David Clement introduced speakers Timothy Whitehead and Kathy Dick- Rotary Club of Cambridge North
Seventh Area of Focus – environment
It has been communicated that there is a link between Environment and Peace. We have seen trends between migration and climate change. Migration has an impact on sustainable development and conflict as migration in most parts are unplanned and results in conflict between locals and the migrants. Rotary International is one of organization with efforts dedicated to peace. Our values support health economic development training and now environmental activities that further the peace fellowship initiatives. The Rotary group has a significant partnership with the Peace Centre at the University of Waterloo Balsillie School of International Affairs. This department has a program for International Affairs focused the training and development of leadership in sustainability and conflict resolution.
The Rotarian Action group for Peace formed in 2012 works with the program and other organization throughout the world to offer guidance and structure and resources to further the global peace network initiative.
Peace Builder clubs – Rotarian movement dedicated to creating energy and momentum for peaceful conflict resolution, Kathy has introduced the concept of how to be a Peace Builder clubs and gave information on how to be a part of this movement. The Rotary Peace committee for 7080 was formed to further the agenda for peace by expanding Peace Builder clubs across the district. The strategic vision and plan is to have all the clubs in district 7080 become Peace Builder clubs.
Timothy – read Mother Earth a poem that reflects the spirit of the Peace and Environment movement. The poem reminds us of our responsibility to love and cherish mother earth as it loves and cherishes humanity. We are reminded that the earth is dying and without our input we will die.
Question: and comments: Badar commented that we are already involved in initiatives that are peace centric, Carole pointed out Ryla and youth exchange as one of the tenets of the peace initiatives. Bali asked about the information to join. Badar re-iterated business and commerce as ways to join conflicting regions via commerce, solving the economic problems in the regions, Rotarians have a huge opportunity to be peace makers through bridge building
Norm Binden thanked the speakers, reminding us that Rotary has an interest in Peace Keeping and thanked Kathy and Timothy for bringing the message forward to our club.