Eric Liu began his talk by saying hello to old friends. He has had a long-term connection to Rotary.  He went on to say, “The way that Rotary does things has seeped into Citizen University.  The way that we do things here is incredibly powerful.  This institution is remarkable; locally rooted and networked internationally.” It is remarkable that we can have a gathering like this in a world of tribal partisanship.

Eric urged us to spread the belief that democracy is on us. People establish norms, values, and narratives. Rotary’s four-way test is a great example. He asked us to imagine if even one out of ten elected officials lived according to the four-way test. There was a good laugh from the assembled.

Whether we like or dislike what is going in Washington DC, we are responsible for it. Citizenship is not documentation status. In a broader, more ethical sense, a citizen is a contributor to the community.  We make our beliefs about democracy, justice, and fairness apparent in our behavior

According to Eric, the formula for citizenship is:

          P+CH=CI. Power plus character equal citizenship.

Citizens need to develop literacy in power; how stuff gets done, who gets stuff done, and how to have a fluency in power.  If left alone power will always try to get more power. Examples of this sad phenomenon are trickle-down economics, white supremacy, and male supremacy.

How do we fight “step off, I got mine, don’t ask me to contribute,” and an attitude where everything is about winning?  We need a deep grounding in character.

Character is about how we live in public.  That kind of character needs to be cultivated. If all you had was a fine character but no power, all you would be is a philosopher. It is not enough to just think about issues or make fine sounding speeches.

Look to one of the most influential men during America’s founding.  Ben Franklin, as well as an author, politician, and inventor, was a club maker. Such clubs were the basis for the first library and the first post office. Clubs are fun and purposeful.  The making of clubs makes power.  The power of social capital in Rotary is immense. We are changing the landscape of power.

Our responsibility now is to go forth and convince others of the benefits of clubs and associations: develop a habit of the heart, create a common purpose, and have a mix of work and play. 

Eric shared three things to remember:

1. We are all better off when we are all better off.
2. Society becomes how you behave.  Your choice to be civil or uncivil sets off a cascade of behavior.
3. You are not stuck in traffic. You are traffic.

Create a culture that changes the narrative.  There is a whole group of clubs that are trying to change our culture. The only thing that holds us together is a set of ideals, a nation based on the values laid down in the Declaration of Independence, Gettysburg Address, Susan B. Anthony defense, and the civil rights movement.

Eric invited Rotarians to participate in Citizen University’s Civic Saturday, a gathering that is an analog to a faith gathering. The next event will be held on December 8 in Pioneer Square. Attend, invite others, and be a part of civic renewal in action.

The meeting began with the Rotary Rogues leading attendees in song.  I actually got to sit with Rogues and be a groupie! Lead singer Marli Iverson confided in me that Lean on me would be in the key of D.  What an appropriate song and what a great rendition.

In his inspiration, Joel Paget explained that there were three kinds of leaders. One leads from the front, some lead from the rear, but the best lead from within.  Jesus said, “The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” 

Past President Mark announced this year’s election slate. Be sure to check the Totem for details and vote online by December 4. There is a new bylaws amendment to approve and we have candidates for board members, board officers, and foundation trustees for SRSF to elect.  The slate was proposed and seconded.

Nancy Osborne gave us an update on Rotary's malaria eradication efforts.  We have the capacity to be amazing when we work together to provide the power of Rotary.

10 years ago, we celebrated 100 years of good works, including sponsoring Manila and Shanghai as the first international clubs and defining Rotary’s commitment to Service above Self. When we celebrated our centennial, we wanted to focus on where our club could be a catalyst for positive action. Bill Gates said eradicate malaria.  It has killed more people than any other disease and most of the victims are children under five.

Nancy had to go to Zambia to see the problem and meet local Rotarians.  They were to be our Rotarian Malaria Partners.  The program began with a single $5,000 grant matched by Rotary to start.  Now there are many programs all over Africa that protect 350,000 people.  We needed to build on our experience from battling polio.  During our centennial, we gave fair warning to the mosquito. The task ahead is huge but we have made great strides. We will rid the world of malaria.

The Seattle Rotary Service Foundation is the best investment.  Go on a Rotary trip.  See our work in action. See for yourself the great progress and tremendous hope. It is right to be haunted by the numbers that three out of five children die before they reach the age of five in Africa.

President Cindy closed the meeting with a Chinese proverb, “talk does not cook rice,” a great life lesson. We are powerful when we take action.  You have the power to make things happen.  Live, learn, and lead!