Monday letters: After massacre, focus on service

We were all affected to the core with the events that unfolded in Charleston. Nine precious lives were taken much too soon and through such brutal action. We cannot make sense of this tragedy, but in reconciliation, we must focus on what unites us rather than what divides us.

As a district governor of South Carolina Rotary District 7770, I understand firsthand about bridging differences and changing lives. Rotary International seeks to bring together a global network of volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. We believe that if we address peace and conflict resolution, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, water and sanitation and economic and community development, humanity will thrive. It is true on the global scale, just as it is on the local scale.

Many people have asked how they can help in Charleston. Many ways to help the families of the victims are available; those are short-term and deserve our attention. One way to make a long-term, systemic change in society is to become involved in Rotary and focus on service above self. We are encouraged to be the light in a dark and troubled world. Find out more about how to join at rotary.org. Together, we can change the world, one humanitarian effort at a time.

Columbia

This story was originally published July 12, 2015 at 7:44 PM.