Rtn. Joe Barry introduced Rtn. Chris Peters as the speaker.  Joe is extremely excited about the concept of Better Angels, whose purpose is to bring civility back into civil discourse.  Chris Peters is a surgeon, owner of Coralville Vein Center, a former political candidate, and the volunteer State Coordinator for Better Angels.

 

The May 2019 Rotarian magazine featured an article on Better Angels.  The name comes from President Abraham Lincoln’s first Inagural Address.

 

A great deal of political division has taken place since the 2016 election.  Political polarization or “Tribalism” has reached new heights and is a threat to the nation’s well-being.  The largest group of people are in the middle of the political spectrum and don’t feel represented by either party.  People now use the media to affirm their views and ideas, not to inform them.  We have information silos in our media consumption and in our communities.

 

The goal of Better Angels is to bring civility back to civil discourse by have both “Blues” and “Reds” actively listen to one another and engage in constructive dialogue.  The goal is not to change minds, but to change attitudes.  There is no compromising or converting, just communication.  This is accomplished in a number of ways:

Documentary – Better Angels has created a documentary showcasing their methodology and successes in their workshops.  The documentary was recently shown for the first time in Iowa and more viewings are planned throughout the state.

Workshops – Equal numbers of participants on both sides meet together with a few moderators, who are trained by Better Angels to be third-party neutrals, keeping the conversations and listening on track.

Local Alliances – Are being formed across the country, including people from both parties.

 

Chris’s call to action is to: become a member, schedule a documentary viewing, or attend a workshop.  Better Angels has been active in Iowa for about a year and is rapidly growing.  Please visit better-angels.org or check out Facebook: Better Angels Iowa.  Chris also invites all members to reach out to him personally with any questions.

 

The meeting ended at 1:00 pm as President Steve Quigley led the assembly in reciting The Four Way Test.

 

 

Singing: America the Beautiful and Vive le Rotary! were led by Rtn. Bob Crane with Rtn. Devin van Holsteijn on piano.

 

Guests of Rotarians: George Estle (Chris Atchison); Julie Peters (Chris Peters); Sawyer Smith (Chris Peters); Marlene Perrin (Mace Braverman); Marilyn Lippold (Steve Quigley).

 

Program: Tom Cilek; Attendance: Nancy Droll

 

 

 

Rtn. Patty McCarthy first thanked the Club’s members for supporting the Library, and then introduced today’s speaker, Elsworth Carman, Director of the Iowa City Public Library.  Elsworth started his new role in January, coming most recently from Marion.  He also served libraries in New Jersey and the District of Columbia.  Elsworth grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, so he is very familiar with the needs of college communities.

 

Elsworth discussed various programs at the Library:

Summer Reading Program: Currently has enrolled 671 adults, 199 teens, 1,157 kids, and 212 babies.  This number will continue to grow throughout the summer.

 

Discovery Kits: Now available for checkout and include curated collections of items to try out without investing in materials (current offerings include ukulele, astronomy, and bike tool kits, among others).

 

Technology Assistance: One-on-one tech support is avaible by appointment and at regular drop-in times each week.  There is also a Senior Tech Zone each week.  This assistance is free and open to everyone.  A Digital Media Lab is also available, where staff can help you learn new programs and equipment (photo scanning, video editing, game development, etc).

 

Digital Library: The Library is working to make materials more accessible and has services available to stream movies and audiobooks.  Card holders can also access digital magazine and newspaper subscriptions.  Library staff is also diligently updating the Local History Project with info and new materials.

 

Lobby Stop Service: This program is in its pilot stage, taking a small curated collections of materials to senior living facilities and other group environments.  The Library can also provide Materials by Mail to residents who cannot otherwise access the library.  This service is free to the users.

 

Book Mobile: Careful decisions are being made to bring the Library to the places and people that need them most.

 

Fine-Free Children & Teen Materials: The Library is proud to announce the end of fines for overdue children and teen materials, which is a regional and national trend.  Evidence indicates that fine balances as low as $5-10 keep families away from the library.  Removing the fines takes away the barrier.

 

Elsworth encourages you to stop or call the Library or him with any questions or to access resources.

 

The meeting ended at 1:00 pm as  President Steve Quigley led the assembly in reciting The Four Way Test.

 

Singing: America the Beautiful, Happy Birthday, and Smile were led by Rtn. Bob Crane and Aaron Schaefer with Rtn. Jim Conard on piano.

 

Rtn. Assata Caldwell announced visiting Rotarian Dick Huber (Iowa City AM).

 

Guests of Rotarians: Aida Mengistu (Usha Balakrishnan); Heather Croskrey (Shawn Reineke); Elsworth Carman (Patty McCarthy); Mary Rettig (John Culshaw); Rebecca Neades (Steve Quigley); Kevin Wormwood (Steve Quigley).

 

Program: Tom Cilek; Attendance: Nancy Droll