Rockport Rotary Club will be hosting a Peace Exchange group from Russia for the day on October 8, 2019. The group is part of a Peace Friendship Exchange under the auspices and guidelines of the Russia-United States lntercountry Committee (ICC). The hosting Rotary districts are South Texas 5930 and District 5020 in Washington State with an assist from the Houston District 5890. (Click the Read more for information on Peace Friendship Exchanges.)
They will be spending the day in Rockport and Fulton. We are planning several activities at this time. Initial thoughts include a meal at a local restaurant, visits to the Texas Maritime Museum and Rockport-Fulton Visitor Center, shopping time on Austin Street, and a dinner hosted by the Rockport Rotary Club at the Rockport Beach Park. A signature event that will highlight the primary purpose is the planting of a Peace Pole at the Aransas Pathways Pavilion area. (Click the Read more for information on Peace Poles.)
The Rotary District represented by the Russian delegation made donations to the cause of humanitarian needs in response to Hurricane Harvey impact in Rockport and Fulton. We anticipate sharing some of our rebuilding efforts.
There will be seven visiting Russians, additional persons (our leaders, translators, and other participants) and local Rotarians. The total group size will vary from 12 to 40 persons.
Friendship Exchange
Explore new cultures and discover diverse perspectives by participating in a Friendship Exchange, a self-funded international exchange opportunity for Rotary members and their families. Taking part in an exchange is a wonderful way to make new friends and establish international service partnerships.
Friendship Exchange is an international exchange program for Rotary members and friends that allows participants to take turns hosting one another in their homes and clubs.
Participants may travel as individuals, couples, families, or groups, and may be Rotary members or not.
Inter-Country committees (ICC)
Inter-Country Committees (ICC) are activities of Rotary International. ICC promote contact between districts and clubs in two or more countries and increase fellowship and intercultural understanding among the people of various nations. Rotarians are encouraged to create new Inter-Country Committees to foster stronger ties between Rotarians, clubs and districts from different countries and establish networks across borders, continents, and oceans. Inter-Country Committees should be promoted at RI, district and club meetings.
Mission of Inter-Country Committees The mission of an Inter-Country Committee is to build a force that will encourage Rotarians to visit each other’s countries and homes, to strengthen friendships and projects so formed by encouraging clubs and districts to connect with clubs and districts in other countries, and to contribute to world peace. Recommended activities are:
- sponsor new Rotary clubs
- develop a sister or twin club network between participating countries
conduct Friendship Exchanges between the two countries- initiate or carry out International Service projects
- initiate or carry out Vocational Service projects.
The role of ICC's for peace and conflict resolution (one of the areas of focus of Rotary) has been relevant since the beginning and ICC's are true ambassadors of peace between countries.
What is a Peace Pole
A Peace Pole is an internationally recognized symbol of the hopes and dreams of the entire human family, standing vigil in silent prayer for peace on earth. Each Peace Pole bears the message May Peace Prevail on Earth in different languages on each of its four or six sides. There are estimated over 250,000 Peace Poles in every country in the world dedicated as monuments to peace.
Plant a Peace Pole
Planting a Peace Pole is a way of bringing people together to inspire, awaken and uplift the human consciousness the world over. It is a wonderful project for any community, organization or your home. Peace Poles are now recognized as the most prominent international symbol and monument to peace. They remind us to think, speak and act in the spirit of peace and harmony. Stand as a silent visual for peace to prevail on earth.Peace Poles have been placed in such notable locations as the North Magnetic Pole, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, the site of the Egyptian Pyramids in Giza, the Aiki Shrine in Iwama, Japan, the Pentagon, and World Trade Center. Somewhat local locations include TAMU-CC, Calallen High School, Woodsboro, Edinburg and Laredo.
Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony
A Peace Pole dedication ceremony is an exciting event, whether it is planned for a public place where hundreds of people will attend or a private backyard. Every dedication ceremony is a unique outcome of the shared experience of those who plan the program, as well as those who attend.
Some Peace Poles are already placed in the ground prior to the ceremony and unveiled during the dedication. Or you may choose to have a group planting, where everyone gets to heave a shovelful of dirt.