By Skip Essick

 

One of the benefits of doing our Rotary Meetings via Zoom video conference is that we literally have access to speakers around the world. This will be the case on Tuesday, September 22nd when the Midday Rotary Club of San Miguel de Allende hooks up via Zoom across the big pond.

 

Our guest speaker is Mohammed Ayyaz from London, England, where he is a club president; Mo is involved in the team that is working toward the establishment of a Rotary Peace Park on the border of India and Pakistan. Mohammed is the son of immigrant Pakistani parents in London, where he often experienced a hostile racist environment while growing up. But being an unsinkable, determined and optimistic personality, he did not let it define him. He found a strong mentor in the education system, and later discovered Rotary, which aligned with his personal values; he has become a force for community and peace. Mo said that if everybody took a DNA test, they would discover how the races of the world are so intricately linked, much like the astronauts who were stunned when viewing planet Earth from space for the first time, and had a greater sense of the kinship of humankind.

 

In this day of increased racial dividedness, the words of Mo Ayyaz are something everyone needs to hear. Rotary International leaders come from all countries and races now, a long way from its early beginnings in Chicago with four visionary fellows who wished to help their local communities. Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Rotary members believe that we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. We apply leadership and expertise to social issues — and find unique solutions. Our passion and perseverance creates lasting change In that spirit, you’re welcome to join us this Tuesday, September 22nd at 9:30AM.

 

To attend, send an email to secretaryrotarysma@mail.com. You’ll receive an email with instructions on being a part of this week’s meeting. Rotary is where neighbors, friends and problem-solvers share ideas, join leaders and take action to create lasting change. For more information, contact President Skip Essick at skipessickmedia@gmail.com