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Kiwanis M AGA Z INE
JUNE/JULY 2021
+
COMPASSION
SCIENCE PROVES
IT’S GOOD FOR YOU
USE THESE TIPS
10 WAYS TO BE
COMPASSIONATE
PEACEFUL PASSION
KIWANIAN’S GOAL
IS TO FIGHT HUNGER
ONE WORLD ONE TRIBE
CELEBRATING THE WAYS WE ARE ALL SO VERY DIFFERENT — BUT
BETTER YET, THE WAYS WE ARE ALL SO VERY MUCH THE SAME.
p001_KIM_0621_Cover.indd 1 5/3/21 5:55 PM
BE THERE FOR THEM
Kids need Kiwanis. When you give to the Kiwanis Children’s Fund, you help us
reach them when they need us most. Warm coats when the temperature drops.
Lifesaving vaccines before a child is born. Fresh food even when it’s not in
season. Make a gift today — and change lives all year long. Let us show you how.
KIWANIS.ORG/HELPKIDS
p002-003_KIM_0621_TOC.indd 2 5/3/21 5:56 PM
INSIDE
HARDWIRED TO HELP • Page 26
Cultivating compassion is central to the human
experience, and something the world needs right now.
Kiwanis
Contents M AGA Z INE
JUNE/JULY 2021
JUNE/JULY 2021 • VOLUME 106, NUMBER 4
+
COMPASSION
SCIENCE PROVES
IT’S GOOD FOR YOU
USE THESE TIPS
10 WAYS TO BE
COMPASSIONATE
Features Departments
PEACEFUL PASSION
KIWANIAN’S GOAL
IS TO FIGHT HUNGER
12 ONE WORLD, ONE TRIBE 4 VOICES
It may seem that the residents of Letter from the Editor; President’s ONE WORLD ONE TRIBE
CELEBRATING THE WAYS WE ARE ALL SO VERY DIFFERENT — BUT
this planet are very different, but we Message; Executive Perspective BETTER YET, THE WAYS WE ARE ALL SO VERY MUCH THE SAME.
are all more similar than we realize.
8 NEWS
26 HARDWIRED TO HELP Looking ahead to back-to-school;
Compassion, a core part of humanity, Ready-Made Meeting kits; Prorated
also happens to be good for us. dues; Signature project finalists; ON THE COVER
Landscape Structures speakers
32 BETTER YOU, BETTER ME, Tibetan nomad girl in Kham, Tibet,
bureau
BETTER WORLD 2005 Photo by Alison Wright
10 ways to spread compassion, no 42 CLUBS IN ACTION
As told by photographer Alison
matter where you are in the world or The best layette ever; Florida club
Wright: I was driving in the remote
what you are doing. gives health and hope; Boots on the
eastern region of the Tibetan
ground; Dreams take flight
36 A PEACEFUL PASSION Plateau when I saw this young girl,
A conversation with Kiwanian and 50 WORKBOOK part of a crowd returning from a
Nobel Peace Prize nominee Raveen An invitation to Kiwanians to create horse festival. It was pouring rain,
Arora. a new compassionate initiative. so I brought her to a nearby school
to take her photograph. She was
so small that the light from the
window barely reached her; I had
Mission Statement to stand her on a desk. Even at the
age of 5 or 6, she had a face that
The mission of Kiwanis magazine is to empower and inspire
seemed to express the underlying
Kiwanis members to make lasting differences in the lives of sadness of a culture that has been
children — and to share their powerful work with the world. so challenged. Yet she had a look
of resilience and tenacity well
beyond her years.
J UN E/J U LY 2021 3
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VOICES
KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL
KIWANIS MAGAZINE STAFF
PUBLISHER Stan D. Soderstrom
CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS Ben Hendricks
OFFICER
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Kasey Jackson
MANAGING EDITOR Tony Knoderer
From the executive editor
ART DIRECTOR Andy Austin
ASSISTANT EDITOR Julie Saetre
MULTIMEDIA PROJECTS Curtis Billue
EDITOR
2020–21 KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS
PRESIDENT Arthur N. Riley
Westminster, Maryland, USA
N
ear the Kiwanis Internation- Boots, size 10. XXL long under- PRESIDENT-ELECT Peter J. Mancuso
North Bellmore, New York, USA
al Office, there’s a man who wear. Maybe some XL gloves. IMMEDIATE Daniel Vigneron
PAST PRESIDENT Howald, Luxembourg
sits outside the fast food I thanked him for chatting and VICE PRESIDENT Bert West
Divide, Colorado, USA
restaurant Chick-fil-A almost said goodbye. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Stan D. Soderstrom
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
every day with a cardboard sign. I drove across the street TRUSTEES Wilfredo Aguilar, South Cotabato, Philippines;
Katrina J. Baranko, Albany, Georgia, USA; Gunnsteinn Björnsson,
On it, he’s written that he needs to Walmart and bought him Sauðárkróki, Iceland; Gary Cooper, Fayetteville, North Carolina,
USA; Kip Crain, Wooster, Ohio, USA; George R. Delisle, Westfield,
help. He also has a shopping boots, wool socks, gloves, long Massachusetts, USA; Chuck Fletcher, Frankfort, Kentucky, USA;
Michel Fongue, Noumea, South Province, New Caledonia;
cart filled with what looks to be underwear, a large bath towel, Buheita Fujiwara, Kita-ku, Tokyo, Japan; Elio Garozzo, Catania,
Italy; David W. Hurrelbrink, Kansas City, Kansas, USA; Michael
everything he owns. If someone blanket, pocket hand warmers, Mulhaul, Interlaken, New Jersey, USA; Sam Sekhon, Sandy Hook,
Manitoba, Canada; Ronald E. Smith, Fountain Hills, Arizona; USA;
Cathy Szymanski, Erie, Pennsylvania, USA
gives him food or a wave, he soap, beef jerky, a fleece-lined
2020–21 KIWANIS CHILDREN’S FUND OFFICERS
smiles a beautiful, shy smile. hoodie and a winter hat. I went
PRESIDENT Norman A. Velnes
His name is Arnel. Here’s how back to the same parking spot, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
PRESIDENT-ELECT Robert M. Garretson
I know. popped the trunk and walked Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
IMMEDIATE Ann Wilkins
Several winters ago, I saw toward him with several bags. PAST PRESIDENT Tahlequah, Oklahoma, USA
TREASURER Filip Delanote
him sitting there in the snow. I We went through them togeth- Koksijde, Belgium
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Stan D. Soderstrom
had to know how he was doing. er. He just smiled and was so Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
CHIEF PHILANTHROPY Pam Norman
I wanted to know more about thankful. Stunned, really. I no- OFFICER Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
him. His story. So I pulled into ticed in his cart he had several TRUSTEES Patricia Barsotti, Concord, California, USA; Matthew
Cantrall, Lakeland, Florida, USA; Juanita Edwards, Cherry Log,
the parking lot, got out of my gifts wrapped in Christmas pa- Georgia, USA; Mark G. Esposito, Sicklerville, New Jersey, USA;
