speaker highlights

Our speakers were Sead Eminovic and Kayla Ladd from the International Rescue Committee's (IRC) San Jose office. The IRC was founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein. Its Emergency response team can be sent to a crisis site within 72 hours, and stay until there is stability. The IRC resettles displaced people in the U.S. with the goals of integration and self-sufficiency. They help over 50 families a year that are fleeing persecution. A main goal is career development so that they can be self sufficient. 
Here is a link to the slides presented.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • Regarding disaster relief for the recent earthquakes and hurricanes, let President Suzanne know if you'd like to be on a Los Gatos Rotary special committee to find a specific project. We may consider partnering with the San Jose Rotary on this.
  • The local Non-Profit of the Year voting has been closed as of the meeting day. Awaiting results...
  • Rebuild together Silicon Valley is still looking for Rotary volunteers (and friends and family) to meet our goal of 40 volunteers. We will be doing yard cleanup and painting the house exterior. The event is Oct 28 8am-5pm, with lunch provided. See club website for link to sign up, or talk to Dave Downing for more details.
  • Avis reminded us it's the time of year to commit to a Rotary Foundation pledge. At the Oct 10 meeting  the Paul Harris pins will be handed out by the District Governor.
  • President Suzanne asked us to complete a questionnaire at each table outlining what we like most about Rotary. The lists were quite long!