April 14, Greetings:

Transcription

1 April 14, 2013 Greetings: Rotary District 6780 is pleased to submit this description of our efforts to promote peace through service. This notebook tells the story of the Peace Forum held in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A., on March 8 and 9, RI President Sakuji Tanaka was our guest and keynote speaker. Thank you for your consideration of this entry. Cordially, Jack Bailey, Governor District 6780

2 District 6780 Peace Forum Oak Ridge, Tennessee March 9, 2013

3 District 6780 Peace Forum At the Rotary International Assembly in San Diego in February 2012, RI President Sakuji Tanaka announced that the theme for his Rotary year would be Peace Through Service. He announced that he would hold three peace forums throughout the world in Berlin, Honolulu, and Hiroshima. District 6780 Governor Elect Jack Bailey was in the audience and recognized the significance of the three cities identified. All were related to World War II. Having grown up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, DGE Jack recognized that this city should be among those hosting a Peace Forum because of its historical significance in changing the course of human events and ending World War II. Oak Ridge, the Secret City, was the site of the uranium processing facilities that produced the enriched uranium that fueled the first atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. DGE Jack enlisted the assistance of PRIVP John Germ and Rotary Zone Coordinator Karen Wentz, as well as Oak Ridge City Historian Bill Wilcox, a member of the Rotary Club of Oak Ridge, to assist him in developing a letter requesting that President Tanaka come to Oak Ridge for a Peace Forum. Because of its unique place in history, Oak Ridge was a natural place to hold a fourth Peace Forum, and President Tanaka agreed to attend the District 6780 Peace Forum in Oak Ridge. We appreciated that President Tanaka spoke at our forum, the only such event he attended in the continental U.S.A.

4 District 6780 Peace Forum Peace Through Service Rotary International President Sakuji Tanaka

5 District 6780 Peace Forum Planning the Event DGE Bailey began assembling a planning committee for the Oak Ridge Peace Forum in June Fred Heitman, past president of the RC of Oak Ridge and District 6780 Giving Chair, was appointed general chair. Initial plans focused on having President Tanaka as the keynote speaker for a one-day event that would take place on March 9, It was determined that President Tanaka would arrive in Oak Ridge early in the afternoon on Friday, March 8, tour Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and visit the International Friendship Bell and Secret City Commemorative Walk. The Peace Forum would be held the following day at Pollard Technology Conference Center of Oak Ridge Associated Universities, and the concluding event would be a dinner at which Rotarians of the three Oak Ridge clubs would entertain President Tanaka. The District Rotary Foundation Committee changed the date of its annual dinner to March 8 to coincide with Mr. Tanaka s visit. Planning continued through the summer and fall. The program committee planned for two panel discussions, one on peace through science and technology, which would demonstrate how Oak Ridge has moved beyond its roots in war to become a world leader in the peaceful use of nuclear technology, and one on peace through human understanding, which would focus on ways people could promote peace through actions in their daily lives and communities.

6 District 6780 Peace Forum The Planning Continued Planning Committee members assemble registration packages. The Planning Committee identified numerous other issues related to peace that could not be included in the panel discussions because of time constraints, so they made arrangements to address these topics during lunch. Each lunch table would have a discussion topic posted, and a facilitator would lead the discussion. The panel discussion format allowed each panelist to give a short presentation about his/her area of expertise, and these presentations were followed by questions from the audience. Dr. Jim Roberto, of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), moderated the Peace through Science and Technology panel, and Rotary Zone Coordinator Karen Wentz (RC of Maryville-Alcoa) moderated the Peace through Human Understanding panel. Another committee worked on planning the Friday afternoon events, which would include a tour of ORNL and visits to the Secret City Commemorative Walk and the International Friendship Bell.

7 District 6780 Peace Forum Touring Oak Ridge National Laboratory ORNL is one of the premier research laboratories in the world so security clearances for all participants were required, especially for foreign nationals. At ORNL President Tanaka was treated to lunch and was briefed about the vital scientific research going on at this important laboratory. The tour included a demonstration of the world s fastest computer as well as a visit to the Spallation Neutron Source. Rotarians touring ORNL with President Tanaka. Back row: Dick Bowers, Fred Heitman, John Bailey, Karen Wentz, Al Jubitz, Dan McCormick; front row: Stacie Strafford, Victoria White, Sakuji Tanaka, Jack Bailey, Pat Bailey, Corey McCormick.

