Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton made a presentation to the Rotary Club of Flint on Friday, May 29. He provided background about a significant challenge facing the office, which is funding uncertainty.
With the end of a state-funded grant that helped to support more than 20 positions in the prosecutor's office, employees are facing the possibility of layoffs. The cost to maintain the positions through the end of the September 30 fiscal year is $1.8 million.
The state grant, which was started in 2023 and was designated for communities experiencing relatively higher rates of crime, was positioned as a new, ongoing program. With that expectation, staff were hired and promoted. With the now unexpected end of the funding, the office is in a lurch. Mr. Leyton shared that he is continuing to talk with the Genesee County Board of Commissioners and State Senator John Cherry to advocate for a funding solution.
Prosecutor Leyton, President Nick, Assistant Prosecutor John Potbury, and retired Judge Duncan Beagle
Rotarian Steven Low shared that David Leyton is one of the Don Riegle Community Service Award recipients this year. The award is named for former U.S. Senator Don Riegle, who hailed from Flint, and is an initiative of the Flint Jewish Federation.
Taking Action to Close Disparities
The past two weeks, we looked at how to identify disparities (differences in results between two or more groups) exist and how to look beyond surface assumptions to understand the underlying drivers of disparities. This week we wrap up this series by examining how to take action to close disparities once they (and their underlying causes) have been identified.
Removing the Obstacles
We have been practicing how to identify disparities and their causes using the example of racial disparities in unemployment. Through that, we saw that significant racial disparities exist. We also looked at studies that showed racial discrimination (even if it may be done unconsciously) contributes to differences in employment outcomes. If the ultimate goal is to have a system that is fair and gives everyone a chance to succeed, how do we develop strategies to support that?
The good news is that there are things that employers can do to help ensure their own employment practices are in line with values of fairness. These things include:
Ensuring job postings reflect the actual skills required (sometimes this counting experience in lieu of a degree)
Posting job opportunities in places that can be easily accessed by a wide variety of job seekers (not held within referral networks)
Include a wide range of people (including people from under-represented groups) in marketing materials for the job
Reaching out to job training programs that assist people with developing skills and experience
Intentionally reviewing information about unconscious bias with the hiring team before going over applications or starting an interview process and double checking gut reactions in favor or against a candidate against potential biases
Ensuring that the workplace culture is welcoming and inclusive
Paul Harris Fellows- Congratulations!
At our last meeting, the Club recognized three new Paul Harris Fellows. A Paul Harris Fellow (named for Rotary's founder) is recognized after contributing $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation (either at once or over time). A "+1" or "+ several" is earned for additional contributions totaling $1,000.
Those being recognized were Ann Marie Van Duyne (PHF+1), Terry Mohrman (PHF+1), and Bobby Mukkamala (PHF+5).
The Rotary Foundation's mission is to help Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty. Contributions from Rotarians help fund work throughout the globe. This includes projects such as polio vaccination, helping farmers whose livestock have been lost due to natural disaster, and providing water filters to ensure access to clean drinking water.
Ann Marie Van Duyne, President Nick, and Terry Mohrman
Bobby Mukkamala
Next Up: June 12 at noon at the Food Bank. Join us for our Club Assembly and Project SEARCH!
Health and Welfare
We have good news to share. Mike Chaffee is recovering well after having shoulder surgery. And, Lennetta and Craig Coney are preparing to welcome their first grandbaby in the fall!
Happy Birthday, May Rotarians!
May 2- Bob Sibilsky and Michael Thorp
May 3- Andy Holmes
May 4- Mike Chaffee
May 25- Brian Sanderson
May 30- Doug Bacon
(L-R: Andy Holmes, Michael Thorp, President Nick, Mike Chaffee, and Brian Sanderson)
Upcoming Opportunities for Service and Fellowship
Mott Foundation Centennial Family Fun Day Volunteering
In celebration of the C.S. Mott Foundation's 100th anniversary, there will be a family fun day at the Cultural Center on June 5-7. Volunteers are needed to help with the event, and multiple slots are available. Please register at this link and put "Rotary Club of Flint" in the comments field. For more information, please contact Amy Krug.
NASCAR, Anyone?
NASCAR is inviting Rotarians to purchase discounted tickets ($40) for a NASCAR Cup Series Race at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday, June 7. For questions, please contact Kylee Moenter at 517-594-4375 or kmoenter@nascar.com. Tickets can be purchased here or by using the QR code on the right.
Crim Volunteer Registration
And... since this week has us enjoying a taste of summery weather, let's talk about the Crim Rotary Mile. District 7 clubs will once again be staffing the water station and intersections along our section of the Crim Festival of Races on Saturday, August 22. We are getting an early start on recruitment-- please sign up to volunteer! It starts with a fabulous breakfast at Mike Chaffee's at 6 am and you will be done before noon. It's a great way to be part of one of Flint's premiere events as you enjoy some Rotarian fellowship.
