2022-02 February

NATURAL HAZARDS A new report from the Institute for Economics and Peace highlights grave ecological threats around the world — and suggests ways advocates can nurture a more benign environmental future by Miles Howard Imagezoo/Getty Images A t first glance, the Jaguar cacao fruit re- sembles a glowing green orb wrapped in earthen brown roots. But the fruit’s value lies within: a multitude of edible seeds that, when roasted and ground into powder, give chocolate a nuttier flavor profile. The fruit grows in a few ecosystems in Central and South America, such as the foothills of southeastern Colombia. There, in the Amazon River basin, Rotary Peace Fellow Lorena Rodriguez has played a pivotal role in seeding this rare crop and quite a few others. During her fel- lowship, Rodriguez spent time in rural Colombia conducting field re- search on food sovereignty, which prioritizes the needs of the people who grow and otherwise produce food over the demands of the markets and corporations that distribute it. In 2019, she joined forces with friends and launched La Realidad, an NGO that helps communi- ties in the Putumayo region of Colombia grow their own fruit and vegetable crops using regenerative agriculture practices — such as crop rotation, composting, and cover cropping — that help create a more nutrient-rich soil and reduce excess carbon in the atmosphere. “Putumayo has been highly affected by the armed conflict in Colombia, by narco traffic, and by the structural violence that arises from the gap between urban and rural societies,” Rodriguez says. “A lot of the elders there were leaving, and their kids cannot sus- tain their lives doing agriculture the way their parents did, using pesticides and heavy chemicals to produce bigger yields of corn or FEBRUARY 2022  ROTARY  49

sugarcane for the global market. the IEP uses data from global and pen independently. They’re the next It’s not sustainable economically or national indices to explain why step of what any country could be environmentally.” some regions of the world are enjoy- ‘attacked’ with.” In recent years, Putumayo has ing peace and prosperity while oth- also felt the scourge of deforestation ers are mired in or on the brink of so how does the report score inflicted by loggers and cattle ranch- conflict. This data often pertains to the severity of the ecological threat ers. That’s the fractious backdrop issues such as resource availability facing 178 independent countries against which La Realidad partners and economic power. But the IEP’s and territories? It focuses on five with Putumayo residents to grow second Ecological Threat Report, things that can endanger the ecologi- sustaining crops that are endemic to released in October, zooms in on cal stability of a society: food risk, the Amazon belt — cultivating a food the symbiotic relationship between water risk, rapid population growth, source that can ultimately bolster conflicts and ecological calamities temperature anomalies, and natural the security of rural communities. such as droughts, record-breaking disasters. The report also uses the Ecological degradation, including the storms, and temperature changes. IEP’s Positive Peace Index, which burning or uprooting of forests, can According to Michael Collins, identifies the attitudes, institutions, undermine a community’s resiliency, the IEP’s executive director in the and structures that ultimately create peaceful societies. Con- Regional composition of ecological threat scores, 2021 versely, the absence of societal bedrock — such RegionaTlhceohmigpheosstitpioerncebnyteagceoloofgciocuanlttrhiersefaatcsincgohreig,h and extremely high threats as an equitable distribu- percentaaregeinoSforuethgiAosnia'sacnodusnutbr-ieSas,h2a0ra2n1 Africa. tion of goods, a well- The highest percentage of countries facing high and extremely high threats are in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. functioning government, or a healthy business sec- Very Low Low Medium High Extremely High tor — can leave nations 100% 4% primed for conflict, to the 12% 6% 10% 5% 8% 15% point where all it takes is 17% one final shock to ignite 19% 17% relentless violence. The 32% 43% report shows that eco- 75% 50% 36% logical shocks can be that PERCENTAGE OF COUNTRIES 13% 33% 37% incendiary spark. 48% 33% “Indicated throughout this report is the deep, 50% deep cyclical relationship 29% that exists between eco- 37% logical degradation and 44% levels of conflict around 16% 54% the world,” says Collins. 25% 50% 50% 39% He also notes that once violence has begun, it 42% 14% 20% 26% can actually worsen the 0% 14% ecological problems, like 19% 9% food or water shortages, Asia-Pacific Central Europe Middle East North Russia and South South Asia Sub-Saharan that predated the con- America and and North America Eurasia America Africa flict. “Eleven of the coun- the Caribbean tries with the report’s Africa worst scores are now in Source: Institute for Economics and Peace IEP’s Ecological Threat Report 2021 Note: Totals may not add to 100 due to rounding. conflict,” says Collins. especially when it comes to food se- Americas, the Ecological Threat Most of these countries are located curity. In the worst cases, it can sow Report can function as something in South Asia and sub-Saharan the seeds of conflict and fuel a relent- of a blueprint not only for recogniz- Africa, and the report highlights one less cycle of collapse and violence. ing ecological vulnerability at both particularly profound driver of their The relationship between local and regional levels but also conflicts — food insecurity. ecological shocks and conflict isn’t for improving societal resilience in Since 2014, global food insecu- speculation. It’s the latest finding vulnerable countries and, hopefully, rity, which had been lessening for from the Institute for Economics averting conflict. “Climate change decades, has risen an alarming 44 and Peace (IEP), a partner of Rotary can certainly act as an aggravator of percent, a situation further aggra- International. Founded in 2007 by issues such as food insecurity and vated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Australian software entrepreneur water stress,” says Collins. “But some Its steady resurgence didn’t occur in and philanthropist Steve Killelea, ecological threats are going to hap- isolation; it was sometimes fueled by 50  ROTARY  FEBRUARY 2022