Robert S. Maxwell, Topeka, Kansas, USA; Serena Quek, Johor
car and walked toward him. He per that he hadn’t even opened Bahru Johor, Malaysia; Armand B. St. Raymond, Vestavia Hills,
Alabama, USA; Elizabeth M. Tezza, Sullivan’s Island, South
Carolina, USA; John Tyner II, Rockville, Maryland, USA; Daniel
looked startled as I knelt next yet. All from people who drive Vigneron, Howald, Luxembourg; Bert West, Divide, Colorado,
USA; Yang Chien-Kung “C.K.,” Hsinchu City, Taiwan;
to him and said hi, introduced by, he said. Amy Zimmerman, Cincinnati, Ohio
myself and asked his name. That As I left, I told him I’d wave KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL OFFICE
3636 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, IN 46268-3196
started a conversation. every time I drove by. “Ma’am, 1-800-KIWANIS (in U.S./Canada), +1-317-875-8755
Fax: +1-317-879-0204
Email: magazine@kiwanis.org
He told me he had done some thank you,” he said. “Nobody Website: kiwanis.org
Magazine website: kiwanismagazine.org
time in prison. He’d never has ever asked me my name.” ADVERTISING SALES
known his father. His mother Sometimes we need to ask Fox Associates Inc.
116 West Kinzie Street, Chicago, IL 60654-4655
1-800-440-0231 (U.S./Canada), +1-312-644-3888
had died while he was in prison. about things like that — even Fax: +1-312-644-8718
Email: adinfo.kiwanis@foxrep.com
He didn’t get to say goodbye. simple things like names. FUTURE CONVENTIONS
Now he was living in a shelter Because we all have a name. Be- Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, June 23-26, 2021
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, June 21-24, 2023
Denver, Colorado, USA, July 3-7, 2024
whose staff was helping him get cause we’re all human. And we Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, June 25-28, 2025
on his feet all deserve compassion. Thank KIWANIS (ISSN 0162-5276) is published monthly except
February, May, July and November by Kiwanis International.
and find you for reading this issue, which Postmaster: Send address changes to Kiwanis, 3636 Woodview
Trace, Indianapolis, IN 46268-3196. Periodicals postage paid
work. I reminds us all that we’re part at Indianapolis, IN and additional mailing offices. (CPC Pub
Agreement #40030511)
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Kiwanis,
asked him of the same “tribe”: the human 2835 Kew Drive, Windsor, ON N8T 3B7.
Member’s annual subscription is US$8. Nonmembers may
what he tribe. We are all part of the same subscribe for US$12 per year.
The information in this magazine is for illustrative and discussion
needed race: the human race. purposes only. It is intended to provide general information
about the subject matter covered and is provided with the
most at understanding that Kiwanis is not rendering legal, accounting or
tax advice. You should consult with appropriate counsel or other
that mo- KASEY JACKSON advisors on all matters pertaining to legal, tax or accounting
obligations and requirements.
ment. EXECUTIVE EDITOR Copyright ©2021 Kiwanis International
4 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
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VOICES
President’s message ART RILEY
KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
K
iwanians’ service gives lasting signature projects that address formats, innovative leadership
value to each community. As new needs in every community, programs and a vision for the
president of Kiwanis, I see youth programs that reach more Kiwanis Children’s Fund. And it
current projects and programs — kids, the adoption of new technol- will soon produce new opportuni-
and a horizon filled with potential. ogy by the entire organization and ties for youth members and ways
Kiwanis clubs’ literacy efforts give worldwide brand recognition. to attract younger members.
preschool children a head start To achieve this future, mem- In the hands of committed
on a lifetime of education. K-Kids bers must concentrate on members, the future is limitless.
and Builders Club offer leadership expanded membership, stronger Such members understand the
experience that orients members districts, increased diversity, ef- meaning of service. They see how
to a lifetime of service. And Key fective partnerships and greater it impacts kids’ potential — and
Club has long shaped national and philanthropy. Kiwanis must also ours. Now
international leaders’ understand- embrace continuity of leadership is the time
ing of service leadership. at every level. to commit
These are only some of the ways Leadership collaboration is your talents
Kiwanians invest in a future that what ensures our initiatives’ to building
offers greater development of success. In fact, this teamwork the future of
youth and adult leaders, Kiwanis is currently yielding more club Kiwanis.
Executive perspective STAN SODERSTROM
KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
W
hen the tide rises, all ships shows how connected we really resources, meeting speakers and
rise together. It’s a basic are: one tribe, as the feature that more.
truth — within the Kiwanis begins on page 12 puts it. And on You can even work with other
family, and beyond it as well. page 27, you can read about the service organizations. If someone
Over the last several months, universal need for compassion can’t join or stay in your club for
I’ve been meeting via Zoom with among the human tribe — includ- specific reasons, refer them to one
senior leaders of Rotary Interna- ing even the necessity of cultivat- of those clubs. Do it for them, and
tional, Lions Club International ing it, which is a core aspect of they might do it for you.
and Optimist International. human survival. After all, it’s better to keep
Our discussions sprang from Of course, connection matters people connected to service than
an understanding, early in the to Kiwanis clubs as well. Our re- to let them drift away. As the last
pandemic, that we were in these sources can be resources for each year has
strange times together. We all other. If you don’t know the other reminded
saw the need to share and learn clubs in your community, go find me: We can
from each other. them! With technology, it’s easier all work
As we’ve done so, I’ve seen that than ever. You might even realize together to
the lesson expands endlessly, to you know some of those clubs’ make the tide
all of humanity. In fact, this issue members — and can share ideas, rise.