8 ITINERARY Bissell Park Tour with Rotary International President Sakuji Tanaka Friday, March 8, :00 p.m. Arrive at Secret City Commemorative Walk 3:00 3:10 Tour Commemorative Walk 3:10 Welcome and Remarks by City Councilman Chuck Hope 3:15 Introduction of Exchange Students and Photo Sean Seyfert, Co-President, Oak Ridge Sister City Support Organization 3:20 Presentation of Gift by Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson 3:25 Remarks by President Tanaka 3:30 Depart Commemorative Walk for International Friendship Bell 3:45 Arrive at International Friendship Bell Welcome and Remarks by Jack Bailey, Governor, District 6780 Rotary International 3:50 History of the International Friendship Bell, Shigeko Uppuluri 3:55 Presentation of the Bell Replica, City Councilman Chuck Hope 4:00 Remarks and Ringing of Bell, Mr. Tanaka 4:05 Tree Planting and Photos Shovels Councilman Hope, Mr. Tanaka, DG Bailey 4:15 Interview with East Tennessee Historical Society 4:20 Depart from International Friendship Bell for Hotel

9 District 6780 Peace Forum Visit to Secret City Commemorative Walk After the tour of ORNL, the entourage joined a group of international exchange students at the Secret City Commemorative Walk, where Rotarians Mark Watson, City Manager, and City Councilman Chuck Hope greeted the RI President. The RC of Oak Ridge constructed this $350,000 project as its Rotary Centennial project. The walking park celebrates Oak Ridge s origins. Its walls hold plaques naming those who came from across the U.S. to build the city and the facilities that operate here. President Tanaka saw a plaque that lists the charter members of the RC of Oak Ridge and one for his friend Bill Sergeant. President Tanaka reads the historic marker at the Commemorative Walk. L-R: Fred Heitman, Tanaka, Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson, and DG Jack Bailey.

10 District 6780 Peace Forum Scenes at the Secret City Commemorative Walk Above: President Tanaka with presidents of the three Oak Ridge RCs: Mary Jane White, RC of Oak Ridge; Tanaka; Roger Ward, Oak Ridge Sunset RC, and Pete Peterson, Oak Ridge Breakfast RC. Left: Fred Heitman shows President Tanaka the plaque for his friend Bill Sergeant.

11 The group then took the short walk to visit the International Friendship Bell, which was designed in America and cast in Japan. It is an important symbol of the peace between these two great nations. President Tanaka rings the International Friendship Bell.

12 District 6780 Peace Forum Presentation of the Friendship Bell Replica to President Tanaka The International Friendship Bell is a symbol of peace that was dedicated as part of the 50 th anniversary of Oak Ridge. The bell was cast by Sotetsu Iwazawa in Kyoto, Japan. Oak Ridger Shigeko Uppuluri, a Japanese American who led the efforts to create the International Friendship Bell, presents Mr. Tanaka with a replica of the bell.

13 District 6780 Peace Forum Inscription on the International Friendship Bell This bronze bell was designed in Oak Ridge and cast in Japan in 1993 to serve as a symbol of the bonds of friendship and mutual regard that have developed between Oak Ridge and Japan over the past fifty years friendship made so much more meaningful because of the terrible conflict of World War II which Oak Ridge played such a significant role in ending. This bell further serves as a symbol of our mutual longing and pledge to work for freedom, well-being, justice, and peace for all the people of the world in the years to come. Given to the people of Oak Ridge on the occasion of their 50 th birthday by the Oak Ridge Community Foundation and friends in the United States, Japan, and other nations Oak Ridge, Tennessee Born of War, Living for Peace, Growing through Science

14 Planting a Cherry Tree President Tanaka assisted other Rotary dignitaries in planting a cherry tree beside the International Friendship Bell. The cherry tree has long been a symbol of peace between Japan and the United States.

15 District Rotary Foundation Dinner On Friday evening the District 6780 Rotary Foundation Committee sponsored a dinner. To accommodate the Peace Forum attendees who would also attend the Foundation Dinner, the Peace Forum Committee provided a bus to take guests from the Double Tree Hotel to The Orangery, an elegant restaurant in Knoxville. More than 150 invited guests attended the cocktail reception and dinner. District 6780 Rotary Foundation Committee Chair David Carroll served as master of ceremonies, and Fred Heitman, Beth Stubbs, John Bailey, and Jim Roxlo reported on Rotary Foundation activities. The highlight of the evening was a keynote address by RI President Tanaka.

16 District 6780 Peace Forum Scenes from the Foundation Dinner

17 District 6780 Peace Forum Scenes from the Foundation Dinner Right: Fred Heitman Far right: Jim Roxlo and Beth Stubbs

18 Victoria White, a former Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar to Japan, served as translator for President Tanaka s entire trip to Tennessee, including his time with District Victoria was a delight to work with and did an outstanding job of translating. She is employed by Denso Corporation.

