OUR STORY

In a Harper’s Magazine article of 1974, L.J. Davis noted that “if things go on as they are, Boise stands an excellent chance of becoming the first American city to have deliberately eradicated itself.” Davis was referencing the recent wave of demolitions, which had washed over the city. Under the guise of “urban renewal”, these demolitions had robbed Boiseans of dozens of historic structures, and had cut a swath through the downtown core that is still visible today. Much of this destruction was the result of the Boise Redevelopment Agency’s misguided attempt to build a massive downtown mall complete with shopping, parking, and an absence of historic character or distinction. Davis went on to note that the citizens of Boise were beginning to notice the loss of their cultural heritage. 

• Rotary International President Elect Gordon McInally. He shared his insights about Peacebuilding. He made the connection to one of his priorities for his Rotary Year…Mental Health!
• RYE graduate and Former Rotary Peace Scholar Lorelei Higgins. She is an Indigenous Relations Strategist, Cultural Mediator & Peacebuilder who shared her Rotary Journey. Today, she leverages her Mrs Canada Global position to bring a message of peacebuilding in Canada and around the world.
• Theresa Thandeka Tutu, eldest daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and CEO of the Desmond Tutu Tutudesk Campaign. She inspired us all with her story of overcoming many challenges to find what she was meant to do. She is passionate about enhancing peace and equality by improving the health and educational experiences of young people, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.