لجانحـوار 50 «الروترآكت» هو الامتداد الحقيقى للروتارى ،وبوابة الشباب الواعد للعمل الجماعى ،يبدأون فيه بالتع ّرف على ُنظم العمل الخدمى الاجتماعى ،يعملون بروح الفريق ،وتنتج أذهانهم المتح ّمسة كل ما هو جديد ومبتكر .ورغم أنهم يبدأون حياتهم العملية ،فإنهم يقتطعون من أوقاتهم للعمل ،لخدمة المجتمع .نتع ّرف فى السطور التالية على رحلة العمل وإنكار الذات لشاب من أعمدة الروترآكت ،أدهم شاكر رئيس الروترآكت شرق الإسكندرية. أجرى الحوار :نهال عبدالرحمن رئيس نادى روترآكت نتشرع ّلقمالاإلنسجكانحدرمينة:قيادات الروتارى ووجودى وسط الشباب يضيف لى كل يوم كيف كان انضمامك للروترآكت؟ كنت فى الرابعة عشرة من عمرى ،وكان لى أقارب فى الروترآكت ،وكنت أحضر معهم بعض الاجتماعات واللقاءات ،وانبهرت بالأهداف وبروح الفريق فى العمل ،وتمنيت الانضمام لهم ،وكنت أنتظر بشدة أن أُتم سن الثامنة عشرة ،حتى أنضم إليهم بشكل رسمى ،لأنه لم تكن هناك نوادى إنترآكت وقتها ،وظل اهتمامى بالانضمام لهذه المؤسسة يزداد يوماً بعد يوم ،إلى أن أصبحت فى الثامنة عشرة من عمرى. ماذا تعلمت من الروترآكت؟ خلال عملى بالروترآكت ،أتيح لى الكثير من الفرص للتعلم من الروتاريين ،هؤلاء الناجحون فى حياتهم الشخصية ،وفى إدارتهم الروتارية ،كنت أتابع أى شخص روتارى أعمل معه فى أى مشروع ،وأقول سأتعلم منك شيئاً جديداً يفيدنى فى حياتى ،وبالفعل تعلمت الكثير .وللحق لم يبخل عل ّى الأكبر منى فى الروتارى بأى شىء ،وأعتقد أن السبب الرئيسى وراء نجاحى فى عملى ،هو أننى تعاملت معه على أنه مشروع روتارى ،وتعاملت مع عملائى
ENHANCED REDESIGNED SIMPLIFIED Welcome to the new ROTARY LEARNING CENTER Enrich your Rotary experience and leadership by visiting the improved rotary.org/learn
لجانحـوار 52 والتغلب على كل المعوقات التى قد تواجهنا، قدم الروترآكت فى مناسبات ولقاءات عديدة، لكن الشباب الذين يتم تصعيدهم للروتارى، حتى نح ّقق النجاح ونرى الفرحة والشكر فى يد العون للروتارى ،كما هو معهود منهم. يكونون على علم ودراية بما نقوم به ،وكيف نقوم به ،بل فى الكثير من الأحيان يطرحون أعين من نق ّدم لهم خدماتنا الروتارية. ما مجالات العمل الروتارى المح ّببة إليك؟ الأفكار الجديدة والمتطورة ،لإنجاز ما نقوم ما المشاريع أو مناطق العمل التى تتمنى العمل الروتارى فى حد ذاته بكل أشكاله مح ّبب إلى قلبى ،فأنا ُمغرم بما تعلمته من به بشكل أفضل. أن يدخلها الروترآكت؟ روتاريين سابقين ،من كيفية البدء بالفكرة ولنا أمثلة كثيرة من شباب الروترآكت، أتمنى من خلال منصبى كرئيس للجنة ودراستها وتقديمها فى شكل دراسة جدوى، الذين هم روتاريون حالياً ،ودورهم فعل ًا الروترآكت أن أفتح كل المجالات ومناطق ظاهر ومحسوس لدى الجميع ،كما أن العمل للشباب ،نظراً لثقتى فيهم وفى لنا محافظين سابقين كانوا روترآكت، إمكانياتهم ،لكن أكثر ما أتمناه هو أن أفتح وأنا شخصياً ،دائماً أنظر لهؤلاء الشباب، لهم المجال للمشاركة فى The Rotary ،Foundationويتبرعون لـPaul Harris متسائل ًا :من منكم محافظ المستقبل؟ و ،Polioكما أتمنى أن يحصلوا على نريد أن ُنلقى الضوء على المبادرات ،Grantsحتى لو كان من خلال مشاركة الرئيسية لروترآكت الفترة الماضية. أندية الروتارى. من توجيهات محافظنا أسامة الأحمر أن ما العوائق التى تواجه الروترآكت الآن؟ يعمل الروترآكت مع كل لجان المنطقة، الاختلاف بين الأجيال هو أكبر عائق عند وللروترآكت هذا العام دور ظاهر وف ّعال الشباب بصفة عامة ،وشبابنا من الروترآكت فى العمل مع الروتارى ،ومن أبرز أوجه بعد كل ما تعلموه وتدربوا عليه ،يستحقون التعاون بين الروتارى والروترآكت مبادرة منا أن نمنحهم الثقة بالنفس ،من خلال (بلس وان) ،التى كانت بين لجنة الخدمة ثقتنا بهم والاعتماد عليهم ،فهؤلاء الشباب المهنية ولجنة الدراسة بالروترآكت ،حيث أثبتوا أنفسهم على مر سنوات طويلة، ق ّدمنا كروتارى وروترآكت مجموعة من جيل يسلم الراية إلى جيل ،وتنتقل بينهم الدورات التدريبية لتنمية مهارات ورفع الخبرات بمنتهى الإخلاص ،إلا أن كل جيل ُين ّفذ ما تعلمه على حسب متغيرات عصره، كفاءات شبابنا ،لمواجهة سوق العمل. وإذا أعطينا أنفسنا الفرصة كروتاريين، وكذلك تم التنسيق بين لجنة العلاج لأن نتناقش معهم ونحاول أن نفهمهم، والوقاية من الأمراض مع لجنة الروترآكت، سنتعلم دروساً كثيرة منهم ،مثلما لمشاركة أندية الروترآكت فى مسابقة الأندية علمناهم ،وجودى وسط شباب الروترآكت، الروتارية ،لمكافحة مرض السكرى. إضافة لى ودرس جديد كل يوم. إضافة إلى مشاركة بعض أندية الروترآكت فى التبرع ،لإغاثة أشقائنا بلبنان والسودان ،كما
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For a few botoreetthhnoeeyssepdwerochpioaolwlyffoafrolktoriudnisftothircetnhseoorwsveigcwievheinobdaiptcnhilruglateoyosnigtratidrnrmpeeoyomssi,snntpiogvlotegyiocneooefmdsavwpinoaotrnorokiedfsso,ctsionhtergerocwcniongamg-yampsromeumonpeiltey years, my college-age son would help leave their homes, or they help cleanseurvpice in their free time. But I am not us deliver turkeys and groceries to needy members of our community at the garbage strewn along the riverfroopnpto.sed to embarrassing people into Christmastime. This was immensely doing good works. When I was growing ITTYHOOIASGFUTOOAHCIFLNAOTTGVUERENNTUTTOSISSOADM.DIOIDN,OTICTTIHHTO’ESARTRTRTHIEHIEGNCEHRTTTTI.GHHITHFEOHTUYWINOGWOGUHAR,’TRYL.EDsatisfying work, because he could see I never knew they had it in them. au—npdaonrnedmtyheaesinm, tmehaoenbBsaensoutsrrttonetreeltwtyehstisrsohewfdfaPaeuyhrtsei—eloamdtmfeoealytpnlehh, niaodsaehawnhdo? stu Ip parents were daevlloyuat Cmatnholticisn. Tfahveoy r of coercing p were also poori.nTthoe dwooilfnwgagsonoodt works, the way s asamollwwamtaateyyewrss hhapetourwttehsebionamddttpsoheheortteherorh,vviiignbrniicrgucgeeistenmisngiitsitonpytiwt.hvl,Yatoeemhesyctcyeuhenoispueroumarsacfrrelphilnenyaettnsotiiedmsoesin.trgBoucntogmI-aamrm opposed to embarrassing people IT IS48 ROTARY OFTENDECEMBER 2020 SAID THAT IN THE WORLD doing good works. When I was g up on the mean streets of Philad — and yes, those streets were me
54 Our World collection basket on Sunday morning. the PTA. The only relief column these who engaged in altruistic activities were collTechteiyondibdansoktettitohne,Sbuuntdthaeyymtroierdn.ing. tpheoPpTleAa.rTe heveeorngloyinregltieofsceoeliusmifnevtehreyse sewcrhetolyednegraigveindginsoamlterueicsotnicoamcitcivrietwieasrwd ere They dTidhenyodtitditshoe,bbyuutstihngeyentrvieldo.pes poenoepolef uasrevoelvuenrtgaoriilnygjotionssetheeiscaifvaelvreyr. y frosmecdreotilnygdseor.iTvihnisg tshoemoreyenceovneor maicdereward oInt’es aosf suismvpoleluansttahrailty. Tjohiants’stwhehycawvealry. sefnrsoemtodmoien. g so. This theory never made Tsehnetybdyidthseochbuyruchsinlisgtienngvtehloeiprensame, Imt’sigahstsnimeepdlpeuabslitchbaut.llTethinatb’sowarhdys we mlisigtihntgnaelletdhpeugboloidc bwuolrlkestidnobnoeabrydslocal sBenutsenotowmit ed.oes. Well, sort of. Helping senat dbdyrethsse, cahnudrtchhe laimstoinugnthdeoinranteadme, livsotliunngteaellrsth, we igtohovdaswt,obrlkanskdsopnaecbesy local your fBelulot wnomwanitmdoaekse.sWyoeull,feseolrbteotft.eHr elping adderaecshs,Saunnddtahye. Eavmeroyumntondtohntahteedchurch vnoelxutnttoeethrse, nwaimthesvaosftt,hbolsaenwk hspoahcaevse abyoouut ryofeulrlosewlf.mItarneamllyakdeosesy.oAunfdeethl ibsetter ub- eachwoSuulnddpauyb. lEisvheraylimstoonftphatrhisehicohnuerrch