natural events, such as insufficient regions, identified by the report, with community members to create rainfall, or in many cases by sectar- reckon with worsening ecological a brickmaking cooperative, owned ian conflicts. In South Sudan, these deterioration, resource deficits, war- and managed by its members. forces merged and have exacted a fare, and, in several cases, significant Rodriguez would adopt a similar terrible toll. By 2018 — half a decade population growth. approach in 2020 when building after civil war erupted between the La Realidad. As she and her friends South Sudanese government and in the face of such massively converted the setup of their Putu- insurgents — an estimated 190,000 worrying trends, how can one begin mayo cacao orchard into an organic people had been killed through direct to promote peace and sustainability production, neighbors would drop warfare, and an additional 193,000 at a local level, let alone a regional by and ask why the group was doing are believed to have died as a result one? Collins is quick to spotlight two all the “hard work” of regenerative of disruptions to the country’s fragile of the Ecological Threat Report’s most growing techniques. Why not just food production and health systems. salient policy recommendations for spray the cacao trees with pesticides Their food systems were already humanitarian agencies and organiza- that would work faster than organic vulnerable to droughts and flooding, tions: thinking about ecological risk alternatives? “These questions cre- and they still haven’t recovered. As as a systemic problem, and empow- ated a conversation about why it was recently as 2020, about 85 percent ering communities in ecologically important for Putumayo residents to of South Sudan’s population was vulnerable nations to become more prioritize their homeland and not the struggling to find sufficient food on a resilient. This can be done through global market,” Rodriguez recalls. daily basis. collaborative grassroots projects that The farmland on which La Without intervention, global food focus on intersectional issues such as Realidad hosts several regenerative insecurity is expected to get much agriculture, economic prosperity, and agriculture projects — including a worse over the next three decades. The Ecological Global undernourishment, 2005-20 Threat Report projects that by 2050, the num- The number of undernourished people rose by an estimated 118 million in 2020, ber of people who are The numbmer aofrkunindgernthouerisshheadrppeeosptleirnocserebaysaen essitnimceateadt 1l1e8amsitllio2n0, 0m5a.rking the sharpest increase since at least 2005. experiencing undernour- 850 ishment — not getting MILLIONS OF PEOPLE enough food to sustain 800 day-to-day physiological 750 health — could rise by a staggering 45 per- 700 cent. The broad global 650 demand for food could also grow by more than 600 50 percent within this 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020* time frame. As ecological Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Note: *Figures for 2020 are projections. 768 million represents a middle projection between a possible high of 811 million events like rising tem- and a possible low of 720.4 million. peratures, earthquakes, IEP’s Ecological Threat Report 2021 or hurricanes exacerbate resource scarcity in vulnerable coun- human security. food forest (a diverse, multi-layered tries, the risk of conflict and societal Collins comes from a family of blend of edible plants and trees) — collapse becomes more severe, and construction professionals, and was acquired through this com- more liable to spill beyond borders. before joining the IEP, he applied his munity outreach. “The owner was This can already be seen today family trade to humanitarian proj- selling her land,” Rodriguez recalls. in the rate of forced displacements ects in developing nations, including “She met us and said, ‘I really want and migration occurring around Indonesia and Haiti, often in the to leave the land to someone who the world. The report’s research- wake of natural disasters. “Initially, appreciates this ecosystem. I don’t ers found that in 2020, 82.4 million a lot of this revolved around train- want to just give it to another per- people were displaced — the highest ing programs for people who are son who will put cows here.’” number of global displacements on seeking to enter or already in the Whether the product at the heart record, 1 in 94 people. It’s a tremen- construction sector,” he says. “Due of a community resiliency project dous shift from 2000, when 1 in 161 to a number of social and institu- is organic fruits and vegetables or people worldwide had been dis- tional issues, construction quality is stronger building materials, the placed. But like the recent rebound extremely low in a number of devel- best results come when the project of food insecurity, this surge also oping countries.” In Padang Alai, a is conceived and launched in close didn’t happen overnight. Forced town on the outskirts of West Suma- partnership with residents who will displacements have been rising tra’s capital city of Padang, Collins manage the work long term. The way over the past nine years, as hot spot addressed this problem by working Collins sees it, members of Rotary FEBRUARY 2022  ROTARY  51

