As Rotarians we should make every effort to have our clubs incorporate PeaceBuilding/Conflict Resolutions projects. Rotary Clubs in Kern County continue to do community service projects that could qualify as Peace Building projects. In 2020 Bakersfield College kicked off the BC Peace Initiative to create a Peace Garden on campus. Dr. Sonya Christian President of Bakersfield College at the time, indicated partnership with Rotary and other community groups working towards peace. Several seminars designed to engage small groups including women, veterans, educators and police in conversations about peace and how we can build it.
In October 2, 2021 Dr. Bharati Shah unveiled the BC Peace Garden on the birthdate of Mahatma Gandhi. Bakersfield East Rotary funded the Rotary Peace Pole the first in our area.
Rotary Peace Poles are a physical visual object proclaiming “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in a least four languages.
Next Rotary Peace Poles were placed at the Boys and Girls Club of Kern County and the Ronald McDonald House. Both funded by Bakersfield East Rotary.
Through presentations to clubs and assisted funding assistance from seven Kern County Rotary Clubs the fourth Rotary Peace Pole was unveiled at KERNYES! 2022 by Past District Governor Nick Frankel on Saturday April 2nd, 2022 at the Historic Fort in Taft, California. Nick also gave a stirring presentation to all in attendance. Rotary Peace Pole contributing clubs Rotary Club of Taft, Rotaract Club of Kern County, Rotary Club of Bakersfield East, Rotary Club of Bakersfield Breakfast, Rotary Club of Tehachapi, Rotary Club of Wasco and Shafter Rotary Club.