dJbnsdsbesJauroeaumcroyodxnyoodMniwatgMeiwnngenrmtbmygonbtyognemeeoygdeogdtaanoonthoatiatthchtuteueeua’as’iinesesggnnl.ln::mmg??hhAggaIIYYt.tm.f.f.nmeeCeCeyyrarsisooeoom.no.osununBBnpnwfofucrcuclrcafotaheaotencntaonndah’astdst’staaboteaatbttlhtsbietteeshoeieeedpaoneddawtoenaaetoc’laealhfdvi’?lemeladoev?nYmlre,tdheYyyr,seaey.wrvs.eoafs healpbsocuuttydoouwrsneolfn. Ietxrpeeanllsyesd.oIensa. Asoncdietthyis person- wouclodnptruibbulitsiohnas.lIist twoafspeamribsahriroansseirng stmhear“traytoiounnagl macatonrw” thhoesoerys,pheeciinasltiystwedas ycsatiwnheorohvelesciahwnufneaeor-ebtohhrvrfelinlaefbenipeae-abtesvulhrrasibiplaieniicleolabnclsyabulaubuegtiploicuhllstltnlyeoytabnosedgtdkleossuohrlousxyueeolnoawcupcadkPebssatcenunsxueioitenldoicpaucasoPsonavtcsentinneitvfientylddisueoacsooseel,ovtcsinxuyoetwvlfuiioaprdssuemcrassueels,aoceysernoetnwllesu-ifaspssdsm,crat,ser,aosoaabysosaelennlesot.mbl-lsrldssIocltt,uuetna,hotoahbimkamsocnlaoomellmas.lissosntmeNutaehtoighkmospocc,oesaisisenmeetgyp, s people awctphopahinplnIetwaptotterghhntprlaayhdheiilplnrybiIeeti$skeinrgoruntna5ay,ehkutlmgw.ryiii$trkinoBsohnaea5eonknuuiitg.dtcstarstBsiaho.ainm.oneiulFit-gItlcsatgtt.eoay.iwmfoeilwrFoatlonta.eoryypwadesretapsenehaaybprdeeeserespeeassmabctgder,ratteeeasIbsoevttrd,ahrttaeItooerlardtnhrrlrhyvdtyeaartneeaxhsvysternoowestaxsaimntowatnannormttongdearcoatt-oiehvcat-hee.ded etchoant oevmeircysh. Aumn aimn apclaticvaitbylehaddefseonmdeer of maytoteurfweehlabt ethtteeercaobnooumtiysotsusrasye,lyf,oaultcrauni’stm is some the Asanmd easdtoh-egyowodaietr, sthgeestaomldeepreaonpdle work tehceo“nroamtiiocnuanl daecrtpoirn”ntinhge,otrhya, thpeeionpsliested putthaeporbicveioounshsaoplpuitnieosns.tTohyeorueraprerno’bt laenmy. No rm oldeart,twheaiptionlglinfogrsttahteiocnasv,athlreystaomaerrpievoep. le that every human activity had some nummabtetresrtwhhatagtothtehaetchoingohm. ists say, you can’t munity Andviassittthheeyswicaki,ta,nthdethseamsaempeepoepolpelwe sotrakff m not economic underpinning, that people put a price on happiness. There aren’t any e into at the polling stations, the same people growing visit the sick, and the same people staff numbers that go that high. delphia DECEMBER 2020 ROTARY 49 ean, DECEMBER 2020 ROTARY 49
Our World Institutional altruism is rarely a a large number of indisputably saintly demonstrably a “good” person (or who at problem. Plenty of churches, founda- enterprises. In other words, to use a least had some sort of conjugal affiliation 57 tions, and government agencies are reliable old phrase, I gave at the office. with one) to become an even better working night and day to help better Well, she did. person. My question — a pretty obvious society. These people do good for a one, I thought — was: Why couldn’t living. But institutional philanthropy The young man smiled amiably. somebody else carry the ball for a change? alone can’t handle a problem as large as He was not pushy. He was not the one created by the current pan- judgmental. He did not try to The young man patiently listened, demic. Societies always and everywhere embarrass me with that sneering then waved away my protests. “We ask rely on large numbers of those people “Have a nice day” that virtuous para- people who’ve already given to give again sometimes derisively referred to as professionals so often employ when because we know that those people are “do-gooders” to keep things running people start to drift away without generous,” he said. “Doesn’t it make smoothly. And right now there aren’t opening their wallets. He thanked me more sense to target people who already enough do-gooders to go around. It for my generosity, or, to be perfectly think like us than to go after strangers?” doesn’t help that a lot of do-gooders accurate, for my wife’s generosity. are stuck indoors because He said that regular contributions by The deceptively cunning logic of his of the pandemic. people like us were the very lifeblood argument floored me. My feeling had of the organization. But in this case, always been that if we — as a family — The vexing problem of Good he added, he was out raising money had already given to the Fresh Air Fund Samaritan Shortfall was driven home for a specific initiative. and the Sierra Club, then we didn’t have to me last February while I was visiting to give to the Red Cross or the Salvation Washington, D.C. Strolling down M I now tried to explain that asking Army. In my mind, I had conflated all Street, I was approached by a young me to give more to a cause I already the organizations that were trying to man in a red vest who was raising supported seemed like philanthropic make the world a better place into one money for a worthy cause. I told double dipping. It was like asking monolith of merit. My wife, Francesca, him that I already contributed to the someone who was already writing didn’t look at things that way. In her organization he represented, thanks checks to save endangered hippos view, just because you had already given to my wife, who regularly, reflexively, to write a second check to save to this didn’t mean you couldn’t give almost automatically sends checks to endangered rhinos. It was like to that. The way she sees it, there is no asking someone who was already ceiling for good works. 46 ROTARY DECEMBER 2020 10/19/20 6:14 PM dec20-FEA-Altruism-final.indd 46
56 Our World VIRTUOUS PEOPLE NEED HELP. VIRTUOUS PEOPLE NEED TO RECRUIT NEW TALENT. ALL THE TIME. THIS, IN FACT, IS WHY ROTARY CLUBS EXIST. I disagreed. I even wisecracked could benefit from this kind of system. Joe Queenan is a that we should adopt a simple ethical I’ve noticed that my wife, who runs a frequent contributor cap-and-trade policy, stipulating senior citizens center on a pro bono to the magazine. that if we helped clean up the rivers, basis, ceaselessly cultivates civic-minded Since March, he has we didn’t have to help clean up the individuals who are roughly a generation written four one-act lakes. At least not both of us. She was younger than us. It’s not enough to be plays (all of which having none of it. Who ever said that good. It really helps to also be young. will be performed on you were allowed to take a vacation Zoom), a screenplay, from virtue? Bad people didn’t take All of which suggests a rebuttal to and a rock opera. sabbaticals from wrongdoing, so why the seemingly impregnable argument should good people take a break from made by the young man in the red DECEMBER 2020 ROTARY 47 doing good? If you were altruistic, you vest that I encountered on the streets were required to be uninterruptedly of Washington. If you want to make altruistic. In the parlance of her native the world a better place, you cannot England, if you were in for a penny, keep raising money from the same you were in for a pound. people over and over, as he suggested, no matter how generous