Dan Sockle shares a look at conflict in the world, and how Rotary - and Rotarians - can affect change

In a world seemingly full of conflict, finding common ground seems to be increasingly difficult, but the Rotary Club of Three Creeks' Dan Sockle shared some observations, thoughts and tips to consider while presenting "If Everyone is Screaming, Who's Listening" Thursday night at our regularly scheduled meeting.

Dan's presentation ran the full gamut of the issues in our world, including maps that showed how maps can tell us a great deal, especially so that we can connect cultures, religions and history with the terrain. One of the maps Dan shared highlighted drought regions with the primary hot spots being in the Middle East and Northern Africa.

Dan pointed out that "world peace is a tough sell especially when conflict is more profitable and if it means tackling both politics and religion."

Finally, Dan delved in to what Rotary, and Rotarians, can do to make a difference.

"The underlying goal of mediation is to help disputing parties to achieve a constructive level of mutual understanding and respect," Dan said.

Some tips Dan provided for Rotarians to remember:

• Resist and challenge stereotyping
• Community dialogue, including interfaith and cultural outreach
• Outreach to those on the front lines
• "Idealism vs. Realism" - seek a balance
• Volunteer with a school district to assess key curricula/texts
• Participate in peer mediation

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