Speakers

Andrew was appointed to leadership at the Center for Humanistic Change (CHC) in July 2024. He is a native of Queens, NY, and joined CHC after spending 25 years in K-12 education. Andrew holds a BA from the College of Mount Saint Vincent and an MA from St. John's University. He has been a teacher, a board development specialist, an elementary and high school principal, and a high school president. Andrew is deeply committed to prevention education and empowering young people to make healthy and informed decisions. After relocating to the Lehigh Valley in 2018, Andrew knew he found his forever home here and enjoys the diversity found in the people and places in and around the area.

Interestingly, Andrew is a two-time American Swing Dance Champion and spent 20 years traveling the country as a competitor, instructor, judge, and choreographer. In 2014, he was inducted into the National Living Legends of Dance. He also has an extensive jazz collection, and loves cooking and enjoying the many wonderful restaurants around the Lehigh Valley.
 

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About the Center for Humanistic Change:

CHC is a private, not-for-profit agency providing prevention education (drug and alcohol), student mentoring, and life skills training focused on decision-making for healthy choices. For 45 years, they have developed and delivered high-quality educational programming throughout the Lehigh Valley and have been dedicated to the philosophy that people learn best by doing.

CHC's educational philosophy is based on a holistic learning model known as humanistic education, which seeks to engage people intellectually, emotionally, and behaviorally. They believe that people are inherently good and have the potential to live fulfilling lives. They also believe that, given the right tools, individuals can make positive choices and positive changes in their lives, have healthy relationships, and avoid destructive behaviors such as substance abuse, dependence, and violence.

Dr. Ziad Munson is a professor in the Sociology and Anthropology Department at Lehigh University and the author of Abortion Politics (Polity 2018) and The Making of Pro-Life Activists (Chicago 2009). His current research project focuses on the changing political landscape of suburban America.

For this presentation, Ziad will share the key components that make social movements effective, such as leadership, grassroots mobilization, messaging, and the use of media. We can draw parallels between these components and strategies that our club can adopt to mobilize community support, engage members, and drive meaningful change.

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Connect with Ziad:

• Website
• Meet Dr. Ziad Munson (Video)

Chris Offer is a dedicated Rotary leader with extensive experience in humanitarian service, fundraising, and global health initiatives. He currently serves as the Chair of the Rotary Peace Major Gifts Initiative Committee and is a member of the Rotary Peace Centers Committee, working to support peacebuilding efforts worldwide.  

A member of the Rotary Club of Ladner and a past District Governor of Rotary District 5040, Chris has contributed to Rotary in a variety of leadership roles, including training, membership development, and major fundraising initiatives. His commitment to Rotary’s global fight against polio has taken him to the Philippines, Russia, China, Laos, and India as a volunteer. In 2016, he was part of a multi-organization team — including WHO, CDC, and the Gates Foundation — evaluating polio surveillance efforts in Nigeria. He has also served on similar teams in South Sudan and Sudan, working to strengthen polio eradication efforts in some of the world’s most challenging regions.  

Before retiring, Chris served 31 years with the Vancouver Police Department, holding senior operational and administrative leadership roles, ultimately retiring as District Commander. His experience in leadership, crisis management, and global service makes him a trusted voice in Rotary’s mission to create lasting change.  

We are honored to welcome Chris to share his insights on Rotary’s polio eradication efforts and the ongoing fight to end this disease once and for all.

 

Join us as we welcome Debbie Jack, Executive Director of Lower Macungie Library, for an insightful presentation on the evolving role of libraries in today’s world.  

Libraries are no longer just quiet spaces filled with books—they have transformed into dynamic community hubs that provide technology access, educational programs, and resources for all ages. Debbie will discuss how libraries are adapting to meet the changing needs of their communities.  

She will also highlight the many services available at Lower Macungie Library, including resources designed to support personal and professional growth. We’ll discover new ways the library can enrich our lives and strengthen our community.