19 Katy Brown and Jennifer Pettijohn, both members of the Planning Committee, registered Forum attendees as they arrived. Peace Forum participants enjoyed breakfast during registration.

20 Program Peace Through Service Rotary International District 6780 s Peace Forum aims to inspire and advance avenues of peace through science and technology and to cultivate peace through human understanding. This forum will educate and motivate Rotarians and the public on new and innovative ways to achieve global peace through service. Saturday, March 9, 213 Morning Session 8:00 Registration and Breakfast 9:00 Introductory Remarks and Introductions Peace Forum General Chair Fred Heitman Welcome to Oak Ridge Mayor Tom Beehan 9:30 Introduction of RI President District Governor Jack Bailey Keynote Address: Peace Through Service RI President Sakuji Tanaka 10:00 Interact Presentation 10:15 Break 10:30 Panel Discussion: Peace Through Science and Technology James B. Roberto, Moderator Technology in Disaster Relief Budhendra Bhuduri Technology in Clean Water and Safe Energy Gene Ice ORNL and Nonproliferation Alan Icenhour Technology and Global Threats to Peace Rekha Pillai 12:00 Break

21 Program Peace Through Service Saturday, March 9, 213 Afternoon Session 12:00 Lunch and Roundtable Discussions Peace through Religion: Does It Offer Hope for Peace? Living in the New South Harmony in the Home: Are Families under Assault? Non-Violent Campuses: Can We Keep Our Kids Safe? Has the Social Justice Battle Been Won? Work Wars: Conflict in the Workplace The American Political Divide Bullying in Society: An Obstacle to Peace in Our Lives, Communities and World 1:30 Panel Discussion: Peace Through Human Understanding Karen Wentz, Moderator Changing Perspective (Via Video) Allison Kwesell Global Perspectives: Good Neighbors Are Peaceful Neighbors Dick Bowers Civility in the Workplace Will Hodge Play Your Way Through a Multi-Cultural World Jake Morrill 3:15 Action Plans to Peace Alan Johnston 4:00 Challenge to Peace Through Rotary and Community Service Fred Heitman 4:30 Adjourn District Governor Jack Bailey

22 District Governor Jack Bailey Introduced President Tanaka. In opening the Peace Forum, DG Jack Bailey made the following remarks: The idea of peace through service is really right up Rotary s alley. So many of the service projects we do in our local communities and around the world support the theme of peace through service. As many of you know, my wife and I grew up in Oak Ridge and our senior class motto at Oak Ridge High School in 1962 was, Children of war, leaders of peace. Little did I realize that several of us here today would play a role in promoting peace and supporting the Rotary theme this year of Peace Through Service.

23 District 6780 Peace Forum At the opening of the Peace Forum on Saturday morning, Oak Ridge Mayor Tom Beehan welcomed everyone to Oak Ridge, presented President Tanaka with a key to the city and named him an honorary citizen of Oak Ridge.

24 Oak Ridge is a city born in a time of war with Japan and Germany, but today it is a world leader in the peaceful applications of nuclear technologies. The Peace Forum had 257 registered attendees from at least seven states and one foreign country, Turkey. In his keynote address RI President Tanaka recalled that as a small boy he had listened on the radio as the Emperor of Japan surrendered to the United States to end World War II. He thought it amazing that now he was at a peace forum in Oak Ridge, where the uranium was processed for the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. President Tanaka urged all of the attendees to action to achieve peace. Peace cannot be achieved through agreements by governments or through heroic struggles. We must all work together every day and in many simple ways. He stated, When we put service above self, we see the world differently. Our neighbors problems become our own. Each person must do his/her part to achieve peace. Tanaka said, People and nations who do not waste their energy in conflict can use it in ways that benefit everyone.

25 Fred Heitman read the winning essay by Interactor Arti Mullins. If you had the ability to bring peace to the modern world, would you do it? Interactors today hold this very ability in the palm of their hand, and it is their choice whether to use it. Through my years in Interact, I have been involved in an international service project that did, in its own way, bring peace to many people worldwide. This is the Polio Plus Project. When most people think of peace, they see a nation that has just won a terrible war, but this project brings a different kind of peace. Polio Plus brings peace of mind to families worldwide. Many families in the countries where polio has not been eradicated live in fear that one day their child will contact this deadly disease. Through Polio Plus, Rotary and Interact clubs have given families perhaps the most important kind of peace. They have given them the peace of knowing that their child can and will live a longer life. Interactors today have taken hold of the tremendous power and responsibility that we have been given. My project is only an example of the many that Interactors around the country are using to bring peace to the world. I hope all of the people in this nation and the world learn to grasp this power and help us, the Interactors, bring peace to this world. Arti Mullins Huntland Interact Club

26 Interact Presentation Four members of the Oak Ridge High School Interact Club told about their activities and presented President Tanaka with a video of the recent District 6780 Interact Conference, as well as a plaque from their club.

