2022-07 July

I n 1900, Arizona was a dozen continue to challenge Diné to live years from statehood, and its capital, Phoenix, was home in harmony. One of those newer For the Diné — to only 5,500 people. By the monsters is Dikos Ntsaaígíí-19, or end of World War II, Phoenix’s the Navajo — population exceeded 85,000, and the Big Cough-19. Beyond the Na- today its metropolitan area boasts a population of more than 4.9 vajo Nation, it’s called COVID-19. the sacredness of million. None of that could have The elaborate structure created happened without water — but exactly whose water was it? over the decades to move Navajo water is expressed and Hopi water hundreds of miles in their creation For decades, the Navajo Nation from the Navajo Nation is impli- has defended its water rights in federal and state courts. It was cated in the spread of COVID-19 stories and through excluded from the 1922 Colorado among the Navajo. The pandemic ceremonies, prayers, River Compact negotiations, where descended like a whirlwind onto seven U.S. states carved out water allocations for themselves. Some Navajo communities because the and gestures. 40 years later, on 30 September Diné have always moved back 1968, the Colorado River Basin Project Act was signed into law, and forth across the imaginary effectively putting into place a plan for an even greater urbanization boundaries between the Nation of the Southwest. In that same decade, the federally sanctioned and settler towns and cities. Travel San Juan-Chama Project diverted water from tributaries of the San into border towns and urban Juan River — the waterway of my father’s boyhood — to, among spaces is about survival and necessity, for the Navajo infrastructure other places, the burgeoning sub- divisions of Albuquerque, and the remains underdeveloped. Every weekend pre-pandemic, border towns U.S. Congress approved the Navajo Indian Irrigation Project (NIIP). such as Gallup in New Mexico and Page in Arizona filled with thousands Despite its name, this water-driven agricultural enterprise “was de- of Navajo needing food, clothing, gas, building supplies, animal feed — signed by federal bureaucrats, not the Navajo,” notes Charles Wilkin- and water. The lack of water for sanitation in the Nation has been cited son in Fire on the Plateau: Conflict and Endurance in the American as a reason for the coronavirus infection rates, as has the practice, for Southwest. Though Congress paid for the NIIP’s infrastructure, the many families, of multiple generations living in the same home. Navajo ran the project, which was never fully funded. As Wilkinson As the pandemic swept through Navajo communities and some writes, the Navajo “spent millions upon millions on the poorly con- families endured multiple deaths within the span of a few days or weeks, ceived project, which yielded few benefits to the tribe. … One can Diné shared their stories and pondered the meaning behind their losses. only guess at the results if all the money for NIIP had been allocated Some asked: If life before COVID was difficult and the inequities so by the Navajo themselves — perhaps for hospitals. … ” obvious, why should we be nostalgic and yearn for an imagined ideal life The Water Monster, whose rage that never really existed? What might we do to make our lives better and sent my most ancient ancestors into the Glittering World, was but how might our stories offer us insight? For as many an Elder has shared, one of the monsters of the lower worlds, and while that particular our old stories have answers for us. monster was quieted once Coyote returned its baby, other and, in History offers a long view of how we come to face the monsters of some cases, newer monsters today, and the sharing of our old stories about water reminds us of the direction we must go to restore hózhó: the path to a life of beauty and harmony. To take one example: Food sovereignty might be a relatively new term, but it’s been part of revitalization on the Navajo Nation. Food sovereignty means that a people have the right to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced locally through ecologically sound and sus- tainable methods. Food sovereignty means a people get to choose their own food and practice their own agriculture systems. Access to clean and readily available water is a necessity for the Diné in the recovery of their land and its transformation into a place where wild edible plants can grow, vegetable gardens and cornfields can blossom, and herds of domesticated animals can thrive. That kind of future also demands a revitalization of our stories about water. It means paying attention to what water means to us, culturally, spiritually, and materially. Stories about water in all its forms — as the fluid that is as life-giving as female and male rains; as the fluids in the birth of a child; as water in ponds, spring flash floods, water flowing in ir- rigation ditches to reach newly planted fields; as the substance with which we wet the earth as part of prayer — our stories become our practice. Jennifer Nez Denetdale chairs the Department of American Studies at the University of New Mexico. Artwork by the Navajo artist Ed Singer can be found at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona; the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian in Santa Fe, New Mexico; and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, among other public and private collections. JULY 2022  ROTARY  49

