Past President Jeff (Borek) called the meeting to order promptly at 12:30 at the Westin and on Zoom, followed by song leaders Don Murphy accompanied by Freeman Fong on the piano with ‘America the Beautiful’; and the day’s inspiration delivered by Nancy Cahill who amplified the day’s program with quotes from diversity & equality advocates who made a difference – she encouraged all Rotarians to make a difference. Jan Levy introduced new member Sue Bennett who, following Jan’s retirement, was named Executive Director of Leadership Tomorrow. Jan called Sue “an amazing non-profit executive” who is doing a great job, as she welcomed Sue to Seattle #4 Rotary.
Every month Seattle #4 recognizes a current Rotarian with an interesting background. Monthly Member Spotlight features are conducted by John Steckler who this month recognized Seattle 4 Rotarian, Carese Busby, classification banking. Click on the link below to hear John's amazing introduction to Carese, a Washington State native who embodies drive and commitment in her life, career, and her tenacity as a world-class figure skater.
Tabitha Claus introduced the day’s featured program presenter, Dr. Karen A. Johnson, as the inaugural director for the newly created Washington State Office of Equity, established by the legislature and signed into law in 2020. Dr. Johnson has dedicated her life and career by leading and supporting equal opportunity programs – aimed at improving outcomes for all Washingtonians. “The role and work before us to change outcomes is great,” she began, “helping people access the opportunities and power to achieve their full potential”.
The Office of Equity was established to support those marginalized and left behind from education to employment and the accumulation of wealth.
She described Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Inequity – Esteem, Love & Belonging, Safety & Security and Physiological (air, water, food, rest, and shelter). “We have before us in this nation people with disabilities, color, and others who have been marginalized. Our office is building on the work of King County,” she said, “including determinants of equity - Equitable law & justice, quality education, access to health and human services, community & public safety, access to food, affordable childcare, and others that are components of our statewide equity plan that will be announced on March 21 with Governor Inslee”.
She acknowledged how Rotary is working to create experiences where all people feel welcomed, respected, and valued by advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion to deal with systemic racism.
“I walk in the words of forgiveness and acknowledging harm so we can move to a place of healing,” she said,” asking Rotarians what Seattle #4 Rotarians are doing to make a contribution as in 100 years from now the elders open the book about what happened in Washington State in 2020?”
“Every human life is valued and should be treated with respect in a society of belonging to ensure there is equity and justice for all and to generations to come. Never be afraid to make some noise and make some good necessary trouble”.
Rotary Executive Director, Caroline Bobanick, told Dr. Johnson and reminded Rotarians how Seattle 4 developed our own diversity and equity statement of our own that can be found on the Seattle #4 Rotary website.
Jerilyn Brusseau came to the podium to describe next week’s program featuring two visionary women who are both child refugees of the Viet Nam war. Viet’s for Afghans is a volunteer coalition to help refugees resettle in Seattle. Hear their stories about escaping Viet Nam and how they are supporting Afghan refugees now.
Past President Jeff concluded the meeting with a statement about the ongoing war in Ukraine from Rotary International. “It is a tragic time for the people of Ukraine, and we are concerned about the deteriorating situation there. Continued military action risks spreading conflict across Europe. Rotary International calls for an immediate cease-fire and to resume diplomatic efforts. Rotary has transcended political differences”. Our thoughts are with fellow Rotarians coping with tragic events in Ukraine, as past president Jeff adjourned the meeting.