27 The Peace Forum morning session included a panel discussion of Peace Through Science and Technology.

28 Peace Through Science and Technology Panelists After the keynote address by RI President Tanaka, the program turned to two panel discussions. The first was Peace Through Science and Technology, moderated by Dr. Jim Roberto. The panel discussed how advances in science and technology are being used peacefully and productively. Jim Roberto, Ph.D., is Associate Laboratory Director for Science and Technology Partnerships at ORNL. He is responsible for technology transfer and industry and university partnerships. He is a former president of the Materials Research Society and recipient of the 2010 Gordon Battelle Prize for Scientific Discovery from the Battelle Memorial Institute. He participated in the recent discovery of element 117. Budhendra Bhaduri, Ph.D., discussed technologies for disaster relief. He is a Corporate Research Fellow and Group Leader of Geographic Information Science and Technology at ORNL. He is responsible for conceiving, designing, and implementing innovative geo-computational methods and algorithms to solve a wide variety of national and global problems involving population dynamics modeling, natural resource studies, transportation modeling, critical infrastructure protection, and disaster management.

29 Panelists Peace Through Science and Technology Panelists Gene Ice, Ph.D., discussed ORNL materials and energy research that has led to inexpensive, efficient, pollution-free cook stoves for developing countries. He is Director of the Materials Science and Technology Division at ORNL. He is known internationally for his work on x-ray and neutron optics and on local structure-property relationships in materials. Dr. Ice is a Fellow of both the American Physical Society and ASM International, a Maslen Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand Crystallographic Society, and an ORNL Corporate Fellow. He has designed seven multi-million-dollar synchrotron beam lines. The concepts he pioneered have been incorporated in beam lines worldwide. Alan S. Icenhour, Ph.D., discussed nonproliferation technologies and global threats to peace. He is Director of the Global Nuclear Security Technology Division and Interim Director of the Fuel Cycle and Isotopes Division. He directs research and development in nuclear nonproliferation, safeguards, threat reduction, transportation security, and advanced radiation detection methods. In addition, he directs a division focused on nuclear fuel and materials development, stable and radioactive isotope production, radiochemical science and engineering, and remote radioisotope development. Dr. Icenhour has more than 25 years experience with the fuel cycle, ranging from reactor operations to radiochemical research.

30 Peace Through Science and Technology Panelists Rekha S. Pillai, Ph.D., addressed technologies that can help provide clean water and safe energy for developing countries. She is leader of the International Science and Technology Program at ORNL. She is currently building an R&D program in emergent behavior/complex systems to advance decision-making in complex systems. She is establishing strategic global cooperation to build collaborative innovative networks for clean energy, high-performance computing, advanced materials, and climate. Dr. Pillai has established U.S.-Indian R&D collaboration networks in solar, biofuels, advanced materials, smart grid, neutrons, and high-performance computing.

31 Peace Through Science and Technology Panel L-R: Dr. Rekha S. Pillai, Dr. Alan S. Icenhour, Dr. Gene Ice, Dr. Budhendra Bhaduri, Dr. Jim Roberto

32 Luncheon Roundtable Discussions During lunch attendees participated in roundtable discussions of several important issues that could not be covered during panel discussions because of time constraints. Zone Coordinator Karen Wentz took the numerous issues for discussion suggested by Planning Committee members and worked with Alan Johnston (RC of Hamilton Place) to narrow the selection of topics for the roundtable discussions. Topic titles were placed on luncheon tables, and a facilitator at each table ensured that the table stayed on topic while a note taker summarized the discussion. The topics discussed included Peace through Religion: Does It Offer Hope for Peace? Living in the New South Harmony in the Home: Are Families under Assault? Non-Violent Campuses: Can We Keep Our Kids Safe? Has the Social Justice Battle Been Won? Work Wars: Conflict in the Workplace The American Political Divide Bullying in Society: An Obstacle to Peace in Our Lives, Communities and World

33 The Peace Forum afternoon session included a panel discussion on Peace Through Human Understanding Karen Wentz, Moderator, Will Hodge, Jake Morrill, and John Bailey, Panelists