YOU ARE WHAT YOU WEAR IN MEMORIAM COUNTDOWN TO MELBOURNE LAST BITE OURCLUBS give people with lower-limb disabilities a lifted their bodies and propelled them- VIRTUAL VISIT profound gift: mobility. selves,” Plue explains. “With these carts, they can go wherever they wish. It is a The gift West didn’t hesitate. “I can do that,” he magnificent change in their lives — and of mobility replied. there are many more in need. That’s why we’re helping build as many carts as we Rotary Club of West was 70 years old then; he’s 98 can, every day.” Columbia South, today, but this Columbia South club mem- ber (he moved from active to honorary The willingness of members to be ac- Missouri status in 2020) still delights in describing tively involved is one secret of the club’s what happened next. Working out of his success, Plue says — not that members In 1994, Mel West, a retired United Meth- garage with a friend who was an aeronau- aren’t willing to open their wallets: Most odist minister, traveled from his home in tics engineer, he came up with a funny- of its nearly 100 members are Paul Har- Missouri to Des Moines, Iowa, to talk with looking contraption that drew stares and ris Fellows (which means they have each a man he’d never met. That meeting would titters as he tooled around his neighbor- made a $1,000 donation to The Rotary inspire West to undertake the mission that hood to test it out. The skepticism didn’t Foundation). Plue also credits the club’s would occupy the next 28 years of his life, faze him. The cart worked in Missouri — early morning meeting time for attract- one that would eventually lead to a fruit- and in Zaire. Send more, said Hills. ing such a robust membership. “Morning ful collaboration with the Rotary Club of people are a special kind of people,” he Columbia South, as well as several other Since then, Mobility Worldwide, the says. A lot of go-getters. Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact clubs in Co- company West founded, has produced lumbia, Missouri. 100,000 Personal Energy Transportation What’s more, the members don’t drift (PET) carts and distributed them, for free, in at the 6:45 a.m. gathering time. “We The man West met was a Methodist in 106 countries. The carts are built today usually gather a half hour prior to the missionary named Larry Hills. He’d been in about two dozen affiliated workshops, meeting just to enjoy fellowship,” Plue working in Zaire — known today as the and much of the work of assembling them says. “A lot of clubs, you walk in, you go to Democratic Republic of Congo — and West is done by volunteers, including members a table and sit down, and you start. We’ve had been sending him clothing and medical of the Columbia South club. always been a club that’s very social, and and office supplies. When they finally met that has attracted members more than any face-to-face in Iowa, Hills described a plight Chartered in 1989, Columbia South recruiting effort.” he regularly encountered. Polio, snake bites, provides members many opportunities for birth defects, and, in that conflict-torn service — be it supporting international Columbia South also enthusiastically country, land mines had left many people projects, like improving access to water, embraces partnerships. The club has with disabled legs or, in the worst cases, no sanitation, and hygiene in Uganda; or local provided support to the Rotaract Club of legs at all. And traditional wheelchairs were projects, such as packaging bulk food into Columbia, which has become another ineffective on the uneven roads of Zaire. meals and care boxes that stock the local ardent supporter of Mobility Worldwide. What was needed was a hand-cranked, food bank. But the club found a special “These carts are uber cool,” says Drew sturdily built wheelchair-like cart that could sense of purpose in assembling the mobil- Anderson, who, with his fellow Rotarac- ity carts. “We’re all-hands-on-deck,” says tors, envisioned ways of making Rotary’s Raymond Plue, who’s both a past presi- involvement in the project even more im- dent of the club and a past governor of pactful. District 6080, which comprises 52 Rotary clubs in Missouri. “If these people [who In 2019, the Rotaract club organized a eventually received the carts] wanted to fundraiser that invited local businesses move, they put their hands down and and organizations to come up with the 50  ROTARY  JULY 2022

Drew Anderson (left) of the Rotaract Club of Columbia, Missouri, and Gary Moreau, executive director of Mobility Worldwide-Columbia, flank three members of the Rotary Club of Columbia South: (from left) Raymond Plue, Mobility Worldwide founder Melvin West, and Dell Epperson, the club’s 2022-23 president. most creatively decorated mobility cart. Carts and supported by Columbia’s Broad- U.S. Navy captain and a former trustee of The event was a success, attracting mem- way Brewery and other local businesses, bers of Rotary and non-Rotarians alike. will be held 17 July at the MU Health Care Mobility Worldwide, serving as the club’s It has since become an annual event, and Pavilion. Anderson says that Mobility in its first three years, as the number of Worldwide recently recruited him to be 2022-23 president. sponsors grew from about 30 to 100, it has a liaison between other Rotary and Rota- raised around $60,000, according to Plue. ract clubs to help them hold similar events. Give the final word to Raymond Plue, That’s enough money to fund about 200 His goal is to raise $1 million per year by carts (each PET cart costs about $300 to 2025. And Columbia South’s participation who sums up the global benefits yielded build and assemble). in the mobile cart project will likely stay on course with Dell Epperson, a retired by the mobile carts project. “It has This year’s event, called Craft Beer and changed the lives of the thousands of in- dividuals who have received the carts,” he says, “and the hearts of the thousands of individuals who help put those carts to- gether.” — bryan smith ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF AMPLITUDE In Columbia, Missouri, On 1 April 1922, the Rotary Club of Columbia, makes it his The Rotary Club of members of Rotary have Club of Columbia, Missouri, is goal to expand Rotary fellowship IMPACT Columbia is turned the traditional chartered. Twelve years later, in his hometown. chartered 22 July 2019. motto of the United States one of its founding members, — E pluribus unum (Out of Bob Hill, will serve as Rotary The Rotary Club of Columbia The Rotaract Club of many, one) — on its head. A International’s 24th president. South is chartered 5 June 1989. Columbia is chartered history of Rotary in CoMo, 24 April 2000. What’s more, as Missouri’s fourth largest On 24 April 1970, the Rotary The Rotary Club of Columbia- the city has several active city is colloquially known, Club of Columbia Northwest Metro is chartered 10 June 1993. Interact clubs, which means might aptly be entitled receives its charter after Charles that CoMo’s next generation Ex uno plures: Out of one, Proctor, a past district governor The Rotary Club of Columbia of Rotary leaders are already many. Take a look. and past president of the Rotary Evening is chartered 15 April 2016. waiting in the wings. Photograph by David Carson JULY 2022  ROTARY  51