they are. This got me to thinking about Society cannot depend exclusively the Good Samaritans I knew upon the pathologically altruistic or personally. At some point I realized the congenitally compassionate to keep that the high-profile do-gooders in things going. There simply aren’t enough my community almost never limited of them. Virtuous people need help. their good-doing to a single activity. Virtuous people need to recruit new If you saw them volunteering at the talent. All the time. This, in fact, is why library book sale on Saturday, you Rotary clubs exist. would probably also see them at the Girl Scout bake sale on Sunday. If they At this point, it’s worth discussing were out brandishing petitions to save the difference between the Good Sa- a historic building, you would probably maritan and the Merely Adequate also see them fighting to save a historic Samaritan. Like most people, I am not mural. At first I thought that people like an inherently good person; goodness this practiced virtue on such a large is learned behavior. Left to my own scale mainly because it made them devices, I might eventually have feel better about themselves — which morphed into a halfway decent human it indisputably does. But over the being. But I don’t think I would ever have years I have come to realize that gotten much further than that. Never in these neighbors do not necessarily my wildest dreams did I think I would engage in so many virtuous activities ever flower into a paragon of virtue. The merely because they are good, caring closest I could come to that was being people. It’s because they know that married to a paragon of virtue. This is there aren’t enough good, caring the opposite of guilt by association. people to go around. It is guiltlessness by association. Baseball teams rely on a pipeline When we first married, my wife and I of minor league talent that eventually developed a division-of-labor approach gets called up to the majors. I think to civic-mindedness. She would handle that those who perform altruistic all the volunteer work involving the activities at the major league level schools, the community, the senior citizens, the underprivileged, the ozone
Our World By JoBeyQJuoeeeQnuaenenan IllustrIlalutisotnrastbioynSsébbyaSstéibenasTthieibnaTuhltibault 59 WWAANNTTEEDD:: goodgosoadmsaarmitanristans THTEHSEASDATDRTURTUHTAHBAOBUOTUATLTARLTURISUMISM IS TISHTAHTATTHTERHERAERAENR’ETNE’TNOENUOGUHGAHLTARLTURISUTISTS FFromrtoimetitmoetitmoet,imsoeci,etsioecsireutineslorwunolnowtheonthtihnegsth—ingasnd—thaendpethopelpee—optlhee—y rtehaelylyrneaeelldy.need. We wWakeewupakoenuepdoanyeanddayreaanldizreetahliaztetthheartetahreerteoaorefetwoodfoecwtodrso.cOtorrfsa.rO, frafra, rf,afratro, ofafretwoonfuerwsens.urses. Or it sOurdidtesnuldyddeanwlyndsaownnussotnhautstthheartetahreerne’taerenno’utgehnoteuagchhteerasc, ehnegrsin, energsin, oererpsl,uomr bpelursmtboegros to go arounadr.oTuhnedr.eTahreerceearrteaicnelrytanienvleyrneenvoeurgehnogugyhs wguhyoswwohrokwwoerllkwwitehll swhietehtrsohceke.trock. OtherOptrhoefrespsrioofneasslsiownealhsawve ihnasvpeaidnessp. aTdheesr.eTahreeraelawraeyaslwmaoyrsemthoarne ethnaonugehnolaungdhslcaanpdesrcsa, pers, baristbaasr, iasctatosr, sa,cmtoarsss, emuars,speuers,opnearlstoranianletrrsa,ihnaerirsd, rheasisredrrse,sIsTergsu, yITs, gaunydsc, hanefds.cNheofrsa. Nreowr eare we ever ienvaenryinreaanlydraenagledraonfgreurnonfirnugnonuint gofohuetdogfehfeudngde mfuanndamgearns,abgaelrlse,rbinaallse,rrinealse, rsetatleeastgaetnetas,gents, claimcsladimjussatedrjsu,ssttearnsd, sutpancdoumpiccso,mbaicrste, nbdaretresn, adseprsir,iansgpsirininggers-isnognerg-wsorintegrws,riotrercsa,rosracleasrmsaelnes. men. But thBeupt ethopelpeewohpolefwillhtohefiltlrtuhlye etrsusleynetisaslernotlieasl rinolseosciinetsyoacrietoyfaterenoinftesnhoinrtsshuoprptlsyu. pply. SomeSthoimngetlhikiengthliksemthayisamlreaaydaylrbeeadhyapbpeehnaipnpgewnitnhgGwoitohdGSoaomdaSriatamnasr.iFtarnoms. Ftirmome ttoimtiemteo, time, societsioescireutinesderuspnedraetsepleyrlaotwelyonlotwheonkitnhdeskoifndesvooftdedev, iomtepdl,aicmabplleacaaltbrlueisatlstrwuihsotsawrehaolwaraeyaslways readyrteoadpyitctoh pinitachndinmaankdemthaekwe othreldwaobreldttaerbpeltatecre.place. 44 R4O4TAROYTADREYCEMDEBCEERM20B2E0R 2020
58 Our World
Our World 61 OUR CLUBS IN BRIEF Africa kicks out wild polio On 25 August, the World Health Organi- More than 9 billion doses of oral polio September when Funsho was named to Andrew Esiebo / Rotary International zation (WHO) announced that transmis- vaccine have been provided through- Time’s annual list of the 100 most influ- sion of the wild poliovirus has officially out the region, preventing an estimated ential people in the world (see story on been stopped in all 47 countries of its 1.8 million cases of paralysis. opposite page). African region. Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative TheWHOAfrican region’s certification With the eradication of wild polio (GPEI) — WHO, the U.S. Centers for Dis- was celebrated during a livestream event. from the African region, five of WHO’s ease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, Speakers included Nigerian President six regions, representing more than the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Muhammadu Buhari, Bill Gates, Rotary 90 percent of the world’s population, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance — proclaimed International President Holger Knaack, are now free of the disease. The GPEI’s the milestone a historic achievement Nigeria PolioPlus Committee Chair Tunji challenge remains to eradicate wild po- in public health and a vital step toward Funsho, and leaders from other GPEI liovirus in the two countries where the global eradication of polio. They offered partners. Knaack spoke about the pub- disease has never been stopped: Afghani- it as proof that strong commitment, co- lic’s need for good news during the on- stan and Pakistan, in WHO’s Eastern ordination, and perseverance can rid the going COVID-19 pandemic. “The chal- Mediterranean region. Additionally, rou- world of the disease. lenges ahead are formidable,” he said. tine immunization in Africa must also be “That’s why we must recognize this great strengthened to keep the wild poliovirus The African region was certified free achievement and commend all the people from returning and to protect children of wild poliovirus after the independent who played important roles in reaching against circulating vaccine-derived polio- Africa Regional Certification Commis- this milestone. It took tremendous effort virus, which is rare but continues to in- sion conducted thorough field verifica- over many years.” fect people in the region. tions that confirmed no new cases and