Kentville Rotary: Paddy’s and Zoom meeting, also live-streamed on our Facebook Private group.

 

 

 

O Canada led by Sue

 

Phil welcomed everyone to the meeting including visiting Rotarians Pete Smith (North Sydney) and Lori Anne Jones (Halifax Harbourside) and guests: Michel Faizandier, Willy Kalt and Donna Sutton.

 

 

Sue is happy to meet her second cousin once removed!

 

Heather is happy after 7 weeks off her feet, the cast came off Friday and she is learning to walk!

 

Pete S is happy to have Rhea (and her Labradoodle) staying with him for 4 months as she takes an occupational Health and Safety course.

 

Phil is happy his son (who lives in North Carolina) is considered an essential worker and because of this was able to receive his COVID vaccine on Thursday.

 

Bill welcomed our guests. He thanked Club members for answering the Strategy survey. He reported that the Board would like to set up a Centenary Committee as we approach our club’s 100^th year. He reported on two honorary members: Nat James is out and about a little, doing well and Doug Morrison seems happy at the Berwick Manor. The Rotary archives are currently stored in a member’s basement. We are looking into a permanent home for these materials. The last item is a formal cheque presentation to the Flowercart that will take place this afternoon (Mon March 8, 2021).

 

Secretary’s Report: nothing new to report

 

Illnesses: none to report  

 

Guest Speaker: Lori Anne Jones is the president and CEO and Chief change strategist for Shift Strategies Change Consulting. She is a seasoned strategic professional with over 20+ years of experience in change management, organization optimization and strategic approach. Over the last 2 decades Lori Ann has successfully worked with companies within private public and non-profit sectors to solve complex problems.

Lori-Ann is a member of the Halifax Harbourside Rotary Club as a board member responsible for the local service incoming vice president for 2021/22. She is passionate about creating vibrant, equitable and inclusive communities and since July od 2020 has been coordinator for District 7820 Task Force on Systemic Racism and has just recently been asked to be the Zone DEI resource chair.  

Lori Anne presented on Systemic Racism and Anti-Black Racism – What we can do as Rotary and as a Rotarian. Her first message was ‘Just take the first step’. The change awareness curve is a journey and begins with awareness, then understanding, acceptance and finally commitment, taking us from fear to understanding to growth.

 

The fear zone may include denial racism is a problem, avoiding hard questions, sticking with people like ourselves. The learning zone may encompass recognizing racism is present and a current problem, seeking out questions even if they are uncomfortable, educating ourselves about race and structural racism, listening to others who look and think differently from ourselves. The growth zone is when we identify how we might knowingly benefit from Racism, promoting and advocating for policies and leaders that are anti-racist, speaking out when observing injustices, educating others, yielding powers of position to those otherwise marginalized. Building awareness and understanding of your own cultural, personal beliefs, values and biases of oppression affecting you and those around you creates the right conditions for meaningful change.

 

The district formed a task force of volunteers in June 2020. Their focus in phase I is Anti-Black Racism. The why? As Rotary and Rotarians, we wanted to be an active part of the change and it is the right thing to do… be catalysts and truly embody our statement ‘We are people of Action’.

 

The strategic framework is divided in 4 areas: Acknowledgement (of the problem and the value of apologies), Awareness (history and current state of anti-Black racism), Assessment (find areas for improvement) and Action (putting it all together to provide meaningful change). District 7820 has developed a Resource Guide and Coaching Plan. A tool kit is available on the district’s website and then clicking on the icon or by pressing this link: https://www.rotary7820.com/Page/district-7820-systemic-racism-toolkit

 

These assets can be used by anyone (not just Rotary and Rotarians). There are 10 pieces currently in the tool kit to help you take your first steps.

 

How can clubs start now? Form a committee to assess what might be needed for the club and to build a plan; have a look at the club and membership; start the conversation and continue to talk;

 

Pierre thanks Lori Anne for her presentation. It was clear from questions in the room and online that it is a topic of great interest. He also thanked her for the tools the committee had created and hopes it can be part of a positive and lasting change.

 

 

 

Valley Faces of Business (Phil): Sales are going well. Please finalize contracts in the next two weeks. If you are visiting a business or using and their services, please approach them about being part of our book. Personal relationships help a lot in this instance.

 

 

Rotary Foundation Minute: (Phil) WHY IS SHARE CALLED “SHARE”?

The Rotary Foundation’s funding system is called SHARE because the name defines what the system does:

(1) Rotarians SHARE their resources with their fellow Rotarians around the world;

(2) The Rotary Foundation Trustees SHARE some of their decision-making responsibilities with Rotary Districts; and

(3) Rotarians SHARE Rotary with the world through their Rotary Foundation.

Ready to get involved?

 

Chase the Ace – Lucky ticket “825” belonged to Wally. He drew the 5 of spades for another roll over thus the winning pot continues to grow!

 

Sue led the club in the four-way test.