The Program:
Laurie Harrison, Vice President in Charge of Programs introduced the Rotarian of the Day – Lisa Chandler. Laurie told us a fun fact about Lisa, she loves Disney and Pixar movies and is excited to make her grandchildren watch movies with her (in the future).
Lisa introduced our Speakers from Virginia Beach Justice Initiative – Lisa Kersey, ED, and Stephanie Burch.
Lisa and Stephanie gave a fascinating presentation on Human Trafficking right here in Hampton Roads. It’s more prevalent than you think. Trafficking is not just done by strangers – it can be family or friends doing the restraining.
Trafficking is not just physical restraint but can be mental as well. Trafficking is defined by the US Department of Justice as Force, Fraud, and Coercion. It is manipulation and instilling a climate of fear on victims. Most victims have a broken family unit and are looking for money or are searching for some type of new family connection. This vulnerability can make them easy targets. Once they are in the fold of traffickers they are often branded with a heart circling a $ sign, given a specific tattoo or even a barcode to identify them as property of their captors.
Trafficking is a $150 billion global issue, of that, $99 billion is attributed to sex trafficking. The top 3 states for trafficking are 1. California, 2. Texas, 3. Florida. Virginia is, sadly, in the top 20 coming in at #18 behind New York at #6 and Nevada at #12.
The VBJI, soon to have a new name, works with many local partner organizations to identify, educate and assist victims out of the physical and mental hold they are under. Partner organizations include Domestic Shelters, Health Care Providers, Commercial Real Estate Companies, Transportation and Hotels, as well as Finance and Banking Institution that follow the money to find the traffickers.
Marriott Hotel Corp International has created a Trafficking Training Program for all hotel associates to identify trafficking victims. Bon Secours has a new program for Life Coaches to aid in victim survival.
Another organization that assists surviving victims take the next steps in life is Survivor Ventures. This is Lois’ favorite charities, they collect household and clothing to help the survivors get set up in new housing and begin to build their new lives. How you can get involved? Visit www.vbji.org or visit the VBJI Facebook or Instagram pages.
President Jim thanked Lisa and Stephanie and presented a book in their honor to be donated to Blair Middle School.
The Meeting/Club Business:
President Jim Kitz first ringing of the bell as new President. Music was led by John Cameron who had us all singing, while on mute, “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” and “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” in celebration of July 4th.
Joe New gave the invocation. The visitation report was given by Joe Massey. Joe announced the new committee members: Irv Wells, Jim Baker, Rob Heely, Bill Go, and Winston Whitehurst
Joe asked to please let any of the committee members know if you know anyone that needs anything. The committee will be happy to reach out. Joe gave a special thank you to the club members for reaching out to him and his daughters after his wife passed away. In a time where we can’t hug or talk face-to-face the connections that where made were much appreciated. Thank you!
Introduction of Guests— No Guest attended, but we should be on the lookout for past member Jim Cleary who will be visiting Norfolk next week.
President Jim announced some great news from the District meeting which was held virtually. Our club received several awards at the meeting including: Club Administration, Club Bulletin, Community Service, and Outstanding President – way to go Lorna! Rotary Citation, Rotary Foundation, Vocational Service, and Rotary Connects the World. EIGHT AWARDS!
Sigur acknowledged two new Paul Harris Fellows: President Jim Kitz PHF+3 and William Collins Gooch PHF+3. Sigur asked President Jim what he likes about donating to Rotary, President Jim’s reply was “ I like that the contribution go to Rotary International World initiatives and also close to home, and I know that 3 years down the road that the moneys will impact our local community in big ways!”
President Jim reminded everyone to reach out to club Rotarians that we haven’t seen in a while – we want engage them, bring them into the virtual community. We will help with technology coaching to make it as simple as possible.
Stay tuned for the Virtual LUNCHEON MEETING NEXT WEEK July 21st our speaker will be: Ross Wood, Peace Fellow will share his Rotarian experiences throughout the world. Norfolk Rotary also sponsored Ross Wood as "Rotary Peace Scholar".
Happy Bucks/Fines:
- Happy bucks where given by Lois Kercher for President Jim's show of emotions at the installation meeting.
- President Jim gave happy bucks for the start of the Baseball season.
- Laurie Harrison gave happy bucks in celebration of her 35th wedding anniversary.
- Lorna gave happy bucks for all of the awards the Club won and thanked all of the teams and Rotarians who helped with EVERYTHING!