OUR CLUBS CALENDAR July events SIP AND SEE Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Merrimack. on law enforcement. The Coudersport In addition to beer brewed on site, the club will participate by hosting an Event: Beer on the Bridge event will feature award-winning barbe- outdoor beer garden in celebration of Host: Rotary Club of Fredericton cue, a variety of food truck vendors, and Prohibition’s end. Sunrise, New Brunswick live music from 11 bands. Buy tickets in What it benefits: Local charities advance at a discount or pay full price at PEDAL ON Date: 2 July the door. Kids younger than 6 get in free. Inspired by a similar event in Tennessee, Event: Giro Vigneti Healdsburg this annual gathering at the Bill Thorpe BLAST FROM THE PAST Host: Rotary Club of Healdsburg Sunrise, Walking Bridge includes samples of California mead, beer, and cider; food from local es- Event: Eliot Ness Fest What it benefits: Local charities and tablishments; and live music. The nearly Host: Rotary Club of Coudersport, scholarships 2,000-foot steel bridge across the St. Pennsylvania Dates: 22-24 July John River has been a city landmark since What it benefits: Local and Since 2017 the Healdsburg Sunrise club 1938 and can be seen, briefly, in the video international charities has sponsored this annual cycling event for the recent Ed Sheeran and Taylor Dates: 15-17 July     through the heart of Sonoma County Swift duet, “The Joker and the Queen.” Prohibition-era crime fighter Eliot Ness wine country. (Giro vigneti means “vine- once lived in Coudersport, which is yards tour” in Italian.) The weekend LACE ’EM UP now home to this weekend festival in starts with dinner on Friday, followed by his honor. Attendees are encouraged to the ride on Saturday, and several health Event: Four on the 4th dress in 1920s garb as they take in vin- and wellness seminars on Sunday. Dis- Host: Rotary Club of York, Maine tage vehicle shows, lively street theater, tance options for cyclists include routes What it benefits: Preble Street, a local historical presentations, and a spotlight of 20, 38, 57, and 72 miles. antipoverty service agency Date: 4 July ALL ABOARD! PHOTOGRAPH: COURTESY OF POCONOMOUNTAINS.COM A tradition in York for more than four decades, this four-mile race kicks off Event: Steam Train Independence Day on an active note. For Excursion those who prefer to run the race on their own time and own path, there is also a Host: Rotary Club of virtual option. Walkers and runners of all Mountaintop, Pennsylvania abilities are welcome, and patriotic attire is encouraged. What it benefits: Local projects FINGER LICKIN’ GOOD Date: 9 July Event: Great American Ribfest & Food This popular day trip Truck Festival Host: Rotary Club of Merrimack, aboard a steam train runs New Hampshire What it benefits: Local and along a scenic route in the international projects Dates: 15-17 July Pocono Mountains. The More than 15,000 people are expected to attend this three-day festival at the train winds its way through the Lehigh Gorge, crossing a bridge and barreling through two tunnels en route to the historic coal mining town of Jim Thorpe, where attractions include museums and Victorian mansions. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and capacity is limited to 620. 52  ROTARY  JULY 2022

TRUSTEE CHAIR’S MESSAGE OUR CLUBS Our ivin adds up SERVICE ABOVE SELF As an accountant, I look at the world six total cases in 2021 — has been one of THE OBJECT OF ROTARY through the lens of inputs and outputs. the most ambitious humanitarian projects We can plan with precision today for suc- ever undertaken by a nongovernmental The Object of Rotary is to cess tomorrow. My profession also taught body. That success story alone shows the encourage and foster the ideal me that numbers — those inputs and out- significance and widespread impact of of service as a basis of worthy puts — can sometimes tell great stories. Rotary and its Foundation. enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster: One of those stories is The Rotary Perhaps what is even more remarkable First The development of Foundation: What it has given the world, is that polio eradication is but one part of acquaintance as an opportunity starting from a modest input of $26.50, is the Foundation’s e orts. for service; nothing short of remarkable. Second High ethical standards Today, the Foundation has grown into in business and professions, the In 1918, that amount — the surplus a multimillion-dollar charity. Our robust recognition of the worthiness from that year’s Rotary Convention in funding model allows districts the flexibil- of all useful occupations, and Kansas City, Missouri — was applied, at ity to choose which Rotary aspects they the dignifying of each Rotarian’s the su gestion of 1916-17 Rotary President would like to support — polio eradication, occupation as an opportunity to Arch Klumph, to a fund with the purpose scholarships, district grants, global grants, serve society; of doing good in the world. The fund grew and more. Today’s Foundation impacts Third The application of modestly until 1947, when Rotary founder the world through disaster relief, disease the ideal of service in each Paul Harris died and donations poured prevention, peace education, and other Rotarian’s personal, business, in as a tribute to him. That year, the areas. and community life; Foundation supported scholarships for Fourth The advancement of 18 students — the first indication of the Everyone in Rotary is part of this great international understanding, greatness to come. legacy; it is our responsibility to keep it goodwill, and peace through a going. This year, the trustees have set the world fellowship of business and Later the Foundation expanded, goal of raising $430 million. I know the professional persons united in providing programs, such as Group Study expectations are high. But I also know just the ideal of service. Exchange, and humanitarian grants, how much our members can achieve. which impacted the lives of members THE FOUR WAY TEST and communities around the world. In To get there, we will work together as 1979, a major grant helped immunize we always do, with each club and indi- Of the things we think, say, or do: 6.3 million children in the Philippines vidual giving what they can. In this way, 1. Is it the truth? against polio, which led to the we will ensure that we meet our ambi- 2. Is it fair to all concerned? establishment of PolioPlus in 1985. tious but achievable goal and move our 3. Will it build goodwill and Foundation forward. Rotary’s work with polio eradica- better friendships? tion — helping reduce wild polio from an IAN H.S. RISELEY 4. Will it be beneficial to all estimated 1,000 cases daily in 1988 to just Foundation trustee chair concerned? Illustration by Viktor Miller Gausa 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. JULY 2022 ROTARY 53