are uniquely well-positioned to step The program already has trained 90 duce within half a mile of 85 percent up and invest their knowledge and peace activators, who are also Rotary of Atlanta’s population by the end labor into these collaborations. Peace Fellows (such as Rodriguez) or of this year by offering residents the “One of the amazing things about members of Rotary, and those activa- education and resources they need to Rotary is the ability of every club tors have since taught more than get involved with urban farming. and every district to contribute,” he 50,000 people in North America, As the number of urban farmers says. “Because Rotary is made up South America, and Europe about swelled, it became clear that AgLanta of community members, you have the tenets of the Positive Peace Index needed a framework for settling this grassroots network of individu- — the same framework that under- disputes between growers. The city als throughout the world who can lies the Ecological Threat Report. turned to Kate Keator, a Rotary develop a variety of different projects “Rotary’s key strengths lie in our Positive Peace Activator specializing that are very well-tailored to the ability to convene and mobilize com- in conflict resolution. Through her community in question — because munities both locally and globally,” conversations with urban farmers and a lot of Rotarians are actually from says Rebecca Crall, Rotary’s area of AgLanta leaders, Keator identified two things that could help keep the peace: virtual Resettlement and naturalization of refugees, 2000-20 gatherings in which grow- ers could connect and In 2020, the number of refugees who were resettled or naturalized foster a foundational cul- In 2020, thewnausmabtertohferelofuwgeeesstrleesveettllsedoonr rneactuorardlis.ed was at the lowest levels on record. ture of dispute resolution, and access to an informal Resettlement Naturalization mediator when necessary. Atlanta might seem 500,000 a world apart from the 450,000 regions spotlighted in the Ecological Threat Report, 400,000 where ecological degra- dation and conflict are 350,000 more severe. But peace- NUMBER OF PEOPLE making and community 300,000 empowerment can be ap- plied, at scale, anywhere 250,000 that conflict arises. 200,000 In an era of clima- tological changes that 150,000 will reshape the way billions live, there can 100,000 be an enduring glint of hope in this potential for 50,000 collaboration. “One of the things that I learned 0 through community de- 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 velopment is that people Source: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees IEP’s Ecological Threat Report 2021 are people,” Collins says. “The same solutions don’t work for everybody, those communities.” focus manager for peacebuilding and but there are synergies. There are Recently, Rotary has taken two conflict prevention. “Merging with many, many ways.”■ big steps to catalyze more projects the empirical research and analysis that address the intersection of eco- of the IEP is a potent force for creat- A Boston-based author, Miles Howard logical degradation and conflict. In ing good in the world.” wrote about Houston, the site of the 2020, it added a new area of focus — For a literal taste of that good in 2022 Rotary International Convention, protecting the environment. (More the United States, look to the vacant in our November issue. than $18 million in global grant lots of Atlanta, where urban farmers funding from The Rotary Founda- are growing fruits and vegetables tion had already been allocated to that find their way into refrigerators Learn more about Rotary Interna- ecological projects in the five preced- and pantries across the city. Atlanta’s tional’s partnership with the Institute ing years.) Also in 2020, working recent urban farming boom is par- for Economics and Peace and other with the IEP, Rotary launched the tially the result of the city’s AgLanta organizations at rotary.org/ Positive Peace Activator Program. initiative. Its goal is to put fresh pro- partnerships. 52  ROTARY  FEBRUARY 2022

Diversity strengthens our clubs New members from different groups in our communities bring fresh perspectives and ideas to our clubs and expand Rotary’s presence. Invite prospective members from all backgrounds to experience Rotary. REFER A NEW MEMBER my.rotary.org/member-center

raise for rotary welcoming clubs houston’s food scene sweep dreams OURCLUBS friendly aspect has proved to be a key to VIRTUAL VISIT its success. “A lot of people are running 6 tips to make your club to pick up their kids after work. We said more family-friendly Family affair to just bring them,” says Chevon Baccus, one of the club founders. “I was talking to from The Ridge Club President Rotary Club of The Ridge, a fellow today who I think is going to come Megan Gillis Lake Wales, Florida to our next member activity. He and his wife have three kids, so I said you can both 1. Serve snacks! That’s the way to kids’ For their first date, Megan and Herb come — and bring your kids. It’s worked.” hearts. Gillis went to a Rotary club ball. He was At a recent meeting, this child-forward a Rotary member; she wasn’t. “The rest focus is evident. One of the Gillises’ daugh- 2. Find projects that families want to is history,” she says. The couple will cel- ters, Haiden, hands out programs as peo- participate in. View your club through a ebrate their 17th wedding anniversary this ple arrive at the meeting, which is held on family-friendly scope — don’t make it an year. The Gillises have three children, and Mondays at 5 p.m. in the community room afterthought. as working parents, life has been a bustle of a law firm that’s owned by the husband of school sports, archery competitions, of a member of another club in town. The 3. Make the kids feel like they are part camping trips, and other outdoor adven- Ridge members take turns bringing snacks; of your club by letting them ring the bell tures. Somewhere along the way, Herb left today’s spread includes a crockpot with and lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Rotary when he got a new job. meatballs, trays of cheese and crackers, In 2016 Megan was invited to join a new and a basket of snack-size bags of Doritos 4. Mark children’s birthdays, report Rotary club that planned to hold its meet- and Cheetos for the kids. (“Or the adults,” cards, and other achievements. ings after work. “I was like, mmm, no. I’m a Megan says. “We don’t judge.”) Coolers We always love to celebrate their mom, I’m running a business. I don’t want with wine, beer, and water line a wall. accomplishments and cheer them on. to work all day and have to find a sitter “This club has a lot more informality, for three kids — that’s so expensive. I’m flexibility, and adaptability,” says Fred 5. Show kids what you can achieve in already away from them so much,” she Halde, a retiree who previously has be- your community when you work together. recalls thinking. “Anything I want to be longed to clubs in Iowa and Michigan. “It’s Our club organizes “done in a day” actively involved in involves my children.” not the kind of staid, official movers and projects that kids can be involved in. Then, she says, “They told me to bring my shakers that you see in some clubs. I’ve children.” been part of those, too. You never know 6. Encourage families to join your club The Rotary Club of The Ridge in Lake what to expect in this club, and that’s a by offering an incentive or discount on Wales, Florida, was founded as a way to good thing.” dues. For example, our monthly dues draw in busy young professionals who The room buzzes with chatter before are $25 for an individual but just $40 weren’t able to attend the breakfast and Haiden goes to the front to ring the bell for two people in the same household. lunch clubs in the area. This family- so her mom, who is the 2021-22 club presi- dent, can start the meeting. The club has Before the pandemic, members would do forgone some traditions, like fines, but “high tens” around the room or play musi- they’ve kept others, like happy bucks — cal chairs. “I miss that so much,” Megan and people are brimming with good news says. “It was just so fun to get out of your to share: a new car, a zip lining adventure seat to say hi.” with their family, a Green Bay Packers win. Club leaders have tried to keep mem- bership as flexible and inexpensive as 54  ROTARY  FEBRUARY 2022