6 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
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We’re saying
thanks with
FREE
SHIPPING!
JUNE 20 -26
2021
During the week of the 2021 Kiwanis Education and Leadership Conference,
all members will get free shipping on orders from the Kiwanis Store!* It’s our
way of showing how much we appreciate you. And it’s your way to save money
when you buy Kiwanis-branded items.
kiwanis.org/store
*Domestic shipping only. International shipments not included.
RETAIL ADS may 2021.indd 1
p006-007_KIM_0621_Columns.indd 7 4/19/21 2:21 PM
5/3/21 5:58 PM
KIWANIS NEWS
What’s happening
TRENDS, TIPS, FACTS AND FIGURES FROM KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL
Key dates in June and July
June
Kiwanis International-European
Federation Convention, Zürich,
Switzerland [3-6]
Kiwanis International Board
meeting (virtual) [16]
Kiwanis Children’s Fund Board
meeting, Salt Lake City [23]
United Nations Public Service
Day [23]
Kiwanis International Education
and Leadership Conference,
Salt Lake City [24-26]
Circle K International Education
and Leadership Conference,
Salt Lake City [24-26]
Kiwanis International Council,
Salt Lake City [26]
July
Kiwanis International Office
closed [5]
Key Club International Summer
Leadership Conference [8-10]
Kiwanis International Office in
Ghent, Belgium, closed [21]
Look ahead to back-to-school
The beginning of summer means • Reading is Fundamental. kit for a school near you — and
vacation time for kids and families. Through this Kiwanis partner, even partner with the school to
But it’s also time to start preparing club members can volunteer to distribute awards to the kids who
to meet kids’ needs when back-to- be a guest reader at school and maintain or improve their grades.
school season starts. Kiwanis has community events, host a book To help students modify their
you covered. Check out some of the drive, access RIF resources for behavior and become the best
resources available now: mentoring, order RIF books and version of themselves, purchase a
conduct a RIF fundraiser. Terrific Kids kit for a school.
• Kiwanis Warehouse. Operated by
Kiwanis partner DollarDays, it’s • BUG and Terrific Kids. Help For more information about Kiwanis
your place to get school supplies, schools celebrate students with partners, go to kiwanis.org/partners.
backpacks and more at wholesale these Kiwanis programs. Pur- To order materials for the Kiwanis pro-
and bulk prices. chase a Bring Up Grades, or BUG, grams, go to kiwanis.org/store.
8 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p008-011_KIM_0621_News.indd 8 5/3/21 6:01 PM
403
That’s how many Kiwanis clubs entered the 2021 Signature Project Contest
— a 10% increase over last year. And it was an international increase, with 30% of
entries coming from clubs outside the U.S.
Get a Children’s Fund Ready-Made Meeting Kit
The Kiwanis Children’s Fund, the The kit includes informational and
fundraising and grantmaking arm of inspirational videos, along with mate-
Kiwanis International, supports club, rials that help conduct activities and
district and international projects. discussions regarding the Children’s
So they’ve recently introduced the Fund — including service stories,
Ready-Made Meeting kit to help clubs myths and realities, and tips from
structure a meeting around the Chil- Children’s Fund staff.
dren’s Fund and all it does. Digital resources are also available to Prorated dues to replace new
With content that includes informa- help answer members’ questions about member fee next Kiwanis year
tion and activities, the kit is a ready- grant proposals, effective fundrais- A simplified dues policy for new mem-
made way to show members how ing events, membership growth and bers begins October 1. On that date,
they can extend their impact, develop more. Find the new kit at kiwanis.org/ the new member fee of Kiwanis Inter-
fundraising skills and more. readymademeeting. national and all Kiwanis districts will be
eliminated. Instead, anyone who joins
a Kiwanis club during the Kiwanis year
will be charged prorated dues and fees,
based on the month they join. On each
subsequent October 1, all members will
then be assessed the annual dues-and-
fees amount.
The elimination of the New Member
Fee was decided by the Kiwanis Inter-
national Board in October 2019 to take
effect on October 1, 2021.
Kiwanis International uses the
proceeds from dues and fees to fund
meeting expenses, membership
materials, shipping and other expens-
es. English-speaking members in the
U.S. and Canada are also charged $8
annually for Kiwanis magazine and $17
for liability insurance and Directors &
Officers Insurance. Those fees will also
be prorated for new members.
J UN E/J U LY 2021 9
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KIWANIS NEWS
Signature Project Contest finalists announced
Congratulations to all the Kiwanis club • Kiwanis Club of Silverdale, Washing- • Kiwanis Club of Port Charlotte
finalists in the 2021 Signature Project ton, USA: Monthly Food Drive for Sunrise, Florida, USA: Sunrise Kiwanis
Contest. The top three selections from Central Kitsap Food Bank Shoes for Kids
each tier will be recognized as the gold, • Kiwanis Club of Jenkintown, Pennsyl- • Kiwanis Club of Garmisch-Parten-
silver and bronze winners during the vania, USA: Sunset 5K Run kirchen, Germany: Triple Prevention
2021 Kiwanis Education and Leadership • Kiwanis Club of Candelaria, Philip- for Children and Adolescents
Conference. pines: Hand Washing Facilities and • Dawn Busters Kiwanis Club of Me-
Safe Drinking Water tairie, Louisiana, USA: Annual Turkey
Tier 1 finalists (27 or fewer members) • Kiwanis Club of Pleasant Grove, Dal- Fry Fundraiser
• Kiwanis Club of Centennial Hills, las, Texas, USA: Jerry’s Dream Camp • Kiwanis Club of Sioux Falls, South
Nevada, USA: Color Walk/Run and • Kiwanis Club of Racine, Wisconsin, Dakota, USA: Kiwanis Pancake House
Car Show USA: Bring Up Grades Program • Kiwanis Club of Fairfield, Iowa, USA:
• Kiwanis Club of Windsor, Ontario, Kids’ Day Parade and Pancakes
Canada: Back-To-School Program Tier 2 finalists (28 or more members) • Kiwanis Club of Canlubang,
• Kiwanis Club of Venice, Florida, USA: • Kiwanis Club of Oceanside Pacific, Philippines: Garden and Children’s
Every Kid Needs Pajamas and Books California, USA: Beach Fun Day Playground
• Early Risers Kiwanis Club of Worth- • Kiwanis Club of Roanoake, Virginia, • Kiwanis Club of Calgary, North-
ington, Minnesota, USA: All-Inclusive USA: Kiwanis Centennial Playground mount, Canada: Christmas Gift and
Playground at Chautauqua Park • Kiwanis Club of Providence-Mon- Toy Project
• Kiwanis Club of East Farmingdale, tego Bay, Jamaica: Breast Cancer For more details, go to kiwanis.org/
New York, USA: Green Dreams Awareness 5K Walk/Run signatureproject.