OUR CLUBS DISPATCHES FROM OUR SISTER MAGAZINES Rotary News (India) A Rotaract club for ers for the visually and physically blind students in Pune impaired students during exami- nations at this college. The group Left: Members of Giving shape to the aspirations a poet, storyteller, writer, and de- has also started a library on the PHOTOGRAPHS: COURTESY OF ROTARY NEWS (INDIA) the Rotaract Club bater who excels at language and campus where volunteers read of Divyazep trek to of the visually impaired, a new arts. She was born with cerebral books to blind students, who can a fort near Pune. Rotaract club was chartered for palsy and is paralyzed on the left also use the reading and listening Right: Pankaj them in Pune. Its 26 members are side of her body. “But that doesn’t software installed in the library Shah, past all students of Sir Parashurambhau define me or will stand in the way of computers or read Braille books. governor of District College, Pune. “The new members my dream to go to Germany and be- “We wanted to give the students 3131, presents of the Rotaract Club of Divyazep, come a Sanskrit teacher,” she says with disabilities an equal chance the charter of which two have other physical confidently. She is excited about to participate in all the activities in to Samruddhi impairments, are talented and have her Rotaract journey and is “look- the college. The objective is neither Bhalwankar, past big dreams. The Rotaract platform ing forward to meeting new people, pity nor sympathy, but to treat them president of the will not just enhance the leader- participating in meaningful activi- equally, understand their needs at a Divyazep Rotaract ship skills in these students but ties, and learning new skills that personal level, and in certain cases club. also make them part of an interna- will help me build a secure future.” learn from them,” says Yogita Kale, tional community,” says Vinay Patil, a professor in the arts faculty and past president of the Rotary Club During the induction ceremony founder of the group. She is also the of Pune East, which has sponsored in December, the Rotaractors were adviser for the new Rotaract club. this one-of-its-kind Rotaract club. gifted a white cane by the par- ent Rotary club. “It’s a meaningful The Divyazep group organizes The Rotaractors will be given gift,” says Youwraj Dalve, the club trips and treks to various forts job-specific training based on their secretary. He recalls a time “when around Pune for its members. So, is physical abilities, and once they I thought that a white cane was a it tough for them to climb? “Yes, but complete their graduation, “they symbol of shame and failure. But they want to experience their history will get employed and become able now it has become the best tool for lessons. They touch the giant doors, to support themselves economi- me to walk beside those with sight feel the surface, lie down on the floor cally,” says Patil. He added that and become more comfortable being of the fort, and want to know how blind people face many social alone. Using the cane makes me feel large the room is,” she says. Some- hurdles and the workplace is not powerful and in control,” he said. times Kale narrates the stories about friendly to them. the fort, and they love them. These The new Rotaract club is named Rotaractors are trained in dance and Samruddhi Bhalwankar, past after a group that arranges writ- also perform street plays on various president of the Divyazep club, is social issues like road safety and hygiene. — kiran zehra 54  ROTARY  JULY 2022

What you wear matters As far as environment protec- more than 7,500 liters to produce Charter for Climate Action to help It is a pair of jeans. In fact, the fashion reduce the sector’s impact on global estimated tion goes, you are literally what industry has been said to generate warming. And you will be happy that the you wear. This is true of a world 20 percent of global wastewater pol- to know that a lot of your favorite number where influencers urge you to wear- lution. Just washing clothes releases brands have opted for the charter, of times a discard-buy as frequently as you half a million metric tons of micro- including Adidas, Decathlon, Gap, garment is can. “Fast fashion” may be the buzz- ibers into the ocean every year. H&M, Kmart, Levi Strauss, Nike, worn has word for the smart set, but for the The prognosis is this: If nothing is Otto, and Puma. declined by environment it is like a death knell. done about it, by 2050 the fashion 36 percent industry could use up a quarter of There are some small and ethi- in 15 years. As things stand, the textile in- the world’s carbon budget. cal companies, too, who are using dustry contributes up to 10 percent organic, going in for sustainable of global carbon emissions, which Discerning consumers are now and ethical practices, and waiting is more than all the international moving toward garments of or- for the conscious customer. flights and maritime shipping put ganic cotton. One study found that together. So, what can we do to organic cotton production used It is estimated that the number limit this damage? No, you needn’t 91 percent less water than the of times a garment is worn has de- say goodbye to clothes, but you can conventional process and reduced clined by 36 percent in 15 years. be choosy about what you wear and carbon dioxide emissions by 46 per- More important, as environmen- how many clothes you pack into cent. In addition, fewer pesticides tally conscious citizens, we must your wardrobe. are used in its growth. Of course, curb our urge, as well as those of organic cotton is far more expen- our children, to order online to be In recent times, fast fashion — sive and does not appeal to those mindlessly trendy. Right now, a few inexpensive clothing produced by in need of cheaper clothes. But the cities in India have already begun mass-market retailers in response green argument is that it is better to lending libraries for clothes, where to the latest trends that keep chang- have fewer garments of good qual- one can rent a garment for a party, ing by the minute — has been iden- ity that will last years, rather than wedding, or any special occasion. tified as the main culprit causing a many less expensive ones that will worldwide clothes explosion. Since be discarded rapidly. By choosing sustainable brands 2000, clothing production has more that provide good quality garments, than doubled, touching 100 bil- When it comes to buying clothes recycling old garments, manufac- lion items of clothing per year. A online or from stores, here are a few turing products from recycled ma- mind-bo gling 85 percent of cloth- tips: Choose brands that are known terial, and strategizing to reduce ing material ends up in landfills or to be ethical and those that have carbon emissions, you will reduce incinerators because it is cheap, of signed the 2018 Fashion Industry your own waste and save your indi erent quality, and quickly dis- money as well. — posable. It is estimated that with It takes 2,700 liters every passing second the equivalent of water to produce Just washing of one garbage truck of textiles is clothes releases landfilled or burned. a T-shirt and more half a million metric tons of So what exactly is “sustainable than 7,500 liters microfibers into the fashion” that we need to support to produce a pair ocean every year. and opt for? It starts from the seed itself and the way cotton is grown of jeans. to how it is woven into fabric. It PHOTOGRAPH: GETTY IMAGES also includes the treatment of ani- mals sheared for their wool and the wages and working conditions of workers. Remember the infamous sweatshops operating in our part of the globe? These too make gar- ments that are far from sustainable. Take, for instance, the T-shirt and jeans you often wear. According to estimates, it takes about 2,700 liters of water to produce a T-shirt and JULY 2022 ROTARY 55

