It was a year of conflict and revolution. In 1905 the first clash between all-steel battleships engaged against each other. Ultimately, in the Russo-Japanese war, 100,000 would die in the conflict, with Japan emerging as the clear victor. The loss of life, and humiliation for the Russian people and the subsequent economic downturn led to the first Russian Revolution of 1905, where peaceful demonstrators were shot by the Tsar’s military.
It was not at all the world as we know it now. In the USA, 95% of all births took place at home and 90% of all doctors had never been to college. The three greatest causes of death were Pneumonia and influenza, tuberculosis, and diarrhea. Average life expectancy was 47 years. There were only 8,000 cars in the U.S., only 144 miles of paved roads, and in most cities the speed limit was 10 mph.
But, 1905 was a year of innovation and scientific breakthrough. In what was considered his “miracle year” Albert Einstein published his dissertation and supporting documents, which outlined his theory of relativity. The Trans-Siberian railway was completed. And, on February 23 of that year, an attorney in Chicago, Paul Harris founded the Rotary Club of Chicago in a meeting held in an office in the Unity Building.
On Saturday, February 23rd Rotary International celebrates its 114th Anniversary. A little more than a century ago, Harris put an idea into action and with three other men started an organization of people with the interest, knowledge, and capital to make the world a safer, healthier, happier place. Since then, the organization and its values have survived and flourished.
Could those men have imagined that their organization would be 2.1 million members in over 200 countries a century later, that we would be so close to completely eradicating polio, or that we’d be the only service organization with influence at the United Nations? Perhaps not, but the organization stands as a testament to the power of valuing our ideas enough to transform them into action.
The Theme for Rotary International in February is
Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution
Through Rotary International's service projects, peace fellowships, and scholarships, our members are taking action to address the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources. Where can I be of service?
Do you have any idea?
Our club wants to put your ideas into action. With nearly a century of service, our club has a proven record of making San Marcos a healthier, safer, smarter, and more prosperous city for all its citizens? But our challenges have never been greater; accelerated growth has changed the landscape and increased the need for action. Many San Marcans are being held back. Family violence, drug abuse, crime, hunger, learning challenges, and educational opportunities keep us all from a more satisfying life in Central Texas. If we will simply turn our ideas into action, the possibilities are endless. Let’s talk!
Letter from Sofia Ramirez, our International Exchange student in France.
Hello everyone! I have been having a, once again, wonderful time here in France! My French has improved immensely in the last month or so, I feel very accomplished. This month has been full of many new experiences! At the beginning of the month, France began a holiday which is called “The Celebration of Kings. It begins on the first Sunday of the New Year to celebrate the kings that came when Jesus was born. They celebrate it by eating this cake called, the cake of the kings. This cake varies per region of France but for the southwest, where I am living, they have a cake called No-Tra. There is also a little surprise in every cake, it is a little figurine which is almost always a person. The person is designed as a very traditional person who lives in the countryside of France, like someone you’d put in a nativity set. Three weeks ago I went to Paris with my school for a day! My class visited many government buildings and historical monument buildings. We visited the Pantheon, the Assemble Nationale, the tomb of Napoleon, Cathedrale Notre-Dame, and the Jardin du Luxembourg. I learned a lot of French history that I didn't know before. During the rest of the month, I have been going to school, hanging out with friends, or doing homework (which I have more now since I understand what is going on in class). Also, I have made friends with many new exchange students. I met two Australians with a different exchange group, they left about a week ago because they were only here for 3 months, and all the "newbies" in Rotary from Australia and Argentina. This past Thursday a girl named Agostina, from Argentina, came to Bordeaux and began her year exchange. She is actually living the beginning of my exchange over again. She is with my first host family, the same school as me in my class, and she is in the same rotary club where we are with the same YEO. It's great, we're doing almost everything together! Now she is teaching me Spanish as I teach her French. Overall, this month has been full of wonderful adventures that have taught me so much and brought me closer to various people and made me appreciate more this exchange. Sincerely, Sofia Ramirez
2018-19 Rotary International Vision Statement: Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
