Sue Ann Hong, Executive Director for the Center for Asian Pacific American Women, spoke about racism in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sue Ann first encountered racism in Hurley, Wisconsin at a very young age. She came to America to live with her aunt and realized she was different. They were constantly moving around the United States and she had to learn to maneuver quickly in new environments.

 

In her career with State Farm Insurance, Sue Ann realized that women do not get coached to learn about profit and loss areas of the business. Although she was a member of the leadership team, she was treated differently than her male counterparts. She had to learn to speak up for herself and establish her own voice. In one incident, she was bullied by three male co-workers and had to muster everything within her to stand up for herself.

 

In America today, Asians and blacks are more likely to report racist issues following COVID-19. From March 19-July 23, there were 2,499 COVID-related incidents of harassment to Asian-Americans in 45 states. California had the highest number of incidents, with 81 incidents of physical assault and 64 potential civil rights incidents.

 

The Longmont Rotary Charity Fund has announced the recipients of the COVID-19 Crisis Grant Program. These grants were developed to assist non-profit organizations that have programs and services that address the needs of children and youth impacted by physical distancing, lockdown, and quarantine as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The award recipients are:



Hello Everyone,

 

The Rotary theme for 2020-21 is Rotary Opens Opportunities.. A key goal for the upcoming Rotary year will be how do we maintain and continue all that the club has built over the last 100+ years?  What do we need to do to maintain the club as a cohesive unit?  How do we continue to support our community through local grants and projects?  How do we continue to support Rotary International, the Foundation, and Polio plus?  Also, how do we prepare for the day when programs like RYLA are able to resume?  

 

A friend of mine is a multiple time cancer survivor.  He always says that tough times mean that better ones are in the future.  With that in mind, my focus will be on how we maintain what we have today, and how we prepare to transition to the other side of our current paradigm.  Longmont Rotary has a great tradition and a great group of people.  Like everything else these days, things will be a little more difficult than usual, but we can and will succeed.

 

Thanks

Dave

The Rotary District 5450 Annual Conference is scheduled for Saturday, August 29th and will be a Virtual on-line event.  It’s a great chance to learn from other district clubs and share ideas.  The cost for the event is $22, with $20 donated to Polio Plus in the registrant's name.

 

Speakers include Jake Norton, official National Geographic expedition photographer, NASA Flight Director Jeff Radigan and Eric Weihenmayer, the first person wihout sight to reach the summit of Mt. Everest. For registration, click here.  

 

Our Family of Rotary Chair, Diane Stow is available to members during this challenging time.  We want to serve and support one another.  If you have needs or know of a club member in need, please reach out to Diane Stow.  You can email Diane or contact her at 303-775-3338.