.jpg)
I am still processing the information and emotions from this past weekend at The Wigwam in Litchfield Park, Arizona, US. One of the highlights was having the opportunity to visit with the eClubbers in attendance at the district conference. The members present were Sandy Abalos-Havir and husband PDG Alan Havir, Jim Bissonett and wife Wendy Bissonett, Steve Cervantes and partner PDG Tonya Watson, Kim Covill, Terry Cowan, Carol Jones and husband Jay Jones, and John Wintersteen. Many of us were able to meet before dinner Saturday evening for fellowship. Perhaps more of you will be able to join us at next year’s district conference.
My experience began with the Pursuing Peace Conference that was held on Thursday. This conference kicked off with “There’s a difference between a peace lover and peace maker.” Each presentation focused on ways each of us can help make peace. Summer Lewis, who was the speaker for our February 5th meeting, talked about the training materials that Rotary in partnership with the Institute for Economics and Peace is developing. I believe that with our international membership ReCSWUSA can play a role in disseminating these materials and making peace in our communities.
I know that if I transcribed all my notes from the weekend into this message that you are likely to stop reading. So, I will describe the district conference breakout session that had the deepest impact on me – Red Sand Project. The Red Sand Project is a participatory artwork that uses sidewalk interventions, earthwork installations, and convenings to create opportunities for people to question, to connect and to act against vulnerabilities that can lead to human trafficking and exploitation. Session participants took to the streets of Litchfield Park and poured red sand into the cracks. There is a video of this event on our Facebook Page where you will see Sandy and Steve in action as well as photos in the comments. While we were out in the heat of the Arizona sun, I overheard conversations started because of the project and watched others in the community joining in. The next morning, I was able to have another conversation with my shuttle driver about human trafficking.
For me, I found a common theme woven throughout the weekend. During the peace conference, one of the presenters told us that her father taught her to “assume positive intent” when someone interacts with you. As the district conference closing keynote speaker noted, not everyone with whom we interact has honorable intentions. However, by starting from this perspective, we have a better chance of de-escalate the situation and finding creative solutions. This perspective helps keep our mind focused in the moment rather than projecting potential outcomes.