OUR CLUBS COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS Apply yourself AS MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY OF ROTARY, we are people of purpose, people of influence, and people of action. Each year, committees that support Rotary and The Rotary Foundation focus on putting Rotary’s strategic priorities into action, challenging us to increase our impact, expand our reach, enhance participant engagement, and increase our ability to adapt. Would you like to contribute to Rotary’s success? We are searching for qualified Rotarians and Rotaractors to apply their leadership skills to serve on a committee in the 2023-24 Rotary year. These positions offer an opportunity for you to share your vocational expertise and skill set and help ensure diverse perspectives within each committee. Candidates with areas of expertise as detailed in the chart are encouraged to apply. The number of openings is limited. If you are not selected this year, we encourage you to apply again next year. All committees correspond via email and on virtual platforms, typically with one mandatory in-person meeting per year. Dual members of both Rotary and Rotaract are especially encouraged to apply. To be considered for committee membership or recommend someone for an appointment, visit on.rotary.org/application2022. Applicants must be registered on My Rotary at my.rotary.org and should make sure their My Rotary profile includes current contact information. Applications are due by 15 August. 56  ROTARY  JULY 2022 Illustrations by Viktor Miller Gausa

Serving can ENEDELSY ESCOBAR-KING open doors for Rotary members Rotary Club of Panamá Norte, Panama Committee: Strategic Planning, 2020-24 Serving Rotary as an Professional background: I worked most of my international committee professional life with the UN/UNICEF in posi- member is a great way tions where strategic planning was my bread and to gain global contacts butter. My work experience took me to multiple and experience in your continents. I thought I could be of use to Ro- industry while using tary, given that knowledge. your professional skills Rotary background: I joined Rotary in to help the organization. 2015 and became very involved with project Previous leadership activities with my club, including playing an experience in Rotary instrumental role in organizing an Interact isn’t required, just the club in the secondary school I attended. Besides skills and willingness to participating in several Rotary Conventions, serve. Here’s how four my experience has been at the club and Rotary members took district level. a nontraditional path Why I was interested in to gain international international committee leadership experience. experience: This opportu- nity allowed me to see the organization from a dif- ferent perspective. I got to know Rotarians from other districts, whom I otherwise might not have met. Committee openings AREA OF EXPERTISE FUNCTION ON COMMITTEE PREREQUISITES OPENINGS & AUDIT COMMITMENT COMMUNICATIONS FINANCE Advise leadership on financial Independence, appropriate business experience, and One position for LEARNING reports, internal and external demonstrated financial literacy in accounting, auditing, a six-year term auditing, and the system of banking, insurance, investment, risk management, internal control executive management, or audit governance Advise leadership on Professional background and experience in brand Two positions for communication with key strategy, strategic planning, marketing, public relations, three-year terms audiences media, or a communications-related field Advise the RI Board on Rotary’s Professional background in a finance-related field; Two positions for finances, including budgets, nonprofit experience preferred. Candidates should three-year terms investment policy, and have experience in financial matters at the club and sustainability measures district levels. Advise leadership on Rotary’s Significant training or education experience with a Two to four leadership training program for preference for leadership development positions for Rotarians, clubs, and districts, three-year terms with a special emphasis on training for district governors CONTINUED JULY 2022  ROTARY  57

OUR CLUBS VINO SOOKLOLL AMANDA WENDT Rotary Club of Phoenix, Mauritius Rotary Club of Melbourne, Australia Committee: Communications, 2020-23 Since joining Rotary at age 26 in 2010, Amanda Wendt had Professional background: been a club president, served as district public image chair, I am a branding and innova- traveled with her district on a humanitarian trip to Cambodia, tion, design, and marketing and spoken at a Rotary Convention breakout and zone insti- communications consultant. tute. But as far as formal leadership roles in Rotary beyond the I’ve been running my own district level, she had none. agency for the last 40 years, and served as the president of “That quickly changed,” she says, when she became aware the Association of Communi- of the opportunity to serve on Rotary’s international com- cations Agencies of Mauritius. mittees after a chance conversation in 2017. “I jumped at the Rotary background: I opportunity to put my professional experience to use.” became a charter member of the Rotary Club of Phoenix In her career, Wendt, a marketing and communications in 2003. I have been lead- specialist, coaches entrepreneurs and leaders on building ing major communications their brands. Since earning a bachelor’s degree in business, projects for my club and the with an emphasis in marketing, in 2005, she has led marketing district (9220) for many years. campaigns — producing social media, video and photography, In addition to becoming a digital content, advertising, and more. She has managed large- Communications Committee scale behavior change programs to achieve government-policy member, in 2020 I became an reform, and she coaches organizations on attracting millenni- assistant Rotary public image als as staff and customers. coordinator for Zone 22. Why I was interested in Wendt decided to leverage her expertise by applying to serve international committee on Rotary’s Communications Committee. She held that role for experience: Joining the com- 2018-21 and served as the committee’s vice chair in 2019-20. mittee allowed me to bring “These opportunities to gain experience are far and beyond my concerns about improving what most young professionals get to experience in their the tools available for building workplace,” she says. “It’s truly one of Rotary’s competitive a public image to the people advantages.” working on these issues at the international level. This year Wendt says serving on the Communications I am chairing the Building the Committee is one of her favorite Rotary Rotary Brand subcommittee. experiences so far. She enjoyed the I feel at home, surrounded by opportunity to work with and learn passionate members. I hope from members around the world, those joining next year will rolling out global initiatives while share that same spirit of con- learning about cultural nuances tinuous improvement. and localized program consid- erations. “It furnished me with experiences, skills, and a network that young professionals are eager to achieve but may be waiting some time to realize in their career,” she says. Her time on the Commu- nications Committee led to additional speaking opportu- nities on Rotary’s brand and communications as well as on connecting with younger members. Now she’s get- ting additional district leadership experience, too: She’s serving as 2022-23 governor of District 9800. 58  ROTARY  JULY 2022

