The six Rotary clubs of Springfield, Missouri have joined together to advance the Rotary ideal of “Peace through Service” globally and locally through education, engagement, and action. The Springfield clubs dedicated the first of five planned Peace Poles on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in the K-Park section of Jordan Valley Park.
As part of the Rotary Peacebuilder Initiative, the Springfield Rotary clubs are working in collaboration with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board to install Peace Poles at five locations in parks throughout Springfield. The first two Peace Poles have been funded by a grant from Rotary District 6080.
A Peace Pole is an internationally recognized symbol of the hopes and dreams of the entire human family, bearing the message May Peace Prevail on Earth in different languages on each of its four sides. The poles are symbolic of the Rotary value of promoting positive peace and it is anticipated the poles will inspire activities that build peace in our community.
During the June 16 dedication, the Rotary Club of Springfield Southeast highlighted the work of the International Institute of Southwest Missouri (IISMO) in supporting the resettlement of international refugees to the region. Speakers included IISMO Executive Director Rebekah Thomas as well as staff members and volunteers from Afghanistan, Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Myanmar – all countries from which refugees in southwest Missouri have migrated. The Rotary clubs are including the languages spoken by these local populations on Peace Poles in this project. A further connection is that June 20 is World Refugee Day.
Rotary clubs provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.