This week's speaker was James Giessler, Executive Director of NAGLY. James began his speech with a brief history of the North Shore Alliance of Gay and Lesbian Youth (NAGLY). He is only the second executive director in the 30 year history of the organization which has a facility and storefront in the Witch City Mall. This location provides many services to local LGBTQ youth, from a tech center and library to free clothes and testing. There is also a large multipurpose room, an arts and crafts closet, pantry, and kitchen. NAGLY hosts many weekly and monthly meetings focused on various age groups and interests. Meetings are peer led with adult advisors on hand.
James spoke at length about why NAGLY exists and his goals. It's critical to ask "Why are we doing this?" James says that the answer at NAGLY is unfortunately very simple. NAGLY exists to keep LGBTQ youth alive and to secure their futures. The statistics he gave were shocking. Nationwide over 42% of LGBTQ youth seriously consider suicide, and that number is actually higher in Massachusetts. Many of these youth make a suicide plan, and 25% actually attempt suicide, five times the number of non-LGBTQ youth. This is in addition to the much higher rates of assault and homicide experienced by LGBTQ youth. These children are more likely to be abandoned or thrown out of their home and they are more likely to be victims of predatory practices. One positive note was that youth who feel like their pronouns are respected are about half as likely to consider or attempt suicide. James shared the difficult story of a young man in Salem who was assaulted by his father after his father found him talking to another boy online. The young man was severely beaten and scared to go home, and also did not speak English so a translator had to be brought in to help. Obviously, Covid exacerbated problems in unsupportive homes.
James went on to say that NAGLY provides as safe place for these children and young adults to find dignity and self esteem, where they can learn to love and respect themselves, and where they can learn healthy habits. Often James hears from a NAGLY participant or parent that a life was saved, which is the true measure of success. Finally, James made a point to say how welcoming Salem specifically is but that it is a different world across other parts of the North Shore.
Scott Grover shared his thoughts on the Four Way Test. He attended Rotary over Zoom, which was advantageous because he could share with members of Rotary items that he has on his desk. One is a copy of the Four Way Test, which was clearly discolored due to the amazing amount of sunshine Scott gets in his office. Another item is a coin with the Rotary motto on it. These items remind Scott how he should conduct himself as an attorney, with specific focuses on truth and fairness. They are daily reminders of proper conduct, and he appreciates how Rotary has put them in very simple terms. Carolyn Shapiro will speak next week.
A/V Jack attended and did a fantastic job. Mark LeBlanc, Salem Public School's technology director was in attendance, as was speaker James Giessler.
YOURS IN SERVICE
The Polar Plunge which will be taking place on April 2 at 11 am at Long Beach in Gloucester. We fully expect more plungers than usual due to the later plunging date. It is a flamingo themed event, so plungers should where their best flamingo hat, towel, or flotation device. . Sign up sheets for both plunging and donating continue to be passed around at Rotary. Feel free to contact Liz Bradt if needed. You can donate through the website
Bill Keilbasa has a plan for the Community Board! Rich Eisner graciously volunteered to help him on April 2 (which unfortunately is the same day as the Polar Plunge). The Salem Little League sent a note of thanks for our continued sponsorship and Salem State sent a thank you note for the donation on behalf of Nelson Dionne.
Additionally, the Next Lifebridge Dinner is coming up in May. Many thanks to those that volunteered at the March dinner. A reminder that food insecurity is increasing due to recent economic changes.
April 14 is the return of the Career Fair at Salem High School and business are encouraged to have a table. The event takes place from 10 am to 1 pm. Speak to Rinus Oosthoek for more details.
Finally, there are two ticket's available for Leap's upcoming Great Expectations event at Danversport. See Joe Amico for details.
SERVE TO CHANGE LIVES
ROTARIAN NEWS
Jim Dillon is the recent recipient of a brand new hip. You're my boy, Blue!
Jane Stirgwolt travelled to Oregon with Gary to see his daughter, a longtime friend of Rotary. She does clothing repairs at a local church.
Gerrit Bradley delivered some advice on bionic hips. He also said how great it is to work with amazing clients. One such client invented him up to Mount Snow and treated him well, even drawing him a bath.
Jason Consalvo hoped for someone to draw him a bath, which Doc Eisner ably did in the literal sense, delivering a sketch of a tub to Jason during the meeting. This past weekend was Kerri's birthday, so it was boy's night at the Consalvo ranch. Everyone survived.
Jen Close noted a generous sponsorship from Liz Smith.
Liz Bradt saw several films from the Salem Film Fest and encouraged members to check them out as they are available streaming.
Mark Shaw is the proud incoming president of Royal Palm Golf Club.
Joe Amico gave the bird report this week as a pair of red headed nuthatches stopped by his property.
Upcoming events
Bowling with the Peabody Club
April 26
MetroBowl
The date is tentative and time is TBD. That being said, put this in your calendar and practice your game. No mercy for Peabody!
Rotary Auction
May 20, 2022
Hawthorne Hotel
Please make note of the date change. The hope is that the later date will increase attendance. Sponsorship forms were handed out at Rotary this week and will be done again in the future.
Click the link below to log into the weekly club meeting via Zoom.
At Rotary, we understand that cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture is essential to realizing our vision of a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change.
We value diversity and celebrate the contributions of people of all backgrounds, across age, ethnicity, race, color, disability, learning style, religion, faith, socioeconomic status, culture, marital status, languages spoken, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity as well as differences in ideas, thoughts, values, and beliefs.
Recognizing that individuals from certain groups have historically experienced barriers to membership, participation, and leadership, we commit to advancing equity in all aspects of Rotary, including in our community partnerships, so that each person has the necessary access to resources, opportunities, networks, and support to thrive.
We believe that all people hold visible and invisible qualities that inherently make them unique, and we strive to create an inclusive culture where each person knows they are valued and belong.
In line with our value of integrity, we are committed to being honest and transparent about where we are in our DEI journey as an organization, and to continuing to learn and do better.
Bowling with the Peabody Club
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