Landscape Structures offers
speakers bureau
Through its new speakers bureau,
Kiwanis International partner Land-
scape Structures Inc. now offers virtual
presentations for club meetings.
Presenters from LSI are available to
talk about inclusive play and play-
grounds. Kiwanis clubs can start — or
continue — the conversation with a
choice of topics:
• What can our club do to support
inclusive play?
• Play it cool: Have fun in the sun with
shade.
• Spray parks A to Z.
• New trends in playspace design.
• Maximize club dollars to make a big
impact through play.
To learn more about LSI or to request a
speaker, go to kiwanis.org/lsi.
10 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p008-011_KIM_0621_News.indd 10 5/3/21 6:01 PMFollow Kiwanis International on social media!
The Kiwanis family has clubs around On all our platforms, you’ll find great So follow us and “like” our posts.
the world. Thanks to Kiwanis Interna- stories from other clubs and districts. And remember to share them with
tional’s social media accounts, you can You’ll see videos that inspire and others! These days, the internet is of-
keep up with what’s happening — no inform. You’ll get news and updates ten the first step in a person’s journey
matter where it’s happening. about Kiwanis events. And more. to Kiwanis club membership.
facebook.com/kiwanis kiwanis @kiwanis @kiwanis kiwanis
J UN E/J U LY 2021 11
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ONE WORLD ONE TRIBE
IT MAY SEEM THAT THE RESIDENTS OF THIS PLANET ARE VERY DIFFERENT, BUT WE
ARE ALL MORE SIMILAR THAN WE REALIZE. Text and photos by Alison Wright
T
he emotive beauty and grace of the human I wanted to stop and photograph someone who
face, in all its diversity, will never cease is, in their culture, considered an ordinary-look-
to inspire me, but it’s the enduring spirit ing person.
of our collective tribe of humanity that will From tribes in Africa to nomads in Asia and
always certainly amaze me. One of the many survivors of conflict and disaster, families and
things I have learned during my years of global individuals around the world have graciously
travel as a documentary photographer is that opened their homes and hearts to me. I have
no matter how distinct we may be from each discovered that the ones who have the least
other in appearance, we have universal desires are often the ones who share the most. I find
and concerns. Our needs are actually quite compassion in what can seem to be a world
simple: to love and be loved; to have a useful of chaos. The planet can seem so vast, with
place in our society with some meaningful and numbers almost too large to comprehend. But
fulfilling occupation; work that will put food when you capture the look in someone’s eyes,
on the table and enough money in our pockets an intimate stare or a knowing glance, that
to get by; and education, health and safety for person’s situation becomes a shared experi-
ourselves and our families. The freedom to be ence, a personal connection. The eyes are what
oneself is a right that creates the exquisiteness draw us in and connect us. These eyes seem to
of the human race. radiate a dignity, a claim for a right to be seen,
These portraits represent unguarded mo- no matter their circumstances.
ments in the lives of a few of the people I have The following portraits are a celebration of
photographed from our remarkable human the universal human spirit within us all. It is
tapestry. Some are celebrating significant what bonds us as humankind, a continued
events, while others are living out ordinary thread, as together we continue this journey on
days. Others are simply struggling to survive. the pilgrimage of life.
Many are from countries where lives are
in flux or changing due to war, natural Woman with blue eyes in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, 2010
disaster or the inevitable rapid progres- I was photographing the heartbreaking decimation of Haiti after a dev-
sion of modernity. Most are surprised that astating earthquake killed 300,000 people. As I was leaving yet another
pile of rubble, this woman passed by. Her striking beauty among such
devastation was like seeing a lotus flower blossom from the mud.
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COVER STORY
Woman holds a photo of her murdered hus-
band in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, 2007 (left)
Because of the death of her husband, this
woman is now beholden to her sister’s
husband. As I moved around the cities and
countryside, women threw their burkas
over my head to cover us. Ensconced in
our secret tent, they would kiss me three
times on my cheeks and thank me for
coming. I was often invited back in their
homes, where I would share a cup of
cardamom tea and trade stories.
Hally in Trinidad, Cuba, 2009 (below)
I spotted Hally walking home from school
and was drawn to her beautiful eyes. Her
hair was up in a knot, and she was wearing
her crisp plaid school uniform. In broken
Spanish, I asked an elderly woman at her
home whether I could take a photo of the
little girl who turned out to be her grand-
daughter. “Of course,” she responded and
unleashed Hally’s waterfall of beautiful hair.
The strong gaze that held mine looked far
older than her 9 years.
Boy at Navajo pow wow in Ganada
Navajo Indian Reservation, Arizona, USA,
2005 (left)
This young boy is in traditional dress to
celebrate his heritage for the new year’s
pow wow celebration. The harsh reality
is that most who reside on the reserva-
tions now live below the poverty line.
Many hogans have no running water or
electricity. Jobs in the vicinity are scarce.
Vehicles have a difficult time accessing
the hard-to-reach, snow-covered plains,
forcing many families to hunker down at
cheap hotels in town for the winter. Still,
the Navajo tribes proudly preserve their
culture and instill a sense of identity in
their children.