Brian Carlson possible, with dues at $25 per month for worked with Rotary clubs for more than a cardboard boats for a Josh the Otter fun- individuals or $40 for two members of the decade and devotes a section of its web- draiser (a favorite event of daughter Madi- same family — they’ve attracted several site to resources tailored to clubs, includ- son), and helping the members’ younger couples that way, Baccus says — and no ing a template for district-level grants and children keep busy with sticker books and additional cost for meals. The club has 41 a sample press release. Learn more at other activities. members who range in age from 18 to 72; joshtheotter.org.) “All of our events, our projects, our most are women. This spring, the club is planning a fundraisers — they all revolve around The club views everything it does weekend event for sixth- and seventh- children,” Megan says. “To come and vol- through the lens of family, including its grade girls called Camp Fearless and is unteer is a family affair. It allows me, as a service projects. One of its flagship proj- also hosting a soccer tournament. These working mom, to do things in the commu- ects is the Josh the Otter basic water-safety events help familiarize members’ children nity that my kids can see and understand program for preschool and kindergarten with the idea of service while introducing because they’ve heard us talk about them students. As part of the project, the club the club to other families who may some- at our meetings.” partnered with the city of Lake Wales day become members as well. “We want it In July, the Gillises’ eldest daughter, Jil- and a local YMCA to offer free swimming to be very family-oriented,” Megan says. lian, turned 18. One of her first acts as a lessons. (The Josh the Otter program has “When we serve, our kids will grow up full-fledged adult was joining her parents serving.” and grandparents as an official member “All of our events, With childcare no longer an issue, both of the club — and serving as its 2021-22 our projects, Megan and Herb Gillis are now mem- public image chair. “I’m a people person. bers of Rotary on the Ridge, as the club Here, you get to meet people and hear their our fundraisers — is known. (“The Ridge” refers to the Lake stories,” Jillian says. “I love doing that, and they all revolve Wales Ridge, a 115-mile long topological it’s a big reason I decided to join.” around children. feature of ancient sand dunes that runs north-south through central Florida.) — diana schoberg To come and volunteer Megan’s parents, Sheri and Marshall Hart- is a family affair.” ley, joined too, and the Gillises’ daughters Rotary Club of The Ridge President Megan also attend, doing their own projects such as making friendship bracelets, building Gillis (second from right) with, from left, daughters Madison and Haiden, mother Sheri Hartley, and daughter Jillian. FEBRUARY 2022  ROTARY  55

OUR CLUBS FOUR QUESTIONS Nice and easy Rotary’s online fundraising tool eliminates the paperwork hassle Jayne Hulbert 1 Like many Rotary members, you have a 3 How, specifically, have you used Raise Rotary Club of personal reason for wanting to rid the for Rotary? Ignacio, California We first used it in 2020 for our fundraiser world of polio. What’s your family’s story?  supporting a $2 million polio challenge in Zones Raise for Rotary My husband’s father contracted polio in 1909 at 26 and 27. We asked people to donate online, and accepts online the age of 5. My sister also contracted polio when we also used our Raise for Rotary page to high- donations in she was 5. That was in 1949, the height of the polio light significant offline donations. U.S., Canadian, epidemic in America. Doctors told my parents that and Australian my sister would never walk, would never get out of The following year, we set up a Raise for Rotary currencies. bed. There were times she was able to come home page for our district polio fundraiser. We worked with Learn more at from the hospital and then had to go back. She lived Truffle Shuffle, a company started by three veterans of rotary.org/raise. with the effects of the disease her entire life, until the famed Napa Valley restaurant The French Laun- she passed away last year. dry, which offers online cooking classes. We made In 1997, a Rotary member who knew my sister’s $3,800 from the sale of tickets. Even more amazing, story said to me, “You need to come to a Rotary during the 90-minute cooking class we raised another meeting. We are going to eradicate polio.” That is $17,000, including funds from many new donors. absolutely what got me in the door, and I’ve been raising money for polio eradication ever since. For World Polio Day, we organized a Race to End Polio, an urban treasure hunt in which people 2 What prompted you to host your dressed in costumes and searched for clues to win district’s polio fundraisers on Raise prizes. To encourage donations through our Raise for Rotary page, we created a QR code for quick for Rotary? access from smartphones. We made sure the QR I was talking with a staff member at The Rotary code and website link were included in all of our Foundation about wanting an easier way to raise promotions. One of the great things about the Raise money, and he told me about Raise for Rotary. I for Rotary platform is how easily you can upload had been fundraising for Rotary for more than promotional flyers, photos, and videos, and add two decades, and we’d always had to handle all thank-you notes to donors, to keep the page fresh. of the cash and checks and worry about filling out the paperwork properly. Raise for Rotary lets 4 What’s your advice for clubs and dis- us share our fundraisers more widely with fellow tricts that want to get the most out of members and new audiences, who can easily do- Raise for Rotary? nate online, directly to The Rotary Foundation, Be creative, and just keep blasting out your website with no paperwork. This is huge. And even when we do receive a donation by check, we can add link through social media and email. Raise for Ro- that amount to our Raise for Rotary fundraising tally and count it toward our goal. tary eliminates credit card and processing fees. It’s so simple, and staff from The Rotary Foundation are there to support you. — arnold r. grahl 56  ROTARY  FEBRUARY 2022 Illustration by Viktor Miller Gausa