analyzed documentation of polio sur- In conjunction with the announce- “This is a big step in our journey to a veillance, immunization, and laboratory ment, leading media organizations around polio-free world, but the fight is not over capacity by Cameroon, the Central Afri- the world published more than 90 stories yet,” Knaack said. “We still need the sup- can Republic, Nigeria, and South Sudan. that highlighted Rotary’s role in the eradi- port of our Rotary members and donors, The commission had already accepted cation efforts in Africa. Several outlets, and the heroic effort of health care work- the documentation of the 43 other coun- including Al-Jazeera, published an op-ed ers to finish the job.” — ryan hyland tries in the region. The last cases of polio written by Knaack and WHO Director- caused by the wild virus in the African re- General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus The global eradication of polio is Rotary’s gion were recorded in Nigeria’s northern about how to apply the lessons of polio state of Borno in August 2016, after two eradication to the fight against COVID-19. top priority. Visit endpolio.org to learn years with no cases. Rotary earned additional publicity in more about the fight against polio and Since 1996, when Rotary, its GPEI how you can help. partners, and then-South African Presi- dent Nelson Mandela launched the Kick Polio Out of Africa campaign, Rotary members around the world have con- tributed nearly $900 million — and countless volunteer hours — toward eradication efforts in the region. With those funds, Rotary has issued PolioPlus grants for polio surveillance, transporta- tion, awareness campaigns, and National Immunization Days. The actions of Rotary and its members (including nearly 32,000 in Africa) have enabled the GPEI to respond to and stop polio outbreaks. 62 ROTARY DECEMBER 2020
60 Our World IN BRIEF A Rotarian for 35 years, Funsho is a Disease Control and Prevention, the Bill member of the Rotary Club of Lekki Phase & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Gavi, Rotary’s 1, Nigeria, and a past governor of District the Vaccine Alliance. Tunji Funsho 9120, and he serves on Rotary’s Interna- tional PolioPlus Committee. Funsho is a As a member of Nigeria’s Presidential named to cardiologist and a fellow of the Royal Col- Task Force on Polio Eradication, Funsho Time 100 lege of Physicians of London. He lives in has coordinated immunizations and ad- Lagos, Nigeria, with his wife, Aisha. They vocacy campaigns with the minister of Tunji Funsho, chair of Rotary’s Nigeria have four children and five grandchildren. state for health and a national inter-agency PolioPlus Committee, has been named coordination committee. He has also one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People The annual Time 100 list is made up worked closely with the Sir Emeka Offor of 2020. Time announced the honorees — of individuals whose leadership, talent, Foundation, the Aliko Dangote Founda- “pioneers, artists, leaders, icons, and titans” discoveries, and philanthropy have made tion, the Northern Traditional Leaders from around the world — on 22 September a difference in the world. Past honorees Council, and the Federation of Muslim during an ABC television broadcast. Fun- include Bono, the Dalai Lama, Bill Gates, Women’s Associations of Nigeria. sho was recognized for his instrumental Nelson Mandela, Angela Merkel, Oprah leadership and work with Rotary members Winfrey, and Malala Yousafzai. In response to the certification of the and partners to achieve the eradication of African region as wild polio-free, Funsho wild polio in the African region. He is the “I’m honored to be recognized by Time told Time: “The polio eradication pro- first Rotary member to receive this honor for my part in ensuring that no child in gram in Nigeria has gone through some for work toward eradicating polio. Africa will ever again be paralyzed by difficult times, but I never once doubted wild polio, a disease that once disabled that this day would come. Any time that 75,000 African children every single we’ve experienced a setback, Rotary and year,” said Funsho. “Eradicating the wild our partners have been able to find solu- poliovirus in Africa was a team effort that tions and develop strategies for reaching required cooperation and dedication of vulnerable children.” — ryan hyland governments, partners, Rotary members, hundreds of thousands of health workers, and countless parents who chose to have their children vaccinated against polio.” Funsho has led PolioPlus efforts in Nigeria since 2013. Building on the work of his predecessors, he has worked alongside Rotary members to raise awareness about the importance of polio immunization, encouraged governments and public figures to support polio eradi- cation, and served as a vocal leader and advocate for Rotary and its fight to end the disease. He works closely with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative part- ner organizations: the World Health Or- ganization, UNICEF, the U.S. Centers for IN MEMORIAM Rotary International With deep regret, we report Serrano, Bedfordview, South Kenneth W. Roberts Mary E. Watson the deaths of Mateo A.T. Africa, who served RI as Lancaster-Sunrise, Pennsylvania, Tsawwassen (Delta), British Caparas, Malolos, Philippines, director in 1993-95 and district 1992-93 Columbia, 2003-04 who served RI as president in governor in 1983-84. 1986-87, director in 1979-81, and Howard J. Powers Abiodun Z. Odeleye district governor in 1964-65; See page 55 for a tribute Phoenix East, Arizona, 1996-97 Osogbo, Nigeria, Luis Vicente Giay, Arrecifes, to Caparas. An upcoming issue 2004-05 Argentina, who served RI as will feature a tribute to Giay. Ambroise Tshimbalanga Kasongo president in 1996-97, director Kinshasa-Binza, Democratic Takeoki Akayama in 1986-88, and district In addition, we report Republic of Congo, 1996-97 Hitoyoshi Chuo, Japan, governor in 1974-75; Donald L. the deaths of the following 2013-14 Strickland, Somerville, Texas, Rotarians who served RI as Choei Ito who served RI as director in district governors: Tomakomai-North, Japan, 1998-99 Richard Akpoto-Kougblenou 1973-75 and district governor in Lomé-Azur, Togo, 2019-20 1967-68; and Antonio Moreira Edward Dandeson Spiff Valdemar Lopes Armesto Port Harcourt, Nigeria, 1991-92 São Paulo-Vila Alpina, Brazil, 2002-03 DECEMBER 2020 ROTARY 63 dec20-E-Our Clubs-Briefs-final.indd 63 10/14/20 11:37 AM
ROTARY RESPONDS Now is the time to share our stories as people of action. Let’s show the world that no matter the circumstances, Rotary clubs are connecting to make a difference. Visit rotary.org/brandcenter to download and share Rotary’s latest PSA video today.