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Girl from Hamer tribe holding a gourd in
the Omo Valley, Ethiopia, 2006 (right)
Duka is returning home from the market
with her sister. There are more than
200,000 people among the 50 tribes
in the Omo Valley, which has been a
declared UNESCO World Heritage Site
since 1980. Each of the tribes has its own
costumes, traditions and language.
Woman with hennaed hands in the Thar
Desert, Rajasthan, India, 2011 (above)
This Hindu woman is tending her camels
in the Thar Desert. She has decorated
her hands with henna in order to receive
blessings for the upcoming religious
holiday.
Monk in Sershul, Kham, Tibet, 2006 (right)
Buddhism is the backbone of Tibetan
culture. More than 6,500 monasteries
were destroyed by Chinese infiltration,
and the Tibetans have since struggled to
rebuild their unique culture and identity.
The Dalai Lama, the spiritual and political
leader of the Tibetan people, escaped
into exile to Dharamshala, India. He is still
highly revered, and more than 130,000
refugees have since crossed the borders
to follow him.
Hmong hill tribe girls in Sapa, Northern
Vietnam, 1996 (pages 18-19)
A number of hill tribes, a majority of
them Hmong, reside in Sapa. The Hmong
originated in China 300 years ago and are
animistic, meaning that they place their
faith in the spirits of their ancestors and
in nature.
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COVER STORY
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COVER STORY
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Three men in turbans in Pushkar, Rajas-
than, India, 2011 (left)
Thousands of people were swarming the
streets and heading to the banks of the
Pushkar Lake for a holy dip on full moon
day. I pressed myself against the wall
to avoid being crushed. I looked across
to see these three men, who appeared
undeterred by the crowd and somewhat
entertained by my predicament. The
colors are delicious in Rajasthan.
Man with blue eyes in Sinai, Egypt,
2009 (right)
I was photographing a bakery in Sharm
El Sheikh on the southern tip of the Sinai
Peninsula when this young man, covered
in white flour, emerged from the back
room. He immediately stood out because
of his piercing blue eyes and shock of
red hair, an unusual look for this area.
The story in his face is a reminder of the
well-traveled ancestors who journeyed
this path before him, offering another
way of celebrating the visual diversity of
our human tapestry.
Man from Drokpa tribe wearing flowers
in Dahanu Valley, Ladakh, northern India,
2006 (left)
For generations, this small group of men
and women had traditionally worn elabo-
rate flower arrangements on their heads.
The first time I went to photograph in this
area, the locals were working in the fields,
singing and plucking apples from the
trees. Women stopped to pass me flowers
from their headdresses. When I returned
three or four years later, very few people
continued to wear their flowered hats. In
a desire to dress in modern Western cloth-
ing, many villagers have taken to wearing
baseball caps. It’s a shame they don’t have
mirrors in their homes to appreciate how
beautiful they actually looked.
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Komono, apprentice geisha in Kyoto, Japan,
2005 (right)
In Japanese, culture, geisha are very highly
respected female artists and performers.
It is a geisha’s job to entertain clients with
her elegant beauty and talents. Komono
is still a young apprentice, or maiko, and
has long dreamed of becoming a geisha.
As part of her training, she’s committed to
five years of intensive study in formal arts
such as dance, music and poetry.
Pilgrim in Rajasthan, India, 2011 (left)
The annual tribal gathering for the Push-
kar Camel Fair in the Thar Desert of Ra-
jasthan attracts cattle traders, merchants,
dancers, artisans and musicians. Pilgrims
flock to the Brahma Temple during the
November full moon, which is considered
the most auspicious time to bathe in the
holy waters and be released of sins.
Sisters living in poverty in Colonia La Mesa
Rio Grande Valley, Texas, USA, 2004 (right)
Families living in the Rio Grande Valley
are burdened with poverty at a rate that’s
double the statewide average, with more
than 42% of children living in poverty.
This family lives well below that indicator,
and their oldest daughter has recently
been diagnosed with clinical depression,
causing an extra stress for which they lack
health insurance.
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COVER STORY
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Jean, native Inuit woman in Bettles, Arctic
Circle, Alaska, 2006 (left)
In Alaska, Bettles is considered one of the
coldest places on the planet, so living
here is not for the faint of heart. Jean,
a 77-year-old local woman, runs the
post office while still tearing around on
her snow mobile delivering mail to the
community.
Alison Wright,
a cultural and
social documen-
tary photog-
rapher, travels
to all regions
of the globe
photographing
indigenous
cultures and people while covering
issues concerning the human condition.
Wright is a contributor to numerous
outlets, including National Geographic,
Outside, Islands, CNN, The Travel Chan-
nel, Discovery, Smithsonian, UNICEF and
The Children’s Defense Fund. She was
recently named a National Geograph-
ic Traveler of the Year as someone
who travels with a sense of passion
and purpose. She is a recipient of the
Dorothea Lange Award in Documentary
Photography for her work on child labor
in Asia, a two-time winner of the Lowell
Thomas Travel Journalism Award and
an Explorers Club Fellow. Wright’s life
was nearly cut short by a horrific bus
accident on a remote jungle road while
she was on assignment in Laos. This
life-changing experience, along with
her work in post-disaster/conflict areas,
inspired her to connect photography and
philanthropy by establishing a nonprofit
called Faces of Hope, which globally
supports women and children’s rights by
creating visual awareness and donating
directly to grassroots organizations that
help sustain them.
alisonwright.com
facesofhope.org
@alisonwrightphoto
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COMPASSION
CULTIVATING COMPASSION IS CENTRAL TO
THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE, AND SOMETHING
THE WORLD NEEDS RIGHT NOW.
W
hen the pandemic changed the world
in March 2020, members of the Kiwanis
family jumped into action, finding ways
to serve first responders, those isolated by or
vulnerable to COVID-19 and those suddenly
in need of life’s basics: food, shelter, supplies.
They did, basically, what our Kiwanis family
members always do: show compassion.
