PFP

We are delighted to highlight the multifaceted contributions of Ed Pettitt, a dedicated Board Member and Social Media Chair for Partnering for Peace. Ed is not only a Ph.D. student in the Urban Planning and Environmental Policy program at Texas Southern University but also an influential figure in various spheres of community development, environmental justice, and international collaboration.

Ed's academic journey includes a B.S. degree in Human Biology, Health, and Society from Cornell University and an M.P.H. degree in Healthcare Management with a concentration in Global Health from The University of Texas School of Public Health. His commitment to global health is evident through roles such as an HIV/AIDS Community Capacity Builder with the U.S. Peace Corps in Botswana from 2006-2009 and a Senior Project Coordinator with Baylor College of Medicine Pediatric AIDS Initiative at Texas Children's Hospital.

In Houston, Ed has been a key technical advisor for initiatives like The Trust for Public Lands’ Park-Smart Precinct 1 program, the City of Houston’s Complete Communities initiative, and Nature and Eclectic Outdoors’ Healthy Outdoor Communities project. His impact is tangible in the Third Ward neighborhood, where he has spearheaded initiatives like a tactical urbanism chess park and the transformation of an illegal dumpsite into a pocket park.

Currently serving as the President of the Rotary Club of Houston Skyline and Environment Chair for Rotary District 5890, Ed's leadership in environmental sustainability is evident through his involvement with Friends of Columbia Tap, the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group, and RPCVs for Environmental Action.

In addition to his remarkable contributions, Ed has been instrumental in mentorship. Notably, his guidance has extended to Diyar Talal, a trailblazing U.S. Department of State Community Solutions Program (CSP) Fellow from Iraq placed with the Rotary Club of Houston Skyline. Diyar's fellowship marks a groundbreaking collaboration between the CSP and Rotary, introducing fresh perspectives and fostering international cooperation.

As Ed's influence continues to expand globally, we applaud his unwavering dedication and leadership in the pursuit of a more equitable, sustainable, and connected world. His commitment to mentorship exemplifies the power of collaboration, learning, and shared values in fostering positive change. Together with those he guides, Ed contributes to a global community driven by the principles of equity and sustainability, shaping a future where impactful leadership and collaboration pave the way for a better world.

As Ed's influence continues to expand globally, including his mentorship of Diyar, we applaud his unwavering dedication and leadership in the pursuit of a more equitable, sustainable, and connected world. Together, they exemplify the power of collaboration, learning, and shared values in fostering positive change.

In the heart of the Double Lake Recreation Area, amidst towering trees and the symphony of nature, the Service Above S'mores camping trip unfolded, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of Rotarians and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) alike. Co-sponsored by the Rotary Club of Houston Skyline and the Houston Peace Corps Association, this rendezvous in the wilderness became a testament to the power of collaboration and shared values.

Nature's Symphony and Campfire Chronicles: Crafting Memories in the Wilderness

The adventure kicked off with check-in on Friday, October 6, 2023, and campers quickly discovered that this wasn't just a camping trip; it was a VIP pass to the great outdoors. Pro tips were exchanged, tents were pitched, and the anticipation of escaping city chaos heightened. As the sun set, the camping crew found themselves immersed in a weekend of laughter, camaraderie, and nature therapy.

"Rotary and Peace Corps are grounded in similar values, which is why the partnership between the two service organizations makes so much sense," remarks Josh Spencer, President of the Houston Peace Corps Association.

The nights were adorned with Campfire Chronicles, where marshmallow-roasting, jokes, and off-key renditions of camp songs created bonds among the camping crew. Stargazing became an extravaganza, with the absence of city lights offering a front-row seat to the galaxy's greatest show.

International Flavors: Breaking Bread and Bridging Borders

Amidst the rustling leaves, an unexpected delight awaited the camping crew. Diyar Talal, Rotary Skyline's Community Solutions Program (CSP) Fellow from Iraq, brought a touch of international flavor to the adventure. Alongside his Iraqi guests, Diyar curated a culinary experience that transcended cultural boundaries.