Rotary führt Menschen zusammen, die weltweit Gutes tun. Unsere Mitglieder setzen sich für Seja oferecendo bolsas de estudo, programas educacionais ou oportunidades de desenvolvimento 로타리는 문제 해결에 앞장서는 세계 각지의 사람들을 ‘인류애 실천’이라는 공통된 목표로 이어줍니다. 우리 nachhaltige Veränderungen in ihren Gemeinwesen ein, damit es Menschen besser geht. pessoal e profissional, nós contribuímos ao aprendizado e inspiramos as próximas gerações. 회원들은 지역사회 주민들과 더불어 오래 지속되는 변화를 일구어 냅니다. 우리는 실천에 나서는 사람들입니다. Wir sind Rotary. Wir tun was. Mehr über uns bei Rotary.org/de Nós somos Rotary. Nós somos Pessoas em Ação. Saiba mais em Rotary.org/pt 함께 연결을 통해 삶을 개선해 가세요. Rotary.org에서 자세히 알아보세요. TOGETHER, WE Your story Rotary believes healthy communities are strong communities. That’s one reason we’ve here. worked tirelessly to help immunize 2.5 billion children against polio. Bringing the world closer Rotary une a personas de todo el mundo para dar soluciones y hacer el bien. Ya sea brindando capacitación to eradicating a deadly disease — that’s what people of action do. Learn more at Rotary.org. vocacional o apoyando a emprendedores de la localidad, contribuimos al fortalecimiento de nuestras comunidades. Somos Rotary. Somos gente de acción. Más información en Rotary.org/es Tell the community about your club – and the world about Rotary. Rotary has launched a global campaign to let the world know we are People of Action. The more clubs that join in, the further our message carries. Go to rotary.org/brandcenter for step-by-step guides, easy-to-follow templates, and ideas and inspiration to tell your club’s story. Help spread our inspiring message around the globe.
Our World 65 Moldova and Romania extra, so you can buy the cups A Rotaractor-driven project full or empty.” (At press time, called “A Cup of Happiness” — in plans for 2020 had not been set.) which club members dispense Through the project, the Rotaract tea, mulled wine, and other Club of Sibiu, Romania, raised seasonal beverages at Christmas nearly $7,000 to buy equipment markets across the two-nation for the cardiology department District 2241 — has warded off the of a county hospital, and four chill for festivalgoers for over a Rotaract clubs in Cluj-Napoca, decade. “The members sell hot Romania (Cluj-Napoca, Cluj- drinks in custom cups bearing Napoca Cetăţuie, Cluj-Napoca the logos of the project and the SAMVS, and Visio Cluj-Napoca), district,” says Dan Zagnat of raised nearly $6,000 to help fund the Rotaract Club of Chişinău, a new outpatient department at Moldova. “The main objective is to the Dominic Stanca obstetrics sell the cups; the drinks inside are and gynecology clinic in their city. Mongolia The Rotary Club of Ulaanbaatar Peace Avenue expanded its Let’s Read initiative, which began as a way to improve literacy, by helping install a library in the Ger Innovation Hub. The local gathering spot serves an area with a population of about 6,000, about a third of which is under age 18. The Let’s Read program fills libraries with reading materials, including books for people with disabilities. “There are picture CLUBS PARTICIPATEDINTHE2019 books, audiobooks, Braille books, CUP OF HAPPINESS FUNDRAISER and sign language videos. We also furnish special-needs educational facilities,” says club member Suvd Nergui. The endeavor, inspired by an initiative of the Rotary Club of Narlag Ulaanbaatar, proves the power of cooperation at home and abroad, she notes: “The Let’s Read program, including training sessions for parents, teachers, and librarians, happened thanks Malawi to collaborations from many The members of the Rotary to adults and children alike, Rotary clubs, sponsors, and Club of Lilongwe pledged to skip who previously had to walk long individual Rotarians in Mongolia, a Rotary lunch and donate the distances and wait in lines to Hong Kong, Japan, and the USA.” cost (many gave more) toward the get water from borehole wells. — BRAD WEBBER installation of two water kiosks in the village of Chiweza. Rotarians collected $2,400 for the structures, one to serve the 6,500-pupil Chimwala Primary School and a second to provide water for the 5.6 MILLION town, reports club member Norah Chavula-Chirwa. Students “did not have a source of potable water for drinking and sanitation,” Chavula- Chirwa says, noting that residents’ fees for using the town’s kiosk MALAWIANS LACK ACCESS TO will subsidize the school’s kiosk. Both were functioning by May, SAFE WATER SOURCES bringing a life-changing benefit DECEMBER 2020 ROTARY 19 dec20-C-Our-World-Map-final-REV1-bleed-fix.indd 19 2020-11-04 01:15
64 Our Clubs OUR CLUBS IN BRIEF believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion Jones has received Rotary Interna- … begins at the top,” Jones said. “For us to tional’s Service Above Self Award and The Jennifer Jones realize growth in female membership and Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritori- to be 2022-23 members under the age of 40, these demo- ous Service. She and her husband, Nick Rotary president graphics need to see their own reflection Krayacich, are members of The Rotary in leadership. I will champion double-digit Foundation’s Arch Klumph Society, Paul Jennifer E. Jones, a member of the Ro- growth in both categories while never los- Harris Society, and Bequest Society. tary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, ing sight of our entire family.” has been nominated to become Rotary The members of the nominating com- International’s president for 2022-23, a Jones is founder and president of Media mittee are Robert L. Hall, Dunwoody, groundbreaking selection that will make Street Productions Inc., an award-winning Georgia; Bradford R. Howard, Oakland Up- her the first woman to hold that office in media company in Windsor. She was chair town, California; Per Høyen, Aarup, Den- the organization’s 115-year history. of the University of Windsor board of gov- mark; Peter Iblher, Nürnberg-Reichswald, ernors and of the Windsor-Essex Regional Germany; Ashok Mahajan, Mulund, India; Jones says she sees Rotary’s Action Plan Chamber of Commerce board of directors. Takeshi Matsumiya, Chigasaki-Shonan, as a catalyst for increasing Rotary’s impact. For her service, she has been recognized Japan; Michael K. McGovern (secretary), “As we reflect upon our new strategic pri- with the YMCA Peace Medal, the Queen’s South Portland-Cape Elizabeth, Maine; orities, we could have never envisioned Diamond Jubilee Medal, and Wayne State Sam Okudzeto, Accra, Ghana; José that our ability to adapt would become University’s Community Peacemaker Alfredo Pretoni, São Paulo-Sul, Brazil; our North Star during what is inarguably Award, a first for a Canadian. Jones holds Saowalak Rattanavich, Bang Rak, Thailand; the most profound time in recent history,” a Doctor of Laws (LLD). Hendreen Dean Rohrs, Langley Central, Jones said in her vision statement. “Silver British Columbia; Eduardo San Martín linings rise out of the most challenging cir- A current Rotary Foundation trustee, Carreño, Majadahonda, Spain; Kenneth M. cumstances. Using metric-driven goals, I Jones has been a Rotary member since Schuppert Jr. (chair), Decatur, Alabama; will harness this historic landscape to in- 1997 and has served as RI vice president, Ravindra P. Sehgal, Belur, India; Noel novate, educate, and communicate oppor- director, training leader, committee chair, Trevaskis, Merimbula, Australia; Giuseppe tunities that reflect today’s reality.” moderator, and district governor. She Viale, Genova, Italy; and Chang-Gon Yim, played a lead role in the organization’s re- Daegu West, Korea. — ryan hyland As the first woman nominated to be RI branding effort by serving as chair of the president, Jones understands how impor- advisory committee to strengthen Rotary’s tant it is to follow through on Rotary’s Di- brand. She is co-chair of the End Polio Now versity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement. “I Countdown to History Campaign Commit- tee, which aims to raise $150 million for polio eradication efforts. Jones recently led the #RotaryResponds telethon, which raised critical funds for COVID-19 relief and was viewed by more than 65,000 people. IN BRIEF tary’s primary languages by early 2021.) materials, which include videos and inter- Rotary International The titles are: active modules, they will put what they’ve Toastmasters learned into practice by completing an courses offered to • Develop a Speech assignment, such as preparing and deliv- Rotary members • Deliver a Speech ering a speech, or volunteering to lead a • Inspirational Speech service project or committee. As part of Last year, Rotary formed a strategic alli- • Interpersonal Communication and the process, participants will find some- ance with Toastmasters International. As one to evaluate their performance and part of this collaboration, Toastmasters Networking provide feedback, which will allow them has developed a structured curriculum of • Leadership Basics to reflect on their experience, learn from communication and leadership courses • Leading a Team their successes, and discover any areas for for Rotarians and Rotaractors. The eight • Leadership: Collaboration improvement. online courses are available in English in • Building Consensus the Learning Center. (Some are now of- These courses are designed to enhance Learning new skills through the Toast- fered in other languages; the complete communication and leadership skills and masters curriculum can enhance many curriculum will be available in all of Ro- offer a robust framework for learning personal and professional endeavors, and through self-assessment, independent applying them within Rotary and Rotaract study, applied learning, and peer evaluation. will help strengthen our clubs and increase Participants will begin with a self- our impact as an organization. assessment to evaluate their knowledge of, and comfort with, the skills covered Get started in the Learning Center at in each course. After reviewing the study learn.rotary.org. 60 ROTARY NOVEMBER 2020