“The definition of compassion is the recogni-
tion of another’s suffering with the motivation-
al desire to alleviate that suffering,” explains
Dr. James R. Doty, a clinical professor of
neurology and the founder and director of the
Center for Compassion and Altruism Research
and Education (CCARE) at Stanford University
in California.
Outside of the Kiwanis universe, however, hu-
man behavior in 2020 was a lot less reassuring.
Yes, we saw much bravery and selflessness on
the pandemic’s front lines and behind the scenes
— but we also saw egregious examples of hoard-
ing food and supplies, violating health regula-
tions and finger-pointing. Add those behaviors
Story by Julie Saetre
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to the toxic environment swirling weeks or months, humans must we choose compassion, the result
around national and global poli- nurture their children for close does more than improve the lives
tics, and compassion sometimes to two decades, ideally forming of others. It also makes us healthi-
seemed hard to come by. close bonds and developing er, happier humans.
“People important social skills. Parent- “Science demonstrates that
were afraid ing involves endless amounts of when one is compassionate to
and anxious,” patience, endurance and sacrifice another, this actually, in a positive
Doty says. — for years. And yet, it’s often way, affects your physiology,”
“They felt described as a most rewarding says Doty. “Your cardiac function
threatened, experience. is improved. Your blood pres-
and as a “When we care for another, one sure’s improved. Your immune
James R. Doty result, instead releases in their brain a neurotrans- system is boosted. The level of
of being more mitter, or hormone, called oxyto- stress hormones is diminished.
open, inclusive, thoughtful and cin,” Doty explains. “Many people The production of inflammatory
kind, they actually resorted to not term that the ‘love’ or ‘caring’ proteins is diminished. And of
being their best selves.” hormone. When that is released, it course, these are associated with
A quick perusal of just about engages the reward and pleasure chronic disease states. So when
any social media site is enough to centers in your brain. It was very you’re compassionate, it both has
make anyone feel a bit hopeless important to our survival.” a positive effect on your peripher-
that our divides are too large to Compassion kept the human al physiology and also a positive
bridge. Fortunately for all of us, species alive in the days of our effect on your brain.”
compassion is hardwired into hu- hunter-gatherer ancestors, he adds. Look at it as the tale of two
mans. Those who study it say we “If a member of the tribe was nervous systems. The sympathetic
can cultivate it to create a kinder, hurting, in pain, suffering, if we nervous system is associated with
gentler world. did not respond to them, it put our “flight, fight or freeze” re-
“Compas- the entire group at risk. So it’s sponse to a threatening situation.
sion as an another significant motivator for The parasympathetic nervous
important us to care for others.” system, meanwhile, helps us to
human value That same instinct, however, “rest and digest.”
has been also contributes to the conflicting As parents have discovered, car-
recognized behaviors that seem to have been ing for others and alleviating their
thousands of exacerbated since March 2020. suffering — being compassionate
years ago,” Thupten Jinpa “Bonding within the tribal com- — releases oxytocin, which in
says Thupten munity is very important. And turn activates the parasympathet-
Jinpa, president of the Compas- the tribal identities are defined by ic nervous system. And that helps
sion Institute in Half Moon Bay, differentiation from other tribes,” us make the world a better place.
California, and the principal says Jinpa. “So what we are see- “It’s the system in which we
English translator to the Dalai ing in this pandemic situation is have access to those parts of our
Lama since 1985. “That’s why it is whether that more compassionate brain called the executive control
the foundation of all teachings in nature comes out or whether that areas,” Doty says, “and that allows
all religions.” more tribal nature comes out.” us to be much more thoughtful,
It’s also at the core of human The good news is that we have have access to prior experience
survival. Unlike other species that the ability to determine which and memories and be more cre-
raise offspring over a period of instinct will win out. And when ative. Plus we’re also much more
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COMPASSION
open, thoughtful, honest and in- Canada, found that toddlers as a student at Wesley Theological
clusive when we’re in that mode.” young as 2 were happier giving Seminary in Washington, D.C.,
But how do we jump-start treats to others than receiving treats from 2013-2016, she worked at
compassion? In the face of direct themselves. And it even applied a bookstore to help put herself
suffering, it’s automatic. We see when they engaged in what Aknin through school. One day, while
someone fall, two cars collide, a termed “costly giving” — forfeiting covering the children’s section
deck collapse, and we immediate- their own treats to another. for a colleague on break, Gilles-
ly react by running to the person, “With children, their natu- pie met a customer who would
calling emergency services or ral compassion is much more set Teaching Cultural Compas-
rushing to pull away the rubble. fresh and palpable,” Jinpa says, sion in motion.
But being proactively compas- “because that’s when the social “I was approached by an
sionate takes a bit more work and nature is very, very evident. As African-American mom who just
a broader outlook. we grow up and become more ed- looked distraught and looked at
“We can choose compassion as ucated, we tend to emphasize our me and said, ‘Don’t you have any
our perspective to relate to others independence and the rational books that look like my kid?’”
and situations,” Jinpa says. “Pay aspect of who we are.” Gillespie helped her customer
more attention and awareness Tura Foster search through all the children’s
to how compassion arises and Gillespie of titles, but they were only able to
focus more on making conscious Arlington, find two books — both written
decisions to bring compassion as Virginia, in the 1960s.
an attitude in a situation. Because works to “There is absolutely zero reason,
whenever we confront a challenge, foster that 50 years later, I couldn’t come up
even though it is a split second, we compassion- with something better,” Gillespie
do have a choice. And at that mo- Tura Foster Gillespie ate nature says. “That’s not OK.”
ment, what mechanism we choose, through her She made it her mis-
whether we choose the mecha- project Teaching Cultural Com- sion to locate qual-
nism of defensiveness and fear passion. ity children’s
and denial, or whether we choose “Before we can truly learn about picture books
a mechanism that opens up and and honor cultures outside our that repre-
seeks connection and nurturing and own, we must first learn to see all sent the
soothing, makes all the difference.” humans with dignity and respect,” experienc-
A great place to start: Take les- she writes on her website (teach- es of a
sons from children. In 2012, a study ingculturalcompassion.com). diverse
led by Lara Aknin at the University She does so through children’s group
of British Columbia in Vancouver, picture books. During her time as of kids
30 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
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and organize those titles in a doesn’t look like them can also for adults, reading picture books.