"Camping in the United States was a must-have experience for me, and I was fortunate to fully enjoy a memorable Peace Corps-Rotary camping trip," shared Diyar Talal. "It served as a bridge, connecting me to American culture while also providing me with the opportunity to share my own cultural heritage."

As the sun cast its first rays, the aroma of Middle Eastern spices filled the crisp morning air. Delicacies from Iraq adorned the breakfast table, creating a cross-cultural tapestry against the backdrop of the Double Lake wilderness. The breakfast gatherings became a celebration of friendship, food, and the shared love for the great outdoors.

Josh Spencer, President of the Houston Peace Corps Association, expressed, "I’m happy that such kindred spirits were able to enjoy each other’s company and the outdoors. The Houston Peace Corps Association and I look forward to many more of such productive engagements with Rotary."

Cristian Saldivar, a recently inducted member of the Rotary Club of Houston Skyline, shared, "My experience was very joyful, and I left the camping with a bunch of good friends that I expected to keep in touch with for a long time."

Diyar Talal encapsulated the essence of the experience, stating, "Interacting with people from diverse travel backgrounds was a true delight, and I was thrilled to introduce my fellow participants to the flavors of Iraqi cuisine during our breakfasts."

Steps for Co-Sponsoring Camping Trips in Your Locale

1. Identify Common Interests: Find common ground and shared values between your Rotary Club and local Peace Corps Association.

2. Establish Clear Communication: Open channels for effective communication between the two organizations to coordinate logistics and plan the event seamlessly.

3. Select an Ideal Location: Choose a camping site that offers a retreat into nature, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. If you have multiple Rotary Clubs or RPCV groups involved, find a site that’s easily accessible for all.

4. Organize Diverse Activities: Plan a variety of activities, from campfire rituals to kayaking adventures, ensuring there's something for everyone. Consider providing family-friendly entertainment and outings.

5. Encourage Cultural Exchange: Embrace diversity by incorporating elements of cultural exchange, such as sharing meals and stories from different backgrounds.

6. Promote Early Registration: Encourage participants to register early to ensure smooth logistics and adequate preparation.

7. Create a Shared Spreadsheet: Set up a shared spreadsheet where campers can sign up to cook one of the meals and coordinate camping equipment. This fosters collaboration and ensures everyone is well-prepared for the camping experience.

8. Capture Memories: Document the experience through photos, videos, and participant testimonials to share the impact of the collaboration.

By following these steps, Rotary Clubs and Peace Corps Associations can create memorable camping experiences that strengthen bonds, foster cultural exchange, and embody the spirit of service above self. The Service Above S'mores camping trip stands as a beacon, illustrating the potential for collaboration to create lasting connections in the great outdoors. As the embers of the campfire glowed and stars glittered above, the camping crew vowed to return, ensuring that the memories of this collaborative adventure endure until the next call of the wild.

Partnering for Peace (PFP)  was pleased to participate in the Rotary International Convention this year, with a booth and speaking opportunities.  Having a staffed PFP booth in the House of Friendship (HOF) Peace Park was big positive for the partnership. This was the first year that a Peace Park was included in the HOF and PFP was specifically invited by the Peace Rotary Action Group (Peace RAG)  to have a free booth next to the Peace Park. The Peace Park had a stage and various peace organizations including PFP were asked to have a booth all around the Peace Park. PFP’s booth was one of the best booths because we faced the Peace Park stage and we were close enough that we could hear everything and we had a lot of visibility and traffic at our booth. We raised awareness of and interest in the partnership, of Peace Corps and of the many current and potential benefits to Rotary at the International, District and Club levels. The other Rotary Peace organizations, such as the Institute for Economics and Peace, the Peace Fellows, the Peace Rotary Action Group, the Rotary Action Group to Combat Human Slavery, and many others, would like to partner with PFP and have PFP members helping them with their programs and projects.

