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I’m not a crier. I never cry, except in Rotary, and today was one of those days. Anselme Sadiki, the Executive Director from the Children’s Home was the speaker at Boise Sunrise, and I just happened to be a visiting Rotarian.
The Children’s Home started in 1908 as an orphanage, and in the 70s, it converted to a home that provides mental health services for children. He shared the startling statistics about the lack of providers in Idaho and Eastern Oregon, the lack of awareness of the services available, how accessibility to the service in rural markets is a barrier, and how Idaho is 5th in the nation for youth suicides. Anselme’s stories made me cry.
Later that same day, I stopped at Advocates Against Family Violence to drop off a check. They’re a domestic violence women’s shelter for women and their children. They provide health services too in the form of rehabilitation services. That check, while large to me, will only cover the electricity for the shelter for one month….one month.
mily Violence to drop off a check. They’re a domestic violence women’s shelter for women and their children. They provide health services too in the form of rehabilitation services. That check, while large to me, will only cover the electricity for the shelter for one month….one month.BOTH OF THESE EVENTS MADE ME THINK ABOUT BUILDING BLOCKS.
I think a lot about peace. I wonder what Rotarians can do to cultivate kindness, compassion, civility and conflict resolution. I wonder how Rotarians can begin to identify a starting point for that cultivation. I know that peace is the final puzzle on top of the pyramid, and I realize that kids that hurt so deeply on their inside, feel hopeless. We have to address the fundamental building blocks to make peace possible.
SO WHAT DO WE DO?
Good question - Anselme wasn’t sure either. He knew he didn’t have the answers, but he knew that a caring group of community leaders would have the answers. He was clear - we need to join together leaders, exchange ideas, and take action.
HOW DO WE CREATE THESE CONVERSATIONS IN OUR CLUBS?
Rotarian, more than anything, I want you to know that you are empowered to ask the first question. You don’t have to be the President. You don’t have to be on the board. You just need to care. You are empowered to say, “this makes me (fill in with your emotion), and I am wondering what role we could play?”
I think we can get stuck in fear, worrying that we must have the complete answer. The truth is, the answer is several puzzle pieces and we’ll be one just one piece of the solution puzzle….and that’s ok. I encourage you to have a conversation in your club. Ask others, is this something that a small group of passionate people could add value to, and perhaps create a positive impact? I believe the answer is yes.
I hope that Rotary instills a spark within you, and maybe even moves you to tears. Those tears may lead to something truly special.