It’s well understood within the communities that have Rotary Clubs; “Rotary is the Best Kept Secret in Town." It really shouldn’t be that way. As Rotarians, we benefit our communities and “Create Hope In the World” in so many ways that the achievements made, shouldn’t go unnoticed. The same can be said about individual efforts where a handful of people who have the passion, power, and desire to see a particular project through to the end, prefer to stay in
the background.
the background.
On February 29th, The Rotary Club of Rapid City was awarded funding for a Global Grant to provide awareness and education on human trafficking for children and community members living on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Getting a Global Grant isn’t easy. This project was started in September of 2021. Global Grants have multiple moving pieces which can change on any given day. To get one done takes time and dedication; requires coordination with multiple
partnerships; involves different cultures, languages, and time zones; requires coordinated efforts with members, community partners, and special interests; involves travel, understanding differences, and a willingness and the ability to compromise. But above all, achieving a Global Grant requires open and honest communication and a building of trust. In the end being awarded a Global Grant is worth the effort because we are actually going to create lasting change in our world.
partnerships; involves different cultures, languages, and time zones; requires coordinated efforts with members, community partners, and special interests; involves travel, understanding differences, and a willingness and the ability to compromise. But above all, achieving a Global Grant requires open and honest communication and a building of trust. In the end being awarded a Global Grant is worth the effort because we are actually going to create lasting change in our world.
The people involved don’t prefer notoriety. However, because this was such a team effort, they are worth congratulating. I would like to thank District Rotarians Dr. Ashok Kumar of the Rotary Club of Rapid City and Team Leader; Jennifer Rollins, Sandra White Shield and Tom Katus of the Rotary Club of Rapid City Rushmore; Koseki Nakamura District Governor for District 2620 of Shizuoka Japan; and Makiko, Nakasone, District Governor for District 5280 of Greater Los Angeles, California. For our many partners involved, I would especially like to thank Lisa Schrader MSW, Native Connections Project Director, Pauletta Red Willow-Hernandez, Director
and founder of Maggie House youth transitional living, and Hollie Strand of the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. To everyone involved, you truly are “People of Action”. Thank you for a job well done.