How good can it get? Finally, a bright and sunny day warm enough to qualify for Spring, matched with a room full of Rotarians, good food, and a very significant program presented by a dynamic speaker. President Jamie Boersma brought us to attention with the bell, John Tone offered words of inspiration, then led us in the pledge to the flag and recitation of the Four-Way Test. Mark Danes introduced visiting Rotarians and guests, of whom there was quite a list. Jamie called attention to this being the birthday of Steve Roberts, who was on hand to accept our greetings. Bringing us up to date on some things, President Jamie reminded us about several items: the Trash Bash on April 20 and our club’s commitment to help in the Waterworks Park cleanup; the upcoming Drake Relays and the opportunity to volunteer for duties there; Randy Worth’s planning for the Wheels Fellowship this Saturday; the Summit meeting planned by the International Service Committee; and she called our attention to the availability of the RCDM Facebook page where we can find information on upcoming events and related announcements. Shawn Mullin introduced new member Don Jones and, as a part of that, showed his understanding of state government in his native state of Nebraska and its unicameral legislature. (More about Don Jones elsewhere in this report.)
Judy McCoy Davis introduced our speaker, referencing his having been a keynoter at our International Service Committee’s Summit meeting last June and his impact there. Jono Anzalone is a native of Omaha, a graduate of Creighton University; the University of Nebraska; Harvard University School of Public Health and Kennedy School of Government National Preparedness Leadership Initiative. He is Vice-President, International Services, American Red Cross, based in Washington, DC.
Attracted to volunteer service in the Red Cross organization as a youth, he joined the entity as a professional and now oversees crisis and disaster services covering several dozen countries throughout the world. Jono went directly to the question of why the Red Cross works around the world as against only locally or nationally. He shared one example of the need for comprehensive efforts in that today there are 317 persons, on average, dying every day because of the lack of availability of a medicine costing $1.50 per person. Addressing health disasters in other parts of the world must be ranked high because if a disease like ebola is not dealt with where it is located today, tomorrow may well find it in our own midst.
There are several trends at work today, including higher numbers of individuals impacted by disasters, coupled with the fact that the numbers of both disasters and numbers involved are rising, as well as the number of persons killed in those instances. Disasters involving diseases are correspondingly rising, too. Extreme weather and natural disasters are most critical and can affect very large numbers of persons. There are 190 regional or nation-based Red Cross and Red Crescent organizations which work together, with sixteen million volunteers creating the strength of the overall effort. The complexities of local situations create complications in bringing relief efforts to the people needing it. The central question facing Red Cross and other organizations generally is, “What is the most direct path to get relief to those affected.” Two of the key criteria guiding efforts are financial transparency and emphasis on cash-based assistance. As to the latter, although the organizations appreciate the donation of clothing and other items, in the majority of instances local economic conditions would likely be improved more if funds themselves were infused into the local economy. Jono was most generous in his recognition of Rotary and its multi-based efforts in programs like polio eradication and community health improvement.
It was a riveting and fact-filled presentation and we certainly appreciate Jono Anzalone for coming and speaking to us.