I wanted to share this email message relating to our International Peace Pole (IPP) initiatives with Suzi Howe and Larry Dimmitt to follow up about the many extraordinary and impactful things Rotarians are doing in addition to our collaborative International service projects and recent International Project Fair in Brownsville!
Our IPP dedications at Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi, Texas and CalAllen, Texas occurred in February 2019 to compliment our District sponsored Peace Symposium held in Corpus Christi, Texas. Cameron Chisholm, our Rotary Peace Scholar alumnus accompanied us and spoke with elementary, high school, and University students as part of the International Peace Pole dedication ceremonies.
The link below exemplifies this effort and the meaningful impact it made on the lives of those involved during this very memorable and “Momentum” event!
The link above was posted on May Peace Prevail On Earth organization’s International Website showcasing Rotary’s efforts shortly after the TAMUCC link of our Texas A&M CC dedication ceremony became available.
Subsequently, I received numerous calls and emails from Rotarians and non Rotarians alike inquiring how to obtain an IPP and how to conduct a dedication ceremony.
Recent IPP dedications were conducted in Corpus Christi, CalAllen, amd Woodsboro, Texas with the help of Ellison Crider, DGE now DG, Maxie Houser, D5930 Foundation Chair, Arnie Gonzalez, Rotarian/CalAllen ISD superintendent, Marilyn Spenser, D5930 Peace building Coordinator/PDG, Elaine Hernandez, D5930 International Service Coordinator, and Janice Sykora, Woodsboro ISD superintendent.
A special “Thank You” to Marilyn Spencer, D5930 Peace-building coordinator/PDG et al for everyone who supported/assisted/participated in these IPP endeavors.
There are proposed IPP dedication sites in in Rockport, Rio Hondo, San Benito, and Brownsville, Texas. International Peace Poles were dedicated in Edinburg and Laredo, Texas during 2017-2018 Rotary Year with the help of Betty Lara, our past District Governor.
Suggestions for futur
e International Peace Pole Dedication Ceremonies and Peace Initiatives/Emphasis could include:
e International Peace Pole Dedication Ceremonies and Peace Initiatives/Emphasis could include: Planned events at District Conferences, Zone meetings, and even at our upcoming 2020 International Convention in Hawaii to exemplify Our Service with a Purpose!
I am willing to cover the cost of a Rotary Peace Pole for the 2020 International Convention if so desired. We could coordinate and organize it with our District 5000 Oahu, Honolulu Hawaii Rotary Clubs as a joint effort to determine the most feasible/visible location!
Side Note: The International Day of Peace was created by the United Nations General Assembly on September 21, 1981 and in 2007, Hawaii became the first state in the nation to officially commemorate Peace Day in harmony with the UN resolution. See link below for more information on World Peace Day.
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21st. The United Nations General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. In 2007, Hawaii became the first state to recognize Peace Day.
This and other efforts to engage Rotarians and our youth of all ages including our EarlyAct, Interact, and Rotaract Clubs to do their own fun-raising and participate by installing a Peace Pole in their community!
Just a thought as “It Takes Teamwork to Make The Dream Work!” Think Big, Engage Others, Take Action, and Your Dreams can and will come true!Rotary Connects The 🌎,
Andy Hagan
D5930
IPDG