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UID:348-1744135200-1744140600@rotarylavalette.org
SUMMARY:Rotary Club La Valette Invited by Rotary Estoi Palace to Speak on 4-Way Test as a Tool to Bridge Divides in a Polarised World
DESCRIPTION:Invited by outgoing President Vitor Rosao of Rotary Club Estoi Palace International\, Portugal\, Rotarian Maria-Gabriele Doublesin delivered a Zoom talk titled “Bridging Divides in a Polarised World”. This engagement followed her speaker role at the 2025 Rotary International Presidential Peace Conference in Istanbul\, and it deepened an ongoing conversation about how Rotary can act as a global force for peace\, ethics\, and dialogue. \nThe event brought together Portuguese Rotarians and international guests from Rotary Estoi Palace\, attendees from the Rotary Club of Malta\, and one member from the Rotary Club of La Valette\, Malta. It was a powerful reminder that despite differences in language\, culture\, and national context\, Rotary remains united by shared values. At the heart of my talk was a central question: Can the Rotary 4-Way Test be used as a practical tool to bridge divisions in today’s polarised world? \nTo explore this\, the session began with an interactive Polarisation Spectrum Exercise\, prompting participants to consider how much they believe the public understands polarisation and its impact. This simple exercise laid the foundation for deeper reflection on how societal narratives are formed\, challenged\, or reinforced. \nThe talk then unpacked the psychological and cultural roots of polarisation\, referring to: \nSocial Identity Theory\, which explains the “us vs. them” dynamic of in-groups and out-groups; \nConfirmation bias and motivated reasoning\, which filter information through personal belief systems\, as well as insights from evolutionary psychology\, shed light on our instinctive tribal behaviours and fear responses. \nToday\, these ancient instincts are amplified by digital media\, economic stress\, and declining trust in neutral institutions—creating echo chambers and furthering social fragmentation. Yet\, Rotary’s 4-Way Test\, developed as an ethical guide during the Great Depression\, remains an enduringly relevant tool in countering these forces. \n  \nEach element of the 4-Way Test was examined how it can serve as a peacebuilding tool: \n\nIs it the truth?\n\nIn a climate dominated by misinformation and media bias\, this principle challenges us to examine how we interpret facts and whether we truly listen across cultural and ideological lines. \n\nIs it fair to all concerned?\n\nPolarisation often marginalises voices. This question promotes inclusivity and equitable understanding across age\, race\, culture\, and belief systems. \n\nWill it build goodwill and better friendships?\n\nAt a time when outrage is monetised and division sells\, the idea of building goodwill reminds us that peace begins with empathy and human connection. \n\nWill it be beneficial to all concerned?\n\nThis final test challenges us to go beyond self-interest or group loyalty\, asking us to consider our broader impact on the community\, society\, and humanity. \n  \nIn the context of Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus\, this approach strongly supports Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention while also touching on Education\, Community Development\, and Social Inclusion. It is especially critical when addressing intergenerational and cultural divides\, where younger digital-native generations and older tradition-rooted groups may perceive change very differently. \nMaria-Gabriele Doublesin states: “This event was more than just a speaking engagement—it was a profound affirmation of Rotary’s global ethos. It demonstrated the power of ethical reflection and intercultural engagement across national borders. By being invited to speak in Portugal\, shortly after addressing peacebuilders in Istanbul\, I was reminded that the 4-Way Test is not merely a slogan—it is a practical compass for navigating division.” \nWe live in an age where fear\, identity politics\, and cultural misunderstanding can easily fracture communities. But as Rotarians\, we are called to do the difficult work: to listen when it’s uncomfortable\, to reflect when it’s easier to react and to lead with ethics when the world encourages partisanship. \nEvents like this reinforce that Rotary is not just a network; it is a movement. In that movement\, the 4-Way Test stands as a quiet\, powerful tool to foster dialogue\, rebuild trust\, and promote peace in our shared world. \n  \nBanner exchange between Gabi Doublesin\, Rotary Club La Valette and Rotary Estoi Palace President Dr Vitor Rosao
URL:https://rotarylavalette.org/event/rotary-club-la-valette-invited-by-rotary-estoi-palace-to-speak-on-4-way-test-as-a-tool-to-bridge-divides-in-a-polarised-world/
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250412
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250413
DTSTAMP:20260617T141153
CREATED:20250531T072257Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250531T072522Z
UID:255-1744416000-1744502399@rotarylavalette.org
SUMMARY:Rotary Club la Valetta supports the Opera Nova Project
DESCRIPTION:The Opera Nova Project is the mastermind of Soprano Gillian Zammit and Ms Denise Mulholland\, who conceived and launched a first of its kind in Malta vocal programme providing a holistic\, high level musical education for classical voice students.  This is an opportunity for local and international singers\, who have already gone through the initial stages of training\, to receive a higher level of musical education in Malta allowing local talent the opportunity to develop their talents without the need to move overseas and dealing with costly travel and residential accommodation. \nIn true Rotarian spirit which encourages support for education and training\, Rotary Club la Valette has made it this Rotarian year’s project to support Opera Nova Project with a donation of Eur 10\,000.00. \nGodfrey Swain said\, ‘It was an eye-opening experience to attend an opera masterclass\, to witness the depth of talent in the Maltese musical scene and realise how much hard work goes into every note sung\, how much effort in pronunciation and stress on musical awareness these young people must master when presenting themselves in public in a professional context. We are proud to be supporting this amazing project in its very first year’ concluded Rotarian Swain before thanking Mr. Paul McNamara for coming over to Malta to work with local talent\, complementing Gillian Zammit and Denise Mulholland for their fantastic work and wishing the young performing artists every success for their future musical careers. 
URL:https://rotarylavalette.org/event/rotary-club-la-valetta-supports-the-opera-nova-project/
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