searchable online database. Today, be the hero helps them make that There’s a lot of growth that can
that book search features more assumption about people in their happen there.”
than 1,000 titles, with more added world that don’t look like them. And with that growth comes the
daily, and Gillespie spreads the Anybody can save the day.” opportunity for adults to practice
word on why these inclusive Adults, she finds, are every compassion in their own lives,
stories are so important. bit as interested in reading these even in a world where conflict
“Kids need to see themselves stories. Diverse picture books can seems to thrive.
in books,” she says. “And kids even open doors to discussing “You have to be able to sit down
need to see kids who are not like issues of inclusion, equity and and have a civil conversation and
themselves as the heroes of books compassion that otherwise might then listen and ask about why
as well, so that we can all see the be difficult to approach. somebody feels this way, let the
unique dignity in humanity, in “Picture books are the lowest person express themselves,” says
ourselves and in each other. We common denominator as far as CCARE’s Doty. “Then you’re able
need our kids to know that they empathy,” she explains. “Seeing to understand the lens through
can save the day, but we also need someone who is ‘the other’ in a which they see the world and be
them to know that somebody who children’s picture book is much sympathetic to that. I think that’s
doesn’t look like easier to find empathy, because really the thing that’s going to
them can save it is also the least threatening of change the world.”
the day too. any encounter you can have with “Sharing the story of compassion
Knowing the other. And seeing something is a powerful one,” Jinpa says,
that some- from a kid’s point of view is also ”because this is something that is
one who always going to be easier to find a natural part of who we are. We
empathy, because that assump- may choose to elevate or choose
tion of innocence is there. So it’s not to elevate it. That’s up to the
easier to find the empathy, even individual. But it is there.” K
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COMPASSION
Better you, better me, better world.
NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN THE WORLD OR WHAT YOU’RE
DOING, YOU CAN ALWAYS SPREAD COMPASSION.
Y
ou have the power to change the world for the better. One moment
at a time. One interaction at a time. All it takes is some intention
and practice.
Even if you don’t have time to help stock the shelves at the food bank
or have money to donate to the village with no running water, you al-
ways have compassion. Simple acts of kindness and compassion, toward
yourself and others, make a difference. The more compassion you give
yourself, the more compassion you’ll be able to offer others.
Story by Georgianna Lee • Illustrations by Kateryna Kovarzh
J UN E/J U LY 2021 33
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R
eady to start growing your with a flat tire, would you? Yet, you the people we love. As you learn to
compassion muscle? Give expect yourself to perform and be more forgiving of yourself, it’ll
these a try: achieve at the same level no matter feel easier to offer your forgiveness
how you’re feeling or what you’re to others. We’ve all made mistakes.
going through in life. The bigger the We’ve all been unkind. The import-
gap between your expectations and ant thing is to take responsibility
your reality, the bigger your frustra- and do better in the future. Endless-
tion. Take a look at what’s going on ly shaming yourself doesn’t make
in your life right now and change the world a better place. So practice
your expectations to fit your reality. forgiving yourself and take action to
Set yourself up for success! repair what you messed up.
Let people help you.
Asking for help can feel really hard.
We think we should be able to do it
Choose your words wisely. all ourselves. Yet, there are people
Words matter. What you say to your- who want to help and support you.
self is powerful. It can raise you up I bet you’ve said no to them many
or bring you down. If you wouldn’t times. It’s time to start saying yes to
say it to a friend or a loved one, help! You know how good it feels
don’t say it to yourself. Try asking: to help others. Learn to let them
What’s something kinder that I give to you. Also, the next time you
could say to myself right now? receive a compliment, say a loud Share your heart with others.
and proud thank you and let their Tell others what you appreciate
Give yourself permission to be praise sink in. about them. Remind them of what
human. you’ve learned from them. Share
It’s OK to not “have it all together.” Learn to forgive yourself. how they’ve inspired you. Your words
It’s OK to cry. Or feel angry and We can be so hard on ourselves and have the power to lift someone’s spir-
jealous. It’s OK to mess up. These its and change your day too! Choose
are all human experiences. Bringing someone to appreciate today. You
warmth and kindness to these very might even inspire them to share
human parts of yourself makes it their heart with someone too.
easier for you to accept and under-
stand others when you see these See the innocent child within.
parts in them. That’s where true We were all innocent as children.
compassion comes alive. We wanted to be held and loved.
We wanted to play and discover
Shift your expectations to our world. When you’re upset with
match reality. someone, try to imagine them as a
You wouldn’t expect your car to young child. See their innocence.
offer you a safe and smooth ride And allow that to help you tap into
34 KI WA NI SMAGAZINE.O R G
p032-035_KIM_0621_Compassion Pt. 2.indd 34 5/3/21 6:11 PMa softer part of your heart. (The all, we have more in common than
next time you’re having a hard we realize. (When you’re judging
time, practice seeing the innocent yourself, practice being curious.)
child in you.)
Look for the good intentions.
When someone messes up,
challenge yourself to look for
their good intentions. It doesn’t
mean that you’re OK with what
they did. You might need to set
Georgianna Lee is a counselor and
some boundaries or tell them how
coach whose passion is to help people
they impacted you, but doing so
cultivate self-acceptance, self-compas-
from a place of seeing their good
sion and nervous system regulation
intentions makes these moments skills so they can move through life with
more peaceful. (When you mess more ease and courage. She supports
up, practice seeing your own good parents in creating strong and healthy
intentions.) relationships with their children so each
child grows up with a deep sense of self-
R
Celebrate yourself. emember, doing new things worth, confidence, trust in those who
What’s great about you? What feels awkward and it takes love them and in the world. Georgianna
do others admire and love about practice. Over time, you’ll no- is the proud mama of two boys. Her
you? What are you proud of tice how good it feels to be kinder magical places are the forest and the
yourself for? Take time each day to yourself. The kindness and com- ocean, where she goes to connect with
the beauty of the world and her feisty
to give yourself some love and passion you show yourself ripples
and sweet little inner child.
appreciation. Practice being your out to others. And that’s how you
own cheerleader! The more you create change, one compassionate For more information, visit
own your greatness, the more you moment at a time. K georgiannalee.com.
can share it with the world.
