I haven’t been writing about peacebuilding much recently, because I’ve focused my energies on the other issues that the “connecting the dots” community will have to deal with. Now, however, it is time to return to my political roots but do so through an organization whose impact I’m only belatedly coming to see—Rotary.
I share in your surprise at service organisations like Rotary. I''d had zero experience with them prior to moving to a small city in the Illinois countryside. The extremely active and popular Rotary club in our city of 7,800 has a strong younger membership and does some truly impactful work, mostly for those most struggling within our community. Over the past year+ living here I've fallen in love with the fact that it is so much easier to see/feel/support the interdependence between everyone in a small city, as there is no splendid isolation or big city anonymity to hide behind. I enjoyed reading through your post as always.
I share in your surprise at service organisations like Rotary. I''d had zero experience with them prior to moving to a small city in the Illinois countryside. The extremely active and popular Rotary club in our city of 7,800 has a strong younger membership and does some truly impactful work, mostly for those most struggling within our community. Over the past year+ living here I've fallen in love with the fact that it is so much easier to see/feel/support the interdependence between everyone in a small city, as there is no splendid isolation or big city anonymity to hide behind. I enjoyed reading through your post as always.
Chip, you are a great Rotarian. You are a great friend. You are a great connector. Thanks for all you are!