Meeting: August 1, 2023
Glynis led us in O Canada and Sheila gave the Invocation.
Colin's Rotary Minute:
AMBASSADORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS
The Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships Program is the world's largest privately funded international scholarships program. In 1947, 18 "Rotary Fellows" from 11 countries were selected to serve as ambassadors of goodwill while studying in another country for one academic year. Since that time, approximately $242 million has been expended on some 25,000 scholarships for people from more than 125 countries, studying in 105 countries around the world.
The purpose of the Scholarships Program is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries. Scholars are expected to be outstanding ambassadors of goodwill to the people of the host country through both informal and formal appearances before Rotary and non-Rotary groups.
Beginning with the 1994-95 program year, The Rotary Foundation offers two new types of scholarships in addition to the Academic-Year Ambassadorial Scholarship offered since 1947. The Multi-Year Ambassadorial Scholarship is awarded for two or three years of specific degree-oriented study abroad. The Cultural Ambassadorial Scholarship provides three or six months of funding for intensive language study and cultural immersion in a language other than their native language.
Guests: Cathy Hargreaves and Debbie McPhalen
Announcements:
Jim: Received an email from Ian Thompson indicating that our hoped for fundraiser this summer on one of the new fast ferries will not happen in the foreseeable future as they are busy getting organized for their new service. Pipers Pub is closed so will be seeking another location for our next Beer and Burger night.
Rob reported on Loaves and Fishes and the 2014 tinned kipper snack found by someone!
Birthdays: Glynis was serenaded in the usual fashion
Anniversaries: Rod and Val; Paul and Cathy; Gill and Chris.
Program: Derek introduced our speaker, Gerry Kelly, a Facilitor, who believes that the honest exchange of wants and needs can reduce tension and suffering by achieving the changes that people want at home, at work, in their community. His presentation was titled
"Are There Remedies for the Pain of Polarization"
People stuck in polarizing conflict often do not want to collaborate for fear of being forced into agreement or compromise. Yet, the resulting lack of connection and damaged relationships continue to be painful for all involved.
If people are willing to explore working together; then, the role of the facilitator is to suspend the urge to fix the conflict by imposing balance or an agreement. Instead, the key is not to maintain a position of static balance, but to notice and correct dynamic imbalance* by allowing all participants to follow a natural cycle of engagement and asserting; hopefully nudging the parties away from entrenched positions.
to learn more visit his website:
https://www.incrementumfacilitation.com/about
We also heard from Johann Kruger who gave us his "baby talk" Johann was born and educated in Transvaal, South Africa. His ancestors came from Sadenbeck ( now part of Germany) in 1613! He attended the University of Pretoria where he studied
electrotechnical engineering and later returned there as a Professor of control engineering and bio-systems. He spent time doing research in Darmstadt, Germany, returned to S.A and started his own specialist engineering
company in cybernetic systems. He moved to Quesnel, BC in 2003 where he worked in automation in Pulp Mills and Gold mines and became a Rotarian. Moved to Prince George, in 2008 where and became a Canadian citizen. He retired to Nanaimo and joined Nanaimo North in 2022. An incredibly interesting life he has led!
Note to Derek - We need more of these talks to introduce members both old and new to the rest of the club.
.png)
