INSPIRATION
In honor of Washington’s birthday, Rev. Ralph Barlow quoted from the first president's Farewell Address of 1796 in which he stated "Observe good faith and justice towards all Nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all." Rev. Barlow advised this is relevant for our time also.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, Etc.
Standing in for the ailing Pres. Don, President-elect Art Norwalk advised that for the next two weeks Kris David will be accepting donations for The Rotary Foundation in honor of the 113th Anniversary.
Art reminded that the Muti District Conference will be held at Plymouth, Mass. from May 18 to 20, with the theme of "Rotary Rocks Plymouth". Register at the club or district web site.
Past President Anthony Hollingshead reminded members that the meeting on March 5 will be "Bring A Guest" Day and asked us to invite people who might be prospects to join the club. The speaker will be Senator Jack Reed and there will be no charge for guests who are prospective members.
Members who must leave meetings before the speaker are asked to please donate to the Rotary Polio Plus campaign using a collection box by the door.
This year, Rotary is giving $53.5 million in grants to support immunization and surveillance activities led by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). This will be matched two to one by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. More than half of the funds will support efforts to end polio in two of the three countries where polio remains active: Afghanistan and Pakistan. Further funding will support efforts to keep 10 vulnerable countries polio-free. How much will you give?
HAPPY BUCKS
Peter Brock for greeting his daughter and granddaughter on return from a great trip to Disney World
Anthony Hollingshead for the visit to our meeting by East Providence Rotarians
Jane Kratsch for a successful tooth extract experience
George Burman - a happy buck in honor of Cy Wyche
Pres. Valerie Perry of East Providence-Seekonk Rotary for Art Norwalk’s help on her club’s website
Steve Hug has a part in the play "12 Angry Jurors" opening at Barker Playhouse on March 9
Bryan Cook for his son's accomplishments on the Whitinsville Christian School basketball team, which has made the Mass. State Playoffs.
MALAIKA AND KEMBA ALEXANDER
ON THE VALUE OF DIVERSITY
Our guest speaker, Malaika Alexander, daughter of club member Jim Alexander, spoke of her work at the Genesis Center in Providence and of her life experiences in the Peace Corps and other organizations. Her parents, Jim and Judy Alexander, met in the Peace Corps in Africa and Malika was born in Sierra Leone during this service. Malaika also served in the Peace Corps in Jamaica.
She currently serves as a learning facilitator at the Genesis Center which provides adult education, workforce development and child care to the immigrant community.
Malaika was joined by her brother, Kemba Alexander, in recounting their experiences as persons of mixed race and raising the issue of the need for organizations in general and Rotary in particular to improve carrying out their mission by making greater efforts to diversify their membership.