Human trafficking is a cruel crime—one that exploits vulnerable people for profit without any concern for their humanity. It’s the second largest criminal activity in the world, with only illegal drugs exceeding it, and it’s growing. The United Nations’ International Labor Organization estimates that 27.6 million people are subject to forced labor, and 3.3 million of them are children. It might be forced work, which is essentially modern-day slavery, or sexual exploitation, and it’s everywhere: in our own communities as well as countries that are far away. The ILO reports that more than half of all cases are in wealthier countries and calls for an international effort to address and solve the problem. Rotarians can help by learning how to recognize human trafficking, finding ways to prevent it and aiding its victims.

 

To give people a greater understanding of the issue and ways to combat it, Rotary Zones 26 and 27, which are comprised of 30 districts in the western United States and British Columbia, Canada, are hosting a joint virtual and in-person People of Action Summit on human trafficking at San Diego’s Liberty Conference Center on Sat., Oct. 1. It will give participants the opportunity to learn from experts and develop action plans and playbooks for their clubs, providing them with strategies for protecting their families and communities from this heinous crime.

All Rotary clubs in District 5150 are invited to participate in the 38^th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day, Saturday, September 17, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon as one of the District’s Community Service events.

 

Since the start of California Coastal Cleanup Day in 1985, over 1 million Californians have removed over 20 million pounds of trash and recyclables from our state’s beaches, lakes, and waterways. Several District 5150 Rotary Clubs have participated in the cleanup efforts in past years. Our District would like to have all clubs be part of this worthwhile effort to protect our environment, especially because this project works well with all levels of abilities.  

Are you a wiz at creating a beautiful flyer? Are you in charge of your club’s website and/or newsletter? Do you enjoy creative writing? Or would you like to advance your skills in any of the above? We are looking for a dedicated group of Rotarians who have a passion for and/or curiosity in public image/public relations. What is public image and public relations?

 

A group of Rotarians will be seeing Italy the old-fashioned way in September—on foot, on a 340-mile trek along the Via Francisco from Firenze (Florence) to Assisi to Rome, following the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi. Rotarians from the Rotary Club for Global Action and the E-Club of District 5190 in northeastern California and northern Nevada will join members of the Rotary Club of Firenze Sud and the Rotary Club of Firenze Valdisieve for the journey. When they reach Rome, other Rotarians, including Past District Governor Giovambattista Mollicone and Rotary International Director Alberto Cecchini, will greet them to celebrate their accomplishment.