OUR CLUBS CALENDAR February events And all that jazz 5K on the runway Spin the wheel Event: Event: Event: An Evening of Jazz Run the Runway Casino Night Host: Hosts: Host: Rotary Club of Rotary clubs of Fairfield, Frankton- Rotary Club of San Antonio Airport, Hammond, Louisiana Te Rapa, Hamilton Central, Hamilton Texas East, Rototuna, and Waikato Sunrise, What it benefits: New Zealand What it benefits: The Southeastern Louisiana Literacy projects University music department and What it benefits: Date: 26 February the club’s SLU scholarship fund Local and international charities Date: 13 February Date: 20 February Blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker are just a few of the games o ered at the Looking for some romantic entertain- In this event’s second year, participants San Antonio Airport club’s first-ever ment on Valentine’s Day weekend? can choose to run, roll, or ride down Casino Night. Heavy appetizers and Reserve a pair of tickets, or book a the Hamilton Airport runway. Mobility soft drinks will be provided, along with table with friends, for an evening scooters and wheelchairs are welcome, access to a cash bar. If gambling isn’t of music provided by Southeastern making this 5K fun run accessible for your thing, check out the silent auction Louisiana University’s jazz band. At- all. The race kicks o at 6:45 a.m., of- and ra e. Tables with information tendees may bring their own food and fering the opportunity to see a spec- about club projects will be set up for drinks, and can purchase additional tacular sunrise. With the number of those looking to learn more about the refreshments from a cash bar. A silent participants capped at 600, organizers club’s activities throughout the year. auction o ers the chance to bid on a su gest booking early to avoid missing gift for your valentine. out. At the inaugural event, a marriage Colorful and bright proposal took place mid-race. Just wing it Event: How well can you spell? South Miami Art Festival Event: Florida Craft Brew & Wingfest Event: CONQUEROR Host: Spelling Bee(r) Rotary Club of South Miami, Florida Host: Rotary Club of Vero Beach Sunrise, Host: What it benefits: Florida Rotary Club College scholarships and local and of Oklahoma City international projects What it benefits: Midtown, Oklahoma Dates: 26-27 February Local and international charities Date: 19 February What it benefits: Originating in 1984 as a small show Local arts initiatives with only 25 booths, this art festival After a year o , this family-friendly Date: 25 February has grown to host more than 120 art- event returns in 2022 with scrump- ists, an expansive food court and beer tious chicken wings from some 20 This is not the spelling bee you remember garden, and live jazz. Artists from all vendors — who are all vying for the from elementary school. While contes- over the United States and beyond title of best wings in Vero Beach — tants engage in a war of words, local come to South Miami to sell their jew- and more than 250 craft beers. Four breweries are on hand to showcase their elry, paintings, ceramics, photography, bands will perform across two stages, lineup of beers. The first-place speller mixed media, sculptures, and more. and there will even be a root beer tast- wins a $500 cash prize, while all spelling Admission is free, but bring your wallet, ing competition for the kids. participants (who must be at least 21 as there will be plenty of arts and crafts years old) get to take home a bag of good- for purchase. ies from the breweries. A silent auction and a photo booth add to the festivities. Tell us about your event. Write to [email protected] with “calendar” in the subject line. FEBRUARY 2022 ROTARY 57

OUR CLUBS DO’S & DON’TS HANDBOOK DO Make Educate yourself. Provide learning everyone opportunities for your club members to welcome expand their perspectives and open up meaningful conversations. Invite local How to create a club diversity, equity, and inclusion experts that values diversity to speak to your club. By educating yourself, you help identify the biases “One friend of our club in Kenya that may be preventing you from creat- has severe cerebral palsy. He can’t ing an inclusive environment. control his body or talk very well,” says Ken Masson. “But he can use Start a committee. A committee his toes. He’s a DJ, and he creates all can help your club prioritize inclusiv- his music using his toes.” ity. “Some of our clubs were apprehen- When looking for potential sive to call it a diversity, equity, and members, Rotarians should focus on inclusion committee,” says David Hart, qualities that make a good Rotary who heads up District 7930’s commit- member rather than what makes a tee, “because they thought they already person seem different, says Mas- knew and represented their commu- son, president of the Rotary Club of nity’s demographic.” Hart urges clubs World Disability Advocacy, Central to look at what kinds of people might MA and Metro West, an e-club that be missing from their membership. works with other clubs worldwide to improve the quality of life for people Be accessible. Is your club’s meet- with disabilities. He says a club that ing time convenient for all? Is the values the contributions of people of location accessible to people with different abilities, experiences, and mobility challenges? Can some of your cultures will be more interesting, events be held virtually or as a hybrid stronger, and better equipped to cre- of in-person and online? “People don’t ate lasting change. understand what accessibility means,” “Don’t think that because someone Masson says. “They think, ‘We don’t has a disability, they can’t be a Rotar- need to worry that our meeting place ian,” Masson says. “That’s focusing on has a stairwell, since we don’t have the person’s disability. But, man, this any members with disabilities.’ But of person has 20 beautiful abilities that course, that could be why they don’t would make a really good Rotarian.” have any members with disabilities.” Creating an inclusive environment begins with an honest assessment. Create a sense of belonging. Does your club include members from Involve all of your members in club underserved groups in your commu- committees and activities. Make sure nity, including veterans and LGBTQ+ everyone’s voice is not just heard but people? Are your meeting locations respected. A buddy or club mentor and times accessible to people with system can help new members feel disabilities and young professionals they belong. with families? Do you seek out and value the opinions of people with dif- Speak up. Hold yourselves and each fering viewpoints and experiences? other accountable when a person’s (Download the Rotary Club Health actions don’t reflect Rotary’s ideals or Check at my.rotary.org/en/docu- values. Respectful conversations can ment/rotary-club-health-check.) bring about meaningful change. Here are some tips to help you start practicing inclusivity. Illustration by James Graham — maureen vaught 58  ROTARY  FEBRUARY 2022

