Background on image. This was not at Pukaite woods, but while visiting GMRP team members Tom and Barb Johnson in NC.
How are you staying connected to Rotary during covid-19 restrictions?
Well my connections have been mostly 100% virtual since our last in person meeting on 13 March. I was in town on 26 June and really enjoyed connecting with a few members for an impromptu at Pukaite Woods to see the goats in action. I also connected with two other members the following day. I really miss not being able to see others, but I understand how important it is to follow the health guidelines. I’m on a couple of Rotary committees and Rotary Action Groups that employ Zoom meetings because the members are from other regions and countries.
What are Rotary Action Groups?
Rotary Action Groups are independent, Rotary-affiliated groups made up of people from around the world who are experts in a particular field, such as economic development, peace, addiction prevention, the environment, or water.
Action groups offer their technical expertise and support to help clubs plan and implement projects to increase our impact, one of Rotary's strategic priorities. This support includes helping clubs find partners, funding, and other resources. Action groups can also help clubs and districts prepare grant applications, conduct community assessments, and develop plans to monitor and evaluate their projects.
Do you belong to any Rotary Action Groups, if so which ones?
I currently belong to the Rotary Action Group for Peace (RAGFP) and the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG). There are over 25 different RAG(s), with over 27,000 members, representing collaboration of 1,600 projects between 140 countries, representing $890,000 humanitarian projects just in 2019. I know that we are all very busy, but I know that all of us also have many interests that may take you outside of our club to participate in. Ideas learned in RAG(s) can always be brought back to our club for local projects.
What currently excites you about MT Sunrise and Rotary?
I love all of the positive press regarding the goat project. I’m happy that our club has an Environmental Sustainability Committee. I’m proud of the TM Rotary Foundation’s involvement with the MT Gateway project and I’m really happy that Lucia is putting together an antiracism committee for our club. Rotary has always been about promoting peace, understanding and human rights especially since our 1940 Rotary International convention in Havana, Cuba.
Wage Peace, Brian