CONTINUED OPERATIONS REVIEW Monitor the effectiveness, Experience in management, leadership development, One position for ROTARACT efficiency, and implementation or financial management, and a thorough knowledge of a six-year term STRATEGIC PLANNING of operations and all internal Rotary’s operations. Appointments are limited to past systems; advise the Executive RI directors. Committee on compensation matters; and perform other oversight functions as requested Advise leadership on matters Rotarians: Experience working with Rotaract; direct One to four related to Rotaract experience as a mentor or Rotaract adviser or district positions for chair. Rotaract alumni are strong candidates. terms of varying Rotaractors: Leadership at the club, district, or length international level. Strong candidates have served as a district Rotaract representative, organized projects, or attended a Rotaract Preconvention. Age restrictions may apply. Review Rotary’s strategic plan 10+ years of experience in strategy development, Two positions and associated measures; monitoring, and implementation, and strong with four-year advise leadership on other understanding of RI and Rotary Foundation programs terms matters of long-term and services significance BOBBE BARNES Rotary Club of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas Committee: Audit, 2020-23 Professional background: I worked with Price Waterhouse in Toronto, then moved to academia in the accounting programs at the University of Texas and University of Colorado. I later moved to Central Asia and became the technical accounting expert for a USAID project, working with international and local experts to develop a training program for ac- countants. The program is ongoing. Rotary background: I joined the Rotary Club of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to expand my network and meet other local and expat leaders in the country. I became involved in the club by helping implement the financial aspects of the global grants we were awarded and serving as the liaison to the Rotaract club. After I returned home, I became a charter member of the Rotary Club of Fair Oaks Ranch. Why I was interested in international committee experience: I wanted to serve beyond the club level in order to give Rotary what it had given me during my years overseas. I became involved in the district as a district treasurer and grants subcommittee chair. Then I saw that Rotary was calling for volun- teers to serve on committees. I applied to serve on the Audit Committee as I found that best matched my expertise. JULY 2022  ROTARY  59

OUR CLUBS About 60 percent Representatives of the representatives who opposed the attended in person in proposal argued downtown Chicago. that the plan for the pilot programs lacks specifics and could reduce the number of districts and put the role of district governor at risk. Others ex- pressed concern that the plan could alter the autonomous structure of Rotary clubs, leading to more centralized governance and less localized management. Wafer re- assured representatives that districts and district governors will not be eliminated during the course of the pilot programs. Council representatives also approved an increase in Rotary club dues for each of the next three years. Dues that clubs pay to RI per member are set at $35.50 per half year in 2022-23. Dues will increase to $37.50 per half year in 2023-24, $39.25 per half year in 2024-25, and $41 per half year in 2025-26. Meanwhile, representatives rejected a proposal that would have required mem- bers to receive a digital copy of this maga- zine, or any of the 33 regional magazines, unless they requested a printed copy. The delegates also agreed not to change the article in Rotary’s bylaws that mandates a magazine subscription for each member. IN BRIEF “The magazine is a primer for Rotary Council on Legislation members, keeping us informed on the elevates equity and inclusion who, what, when, where, why, and how of the world,” said District 5300 representa- tive Sylvia Whitlock, Rotary’s first-ever female club president. “Without the maga- zine, everything is just happenstance. Any good primer is beside you all the time.” Only 8 percent of Rotary subscribers have opted to receive a digital version of the magazine instead of print. In a 2020 About 520 Rotary members from around Another enactment, which gener- survey of Rotary members around the the world, each representing a single dis- ated vigorous discussion before passing trict, came together for the 2022 Council by a vote of 324 to 150, will allow the world, 84 percent said the magazine they on Legislation in April. They considered RI Board to pilot a new regional gover- more than 90 proposals to change Rotary nance structure. Two pilot programs are receive strengthens their connection with International’s constitutional documents being planned: one in Rotary International and adopted 29 of them as enactments. in Great Britain and Ireland, and the other Rotary, allowing them to better under- in Zone 8 (Australia, New Zealand, and Pa- In one enactment, representatives voted cific Islands). Each will last six years. stand the organization. PHOTOGRAPHY: CINDY FANDL / ROTARY INTERNATIONAL overwhelmingly to add “equity and inclu- sion” to RI bylaws, affirming Rotary’s ef- “The current regional governance This year’s Council on Legislation forts to be inclusive of all cultures, expe- structure, put in place many years ago, has riences, and identities, and to reflect the grown into a significant hierarchy with too marked the first hybrid international event communities it serves. The bylaws now many layers and roles,” said then-RI Direc- state that clubs “shall endeavor to build a tor Valarie Wafer, who spoke on behalf of hosted by Rotary during the COVID-19 well-balanced membership that celebrates the Board. “It is appropriate to modernize diversity, equity, and inclusion.” Rotary and consider new models that can enhance pandemic. “What we have done is unprec- prohibits clubs from denying an individ- our efficiency, increase the ability of mem- ual membership due to gender, race, color, bers to access support, and make volunteer edented,” said Duane Benton, a member creed, national origin, or sexual orientation. positions more manageable and doable.” of the Rotary Club of Kansas City, Mis- souri, and the Council’s co-chair. “About 200 delegates, from every continent, par- ticipated in the deliberations via Zoom. Despite the time differences, participants debated and voted on proposals as if they had been there in person. This is the full flowering of electronic policymaking.” — wen huang 60  ROTARY  JULY 2022