34 Peace Through Human Understanding Panelists The afternoon session focused on peace through human understanding. The panel moderator was PDG and Rotary Zone 30 Coordinator Karen Wentz. As a 22-year Rotarian, Wentz has been an active supporter of Rotary Peace Centers and a mentor to Rotary World Peace fellows since the program began in She has chaired seven district committees and held numerous positions related to PETS. A GSE Team leader alumna, Wentz has been active in Rotary Foundation work and now serves as the general coordinator for TRF Alumni Coordinators. A member of RC of Maryville-Alcoa, she was governor of District 6780 in Allison Kwesell is a Rotary World Peace Fellow sponsored by RC of Maryville-Alcoa, District She is a documentary photojournalist working at the International Christian University in Tokyo. She hopes to work as a media liaison for bilateral and multi-lateral aid organizations in natural disaster, conflict, and post-conflict zones. Her current research focuses on a community overcoming natural disaster in a positive way. Kwesell was unable to attend the Peace Forum and her presentation was delivered via video.

35 Peace Through Human Understanding Panelists Charles Richard (Dick) Bowers discussed global perspectives: Good neighbors are peaceful neighbors. Bowers was the U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia from 1991 to He studied political science, economics, and international relations at the University of California at Berkeley. Bowers served in the U.S. Army as a Russian linguist in West Berlin at the height of the Cold War. In 1967 he became a career member of the U.S. diplomatic corps and served in the American Embassies in Panama, Poland, Singapore, Germany, and Bolivia. He also served at State Department Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and traveled to more than 75 countries on negotiating, fact-finding, and trouble-shooting missions. Bowers was District 6760 Governor in Jake Morrill is Minister of the Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church. His presentation was titled Playing Your Way Through a Multi-Cultural World. He was a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar to Cape Town, South Africa, in 1999, where he was recognized for starting and leading a multi-cultural youth leadership program. While working on his degree from Harvard Divinity School, Morrill earned a certificate from the Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation, a pioneer program in conflict mediation.

36 Peace Through Human Understanding Panelists Will Hodge, Ph.D., LCSW, addressed civility in the workplace. Dr. Hodge has taught at the University of Alabama for 17 years and is the primary instructor for the certificate program in Conflict Mediation, Management, and Negotiation for the Workplace. The curriculum prepares students with assertive skills to confront typical workplace conflict with the public, superiors, peers, and subordinates, preparing students with knowledge and information to create policies and practices that reduce workplace conflict.

37 Alan Johnston Wrapped Up the Peace Forum What we have learned: From President Tanaka we were reminded that as Rotarians we can have great pride in knowing that Rotary forever changed the world. From the Interact presentation we were reminded that it is love for people that will put you into action. The group of scientists from ORNL had many intriguing remarks on Peace Through Science and Technology: Science can buy us some time to come to our senses. Science is all about stewardship. Our focus is on legitimate uses of nuclear energy. Too many of our solutions from science are out of reach of too many people who need it the most. We must find ways to address scarcity issues. Science requires innovation, invention, and investment.

38 Wrap-up Session The panel on Peace Through Human Understanding reminded us that The simple things often count the most. Learn to praise others in public. Sometimes we can increase human understanding by playing. Play, then pray. Too often conflict erupts especially politically when we dehumanize those on the opposing side. One of the great destroyers of world peace is human greed. We Rotarians have a call to action. We can, we must, continue to put service above self. Here in our District, in our great State of Tennessee, we are blessed with wonderful people, great resources, and magnificent minds. We dare not stop; we cannot drop the ball in our quest to achieve peace through service.

39 District 6780 Peace Forum Wrap-Up and Call to Action During his wrap-up of the Peace Forum, General Chair Fred Heitman suggested that Rotary International could partner with ORNL to get its innovative technologies such as inexpensive, efficient, pollution-free cook stoves into the hands of the people who need them.

40 After lunch, Alan Johnston collected notes from each roundtable discussion and wrote a summary of the ideas exchanged on each topic. Peace Through Religion: Does It Offer Hope for Peace? Greatest issues: breaking down barriers, extremists (in many groups), prejudice, and intolerance. What is being done? Education (including GSE teams) is helping in some instances, and some community meetings are inclusive of all faiths. Gaps: Often the majority is silent or too quiet, allowing a few to dominate the news. People 35 and younger are somewhat disconnected, often looking for guidance, and stereotypes often prevail. How would you address these concerns? Through Rotary focus on the humanitarian efforts supported by the gospel. Local clubs can be more collaborative with churches, temples, mosques, etc, in projects. Educational projects should aim at crossing religious barriers (learning about each other). Summary: Clubs must ensure that people of all traditions feel welcomed, be inclusive and not divisive. We should apply the Four-Way Test to religious issues, and clubs should partner with religious groups on humanitarian projects.

