World Peace and Understanding Dinner Creates Powerful Emotions
Posted
on Feb 15, 2016
On February 10th, District 7930 hosted the World Peace and Understanding Dinner. This year’s event was quite a departure from previous years. Instead of the traditional sit down meal followed by an inspirational speaker, every attendee was given an identity to assume for the evening. All present participated in a simulation game designed to challenge our perceptions (or misconceptions) of poverty, homelessness, and stereotypes. Every identity existed below the poverty line, and players had to survive for two days, securing a job, shelter and food along the way. No-one was able to stay inside their comfort zone for very long. At the end of the evening, attendees were presented with several volunteer opportunities to serve - all were filled. Additionally, $800 was collected that will be used to purchase socks that will be given to homeless men, women and children next week. Here are the words of several players:
As an interact volunteer and table captain I didn’t know what these Rotarians were going to expect. One woman said she was scared and and didn't know how this event would go. Wishing that I could blurt out the idea I kept the game a secret. One of the first things said at my table was " dinner is at 8:15?!" they were absolutely shocked. Completely baffled at this change of events, the Rotarians waited anxiously. The game was then explained and played, many fully getting into character. When we all joined back together at the table you could see that bonds between families were made. They were no longer confused or anxious but really glad. We discussed how the game went and people had very high remarks. This simulation opened their eyes up to poverty but also developed bonds between everyone, young and not as young. To see the shift in emotions from nervousness to happiness and understanding made me glad I held my tongue!
Malak Ray, Interact student and Table Captain
“I was a 72 year old man who had lost his wife, his home, his job and who could not speak English. I was forced to seek work, food and shelter from people who saw me as an old man who couldn’t even speak English. Over and over I was rejected because of my age and dismissed because no one wanted to deal with my hand gestures in my attempt to communicate and beg for help.
A glimmer of hope came from two compassionate individuals who allowed me to stay with them for the night only to be told the next day there would be no second. Sad and discouraged, I tried to ask, “what did I do wrong”?
I felt Desperation, frustration, loneliness, unclean, zero esteem, not knowing where to turn; abandoned.
Kevin McKelvey – Rotarian, Participant, Veteran
On February 10th, 2016 633,782 homeless people across the United States woke up in the streets shivering or if they were lucky in a homeless shelter. They didn’t know what they were going to eat for breakfast or if they were going to eat any breakfast at all. During the District Event a lot of Rotarians were challenged to step outside of their comfort zone for 45 minutes and imagine what it was like to be a homeless person. But honestly we cannot even begin to imagine what it’s like to have nothing because we were blessed with so much. During the event we raised 800 dollars for 800 pairs of socks which is amazing and it will give those homeless people that receive the socks the feeling we get when we receive gifts on Christmas. Our money can do a lot but so can we by getting involved. I know you all probably have busy work schedules or a lot of things going on in your life’s but together we can make such a big difference. Wednesday’s event was not about having a good time like most events are. It was about encouraging you to help and giving you a better understanding about what it’s like to have nothing, feel worthless, and not know what your next day is going to look like. Some people had a lot of fun playing the game but I really hope you understand in the real world, living on the streets isn’t defined as “fun” and although you can’t begin to imagine what it is like to be a homeless person in 45 minutes you can begin to make a difference.MKristina Sanborn – RYLA student
As a veteran, I am fully aware of the needs of the homeless (although not as much as I thought before tonight). Like police, firemen etc., vets do think of their fellow vets, especially fellow combat vets who suffer and have suffered from homelessness.
It was easy for me to step into my role - a mentally ill homeless person, living on the streets, hungry and in rags. In reality, I can’t fathom such a life. When Terri and I went home and were safely snug in bed, we wondered what life might be like if this scenario were true. I lay awake for what seemed to be hours, thinking about all we did. Homelessness is a very sad but true reality, which we all should think about. I also know this is a very serious issue, this homelessness. Tonight’s event should make us all more aware of the plight and suffering and problems these people suffer and how we can help. I really hadn’t thought of some of these problems such as trying to find work or how hard it might be to find room in a shelter. We should all open out hearts (and our pocket books) and give this situation a little more though now and again.
Mike Doeffler, Rotarian spouse, participant, veteran