IN MEMORIAM With deep regret, we report the deaths of Donald Kwait, Heart and soul Chagrin Highlands (Beachwood Area), Ohio, who served RI as Bhichai Rattakul, 1926-2022 director in 1978-80 and district governor in 1969-70; Peter In 1958, Bhichai Rattakul became a charter ther worked. “I started from the bottom and Bundgaard, Ry, Denmark, who member of the Rotary Club of Dhonburi, worked my way up, which helped me appre- served RI as director in 1995-97 the second Rotary club in Thailand. He later ciate the hardships of people less fortunate and district governor in 1979-80; admitted that, at first, he was merely “a Ro- than myself,” he said. Rattakul went on to and Thomas A. Branum Sr., tarian on paper, but not a Rotarian in spirit. become the president and chairman of the Indianapolis Northeast, who Rotary was not yet in my heart.” board of that company, and he was presi- served RI as director in 2007-09 dent of the Thai Pharmaceutical Manufac- and district governor in 1995-96. All that changed when, at his club presi- turers Association for more than 10 years. dent’s request, he reluctantly agreed to ac- In addition, we report the company a group of fatherless boys to the Before becoming RI president, Rattakul deaths of the following beach. One of the children latched on to had a noteworthy government career, serv- Rotarians who served RI as Rattakul, and when the day ended, both ing as Thailand’s deputy prime minister — district governors: the Rotarian and the boy found it difficult from 1983 to 1990 and from 1997 to 2000 — to say goodbye. “Since it was dark outside, and as foreign minister. He was a member of Takashi Toda no one could see my tears when suddenly the Thai parliament for nine terms and held Yao, Japan, 1982-83 he hugged me and whispered, ‘I wish you the posts of speaker of the House of Repre- were my dad,’” Rattakul said when recount- sentatives and president of the parliament. John T. Capps III ing the story years later. “All it took was one Morehead City-Noon, little boy to awaken the heart of a selfish During his years in politics, he headed North Carolina, 1985-86 man. I understood then what it meant to Thailand’s Democrat Party. He led a num- be a Rotarian.” ber of Thai delegations to the United Na- Keng Bin Lee tions, and he was decorated by various Pudu, Malaysia, 1989-90 Bhichai Rattakul, who served as the heads of state, including the king of Thai- 2002-03 president of Rotary International, land, the emperor of Japan, and the presi- Sahee Tsuda died in Bangkok on 28 February. He was 95 dents of Austria, Italy, Korea, Nicaragua, the Kyoto-West, Japan, 1989-90 and is survived by his daughter, two sons, Philippines, and Venezuela. He held hon- and several grandchildren. orary degrees in law and political science David Kwong-Choong Ho from universities in Korea, Thailand, and Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 1996-97 Rotary’s first president from Thailand, the United States. Rattakul encouraged Rotary members to Chang-Kun Jung determine their own programs, saying that As chair of the organizing committee Andong West, Korea, 1998-99 grassroots members know what’s best for for the 13th Asian Games in 1998, Rattakul their clubs and communities. And as he told served as a mediator, bringing together sev- Jae Yoon Lee this magazine in 2002, Rattakul thought eral fractious groups to organize and host Daegu-Dongshin, Korea, that active participation in service projects the competition in Bangkok. In recognition, 2001-02 was the best way to involve — and retain — the Olympic Council of Asia honored him club members. As he often said, “I believe in with its Award of Merit. Junji Maruyama personal service, not purse service.” Sapporo-Makomanai, Japan, In a statement, Husain Al Musallam, 2006-07 That belief, however, did not preclude director general of the Olympic Council of personal generosity: Rattakul and his wife, Asia, said: “[Rattakul] was a politician, but Brian Moore Charoye, were Rotary Foundation Major his love for sport saved the Asian Games in Point West-Sacramento, Donors and Benefactors. He received The 1998. … We, on behalf of the Asian Olympic California, 2008-09 Rotary Foundation’s Citation for Meritori- Movement, express our deepest sympathies ous Service and its Distinguished Service to his family and share this difficult time Toru Otani Award. with all Thai sport communities. May his Osaka-Southwest, Japan, soul rest in peace.” 2009-10 Rattakul was known for his modesty, integrity, and diplomatic skills, and his Shuichi Kurasawa outlook on life was shaped by his early Ryugasaki, Japan, 2015-16 experiences. His boyhood education at a private school in Hong Kong was cut short Cheng Lim Lioh by World War II, and his distinguished busi- Tampin, Malaysia, 2019-20 ness career began with sweeping floors in the pharmaceutical company where his fa- JULY 2022  ROTARY  61

