Power of One
President John's Message
January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month. In my opinion, no one in Rotary has done more to combat this scourge than our own PP Dave McCleary. Last week he reminded us of the ongoing efforts Rotary is making on six continents to help bring an end to human trafficking. We heard stories about individuals hearing this message and taking steps in their communities which directly led to rescuing teens and young adults from this form of slavery. Rotary clubs and Interact clubs dedicated to ending human trafficking are forming around the globe. Roswell Rotarians have opportunities this month to get involved.
On January 17th, Dave will lead a team effort of Roswell Rotary, Roswell Police Department, and GBI to provide training for our law enforcement personnel in Roswell, Alpharetta, and North Fulton County.
On January 21st, we can learn about trafficking occurring in our own neighborhoods and community. Shine a Light on Human Trafficking is sponsored by the Alpharetta Rotary Club and End Human Trafficking Now and is open to all who want to find out how we can protect our children.
Information on both these events follows in this Rotascope.
Jan. 13 Speakers Aaron James & Elan Buchen: Roswell Arts Fund
Join your fellow Rotarians for an inspiring lunch program on Thursday where Elan Buchen and Aaron James will update us on everything that going on with the arts in Roswell. With a mission to ignite, inspire, and impact, the Roswell Arts Fund is making things happen in Roswell. Can't wait to find out more about their new initiatives. Look around....you will see their impact all over our city!
For more information on Elan and Aaron, click here
Panama Clean Water Grant Update
Panama Clean Water Global Grant – Work continues on our Global Grant project, building first-time clean water systems, for four villages in the remote Darien Jungle of Panama. This will provide clean, reliable water for approximately 1500 residents, vastly improving the health, quality of life, educational opportunities, and hope for generations to come.
By using local village labor, the community obtains ownership, and its dignifying responsibility. By building it themselves, they gain the knowledge of all system mechanics, and are able to maintain it – for their own well-being. It is a large reason our projects can be done more effectively, with far less expense , than the government.
It is the key to sustainability and independence. It changes lives.
Friday, Jan 27 Blood drive
If not you, who? Who will Represent You at our Pint for a Pint drive
We are taught, whether you are Christian, Hindi, Jewish, Muslim or another sect, that we have to help each other. Sometimes you can be the helper; sometimes you are the ‘helpee.’ Rotarians including Jonathan Crook, Bob Hagan and Karen Schwank will confirm that as much as they are model helpers, there are times when being a helpee is far, far better than trying to do something on your own.
Each of us reading these words could be a helpee, or could have a spouse, close friend, parent or even an adult child be a helpee. Imagine what could have happened to Jonathan, Bob and Karen had blood not been available. How would that impact you and the rest of our community?
With the relatively simple task of donating a pint of blood, you will make a difference to a helpee. Michael Curling celebrated donating his 100th pint last Fall; surely you or someone you know can donate one (1) pint.
Jonathan, Darrell and I will be donating. Newer Rotarian Gabriel Prado has committed to making his first donation!
ACTION ITEM: If you are one of the 2 out of 3 people that can NOT give, then please share this story with a friend, coworker or family member who can, and encourage them to donate. If you can donate, click here to schedule your appointment. If the good feeling of donating isn’t enough, we’ll give your free snacks afterward plus – and this is a popular one – a coupon for free pint of Gate City’s beer. Pint for a pint. Get it? Now help us get another donor appointment booked. For more information, contact
Training Opportunity
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month
January is also known as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. It is a key time for us all as individuals to educate ourselves about human trafficking and crucially to learn to spot the signs of trafficking.
"Around the world, human trafficking has stripped nearly 25 million people of their safety, dignity, and liberty — disproportionately affecting historically underserved and marginalized communities. During National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we reaffirm our commitment to ending this inhumane and immoral practice in all its forms. And as we bring perpetrators to justice, we renew our pledge to help survivors recover and rebuild their lives." -From 2023 White House Human Trafficking Prevention Proclamation
The Roswell Rotary Club along with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Roswell Police Department are sponsoring this important training for police agencies. Interested in helping? Contact Dave McCleary or John Carruth.