“Exclusiveness is more of a concern DON’T to me. To exclude someone from participating because they’re Cling to traditions. Exclusion- ary or out-of-date club traditions can different doesn’t make sense. And it be off-putting to people from other doesn’t follow The Four-Way Test.” backgrounds. “We used to [start our meetings with] a prayer, the Pledge — Ken Masson of Allegiance, and a song,” says Hart. Now, members take turns sharing a Rotary moment or telling the club why they joined Rotary or when they truly felt they were a Rotarian. Speak in Rotaryisms. Make sure everyone understands what you’re say- ing by avoiding Rotary acronyms and phrases that only insiders understand. Remember, no one ever complained that something was too easy to understand. Ignore your biases. Whether conscious or unconscious, our biases prevent us from seeing the qualities in a person that make them an excellent Rotary club member. Be cliquish. Look around the room and make sure no one is sitting alone. Invite visitors and new members to join your conversation. Fill a quota. “Reflecting the diversity in our community is one of our best tools and best strategies for changing perceptions about Rotary,” says RI Di- rector Elizabeth Usovicz. “When [the community] starts seeing themselves in the club leadership, then Rotary’s public image starts to be adjusted and awareness changes.” 19 million 15% RESOURCES veterans in the United States of people in the world have  Learn more about how to create an some form of disability inclusive club culture at my.rotary. org/en/learning-reference/about- rotary/diversity-equity-and-inclusion  Download the Rotary Club Health Check at my.rotary.org/en/ document/rotary-club-health-check  Download the club diversity assessment at my.rotary.org/en/ document/diversifying-your-club- member-diversity-assessment FEBRUARY 2022  ROTARY  59

