Biddeford Saco - Red Ribbon Committee
Biddeford Saco Rotary Club
A DISCUSSION ABOUT THE RED RIBBON COMMITTEE
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Bill is sitting at his kitchen counter working on the family computer and writing a speech. From the other room he hears: “Dad, where's the computer?”
Bill yells back: “Andy, it's right here. I'm using it.”
Andy enters the room and says: “Since when do you use our computer, I really need it?”
“Sure, playing an online game?”
“Well, yeah, what are you using it for anyway?”
“I have to introduce a new Rotarian into our club so I am trying to come up with an appropriate quote. How does this sound from Margaret Meade?: ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world, indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.’”
“Not bad, but Margaret Meade?”
“Ok, Ok, how about this one I used for my last new member intro from Edmund Burke: ‘The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing.’"
“Fine quotes, I guess, but how the heck do they relate to Rotary? You guys eat lunch every week, sing songs and raise money.”
“All right wise guy, there's a lot more to Rotary than that, but let me draw a picture for you. While I realize you seldom read newspapers or watch the news, I am sure you have heard that drug abuse, heroin addiction and overdose deaths are out of control in Maine.”
“Yes, I am aware of all that, it's horrible, but what's your point and when will you be done with the computer?”
“Look, one of our Rotarians, Jim Godbout, the plumber, saw the addiction problem all around him and challenged our club to do something about it. He pledged a lot of money and encouraged others to donate to the cause. He also asked our club to act. We responded by forming a permanent committee, called the Red Ribbon Committee. We have raised over $16,000 and we are working with the Biddeford schools, Thornton Academy, Saco schools and the Old Orchard Beach schools to create a comprehensive curriculum to raise student awareness about the drug problem. Eventually, we want to work with the schools to change our culture to one that emphasizes healthy choices. We have done all this in less than 2 months. In fact, our goal is to eventually package our program so it can be replicated by Rotary clubs all over the country. Take a look at the logo we came up with.”
“Wow! I guess I can see your point.”
“Yeah, a single individual can make a difference, and as a club, we could have all sat around and wrung our hands over the problem or we could get off our butts and do something. We chose to do something and I am convinced it will make a difference.”
“Ok, now your quotes make sense. Your project sounds pretty cool. If you need any help, let me know. Now, what about the computer?”