Fellow Rotarians,

 

As a part of this month’s theme addressing Membership and New Club Development, there is a three part experiential homework assignment for you to undertake.

 

It deals with the existential aspect of being a true Rotarian and of participating in an annual major event that deals with one of the most compelling missions of Rotary, that of conflict free society and peace. 

 

Part one is to do a quick self-assessment to ensure you are fully prepared to deal with fellow citizens in an engaging, neighborly, community-building campaign.  Are you ready to relate to others in a communal setting of fellowship, fun, and fulfillment, based on your use of truthfulness, fairness, good will, and helpfulness in all statements and actions, while exhibiting civil values of service, fellowship, leadership, integrity, and diversity?  With other Members of your Club can you advocate for safe water, health, education, economic development, the environment, and peace/conflict resolution?

 

Part two: If your self-assessment is strong and you are ready to engage the community, please demonstrate that you are conversant in negative peace and positive peace and have become a Peacebuilder  (positivepearce.academy/rotary).  Enroll in the Rotary Positive Peace Academy, complete the free, self-guided course in under two hours, and get your own Certificate of Completion!

If you can accomplish this task, please have your Club President send me the number of Members in that special group of caring citizens.  You are welcome to admire my Certificate until you earn your own:

 

 

Part 3: If you are now a true Rotarian/Peacebuilder, you are ready to attend the major civility event of the year--your community’s National Night Out, on Tuesday, August 6.  This is a unique opportunity to engage the community in public discourse about the positive elements of policy-enforcement and neighborhood camaraderie, as well as a chance to discover community vulnerabilities and needs.  Reach out to other civic organizations and public participants to see where Rotary might get involved, and extend its impact.  Invite someone to do a service project or come to a Club meeting.  Talk about positive peace, and see how it forms the basis for a global solution.  You will experience personal fulfillment, while advancing District strategic priorities.

 

Many Clubs already have plans to participate in National Night Out, so join them or start up your own involvement where you reside.

 

I look forward to seeing you Out There.

 

In Rotary, 

Paul Thompson

2024-2025 D7390 Governor