Rotary District 7850 Peace Center Global Grant in Rwanda
Marilyn Bedell was our speaker today, and she talked about Rotary's Promoting Peace one of the Seven Areas of Focus. She started her presentation by reflecting on Rotary International President Jennifer Jones theme for this Rotary Year Imagine Rotary.
As Bedell thinks about this theme, it brings to mind the lyrics of the John Winston Lennon song, Imagine and these lyrics:
Imagine there's no countries It isn't hard to do Nothing to kill or die for And no religion, too
Imagine all the people Livin' life in peace
You may say I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope someday you'll join us And the world will be as one
Paul Harris, Rotary International founder, states this in 1917 in the middle of WWI: “It is easier to interest men in war than in peace; it therefore requires more moral courage to talk peace than war.” Rotary has a rich history embracing activities that help support a more peaceful world:
As she reflected on Rotary's Seven Area of Focus, it is of not that peace is positioned at the top of the circle of areas of focus.
It is Bedell's belief that peace is at the top, as if any of the other areas of focus are out of alignment, it can lead to a less peaceful world.
Too often the focus of the world is on the concept of Negative Peace:
Rotary International focus is much more on the concept of positive peace:
Positive Peace:
Positive Peace creates the optimal environment for human potential to flourish.
High Positive Peace systems are more likely to maintain stability and recover from shocks.
High Positive Peace is statistically linked to better environmental and economic outcomes.
The most peaceful systems perform strongly on all eight Pillars of Positive Peace.
From Rotary and the Rotary Foundation:
As a humanitarian organization, peace is a cornerstone of our mission.
We believe when people work to create peace in their communities, that change can have a global effect.
By carrying out service projects and supporting peace fellowships and scholarships, our members take action to address the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, discrimination, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources.
Our commitment to peacebuilding today answers new challenges: how we can make the greatest possible impact and how we can achieve our vision of lasting change. We are approaching the concept of peace with greater cohesion and inclusivity, broadening the scope of what we mean by peacebuilding, and finding more ways for people to get involved.
Rotary creates environments where peace can happen.
Bedell then described three grants that our Rotary district, District 7850 as supported. All of the grants were carried out in Rwanda and lead by Emily Gould, a member of the Rotary Club of Montpelier Vermont.
This is how our District learned that potato seeds could lead to more peaceful communities. The Rotary Club of Montpelier, Vermont under Emily’s leadership, applied for their first District Grant ($1,000). It was used to purchase potato seeds or starter which were matured for resale at a profit. The seeds were sold to the peace clubs and others who are still recovering from the genocide and are in need of help. The profit were used for more substantive programing on conflict transformation and trauma recovery. The grant covered not only the cost of the seeds, but also the cost of transporting them. The Peace Center already has a “store” in which the seeds will be matured for resale.
This grant was a success, and lead to a second District Grant. The second District Grant ($8,000) was used to help complete projects with in the Ihumure’s building to help make the center sustainable. Key parts of the project were to construct a fence around the property. The fencing was need to help individuals coming to the center to feel safe. Funds were used to help bring water into the building. Outdoor latrines were completed. Electricity was brought to the building. A “kitchen” area was established (a place outside the building to cook food). The ceiling was repaired. In addition, drainage around the property was improved.
With the success of the two District Grants, Emily has worked hard to establish a relationship with a local (2 hours away) Rotary Club. After many delays and changes in Rotary Club leadership in Rwanda, a Global Grant was approved ($70,500) and is currently being implemented.
The Rwanda Peace Center Project facilitated the creation of a sustainable, local peace center in post-genocide Rwanda near the border of Eastern Congo. The Center is run by a local NGO called, Community Based Organization of Peace Education (CBOPE) Ihumure – an organization that has an integrated model for conflict transformation, trauma recovery and economic independence through cooperative economic activities, including climate change hardy agriculture. There are key aspects of the grant programs: Community Peace Building, Trauma Informed Conflict Resolution, and the expansion of these programs to included Youth Programming.
Bedell then reviewed The Rotary Foundation's signature project/program, our Peace centers.
The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International established the Rotary Peace Centers Fellowship to honor Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary International, on the 50th anniversary of his death.
The mission of the program is to provide solid academic training, empower the scholars, have a global impact, ensure our scholars will be catalyst's for peace, and build capacity for peace initiatives.
In order to serve this vision, Rotary has created a unique partnership with top universities around the world.
Through this experience, Rotary Peace Fellows build the skills needed to act as leaders and catalysts for peace and conflict resolution both in their communities and around the globe.
The Rotary Peace Centers program has a vision of sustainable peace: encompassing a network of Peacebuilders and community leaders dedicated to preventing and resolving conflicts across the global community.
There are currently seven Rotary Peace Centers at seven universities around the world.
Joint program at Duke University and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
University of Bradford in England
Uppsala University in Sweden (our newest center)
International Christian University in Japan
University of Queensland in Australia
Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, and Makerere University in Uganda both host our professional development certificate program.
Makerere is the newest certificate program, of note this center is focused on educating African's and other individuals doing peace work in Africa only.
A third certificate programs will be established in the Middle East.
TRF Trustees were approached by the Trustees of the Otto and Fran Walter Foundation. Otto was a lawyer in Germany who was disbarred by the Nazis because he was a Jew and immigrated to the States in 1936. Fran and Otto developed a strong legal practice and left their money to a Foundation that had amongst other things been sponsoring Peace Scholars. Their Trustees had decided to “sunset” their Foundation and offered The Rotary Foundation US$15.5 million to establish a Peace Centre in the Middle East/North Africa. Their gift was accepted!