41 Roundtable Discussion Summary Living in the New South Greatest issues: generational and cultural influences, becoming accepting and inclusive of large influx of Hispanics, language barriers, work issues related to immigrants and illegal aliens, rising incidence of meth production and use, changing demographics, and native southerners vs. new southerners. What is being done? Focus on Rotary New Generations. Some churches are actually presenting some solutions, such as offering language classes, teaching work skills, providing assistance and housing. While perhaps not universally true, there does seem to have been a very significant change for the better in race relations. Gaps: older generation vs. younger generation. Many new groups still lack basic human needs. Minorities still have issues breaking into the business community. We need laborers and workers, but how do we address that need and at the same time address the growing issues of protecting national borders? How would you address these concerns? Language classes, perhaps sponsored by Rotary; partner with the churches to address concerns; create service projects that get the attention of minorities; and education and communication. Summary: We could start Hispanic clubs. Membership committees could be more intentional in recruiting. Leverage Interact and Rotaract. We could develop and implement media plans to improve communications, as well as make our clubs more diverse in membership and outreach.

42 Roundtable Discussion Summary Harmony in the Home: Are Families under Assault? Greatest issues: Stress working parents, latch-key children or daycare, parents in prison, parents addicted to drugs, domestic violence and child abuse, unmarried mothers and absent fathers, families in poverty, and lack of education and related low income, shortages, and potential for violence. What is being done to address the issues? Big Brothers/Big Sisters, YMCA programs, and law enforcement intervention with its limited resources. Gaps: Many rural areas lack adequate means to educate/protect children relative to their rights as children. There is not enough mentoring for single and teen moms, and there is a lack of community awareness or unwillingness to get involved. How would you address the concerns? Pair children with senior adults for mentoring; provide mentoring for teen moms, expand skill training/craft training (could Rotary partner with a technical school to reach and train youth from underprivileged neighborhoods?) Summary: Create a Rotary mentorship program; provide scholarships; support GED programs; volunteer in existing programs; organize continuing education for parents; if transportation is an issue, determine how to address; create mentoring programs.

43 Roundtable Discussion Summary Work Wars: Civility in the Workplace Greatest issues: We still have gender and racial issues, as well as age bias; sexual harassment (both ways); generational issues; cultural differences when company mergers take place; lack of respect (two-way street with labor and management); disconnect between boardroom and reality; sometimes it is possible to create too much sensitivity about certain issues and it reduces itself to the ridiculous, and this can eventually mask real issues. What is being done to address the issue? Programs with emphasis on diversity; workplace councils made up of people from labor and management; HR working to address issues up front; workplace mediation programs. Gaps: Need for top-down commitment to issues; leadership sometimes presents an inconsistent message, and even engages in inconsistent behavior. There is a lack of trust between labor and management. Mergers are often ragged companies are not adequately prepared to blend two or more work cultures and their cultures. How would you address these concerns? Create a forum to develop more open communications. Teach not only communication, but how to effectively collaborate. Teach the are of deal making. Use the Rotary classifications to reach into community businesses. Summary: Always practice the Four-Way Test. Be more inclusive in clubs and workplace.

44 Roundtable Discussion Summary Bullying in Society: An Obstacle to Peace in Our Lives, Communities, and World Greatest issues: Declining personal values, the chain of violence, lack of guidance in schools and homes, and social media. What is being done to address the issues? Lots of media/news discussions, but often seems little is done; Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Gaps: Too few after-school programs. Those who never experienced bullying do not see it as an issue. How would you address these concerns? Must be more pro-active, community education, better trained and informed faculty, have approved adults (even SROs) on campus. Summary: Use Rotarians as volunteer tutors in schools. Clubs become more intentional in their outreach to students. Begin a program in schools that is sponsored by Rotary. Engage the community. Older Interact members mentor younger students.