TRUSTEE CHAIR’S MESSAGE SERVICE ABOVE SELF Rotary builds peace by creating THE OBJECT OF ROTARY the next generation of peacebuilders The Object of Rotary is to encourage I always look forward to February, the Despite the impacts of the COVID-19 and foster the ideal of service as a month of Rotary’s anniversary, as a time pandemic, the Rotary Peace Centers were basis of worthy enterprise and, in to remember our history. What began as a able to adapt, ensuring minimal disruptions particular, to encourage and foster: small gathering in a Chicago office in 1905 to the program. Now, students at our seven soon transformed into a global movement centers are resuming their normal activi- First The development of — one that you and I are a part of today. ties. This includes young peacebuilders at acquaintance as an opportunity for February is also Peacebuilding and our newest center at Makerere University service; Conflict Prevention Month, when we cel- in Kampala, Uganda, who are preparing to ebrate a core Rotary concept: the pursuit apply their new knowledge and skills in a Second High ethical standards of global peace and understanding. region that’s in need of peaceful solutions. in business and professions, the Through our global and district grants, The peace center program keeps grow- recognition of the worthiness The Rotary Foundation is a force for ing. Our search committee is researching of all useful occupations, and peace — as are all of you who use those potential locations in the Middle East or the dignifying of each Rotarian’s funds for projects. A grant that promotes North Africa to establish our eighth center, occupation as an opportunity to literacy can lead to greater understanding with plans for its launch as soon as 2024. serve society; and economic security in that community This is a significant step for Rotary’s ef- and beyond. This lays the foundation for forts in global peace education, as we lay Third The application of the ideal of peace. When communities aren’t fighting the groundwork for the next generation service in each Rotarian’s personal, over scarce water resources, because they of fellows to pursue peacebuilding in that business, and community life; have a working pump system, they can in- region. And we aren’t stopping there: Our stead pursue education. Promoting peace goal is to open a Rotary Peace Center in Fourth The advancement of is interwoven in all that Rotary does. Latin America by 2030. international understanding, The work of actively building peace In the last 117 years, Rotary has grown to goodwill, and peace through a and understanding has been a hallmark become a global force for good — promot- world fellowship of business and of Rotary since its earliest days. But with ing peace and understanding in all of our professional persons united in the the creation in 1999 of the Rotary Peace endeavors. The staying power of Rotary, ideal of service. Centers we began a bold new chapter in the Foundation, and our decades-long com- this story. This year marks the 20th an- mitment to peace are things that are worth THE FOUR-WAY TEST niversary of the inaugural class of peace celebrating, supporting, and sustaining for fellows; the innovative program continues the generations that will follow us. Of the things we think, say, or do: to merge a strong, academic understand- ing of the roots of conflict with practical JOHN F. GERM 1. Is it the truth? tactics for solving real-world problems. 2. Is it fair to all concerned? Foundation trustee chair 3. Will it build goodwill and better 60  ROTARY  FEBRUARY 2022 friendships? 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 induced by recent wild polio outbreaks. Pakistan, Aziz Memon. Niazmand said of “This is truly unprecedented, that we are Afghanistan: “Rotary and our partners are World Polio seeing this decline simultaneously in the working with all stakeholders to ensure Day celebrates two countries,” he said. “So this is the time that polio eradication remains a top pri- to really press hard in making use of the ority, even in the midst of change. Work progress opportunity that presents itself.” is underway to ensure that children have access to lifesaving polio [vaccines] and The eradication of polio is within reach, Jafari also addressed the challenges of other childhood vaccines.” global health experts said during Rotary’s political change and security concerns in annual Online Global Update for World Afghanistan and explained that the polio Memon, a Rotary Foundation trustee as Polio Day on 24 October. The program program there is accustomed to adapting well as chair of the Pakistan PolioPlus Com- provided encouraging information about to uncertainty. House-to-house polio vacci- mittee, said Rotary continues to build trust the progress and remaining challenges in nations resumed in Afghanistan in Novem- with government, community, and religious the fight to end polio worldwide. ber in a nationwide campaign that aims to leaders. “By bringing broader health services reach children in areas where vaccination to children and families alongside polio vac- Hamid Jafari, director of polio eradica- teams had been banned for more than three cinations, we’re ensuring better health care tion for the World Health Organization’s years. “With the evolving situation in Af- and greater vaccine acceptance,” he said. Eastern Mediterranean region, spoke ghanistan, it is of course very important with Jeffrey Kluger, editor at large for that we partners maintain our neutrality The World Polio Day program also dis- Time magazine, about the hopeful situa- and the impartiality of the polio eradica- cussed the broadening distribution of tion. Kluger noted that, at the time, only tion program,” Jafari added. “As always, we a new vaccine to address outbreaks of two cases of wild polio had been report- will continue to work with all parties.” cVDPV2, a circulating vaccine-derived ed in 2021: one each in Afghanistan and poliovirus. A key component of the Global Pakistan, the two countries where polio Mohammad Ishaq Niazmand, chair of Polio Eradication Initiative’s new strategy remains endemic. (By mid-December, Af- Rotary’s Afghanistan PolioPlus Commit- for 2022-26, this novel oral polio vaccine ghanistan had reported three more.) In tee, echoed Jafari’s sentiments in a joint type 2 (nOPV2) is more genetically stable 2020, 140 cases were reported worldwide. video address with his counterpart for and thus less likely to revert to a form that causes vaccine-derived polio. Jafari attributed the low case count in 2021 to several factors, including the re- The novel oral polio vaccine, which sumption of mass polio vaccination cam- has already been introduced in several paigns after the interruption caused by countries, “is a powerful example of the COVID-19, restrictions on movement dur- polio program’s innovation to overcome ing the pandemic, and natural immunity the toughest challenges,” said Simona Zi- purs y, senior adviser to the polio director of WHO. “Partners, scientists, and lead- ers from around the world made nOPV2 possible. This is the kind of collaboration that will help end polio for good.” — Rotary International Rotary partners tion, the country has one of the highest Health. Rotary members in Ethiopia, led by to fight rates of stunting (being too short for one’s Teguest Yilma (Rotary Club of Addis Ababa age) in children under 5 years old: around Entoto) and Samson Tesfaye (Rotary Club of malnutrition 40 percent, compared to a global rate of Addis Ababa Central-Mella), will support the 22 percent. Stunting and wasting (being implementation, drawing on their years of Rotary has joined a partnership led by too thin for one’s height) a ect millions experience in PolioPlus e orts that include the charitable foundation The Power of of Ethiopian children. community engagement and government Nutrition to fund a new multi-sector pro- advocacy. gram to address malnutrition in Ethiopia. The Power of Nutrition program will The partnership, which was announced combine multiple interventions to ad- “The e ects of malnutrition on a child’s in November, also includes the Eleanor dress the factors of malnutrition. Over its physical and mental development can pro- Crook Foundation and the END Fund. The five years, the program will reach at least foundly and permanently limit the trajecto- Power of Nutrition is matching the invest- 1 million pregnant women and 3 million ry of their lives,” says RI General Secretary ments of Rotary and the other partners to children with vital health and nutrition John Hewko. “As we’ve learned from our create a five-year, $30 million program. services. It will make Ethiopia’s health and global e ort to eradicate polio, we know food systems more resilient and encourage that by leveraging each of our strengths, Despite recent progress, malnutrition healthier, more productive communities. we can make a significant impact together remains a major public health concern in to give children in Ethiopia access to nu- Ethiopia. As a result of severe malnutri- The program will be implemented trition and a chance for a full and healthy by UNICEF and Action Against Hunger, future.” working closely with Ethiopia’s Ministry of FEBRUARY 2022 ROTARY 61

姫路ロータリークラブ ONE VOICE. Evanston EVERY CLUB. Lighthouse No matter where you are in the world or Club what language you speak, the Rotary logo is universal. It’s what unites us and the impact we have around the world. Rotary clubs can tap into the strength of this connection by using a consistent club logo. Because the more unified our voice is, the greater our impact will be. Visit rotary.org/brandcenter to get started. Club de Vargem Grande Paulista District 3790

