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國際 RI 與總監事務 3

The change within

hese are times that cry out for peace. of each other to end conflicts, not inflame
T The Middle East is in its most volatile them.
condition in years. The war in Ukraine is the I’m reminded of a speech that U.S.
largest in Europe since World War II, and Senator Robert Kennedy made on 4 April
there are armed conflicts in Sudan and parts 1968, that dreadful day when the Rev.
of Central Africa. Nearly every continent is Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
experiencing a major armed conflict. Kennedy was in Indianapolis speaking to
Rotary has a vital role to play in advancing an audience in a predominantly African
the cause of peace — I often say Rotary American neighborhood where people had
needs to work toward peace as aggressively yet to learn that Dr. King had been killed.
as those who wish to wage war. It’s the spirit He shared the terrible news. He honored
found in our vision statement: “Together, Dr. King for all he had done for the cause of
we see a world where people unite and take justice and peace. And then he connected
action to create lasting change — across the with the fuming, grieving crowd by saying:
globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.” “For those of you who are Black and are
We must never lose track of that last call — tempted to be filled with hatred and distrust
that to bring about change in the world, we at the injustice of such an act, against all
need to foster mchange within. white people, I can only say that I feel in my
It is up to us to model peacebuilding own heart the same kind of feeling. I had a
behavior among each other. We can do member of my family killed.” It was the first
better than questioning the motives of one time he had spoken publicly about President
another and jumping to the harshest possible John F. Kennedy’s assassination. And while
explanation. After hearing words that might many American cities exploded in violence
strain or offend us, we have an opportunity that night, Indianapolis did not.
to ask, with compassion and curiosity, the It is in times of crisis and despair that we
intent of those offending words. And then need empathy most of all. Empathy is the
we have another opportunity to repair the most powerful tool of peace, and it is vital if
breach. we are to take the first brave, humble steps
If we wish to be a beacon to the world, to Create Hope in the World.
let us start by being so to one another. Let’s
help each other find greater understanding
and productive alternatives to words that
cause hurt and distrust. And let’s stick to R. GORDON R. MCINALLY
our principles, but never doubt the sincerity President, Rotary International

2024. 4-6 總監月刊