45 Roundtable Discussion Summary Non-Violent Campuses: Can We Keep our Kids Safe? Greatest issues: Guns on campus. An urban campus can be subject to more invasion of violence. Some campuses have a party atmosphere. As in the community at large, on campus people don t want to get involved. Growing incidence of underage drinking and drug use. What is being done to address the issues? Phone stations on campuses, message systems linked to students, and emergency drills. Administrations seem more aware of making safety a priority. Gaps: Money and other resources; It can t happen to me attitude; legal constraints on officials; insufficient means to report unsavory or suspicious activities; overuse of messaging systems, and lax policies on alcohol and drugs. How would you address these concerns? Staff training and equipping, police on bikes and foot, better on-campus alert systems, more pro-active education for students about safety issues, and talks on safety for night students. Summary: Use Rotaractors when possible. Plan, promote, and present a safe school conference on the campus. Partner with campus health screenings to promote safety.

46 Roundtable Discussion Summary The American Political Divide Greatest issues: Encroachment commercial development, annexation. At national level, an ineffective Congress, Senate, and President. Soaring debt over-taxation. Greed seems to control government and business. Absence of any moral direction. Apathy among electorate. Big government too invasive in individual lives sometimes feels like tyranny. Growing distrust of all things political. Broken social programs with huge price tags and small outcomes. What is being done to address these issues? Clubs like Rotary try to stress values and service at the community level. Some grass roots efforts. Actually seems to be some renewed interest in politics among young adults. In some cities and counties there seems to be more engagement the rural areas appear more engaged. Gaps: Absence of term limits at national level. Media fuels negativity. Silent majority. Congressional terms could be longer (i.e., two years is too short). Voter turnout in local elections points to apathy. What would you do to address these concerns? Rotary could, without being partisan, sponsor forums that bring people together within our communities take aim at key community issues, even have debates. Use Rotary New Generations to educate youth on the political process. Rotary could team with Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge to promote Americanism, governmental process, and Constitutional soundness as citizens for our youth. Clubs could actually sponsor scholarships annually for high school juniors willing to attend the annual Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. Summary: Focus on seek to understand. Education is key promote study of civics, government, and history in schools.

47 Roundtable Discussion Summary The Battle for Social Justice: Has It Been Won? Greatest issues: Self-centeredness; lack of social consciousness women, blacks, Hispanics, homeless (think internationally); abuse and harassment of women in military; prejudice is alive and well; what about those with disabilities? What is being done to address these issues? Thankfully, progress has been made! Some clubs are trying to focus on the disenfranchised. Community education and workshops, and social service agencies. Gaps: Many counties in the South have had a large influx of Hispanics, and little seems to be done to try to humanize our perception of these new residents. Indifference and denial and lack of understanding. Where is the voice and energy of the church on these issues? What would you do to address these issues? Talk is not enough; we must develop specific action plans. Exchange programs help. Broaden club recruiting efforts. Summary: Use the power of Rotary to raise community awareness. Target local Rotary projects toward the disadvantaged. Modify Rotary recruiting patterns.

48 Roundtable Discussion Summary Media Madness: Role of the Media in Conflict Greatest issues: Front page media seem to have been proven untrustworthy. Journalists try to make news rather than report news. Social media are provoking ill will and even violence. Video games can be over the top young audiences have trouble separating video from reality. Hollywood loves to try to make us think they are socially responsible, but many movies are trashy, violent, and highly political, expressing liberal agendas and anti-american sentiments. What is being done to address these issues? Not enough it is too easy to hide behind the First Amendment as a matter of convenience rather than a matter of conscience. Delete Digital Drama is a new program aimed at bullying other good programs exist. Find the good stuff and promote it. Some national debate has begun relative to violence and media. Some religious organizations are taking stands against movies that are filled with extreme violence, sexual deviancy, and little regard for human life. Gaps: There is a disconnect between what media say public wants and what the public says it wants. No real voice that is actually heard. Politicians are enamored with Hollywood types. Parents and educators allow youths to spend too much time on computers and video games. What would you do to address these issues: Have Rotary take this on like they did the literacy issue; tag on to existing efforts; focus on Interact with project to educate and promote more sane games; promote use of screening devices that can keep out certain media; stop buying the junk! Summary: Always keep the Four-Way Test at the front of the conversation. Join or begin efforts to engage major educational foundations to promote more sanity in media productions. Rotary should attack violence in the way it attacked polio. Use club programs to promote more civil uses of media. Realize these are our children and grandchildren their future is at stake!

49 District Governors and Past District Governors with President Tanaka

50 The President s Dinner In the evening after the Peace Forum, the three Rotary clubs of Oak Ridge treated President Tanaka to some East Tennessee hospitality at a festive dinner. During the meal diners enjoyed hammer dulcimer music played by Allen McBride, a former GSE participant. The afterdinner entertainment started with a square dancing demonstration by Denim & Diamond Squares and continued with bluegrass music by the Ridge City Ramblers. The RC of Dayton presented President Tanaka with a cowboy hat and plaid shirt for the occasion.

