The ChiZone (Chicago) institute was the 4th Zone I have attended. Certain people typically go. The Governor-nominee, Governor-elect, Governor, Foundation Chair, Membership Chair, Trainer, and up to three emerging leaders (people selected by the DG that s/he feels would benefit from learning more about the importance of the Rotary Zone.
We also often have PDGs from our district and throughout the Zone that are assisting in the training of all of the above. These people are supplemented by Zone office holders and professional staff from Rotary International assigned to our Zone.
Last year the Zone was held in Cleveland. Prior to that Detroit and before that La Crosse. Each has been excellent. Over 500 hundred people are in attendance. You can Google: Rotary Zone 28 – 29 to learn more about the Zone and Zone Institutes. We currently partner for training with Zone 29 and have some friends from Canada in Zone 29 which includes (as do many Zones) more than one country. Actually, even one district may span several countries (up to as many as 9, as I am aware). Rotary is truly global.
This years Zone was particularly interesting. One speaker John O’Leary was an amazing speaker who had overcome tremendous odds to be alive following being burned at 9 years of age over 100% of his body. He was given no chance to live. Several people made sure he made it and not only survived but eventually thrived. His message is profound and challenges us to ask: why me? Who Cares? What more can I do? These questions are asked both as a victim and as a transcender (one who transcended adversity) of tragedy. John had every reason to give up but tells a story of perseverance injected with humor that is amazing.
A second speaker was inspirational in a different but equally profound way. Bernd Wollschlaeger is a board certified family physician in Florida who grew up in Germany in the aftermath of WWII. He was born in 1958 and soon became aware that his family was divided about the war. His father was a decorated tank commander and Nazi Officer. He remained proud of his service and still attempted to justify the Third Reich. When Bernd learned in school what really happened and how many people were murdered in the holocaust he pressed his father for answers. Unfortunately the father remained a Nazi sympathizer throughout his life causing a major unresolvable rift with his son. The son left home (was kicked out), sought to learn more about Judaism and befriended a Jewish elder. He eventually joined the Jewish faith. He is now an MD in Florida and talks about his desire to know and advocate for the truth even when the consequences are severe. Although he separated from his parents and some of his family, he built a good life and seeks healing and justice among people. His message was about his journey of understanding and action.
There were three speakers who addressed human trafficking. All were excellent. One in particular, Carrie Hessler-Radelet is the current president and CEO of Project Concern International, an NGO that empowers communities to enhance health, end hunger and overcome hardship. The NGO works in 16 countries. Prior to that she was Director of the Peace Corps, appointed by President Obama. Very knowledgeable and articulate about human trafficking issues.