Over the past decade, we have often heard about how technology and screens have been a barrier to human connection. We have worried about our kids’ use of technology and taken action to limit screen time. The pandemic has turned our lives upside down and in the process, our logic around technology has had to change. Our club has found a lifeline in apps like Messenger and Zoom. It has been a way to break out of isolation and not see the screen as an escape from others but a connection to them. Each week we meet our fellow Rotarians to discuss our ongoing projects and dream up new ideas to help our community. We continue to address the needs of our community through donations of medical devices and fire equipment as well as continuing our flagship project Hands On and using our technology to 3D print face shields. While this meeting serves its purpose of keeping us focused on our work and our mission it also gives us a chance to check on our members, many of whom are far from their loved ones. Being an international club our members are from all over the world, representing 7 countries and 4 continents. The theme for Rotary 2019-20 is “Rotary Connects the World” we are certainly doing this through our weekly meetings. We strive to connect those in need with those who can help, those who are lonely with those able to spend time with them, those with questions with those who have the answers, we will continue these connections as we live in a world where the very thing that used to be a barrier to connection is now our only connection. The theme for Rotary 2020-21 starting in July is “Rotary Opens Opportunity” with an image of three doors opening. As we continue to release the restrictions of the pandemic and open our doors I only hope we will remember the lessons learned from this period of distance and as we return to our “normal” lives we will value these connections and continue to connect the world.
STAY HOME STAY SAFE
Christian & Bendt