Our World OUR WORLD 67 Rotary projects around the globe Nicaragua United States 800,000 In La Vainilla, a village of 300 Texas is home to some 110,000 NICARAGUANS WHO people in southern Nicaragua, active-duty members of the U.S. LACK ACCESS TO IMPROVED drinking water was contaminated military, as well as many veterans. by soil erosion and agricultural Members of the Rotary Club of WATER SOURCES runoff. The cost of a remedy was Georgetown, north of the capital, beyond the community’s means. Austin, worried that those service members were not receiving the Residents met with a tributes they deserved on Veterans representative of Self-Help Day. So in 2017, the club unveiled International, a nonprofit that its Field of Honor, festooning promotes self-reliance to combat an athletic field with 5-by-3-foot hunger and poverty. Self-Help, U.S. flags during the week of which is based in Waverly, Iowa, 11 November. “This recognizes the was already partnering with 34,000-plus veterans in our county, the Rotary Club of Waverly on along with the two military bases water projects in Nicaragua, and located within 40 minutes of our La Vainilla became a focus of club, as well as first responders,” their joint efforts. By June 2019, says Jeanne Cox, project chair. $14,000 that had been raised from the club, District 5970, and an Last year, the club planted individual donor from the Rotary more than 1,500 flags and built Club of Charles City, Iowa, had a 16-foot-high viewing platform funded 11 chlorination systems in overlooking the rows of unfurled La Vainilla and seven surrounding Stars and Stripes. The celebration communities. also included a parade in which many local organizations The systems provide potable participated, a 21-gun salute, and water to nearly 2,000 people, the firing of cannons. Throughout along with three large farms. the week, about 1,200 seventh and “The community members eighth grade students took part in report that they feel healthier, educational programs at the field and schoolteachers consistently with the help of the Williamson report an increase in class County history museum, Cox says. attendance,” says Nora Tobin, In 2019, the project generated a 2011-12 Rotary Ambassadorial $42,500 — the money was raised Scholar and the executive through the sponsorship of director of Self-Help International. individual flags — for five veteran She notes that the training and first responder organizations. that local residents received in maintaining the water systems will be critical to the long-term success of the initiative. 18 ROTARY NOVEMBER 2020 nov20-C-Our-World-Map-final.indd 18 9/18/20 11:24 AM
66 Our World $492 MILLION VALUE OF GLOBAL STATIONARY BIKE MARKET IN 2018 England member Alan Curtis, “something Philippines Small but vibrant, the Rotary Club related to cycling, which is very On 12 January, mere hours after of Louth is a group in constant popular in the UK.” The club came the eruption of the Taal volcano, motion. In conjunction with the up with a cycling event with a about 25 miles south of their local Lions club, its 32 members twist, using stationary cycles. city, leaders of the Rotaract Club stage a town bonfire and The event drew about 100 riders of San Pedro East were already fireworks every November, staff to a local fitness center on online to announce that they were a booth at the Christmas market, 1 March, before the nationwide collecting money and goods to shuttle senior citizens to holiday COVID-19 lockdown. “Each help some of the thousands of luncheons, recycle Christmas participant paid to take a seat people expected to be displaced trees, promote awareness and ride for an hour in the bike by the disaster. “Our social media of dementia and high blood studio, which was enhanced post reached 52,000 individuals, pressure, and help facilitate a with disco lights and plenty of and the campaign was also district sporting event for people motivational music,” Curtis says. featured on top Philippine news with disabilities. The event raised about $2,500 to websites,” says Bhea Santiago, provide a local school with club president at the time. Three Still, the club was looking to do 15 laptop computers. days later, in cooperation with the more. “We wanted to introduce Rotaract Club of Taal-Lemery, the a new fundraising activity,” says club members delivered eco- friendly bags containing drinking Uganda equipment, and T-shirts” for water, ready-to-eat food, hygiene Rita Tinka, former manager of Rotarian workouts, she says. kits, medicine, clothing, bedding, Uganda’s national women’s cricket National team players brought and other necessities. It was the team, liked to share news of the star power when they joined in first of five trips the Rotaractors game on social media with her the exercises, and the fandom was would make to the stricken region. fellow members of the Rotary mutual: Two of the athletes on the Club of Kampala South. But at first 11, or national team starters “Twenty-three of our members some point, she realized that the — Charles Waiswa and Deus were hands-on in gathering, Rotarians didn’t know a bowler Muhumuza — have since joined tracking donations, packing, and from a sticky wicket. “It got me the Rotary club. distributing,” even as they faced thinking about ways to introduce health risks from the ash and members to cricket,” Tinka says. smoke, Santiago says. Together with 30 additional volunteers and Tinka came up with the idea partner Rotary and Rotaract clubs, of a partnership with the sport’s the group racked up an estimated national governing body. “They 952 work-hours of nonstop labor gave us the main cricket oval, in a dozen evacuation centers in three provinces. Rotarians arranged transportation and provided office space for collection efforts that ultimately involved 13 Rotaract clubs from three districts and garnered more than $2,200 in cash and $5,800 worth of materials. — BRAD WEBBER NOVEMBER 2020 ROTARY 19 nov20-C-Our-World-Map-final.indd 19 9/18/20 11:24 AM
Article 69 Dear Colleagues, lenges to achieve our mission of service. On the other hand, I would like to praise Greetings to you in this issue of the District the clubs projects to serve the community magazine “The Rotary”. It is my pleasure and provide assistance to the needy people ev- to communicate with you through this won- erywhere. derful magazine, which reflects our distin- I would like remind you of the quote of the Ro- guished projects and activities in the District tary International President, Holger Knack: 2451-Egypt. “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to To start with, I am very proud of the spirit fail, therefore, we must always rely on strategic and efforts that you exerted in the clubs and planning to succeed and accomplish our ambi- District committees to accomplish what we tious service plans”. have agreed upon since the beginning of the Finally, I sincerely thank the family of the mag- year to serve our community and our beloved azine and it’s committee chair PP Fatma Abu Egypt. Hatab, for the great effort to bring out this is- Moreover, I would like to praise the District sue to lighy. Committees especially: the Community Ser- “Rotary Opens Opportunities” vice , Public Image, the Magazine and News- DG Ossama El Ahmar letter - the Disaster Relief - IT - the Vocational District 2451- Egypt Service , for their achievements in the various RY 2020-21 service areas in Rotary. I would like to press your hands as despite of the Covid pandemic we will continue to work and get over the chal-