2022 CONVENTION ShSuhtuttetresrtsotcokc.kc.ocomm Tastes of the town The Houston food scene Make sure to try their famous fare as new American, offers Rosie Cannonball serves Shutterstock presents a classic conundrum queso flameado and tacos al farm-to-table dining in a hip, European comfort food with for visitors: too many restau- carbón, and cool off with an relaxed atmosphere. The an Italian spin. Start with rants, too little time. While agua fresca. eclectic menu changes often, focaccia di Recco or blue crab you’re in town for the 2022 but you can expect innova- carbonara, then dive into piz- Rotary International Conven- Brennan’s of Houston tive dishes like chicken-fried za, charred octopus, or other tion 4-8 June, try a sampling serves up authentic Creole quail or steak tartare topped offerings from the wood-fired of cuisines at these spots, all a cuisine and Southern hos- with deviled-egg cream. Soak oven and grill. You’ll leave short cab ride from downtown. pitality for a unique fine- in the party vibe as you sip a feeling as if you got a warm dining experience. Enjoy their craft cocktail or an offering hug from the chicest Italian The Original Ninfa’s on signature turtle soup and lo- from the extensive wine list. you’ll ever hope to meet. Navigation offers quintes- cally sourced Matagorda Bay sential Tex-Mex, a blend of oysters. This sister restaurant The classy-yet-casual — miyoki walker Southern American and Mex- to the famed Commander’s ican ingredients. Founded Palace in New Orleans also Learn more and register at convention.rotary.org. by “Mama” Ninfa Laurenzo offers a jazz brunch on the in 1973, this Houston staple weekend, perfect for beignets is credited with helping put or shrimp and grits. fajitas on the national stage. Nobie’s, which bills its CROSSWORD ACROSS 53 Ryan and Tatum of 19 Pitcher of a World 1 Takers of vids filmdom Series perfect game Featuring Phil 5 Marc of design 9 Auto roof type 57 Phil’s home 21 “_____ careful!” By Victor Fleming 13 British miler Steve of commonwealth, 24 Jungian principle Rotary Club of Little Rock, Arkansas abutted by Lake Erie 25 _____ up (hid out) the 1970s and ’80s 26 Bottomless pit       15 Not thick 60 Sheer ill will 28 Dog command 16 Creole vegetable 63 1977 George Burns 29 Fleeced beast     17 Start to grade or film 30 Malay isthmus 64 Dire sign 31 Pebbles-hitting-water    active 65 Bridle attachment 18 Venetian tour vessel 66 “Did you get the text noises   20 1993 Bill Murray movie, 32 Inflate, as a tube, _____ you?”      which Phil was in 67 Financial page listings, informally 22 Has figured out the 33 _____ Carta     briefly 37 Harrison or Stout scheming of 68 Pilot in Catch-22 and 38 Disrespects, as with      23 Scratch, say 24 Cry after an epiphany hockey great Bobby verbiage       27 Small hill about two 69 Approximate phrase? 40 Female hog 43 Give up one’s amateur      miles from 47-Across, DOWN where Phil stays on 1 Buckingham Palace status     1-2 February 45 Carbon compound 31 Cooking spray brand resident 48 More diminutive       34 What a sniggler 2 States with certainty 49 Poem’s final stanza snares 3 “I absolutely agree!” 50 “What of it?”    35 In a creepy way 4 Like beads on a 54 Get riled up 36 Deceitful ones 55 Big cats     39 Mylanta target necklace or bracelet 56 “_____ say” (“Alas”) 41 Attaches a handle to? 5 Apply acid artistically 57 Items in pocket    42 Almond flavoring 6 Bush Secretary of 44 Cohort of Curly and protectors    Larry Labor Elaine 58 Start to wake 46 “Classified” listings 7 Checkers player’s 59 Longings 47 Borough about 50 call 60 Fermented paste miles northwest of 8 How many foolish dish Altoona that is home 61 Plate sweeper at to Phil things are done 51 Place to recuperate 9 Shakespeare’s Sir _____ home 52 _____ Lanka 62 Speed Wagon maker Belch 10 Boxing win, for short Solution on page 13 11 _____ pro nobis 12 Butter helping 14 “Kemosabe” speaker FEBRUARY 2022  ROTARY  63

FOUN Sweep dreams Inspired by the Olympics? Join your Rotary friends and curl Rich Lepping CURLING REQUIRES A LOT OF FINESSE. It’s a sport motion. The curling broom serves amazing learning opportunities. two functions: sweeping the ice to Rotary Club that involves a lot of stretching and reduce friction and extend the THE FRIENDSHIPS YOU MAKE are one of the of Madison, agility, and it puts some pressure path of the stone, and clearing Wisconsin on your knees and hips. You don’t debris off the ice so the stone most exciting things about the have to be big and powerful, but it’s doesn’t veer off course. International Curling Fellowship of more difficult than it looks on TV. Rotarians. You would be amazed to LOCAL CURLING CLUBS HAVE PROGRAMS called see how your circle of curling friends YOU ONLY NEED FOUR THINGS: A stone, a slider, from around the world can come Learn to Curl, which are open to define you, and the friendships a curling broom, and a warm houses dedicated to teaching people can last forever. To learn more jacket. The stone is a granite disc about the sport. If you’re just getting about the curling fellowship, visit with a handle. It weighs around 40 started, find out if your area has a us at curlingrotaryfellowship.com. pounds. The slider goes on your curling club and check out these foot so you can move in a gliding — as told to miyoki walker 64  ROTARY  FEBRUARY 2022 Photography by Sara Stathas

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DISCOVER NEW HORIZONS AT THE 2022 ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION IN HOUSTON, TEXAS, USA, 4-8 JUNE 2022 Build connections. Exchange ideas. Share successes. Register today at convention.rotary.org. And invite a friend to join you. Nonmembers are welcome to register and attend.