51 District 6780 Peace Forum Scenes from the President s Dinner Shigeko Uppuluri, pictured at left with President Tanaka, is a native of Japan. She led the efforts in Oak Ridge to create a lasting symbol of the peace between Japan and the United States of America. Her work resulted in the International Friendship Bell. She planned the decorations for the President s Dinner and made hundreds of origami birds.

52 District 6780 Peace Forum Entertainment at the President s Dinner

53 Oak Ridge Rotarians presented Mr. Tanaka with a bottle of Tennessee s most famous product Jack Daniels.

54 President Tanaka enjoyed posing for photos with fellow Rotarians.

55 District 6780 Peace Forum Participants with President Tanaka

56 District 6780 Peace Forum Participants with President Tanaka

57 After the Peace Forum On April 4th the District 6780 Peace Forum Committee met for a final wrap-up session in the home of committee member SueAnne Lewis. The committee was pleasantly surprised to learn that we had some funds left over from the Peace Forum. It was decided that we should donate $7500 US to the Peace Centers Endowment. Committee member Karen Wentz attended a Peace Fellows event at Duke University and presented our check to Rotary Foundation Chair Wilf Wilkerson and RI President Tanaka. After the few remaining bills are paid, the committee will contribute the remaining funds to Polio Plus and make a member of the Oak Ridge community a Paul Harris Fellow. The committee agreed that we had produced an outstanding event that will be long remembered in the District. We appreciated that President Tanaka spoke at our forum, the only such event that he attended in the continental U.S.A. PDG/Zone 30 Coordinator Karen Wentz, right, presents a check from the Peace Forum to Rotary Foundation President Wilf Wilkerson, left, and RI President Sakuji Tanaka at Duke University.

58 April 5, 2013 Mr. Sakuji Tanaka President, Rotary International 1560 Sherman Avenue Evanston, Il Mr. Wilf Wilkinson Chair, The Rotary Foundation Dear President Tanaka and Chair Wilkinson: It was a very great honor to have President Tanaka attend and participate in the District 6780 Peace Forum on March 9, The theme of Peace Through Service has helped all Rotarians see peace in its many dimensions and reinforces a worthy goal we work tirelessly to promote and achieve. On behalf of District Governor Jack Bailey, Jr. and the District 6780 Peace Forum Committee, we are pleased to present this check in the amount of $7, to The Rotary Foundation designated for the Peace Centers Endowment. We understand that the Rotary Peace Centers offer an avenue for extending peace activities throughout the world through its growing cadre of Peace Fellows. Once again, we thank President Tanaka for attending our Peace Forum and we honor him and his tireless work promoting peace with this gift. Sincerely, Fred Heitman District 6780 Peace Forum Committee Chair

59 District 6780 Peace Forum Members of the Peace Forum Planning Committee Jack Bailey, District 6780 Governor, RC of Oak Ridge Fred Heitman, Chair, RC of Oak Ridge Darrell Akins, RC of Oak Ridge Syd Ball, Oak Ridge Sunset RC Katy Brown, RC of Oak Ridge Jeff Cheek, RC of Oak Ridge Cindi Hageman, Oak Ridge Breakfast RC Martha Hobson, Oak Ridge Breakfast RC Pat Imperto, Oak Ridge Breakfast RC Charles Jones, RC of Oak Ridge Virginia Jones, RC of Oak Ridge Carolyn Krause, RC of Oak Ridge SueAnne Lewis, Oak Ridge Sunset RC Gail Mattson, Oak Ridge Breakfast RC Jennifer Pettyjohn, Oak Ridge Breakfast RC Mary Roberson, RC of Oak Ridge D. Ray Smith, Oak Ridge Breakfast RC Ben Stevens, Oak Ridge Breakfast RC Stacey Swafford, RC of Dayton Shigeko Uppuluri, RC of Oak Ridge Robin Textor, Oak Ridge Breakfast RC Mark Watson, RC of Oak Ridge Karen Wentz, RC of Maryville-Alcoa

60 District 6780 Peace Forum Peace Forum Sponsors TnBank Galbraith Laboratories, Inc. Y-12 Federal Credit Union Workspace Interiors American Aquatics American Reprographics Jack & Pat Bailey Blair Lewis Interiors Farragut Rotary Club Martha Hobson Eun Sook Kim Adolf King MCLink Jan Melcher Janice McLean Oak Ridge Associated Universities Oak Ridge Visitors Bureau Rotary Club of Knoxville Rotary Club of North Knoxville Wendy Williams