68 Article A message from the DRFC Dear Friends and Fellow Rotarians, this. Moreover, we have 88 new Paul Harris Fellows, four Benefactors and four members who are recognized as Ma- In our Rotary world, February is the Peace and Conflict jor Donors (Level One). This is the good news, but the bad Resolution month. I strongly believe that peace is pos- news is that there are quite a good number of clubs that are sible, especially when it is built upon two solid pillars: marked as “non-giving clubs”. I would like to seize this op- justice and solidarity. I am sure we all detest war. War portunity to make a plea to all my friends and colleagues to plunges entire generations into darkness, with young peo- consider supporting our Rotary Foundation. Without giving ple as the primary victims. As they say, “It takes 20 years to TRF, we will not be able to fund our projects; our DDF of peace to build a young life, but just 2 seconds of war will drain and hence we will not be able to apply for grants. to destroy one”. This Foundation is OUR Foundation; we need to feel this However, I do approve of one war: the war against hun- sense of ownership. We need to follow the “Every Rotar- ger, poverty, ignorance, disease, illiteracy and corruption. ian Every Year” initiative. We are all proud to know that These are considered our true enemies, and we must at- the Charity Navigator has awarded our Rotary Foundation tack and destroy them if we want to improve the qual- 4-stars for 13 consecutive years – which is the highest level ity of life of disadvantaged people. As Rotarians, we are of recognition. So I believe that this is the best trusted place the battle soldiers of this war, and our mission is to work where we can invest our money and donations. And please together through our Rotary Foundation to become true allow me to congratulate our new Major Donors; PP Salwa peacemakers. Rotary works to restore hope by bringing El Haddad (RC Cairo Sunrise), P Nageh William Gendy health, education and the promise of a better future. We (RC Damanhour Capital), PP Manal Khalil (RC Sphinx) and do this through club projects for which we are known. AGC Tawfik Zayed (RC Heliopolis). Indeed, their generous You still have time to apply for Global Grants. Clubs that contributions will give a considerable boost for our human- are interested in making use of this offer to fund their proj- itarian projects. And I would also like to praise the tremen- ects and work with International partners, please contact dous efforts put by AG Mohsen El Boraei in promoting the PP Salwa El Haddad – Chair of the Grants subcommittee. Paul Harris Fellows program and for generously offering to Furthermore, the opportunity to nominate candidates for match donations through his personal points. a Rotary Peace Scholarship to study Peace and Conflict My friends …… let us join forces and open more oppor- Resolution abroad is still valid. Please contact PP Mona tunities to make our world a better place by doing what El Hakim – Chair of the Rotary Peace Fellowships sub- we do best; by implementing our service projects in all committee for more details. These are incredible chances areas of focus. We can make a difference that will be re- to support the different programs of our Rotary Founda- membered for many generations to come. And please re- tion, for the sake of serving our community. member that The Rotary Foundation is our incredible tool Fellow Rotarians ….. I would like to share with you some to achieve this and continue Doing Good in the World. statistics reflecting the current status of our District. As of this writing, our clubs have achieved 78.4% of their An- PDG Ahmed A. Saada nual Fund goals, and 80.2% of their goals toward the Polio Fund. This is not bad, but I believe we can do better than District Rotary Foundation Chair
Article 71 SERVICE ABOVE SELF TRUSTEE CHAIR’S MESSAGE THE OBJECT OF ROTARY Invest in the future The Object of Rotary is to encourage through the Foundation and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in In the early 1870s, a genius toiled in his way we prepare and deliver projects and particular, to encourage and foster: laboratory, driven by a vision to improve the methodology we use need to change. life through technology. After many failed And the way we communicate what we do First The development of attempts, by 1880 Thomas Edison had also must change. acquaintance as an opportunity for perfected a new light bulb that could be service; produced on a mass scale. The success of our global grants model is unmistakable.At its introduction in 2013-14, Second High ethical standards When someone pointed out to him the Foundation awarded 868 grants worth in business and professions, the that he had tried and failed 10,000 times over $47 million. By 2019-20, the number of recognition of the worthiness before succeeding, he responded that approved grants had risen to 1,350, worth of all useful occupations, and he had merely found 10,000 ways it over $100 million. While the number of the dignifying of each Rotarian’s wouldn’t work! grants shot up by more than 50 percent, occupation as an opportunity to and funding by 123 percent, corresponding serve society; Just like Edison,The RotaryFoundation Annual Fund contributions showed only a is driven by a vision for a better world. And 5 percent increase, and that’s troubling. Third The application of the ideal of we, too, remain determined and creative in service in each Rotarian’s personal, the face of setbacks. To reach those who need us, to spread business, and community life; the love that our Foundation brings, we Earlier this year, our vital polio immu- will need to rise to this challenge and work Fourth The advancement of nization activities had to be temporarily together to meet our funding needs. international understanding, paused to ensure that the polio eradica- goodwill, and peace through a tion program did not contribute to the Mother Teresa once said that if we world fellowship of business and COVID-19 pandemic. And so we adapted: want a message of love to be heard, it has professional persons united in the The polio-fighting infrastructure that to be sent out. To keep a lamp burning, we ideal of service. Rotary helped build was enlisted to as- have to keep putting oil in it. sist in the response to COVID-19 in many THE FOUR-WAY TEST vulnerable countries, as we had done be- The Rotary Foundation offers the best fore during outbreaks of Ebola, yellow opportunity I know for us to invest in Of the things we think, say, or do: fever, and avian flu. a better future for communities around the world. Your generosity today and 1. Is it the truth? Thankfully, we resumed polio immuni- throughout this year is the oil that keeps 2. Is it fair to all concerned? zation activities in July, having first taken our grants burning bright, reaching the 3. Will it build goodwill and better all precautions to protect frontline work- ones who need us most. ers and communities. friendships? K.R. RAVINDRAN 4. Will it be beneficial to all During these challenging days, our business — reaching out to people in Foundation trustee chair concerned? distress — is not business as usual. The ROTARIAN CODE OF CONDUCT Illustration by Luke Wilson 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. NOVEMBER 2020 ROTARY 59
70 Article TRUSTEE CHAIR’S MESSAGE SERVICE ABOVE SELF Humankind THE OBJECT OF ROTARY is our business The Object of Rotary is to encourage On a foggy Christmas Eve in Victorian The year-end holidays are upon us. It and foster the ideal of service as a London, the old miser sits at his desk. is a time of giving and sharing, but it is not basis of worthy enterprise and, in limited to our loved ones. It is also for the particular, to encourage and foster: Bitter and disillusioned with the world, people we have never met and will never Ebenezer Scrooge has only one interest: see, for those who are not so fortunate First The development of his bottom line. He declines his nephew’s as we and could use a helping hand. The acquaintance as an opportunity for invitation to Christmas dinner, refuses miracle of giving that Scrooge discovered service; to support the poor and deprived, and on Christmas Eve is exactly what The reluctantly grants his underpaid clerk, Bob Rotary Foundation does 365 days a year. Second High ethical standards Cratchit, time off for Christmas Day. in business and professions, the Our Foundation serves simultaneously recognition of the worthiness After he arrives home, strange things as charity and performer in the field; Rotar- of all useful occupations, and begin to happen. Jacob Marley, his ians are on the ground, volunteering their the dignifying of each Rotarian’s deceased business partner, appears as a skills and business expertise in support of occupation as an opportunity to ghost tethered to a chain, telling Scrooge grants that are funded by you. In this way, serve society; to change his self-centered ways, lest he we carry out some of Rotary’s most im- meet the same fate. portant work, such as protecting mothers Third The application of the ideal of and their babies and helping communities service in each Rotarian’s personal, That is the premise of A Christmas recover from the shocks of COVID-19. business, and community life; Carol, Charles Dickens’ classic tale of a man’s transformation from hardened Please remember The Rotary Foun- Fourth The advancement of recluse to generous humanitarian. To me, dation during this season of generosity. international understanding, it offers valuable lessons for all, regardless Remember that your gifts to the Founda- goodwill, and peace through a of belief or time of year. tion amplify our work in all areas of focus. world fellowship of business and They are perpetuated, not just today but professional persons united in the In one of my favorite passages, a long after we are gone. And the Founda- ideal of service. spirit magically transports Scrooge to the tion will continue to work its miracles in Cratchit household. There, he sees his service to others tomorrow as long as we THE FOUR-WAY TEST clerk from a new vantage point, observing keep supporting it today. On behalf of The a humble but heartfelt holiday gathering. Rotary Foundation Trustees, I thank you Of the things we think, say, or do: Scrooge then understands that gifts like for sending your generous contribution friendship, family, and gratitude can’t be before 31 December. 