We grew the PFP community by adding to the email list and added many personal connections. PFP would like to thank current PFP board members Cal Mann, Steve Werner, and Erica Brouillette and former PFP board member Bill Stumbaugh for helping with setting up the booth, staffing the booth, and speaking at a Special Briefing that took place on the Monday afternoon of the Convention. In addition to increasing awareness of the partnership between Rotary and Peace Corps among Americans attending the Melbourne Convention, there is a good possibility that Australian and Canadian Rotary clubs will develop a similar partnership with their country’s version of Peace Corps. And several Rotarians from Peace Corps countries came by to say how much meeting or being taught by a Peace Corps volunteer meant to them.

The Special Briefing with Steve, Cal, Bill and Erica was better attended than planned. Extra chairs had to be brought in and the enthusiasm and questions indicated a strong interest in the partnership. Many new Rotarian RPCVs attended and joined PFP. And a few District Governor Elects asked for someone from PFP to speak at next year’s District Conference. After the special briefing PFP had a Happy Hour that was also well attended and increased the fellowship we share together.

A few more details:

· Dozens of PC community members visited the booth: RPCV Rotarians, former PC host country staff, host country Rotarians who’d been counterparts to PCVs, family and friends of PC Volunteers (prospective, current and past),  Rotaractors, Interactors, and Peace Fellows, fans, supporters, past-applicants who didn’t go, etc. 

· US Rotary clubs can immediately begin building relationships with their local PC community members, such as the local PC Recruiter who might be able to connect them with PC Invitees or Applicants, local RPCV groups (find them at peacecorpsconnect.org/Affiliate Groups) 

· Many PC host country Rotarians have fond memories of the PCV(s) in their community. They are interested in connecting with PC in their country again. (We informed them of how we can help them connect with the PC office in their country (Go to PeaceCorps.gov and you can get the contact by country.)

· US Interactors have low awareness of PC but once they understand what it is, they have a high level of interest. Speaking to their clubs should be high on our priority list and also then speaking to the Rotary club that is the Interact Club’s sponsor.  

Finally, we had several Rotary leaders stop by the booth and express their support for the partnership, John and Marga Hewko, Stephanie Urchick (Rotary International President Nominee), Peter Kyle, immediate past RI board member, Al Jubitz, founder of the Peace Rotary Action Group, Fergal McCarthy, TRF Program Manager for the Peace and Conflict Area of Focus. We hope more PFP members will attend next year’s Convention in Singapore where we hope to have a booth if we find members to help staff it.

Spring is the time of year when each Rotary District puts on a District Conference to celebrate
their accomplishments. The House of Friendship (HoF) gives us the ideal venue to share our
club’s projects and to learn about other Rotary activities that can help us to become even better
Rotarians. As a member of Partnering for Peace (PFP), you have the opportunity to tell your
fellow District Rotarians about the good work that PFP is doing. Here are a few ideas:
● Hand out our PFP brochure, Building Peace through Service Partnerships. (Link 1)
Our Communication Committee has created a beautiful double-sided tri-fold brochure
that tells the story of PFP — Who we are? What is Peace Corps? How Rotary can
partner with Peace Corps? Why partner with Peace Corps? As you’re handing them out,
start a conversation.
● What do you know about the Peace Corps?
● What do you know about Rotary partnering with Peace Corps?
● When was the last time you brought in a new member to your club? Do you know
any former Peace Corps Volunteers?

● Reserve a table or booth and display our PFP promotional materials, such as the PFP
logo and/or our Advocates for Service / Partners for Peace and/or our newer
Partnering is Simple poster and/or our Rotary / Peace Corps Week flyer.
● You can also join with another table or booth, such as your District’s International Service
Team/Committee, and display PFP promotional materials alongside their exhibit.