OUR CLUBS With the conclusion of the 2022 Rotary around 140 cultures are represented in International Convention in Houston on Melbourne, from the Indigenous inhab- 2023 CONVENTION 8 June — Rotary’s first in-person con- itants to more recent migrants from Eu- vention since the start of the COVID-19 rope, Asia, and Africa. Widely regarded as G’day, pandemic — attention now turns to next Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne is Melbourne year’s host city, Melbourne, Australia. a UNESCO City of Literature and is home to performing arts and live music venues, The 2023 convention will take place and cultural attractions. The Economist 27-31 May inside the Rod Laver Arena and Intelligence Unit has ranked Melbourne the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition as one of the world’s most livable cities, Centre, which are located in vibrant riv- based in part on its cultural attributes. erfront precincts. This marks the second time Melbourne is hosting a Rotary Con- Mary Barry, past president of the Ro- vention. The first was in 1993. tary Club of Melbourne, chairs the Host Organization Committee. Melbourne is the coastal capital of the southeastern state of Victoria. It’s The Rotary Club of Melbourne was the second-largest city in both Austra- chartered in April 1921, the first in Aus- lia and Oceania with a metro population tralia. The country now has more than of more than 5 million. Melbourne is also 1,000 clubs and nearly 25,000 members. one of the world’s most culturally diverse It has previously hosted four Rotary con- cities. According to the city government, ventions, most recently in Sydney in 2014. Learn more and register at convention.rotary.org. CROSSWORD ACROSS 47 What money 19 Baseness 1 Oscar or Emmy doesn’t grow on 21 Touching game Just 6 Carol in 25 Mysterious glows desserts 49 Frog’s kin 26 Reads rapidly Unbreakable Kimmy 50 Frat.’s kin 27 Hit hard, old style By Victor Fleming Schmidt 53 31 July (National 28 Ab’s neighbor Rotary Club of Little Rock, Arkansas 10 Churchill’s 29 Amaze Country Day) 31 Circumvent       14 YouTube staple 57 What’s between the 32 Harder to locate 15 Ruckuses 33 Typically    16 Stuff in a golf Dakotas 34 Not so clear course trap 59 Block, perhaps 35 Some French    17 “Rephrasing 60 Mammoth that, ...” 61 “Like of bricks!” paintings   18 Tends a traveler’s 62 By oneself 37 & Order abode 63 Animals in harness 38 Word after “you”      20 5 July (National 64 Literary sleuth Day) and “odds”     22 WSJ rival Wolfe 39 Mars but not 23 Swede’s neighbor 65 Amana offering Venus      24 “ an accident!” 44 To be, to Ovid 27 Arcade game DOWN 45 West Side Story     name 1 Birdlike 28 Buddy 2 J. Wellington Oscar winner    30 Arctic bird Rita 31 Pleasant smell (source of “I’d gladly 46 Commonly pierced     34 Morning pay you Tuesday ...”) condensation 3 Quite capable body part       35 Cultural start? 4 Not imagined 48 All gone, as food PHOTOGRAPH: GETTY IMAGES 36 23 July (National 5 Negotiation-ending 49 Kind of sax     Day) phrase 50 Anglo’s partner 40 Part of QED 6 “Big” Hawaiian 51 Saying yes to    41 Bracelet site 7 Dig deeply 52 Zellweger of The 42 Altar locales 8 “Rhyme” or    43 Minister, briefly “reason,” at times Thing About Pam 44 She sheep 9 “Happy Motoring” 54 Stratagem    45 Clothing store brand 55 Chomp department 10 Balance-sheet plus 56 Brown, bubbly Solution on page 10 11 What employers should pay beverage 12 Bug on a farm 57 Cable cinema sta. 13 Aves.’ kin 58 Monkey suit, for short 62  ROTARY  JULY 2022

Promote your club. Inspire your community. Visit the Brand Center to access promotional materials and resources to share your club’s stories of impact and show your community we’re people of action. You’ll find: Templates to create Ads, photos, and G uidance to apply club logos and videos that show Rotary colors and custom promotions Rotary in action design elements Use these tools to update your website, social media accounts, and community outreach materials. Get started at rotary.org/brandcenter.

LAST BIT A pavlova from The Cheesecake Shop in Mermaid Beach, a Gold Coast suburb A Down Under delight Aussies will whip up a sweet, fruity pavlova for any occasion Terri Taylor Cuisine in Australia has come a long way since the THE DISH: Pavlova (called pav by Australians) was first fleet of British ships arrived with its cargo of invented as a tribute to Russian ballerina Anna Rotary Club of convicts in 1788. “We were stuck with stodgy English Pavlova, who toured Australia and New Zealand in Burleigh Heads, food for a while,” says Terri Taylor, a professional chef the 1920s. One early version was an upscale sort of Australia and member of the Rotary Club of Burleigh Heads, Jell-O salad in a dome-like shape that suggested a Australia. She’s joking, of course (but maybe not tutu, Taylor says. entirely). Beginning with the gold rush of the 1850s, HOW TO MAKE IT: You don’t need to be an expert pastry she says, “Greeks, Italians, Chinese all came, and they chef — “you can buy the meringue shell in a box, or improved our eating habits.” there’s a mix called Pavlova Magic,” Taylor says. “As a chef, I should be saying you’ve got to separate your For all the influences on the nation’s food, Taylor, egg whites and beat them, but Pavlova Magic, which who ran her own cooking school and now volunteers you put in a bowl with water and sugar, works every for a food rescue organization, says a few dishes time.” Top the meringue shell with whipped cream are claimed by Australia. Pavlova is one of them. A and any fruit that strikes your fancy. meringue shell topped with whipped cream and fruit, LOCAL FAVORITE: The Cheesecake Shop has six locations pavlova is the meal-ending confection of choice for on the Gold Coast. “Everyone goes there for celebra- almost any event. “It’s a special-event dessert, but it’s tion cakes, including pavlovas,” Taylor says. also the kind of dish you can bring to a barbecue,” Taylor says. “It can even be a birthday cake.” — paula m. bodah 64  ROTARY  JULY 2022 Photograph by Rhys Martin

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