 Willing matter? 54 Bought into a hand JANUARY 2022  ROTARY  63

FOUN Stick with it Pins can tell the story of your Rotary experiences Ed Book PIN, THE TALE: The array of Rotary pins TRADE VALUE: If fellowship members ALL TOGETHER: A good pin collection Rotary Club is vast — representing service are interested in trading Rotary is in the eye of the beholder. If of Downtown projects, annual themes, club pins, they can join our trading you’re happy with it, you’re good. Gainesville, offices, district conferences, and group on Facebook. Trading is If you like to look at your pin Florida other events. The pins typically also really popular at in-person collection, talk about it, and have some identifying informa- events — especially among Youth engage with Rotary members and Chair, Rotary on tion on them, such as a club name, Exchange students, Rotaractors, others by wearing your pins, then Pins Fellowship district, or event date. You can and other younger members. I’ll it’s valuable. It’s not about the use that information to search the put some pins out on the table at number of pins you have or the internet to find out more about conventions, and people will monetary value; it’s about them. There are also people ready immediately start taking pins off representing what Rotary does to help you out on Rotary on Pins’ their own jackets to trade — it’s for the community. Facebook page. like nothing I’ve ever seen. — miyoki walker 64  ROTARY  JANUARY 2022 Photography by Chris Watkins

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