Each year, high school students from around the world are invited to the World Affairs Seminar, a week-long global leadership program at Carroll University.
Laurie Marks, chief of staff for the program, talked about its importance at the Nov. 13 Waunakee Rotary meeting and the role it plays in developing young leaders who can bring change back to their communities.
With speakers and workshops, the immersive summer camp helps young people develop diplomacy and peacekeeping skills. There is a cost for camp, just under $1,000, and Rotary Clubs often sponsor students, or delegates.
Laurie said the program was founded in 1977 and has attracted delegates from all over the world. While the number of international students has decreased, Laurie and the other World Affairs Seminar leaders connect with exchange students.
Each year, the seminar has a different theme. This year’s is Uniting for Peace. Laurie explained that the themes are connected with the United Nation’s work which is now sustainable development.
Often, the keynote speaker will be the Rotary International President. The goal is to bring in people who have global perspectives on issues. Laurie said the week is very much like a college experience with all meals included and dorm living. There are also recreational activities, and the leaders are now trying to incorporate service projects.
Students make connections with each other that often last a lifetime, Laurie said.
“It can be a profound experience,” she added. “The goal is to make sure they put the experience into action.”
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Other News
Tom Fredrick with the Stoughton Rotary Club and Colin Robinson with the DeForest Club were guests. Tom is selling fruit baskets as a fundraiser, and Colin is selling poinsettia and cheese baskets.
Peggy Acker Farber is collecting cookies for the Santa at the Village Center event on Dec. 6. Be sure to bring them to the Dec. 4 meeting.
Rotarians had fun during trivia night at Octopi on Tuesday. They had so much fun, some planned another trivia night at Waun-A-Bowl on Thursday.
Dr. Monica Kelsey-Brown announced that the Waunakee Community School District had the highest score on the state report cards of all Dane County schools.
Coming Up
The Rotary in Lights display will be illuminated Nov. 23.
The Rotary Club’s Christmas party is Dec. 2 at Centenario.
Guests: Sarah Stimart, guest of Dr. Monica Kelsey-Brown; Laurie Marks, speaker.
Visiting Rotarians: Tom Fredrick, Stoughton Club; Colin Robinson, DeForest Club.
Greeters: Nov. 20, Dave Rupp and Jean Elvekrog; Nov. 27, Happy Thanksgiving!
To sign up to greet or to find out when you are greeting, visit:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054CAAAA2CA7F85-44320149-2023#/