Turn your judgments into
curiosity.
When you notice yourself judging
someone, ask yourself: What might
they be going through? How might
they be feeling? What are they
needing and not getting that’s led
them to act this way? Curiosity
helps us move past surface behav-
iors to see the person behind the
actions. To see their vulnerability.
It reminds us that underneath it
J UN E/J U LY 2021 35
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A peaceful passion
A CONVERSATION WITH KIWANIAN AND NOBEL PEACE PRIZE NOMINEE RAVEEN ARORA.
Interview and photos by Gail Mooney
R
aveen Arora had a humble start to life has now mushroomed into a full-blown
in Calcutta, India. Today, this member countywide program that saves lives
of the Kiwanis Club of Tempe, Ari- during the brutally hot summer months.”
zona, is dedicated to serving others and Arora’s passion for helping others has
reminding us that we are all part of one earned him prestigious leadership roles
race: the human race. with several national professional organi-
Arora has won numerous national and zations and Arizona associations. And as
international awards — including the MLK founder and CEO of Think Human, Arora
Diversity Award, Don Carlos Humani- leads the organization in global conver-
tarian Award and the sations designed
Mother Teresa Interna- to demonstrate the
tional Service Award. practices of empathy,
But it’s the work with inclusion and humane
hunger and food thinking to humanize
insecurity right in his communications in the
hometown of Tempe workplace, social set-
that makes him most tings and relationships
proud. around the globe.
“We can help them, “Raveen Arora has
one kid at a time,” he done so much to foster
says. international peace
Satish Lakhotia, di- and international
rector of Alliance Clubs International, says friendship — not only in his native India,
Arora’s work the past 18 years on the drug but also in his beloved America and around
and crime-ravaged Apache Boulevard in the world,” says Richard Neuheisel, former
Tempe has brought great change. president of Tempe Sister Cities.
“His empathy, kindness, compassion and Arora is currently working with Kiwanis
respect have made the area crime free, drug International to expand and grow Kiwanis
free and incident free,” Lakhotia says. “His in India.
summer hydration project started in 2003 With all of this work and these accolades,
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PROFILE
it may not be that surprising to under the American USA PL 480 plan, lost. So build your character. That
learn that Arora has been nom- to get basic staples, a kilo of flour and created a passage for me. Whatever I
inated by several organizations milk powder to sustain ourselves. I did, I did with a passion. That passion
and people for the Nobel Peace realize now they were not dispensing became my purpose in life, to treat
Prize. Nobel winners will be an- food, they were dispensing poverty. people with humility and respect.
nounced in October 2021. My grandfather had a great influ- When I was little I never had new
ence on me. He once said, “You don’t clothes. My parents couldn’t afford it.
“As governor of the South-
have to be outstanding in life, but One time I wanted new shoes. I woke
west District of Kiwanis, I am
must be able to stand out in life.” He up one morning and saw a pair of
extremely honored to endorse a
said, “When you were born, you cried sparking black shoes. I thought I got
fellow Kiwanian and friend, Mr.
and we rejoiced, but you have to live new shoes. I put them on and said,
Raveen Arora, for the award,”
your life in such a way that when you “These are my old shoes.” My dad had
says Donald Townsend. “Raveen just shined them. I got upset and ran
pass on, we cry and you rejoice.” That
is the epitome of a servant leader became my mantra. down three flights of steps, kicking
who gives of himself to make the things until I got out to the street. I
world a better place.” GM: How did you become the per- saw a lady pushing a pram with a kid
Arora recently spoke with son you are? in it about 4 years old. I said, “Mam,
journalist Gail Mooney about his RA: One episode stands out that can he play?” She said, “No, he can’t
life and his purpose in this world. made me who I am. I wanted to play because he has no feet.” It was
This is an excerpt of their conver- play cricket and went to the lawns. like a bolt. Here, I’m complaining
sation. ~ Kiwanis magazine staff The guard said, “You Indian?” I said, about shoes and this kid has no feet.
“Yeah.” He said, “Little guy, do you That was a turning point in my life.
Gail Mooney: Tell us about yourself. see the sign, Indians and dogs not Sister Teresa came to class one
Raveen Arora: I am human. Nothing allowed? You can’t go in.” So I asked a day and said, “How many of you can
human is alien to me. I’m a refugee boy, “Am I a dog?” He said, “You must donate a rupee?” One rupee was not
child born in India. My parents were
displaced from their own country.
When India was split into India and
“My grandfather had a great influence on
Pakistan, 14 million people were me. He once said, “You don’t have to be
displaced. A million perished in four
months. My dad had to play dead outstanding in life, but must be able to
in the last refugee train so that he
stand out in life.”
could just stay alive. My mother was
carrying me. I was born in a servant’s
quarters in Calcutta. That’s how I create respect with each other.” The even 5 cents. So, the rich and middle
came into being. British did not respect the Indians. kids gave because they had pocket
My whole beginnings and evolu- Indians and dogs were not allowed. money. She comes to me. I reach
tion started in the slums of Calcutta. Even though it has changed, it into my pocket and my hand sits
We had nothing. Dad had only the created such a metamorphosis in there and doesn’t come out. Sister
shirt on his back and did menial jobs me. I have to stand out. I must be says, “We have 44 kids who gave
to be able to provide food. I remem- different. I will be different. We are one rupee or more and there’s one
ber seeing my mom add water to the going to have the hard times in life, kid who hasn’t given.” She pulls me
milk, stretching it so she could feed but remember: When money is lost, aside and says, “You didn’t give. What
us. It pains me to remember how nothing is lost. When health is lost, happened? Don’t you want to give?”
every weekend I had to walk three something is lost. But the day you I said, “I don’t have it.” She asked me,
miles to a ration shop, which was lose your character, everything is “Did you want to give?” I said, “Yes,
J UN E/J U LY 2021 39
p036-041_KIM_0621_Nobel_NEW.indd 39 5/3/21 6:13 PMYou can also read