The challenge of identifying a new center in the middle east:. The following criteria will be key:
Be welcoming to all international students
A commitment to partnering with Rotary,
A location in an area with Rotary and Rotaract clubs that were prepared to actively support a Centre,
The capacity to host two cohorts of 20 Fellows per year,
Expertise in running post-graduate programs in peace and social development,
A safe and secure study environment and accessibility
Three university's that meet the criteria listed above have just had their final site visit, and our Rotary Foundation should be announcing the university that was selected in early 2023. The university's are located in Egypt, and two in Turkey.
Our district has three peace scholars. All three were educated in Bradford England.
After many Rotarians purchased left over beer from Brew Fest, the Meeting called to order by David Cradall
Paul Tierney lead us in reciting the 4-Way Test.
Ernst Oidtmann lead us in singing our Rotary welcome song, and The Streets of Larado.
We enjoyed a buffet lunch.
Hank Clarke made the rounds for happy dollars:
Ernst Oidtmann wished us all a Happy New Year.
Ahmad Haidari fined himself for being on the phone during our last Zoom message, but this call led to the successful sale of a business he helped develop.
Ron Bedell wished all a Happy New Year.
Bruce Bergeron acknowledged he owes the club some money for the soccer world cup. I believe his bet with Ernst meant he owed $10. He also announced we had $105 dollars in beer sales, but Angela then chimed in that it would be higher once she gets the orders for some of her fellow workers.
Paul Tierney twin granddaughters are now 3-years old. He is make desks for each of his grandchildren.
John Yacavone shared as story from the memoir he is writing. If was about a police officer in Plainfield and their shared connection to the officer's grandfather...hope I go this correct
Bruce Pacht shared a story of the the challenged of plowing his driveway, and what a tow truck had to do to haul out a car when it was too wide to drive down the driveway due to ice buildup. He let us know that the AV equipment is now in, and he is setting up a training session for several of us to learn how to use the system. It will be on a Tuesday.
Angela Nelson thanked us for supporting the Holiday Basket Helpers. Listen with the help of our communities, provided baskets for 206 families in the Upper Valley.
JoAnn Lemieux let us know her husband is now retired!
Marilyn Bedell shared that Phil Bush fell and broke in hip. Hank then shared he had a conversation with Phil and he is home and rehabing...So far all is going well. Marilyn let us know that Linda Secord is now recovered from Covid...and Bill avoided getting the virus...good news. Post meeting, Marilyn read on Facebook that Ed and Shelley Friedman are now grandparents...Shelley wrote: "I ended up coming back to NH a bit sooner than planned because Kayla went into labor. At 214 am today we became Nana and Gramps to Miss Lainey Lynn. She decided to join us a bit early at 25 weeks 5 days. She weighs 2 lbs 3 oz. Mom and baby are doing well."
Card and car wash raffles
Angela Nelson drew the King of Spades...the hunt for the queen continues
Marilyn Bedell won the car wash
Marilyn Bedell spoke on promoting peace, see above.
Members at the meeting included: Marilyn Bedell, Ron Bedell, Bruce Bergeron, Dean Cashman, Hank Clarke, Jim Damren, Ahmad Haidari, JoAnn Lemieux, Angela Nelson, Ernst Oidtmann, Bruce Pacht, Phil Rentz, Marion Steiner, Paul Tierney, Richard Wallace, Steve Whitman, John Yacavone.
Next Listen Dinner February 14, 2022, It's Valentine's Day!
We may be asked to help prepare meals at the Senior Center. Dean Cashman will be getting us the details. Time commitment would be from 8 to 11 AM.
Lebanon Casino Fundraiser - Spring 2023
Harmony Park Installation and Dedication
Dates
Installation in April
SAVE THE DATES:
Harmony Park Dedication in May 13, 2023
Club's 100th Anniversary Dinner will be June 29,2023...Again...Save the Date!
Bedell Classic Golf Tournament - See you at the golf course May 25 2023!!
Brew Fest 2023
Brew Fest on to
September 2, 2023
CHEERS!!
Top Stitch Rotary Vests and Jackets — A great holiday present to give to yourself!
John Yacavone has arranged for members to order light and heavier weight jackets and vest for us to wear when doing service projects...for days when our tees shirts just aren't enough to keep us comfortable and warm.
If you click the link below, Top Stitch has created a special website for Lebanon Rotary Club members to order the following clothing items.
1. Men’s and Women’s light weight jackets
2. Men’s and Women’s fleece vests
3. Men’s and Women’s fleece jackets
All jackets and vests will have Rotary Logo and club name.
Just pick your item and follow the instructions for ordering. If you decide to pick up your item at Top Stitch located at 233 Mascoma Street Lebanon, NH 03766 there will be no charge for shipping, otherwise shipping will be charged. If you have any questions about your order please contact Cody at Top Stitch at 603-448-2931. Turn around time is 3.5 - 4 weeks. Once you place your order your order will be processed no waiting on other orders to be fulfilled.
Here's hoping you will order some Rotary wear soon.
Winner of the Princess Award, makes its way down Colorado Boulevard during the 134th annual Tournament of Roses Parade held in Pasadena, California on Monday, January 2, 2023.
Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI.
We will be meeting every Thursday
The First and Third Thursday at 12 Noon, at the Dwinell Room at Harvest Hill; and the Second and Forth Thursday at 12 Noon on Zoom
Need to learn how to join a Zoom Meeting? Click Here
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