SRKSEP Experience Inspires Students
Elsie Allen senior Rob Giacomini, Past Interact President and SRKSEP alumnus (Santa Rosa Kaagoshima Student Exchange Program 2019) is continuing his pursuit of excellence as a participant in the 2020 New Gen Peacebuilders class of 2020.
Rob and two of his cohorts, were featured at last January's monthly SCARC , aka Sonoma County Area Rotary Clubs hosted by Santa Rosa Rotary at the Flamingo Hotel.
Rob responded to a question re his interest in collaborative efforts by recounting his experience with fellow Elsie Allen travelers and the Japanese hosts he met while touring Japan last summer. He was inspired by the depth of commitment to international cooperation and away from a narrow isolationist approach to world issues.
Listening to Rob and the other students, a young woman immigrant from Syria and young man from Mexico, were 60+ Rotarians and guests. The student's enthusiasm affirmed the influential role Rotary plays locally in its Youth supporting activities.
Rotarian Jose Guillen, host club member and New Gen Peacebuilder Coordinator provided an orientation to this future leader developing program. New Gen Peacebuilders was brought to Santa Rosa by our District Governor Elect Doug Johnson, also in attendance. Joining Jose's advocacy for New Gen was Sunriser Eloise Tweeten, a current Mentor in Training for the 2020 class. Her 5 member cohort will be focusing on a creative project related to people who are homeless. Eloise has made a large commitment to guide the students, involving nearly 30 hours of training.
Sunrise has pledged support for 7 students at $500 each to participate this year. In total, 38 students locally are engaged, reflecting a $19,000 investment towards positive peace and future leadership. Watch for updates as Eloise's cohorts advance toward their Spring rollout, with their colleagues. You will receive a personal invitation!
