There were over 170 programs during the two day Peace Conference in Ontario, California (San Bernadino County) which included remarkable speakers and projects relative to peace…. locally and globally.
 
A few examples of the programs we attended:
  • A doctor described how to find peace within your own body after trauma (three easy steps).
  • Father Boyle described how he guides gang members, as they leave prison, towards becoming productive and contented citizens through HomeBoy Industries in LA. 
  • A CIA operative collaborates along with a legislative advocate and cinematographer to save US children from sex slavery (which is the second largest illegal income producing crime ring - the drug industry being first).
  • Within our District, Wade Namura (past District Governor) talked about the Japanese internment camps (2 in California) that his parents and grandparents were imprisoned and how to avoid this type of intolerance in the future.   
  • There were speakers who suffered or witnessed unthinkable war atrocities, recovered from the trauma and then went on to take on substantial rolls in finding non-violent conflict resolutions and solutions for world peace.  All super heroes.
Some of the speakers were Rotarians; others recognized Rotarians and their goodwill policies, Service above Self and the Four Way Test.  Rotarians are not an organization reflecting a specific religion, gender, race or political preference…and that attracts many like-minded people and organizations to us.   
 
This year, I have attended almost every one of our committee meetings to try and learn exactly how our club participates locally and globally.  Our Youth Services, Community Grants, Vocational Service, Ed Foundation and International Services committees (just to name of few) have an overwhelming amount of projects on their plate…..and I still overlooked the fact that Dr. Bob Skanky and Dr. Carl Gross go every year to Roatan to  deliver medications and medical care to those in need.
Tony Thacher provides and delivers baseball equipment to Cuban youths…. While on vacation Kay Bliss and Marty Babayco discovered a way to support a community of women in Bosnia… and how many of us donate to scholarships for youth without care of recognition.  I am sure that before the end of my term I will uncover many other hidden gems in our club and I apologize (in advance) for the many treasures that I miss.
 
When you are a Rotarian of this club, you are a “gift to the world”.
 
That's why we are the greatest club on the planet!