1. Is it the truth? recorded into any ledger. By the end of 2. Is it fair to all concerned? the story, Scrooge has learned the most K.R. RAVINDRAN 3. Will it build goodwill and better important lesson of all: that as long as we are still alive, it’s not too late to devote Foundation trustee chair friendships? ourselves to serving humankind. 4. Will it be beneficial to all 60 ROTARY DECEMBER 2020 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 Luke Wilson
Article 73 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE A s i look back on 2020, I reflect on how I was president of my club when COVID-19 hit, and our lives have changed. The global many members didn’t yet have Zoom. Only 10 of our 53 COVID-19 pandemic brought pain and members participated in the first Zoom meeting during loss to many of us. And for almost all of the pandemic. I thought that reaching out and getting guest speakers from around the world to engage our us, our daily lives, family time, and work members would help. Many Rotary leaders, a Rotary Peace Fellow, and even RI President Holger Knaack vis- also changed this year. But we’ve made it to the end of ited virtually and spoke to our club. Meeting attendance improved, while we reduced running costs by cutting out this difficult year, not on our own but by reaching out meals. Some members who worked outside our city and had missed our meetings even rejoined us. Registering to one another, as we always do in Rotary. With each our online meetings on My Rotary enhanced contacts with clubs across the world, and the joint meeting ad- passing year, I become prouder of our organization. dressed by Holger attracted more than 300 visitors. We also raised more funds as members and visitors contrib- I will choose to remember 2020 as a year of great uted to our projects. To continue being flexible for all, we are now offering hybrid meetings. For me, 2020 has change and strength for us; Rotary didn’t stop, de- been the best year in Rotary as I’ve made many new friends. — Blessing Michael, Rotary Club of Port Har- spite the pandemic. We removed obstacles, found new court North, Nigeria ways to connect, and embraced new approaches to These stories should give us all reasons to be opti- mistic about Rotary in the year ahead. We are not just service, such as online projects and virtual fundrais- surviving; we are gaining strength. We are discovering how resilient our organization truly is. We are seeing ing. I have invited two Rotarians to share their stories for ourselves how Rotary Opens Opportunities — even during pandemics — to grow, connect, and engage our about how Rotary grew stronger this year. members and the communities we serve. Samuel Zuder When the pandemic shut everything down, our emerg- From our home in Ratzeburg to yours, Susanne and Liza Larson ing e-club was already providing digital service, including I would like to bid you and your family the warmest of Rotary E-Club Engage internationally. Fourteen U.S. women and I, members of season’s greetings. We can’t wait to see the good things and Rotary Club of multiple Rotary clubs, were using WhatsApp to mentor that 2021 will bring. Plano East, Texas women entrepreneurs in rural Costa Rica, helping them to grow their ecotourism business, RETUS Tours [the subject HOLGER KNAACK Blessing Michael of the magazine’s May cover story, “Nature & Nurture”]. Rotary Club of Port The project has grown, with 30 Rotarians now providing President, Rotary International Harcourt North, Nigeria consulting and help with the RETUS website and social media. Most importantly, we continue building relation- ships and empowering these women to transform their own lives, and we are doing it online. I’ve even helped one of the women, Rosa, prepare a presentation in English for an on- line international conference. While our engagement with the Costa Rican women still requires some hands-on activ- ity, the most transformative impacts haven’t had to be in person. — Liza Larson, Rotary E-Club Engage and Rotary Club of Plano East, Texas DECEMBER 2020 ROTARY 1
72 Article W e all know Rotary’s tremendous in our hearts. When every child reminds you of your own PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE power to transform our communities child, when every woman or man reminds you of your and ourselves. However, in every com- mother or brother, you start seeing the world differently. munity, people have been left out, and We can apply The Four-Way Test through the lens of we have not made a strong enough empathy. Are we building goodwill and friendship with ev- eryone in our area, including women? Are things fair and effort to reach them. beneficial to people of all ages? Who has to make choices that you don’t have to make? The RI Board of Directors is taking action to make Ro- I made a heartbreaking choice between Rotary and my tary more welcoming and diverse. We formed a task force religion when a Rotary convention was held during Rama- dan. I wondered: When we ask if this is fair and beneficial to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion to help clubs to all concerned, did that not include me as a Muslim? Would the convention ever be held over Easter? Only by attract new members regardless of gender, race, religion, asking difficult questions can we begin the work of creating a more inclusive and diverse Rotary. age, or other factors.This will help us speed up the change We already connect so many people across the world. we all want and need. The selection of Jennifer E. Jones Imagine the possibilities when we bring even more people along for the ride. That’s the future of Rotary I want to see: as Rotary president for 2022-23 — the first woman to one where we are unstoppable in our service, relentless in our kindness, and intentional in the change we want to see. lead our organization — is another step in this direction. At the grassroots level, clubs drive inclusion and di- versity. Alia Ali — who serves on the board of directors at the Big West Rotaract Multidistrict Information Orga- nization and is a RotaryYouth Leadership Awards alum- na and past president of the Rotaract Club of Surrey- Newton, British Columbia — offers her perspective. Samuel Zuder I still remember the relief I felt as a RYLA participant Rotary has a big enough heart. If we open our door Alia Ali four years ago. I had finally found my people: people who wider, we might find a lot of interesting people with Big West Rotaract cared as much as I did. All over the world, Rotary has the new voices and new perspectives. We already have a Multidistrict Information same heart. We serve our communities and take action variety of clubs offering different styles, cultures, and Organization where others feel paralyzed by the size and scope of a problem. opportunities — and those who do not feel welcome in any particular club might be great candidates for new Let’s continue that spirit, especially when the conver- clubs created on different models. It’s important that we sation is difficult. Racism, prejudice, and discrimination make sure every new Rotary member is a good fit for take on different forms but exist in every country, in every their club. Rotary Opens Opportunities through diversity. city, and in every person. How do we root it out? HOLGER KNAACK As a diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant, I help organizations create a culture that empowers and attracts President, Rotary International everyone using the power of empathy. When we feel with others as if they were ourselves, we cannot hold prejudice NOVEMBER 2020 ROTARY 1
FEEL THE ENERGY OF PURE SERENITY Taipei, Taiwan 12-16 June convention.rotary.org #Rotary21
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