Rotary News
Meeting Date: February 8, 2022
Reporter: Art Norwalk
INSPIRATION
Liz Messier gave us this message.
When former First Lady Michelle Obama delivered the 2016 commencement address at Jackson State University, she reminded students and the rest of us that love is more than a feeling, it’s a gift we give to our community that helps make the world a better place. Love is a choice.
“We choose love. Our love for our children. Our commitment to leaving them a better world. Our love for our country…our love for our fellow citizens…that’s what we choose.”
ANNOUNCEMENTS, Etc.
Cap Willey, chairman of the nominating committee, announced the results of balloting for club officers and directors:
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Officers 2022-23
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Board Members 2022-24
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Kris David, Pres.-elect
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Bill Applegate
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Pete Brock, 1st VP
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Sharon Garland
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Cap Willey, 2nd VP
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Jim Gilcreast
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Mary Brewster, Secretary
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Lisa Hill
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Luis Lourenco, Treasurer
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Bob Murphy
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Peter Loescher, Asst. Treasurer
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President-elect Steve Hug automatically becomes President on July 1.
Kris David reminded us to donate food and other needed items for St. Edward’s Food Pantry. Bring them to a February meeting or contact Kris to have them picked up.
Pres. Holly announced that a member survey will be coming out soon to learn what you like best about Rotary and what you think might make it better.
Bob Murphy announced that generous members have donated enough money to buy tickets to a PC basketball game plus hot dogs and sodas for 30 San Miguel students on Feb. 23. Thanks for fully funding the event!
HAPPY BUCKS
- Margaret Kane had $5 for enjoying Olympic ice skating and $5 for ice on her driveway.
- Don Saracen is inspired by his volunteer mentoring of a senior at the Highlander High School: “a sharp kid.
- Jim Gilcreast was $1 happy, and $1 sad in memory of former club member Roger Osborne.
HOW TO FIGHT PROPAGANDA
WITH MEDIA LITERACY
 Our guest speaker, URI professor of communications & media Renee Hobbs, offered suggestions for dealing with the “industry of disinformation” that characterizes much of today’s media landscape, particularly the internet.
 She displayed an imaginary smartphone keypad with a button labeled “Reality Check” that might tell us if messages we encounter are true, complete (what’s been left out that would change the meaning?), align with my values, offer “easy” answers that aren’t really easy, etc. But since the “Reality Check” button doesn’t exist, it’s on us as consumers to carefully evaluate the information we encounter before accepting it.
She described propaganda as a special kind of communication because it has a strategic intent and common tools that may be used to benefit or harm its audiences. It taps into our hopes, dreams and emotions using simple language repeated over and over.
The Q&A period was highlighted by Rotarian Kimberly Dumpson’s description of the racial harassment her daughter endured after being elected the first woman president of student government at American University in Washington, DC. Online neo-Nazi abuse was followed by the hanging of symbolic nooses around campus. Kim said her daughter, Taylor, “was afraid to walk around campus alone, her studies were impaired, and she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.”
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law sued on Taylor’s behalf, claiming that her right to enjoyment of a public accommodation had been violated. One defendant made a formal apology and agreed to take counseling. Another failed to appear in federal court and was fined $725,000.
District 7950 Night at the P-Bruins
Rotary members from around the district attended the Providence Bruins game against the Rochester Americans on Friday February the 11th. District Governor Billy Roberts mentioned that $5 from each ticket sold was given to the End Polio Now campaign. Also, seats were given to local Boys and Girls clubs to allow children to attend the game. Over 200 seats were purchased by Rotarians.
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