Posted by Kenny Harris on Mar 07, 2019
It may surprise some of you to learn that the Paul Harris Society is a relatively new recognition program that became an official Rotary Foundation program in 2013.  This new program was developed to recognize those members who generously contribute significant sums of money regularly to the Rotary Foundation. 
 
There is a difference, and some confusion, regarding being a Paul Harris Fellow and being a Paul Harris Society member, and I will attempt to explain the difference in this column. 
Paul Harris Fellow:  If a member, over the course of their Rotary career, contributes $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation, they are eligible to become a Paul Harris Fellow.  They are recognized by an attractive Paul Harris Fellow lapel pin and an official certificate.  If they contribute another $1,000 to TRF, they become a Paul Harris Fellow PLUS 1, and the lapel pin will now consist of a PHS pin with one sapphire.  The more that is contributed in $1,000 increments the more sapphires and/or rubies are on the pin.
 
Paul Harris Society:  If a member chooses to give a substantial, recurring gift of $1,000 PER YEAR to TRF, they become eligible to become a Paul Harris Society Member and will easily work toward Major Donor Status.  Paul Harris Society members are recognized by the PHS Chevron, which can be worn with their Rotary lapel pin.  This PHS Chevron signifies they have a deep understanding of, and belief in, what Rotary does locally and internationally. 
 
While fewer than 3% of Rotary members contribute at or above $1,000 annually, those contributions account for more than 35% to the Annual Fund of The Rotary Foundation.
In our District, we currently have 70 Paul Harris Society members who have graciously agreed to contribute $1,000 or more annually to The Rotary Foundation. This roughly accounts for 1/3 of our District’s TRF giving.  Additionally, our district has 27 generous members who are “eligible” to become Paul Harris Society members. 
 
The Rotarians in District 6040 are wonderful, caring, and generous.  Our knowledge in what Rotary does in our communities is reinforced every year.  Our belief in what Rotary does internationally to make our world safer, healthier, and happier grows each year.  We, as Rotarians, are extremely proud of what our organization has done, often without seeking well deserved recognition.
 
As all of us know, there are lots of worthwhile, needy charities and groups, both locally and internationally, that need our help.  I would encourage all of us to examine where our individual donations go and hopefully allocate more to those organizations who give the “biggest bang for the buck”.  I would suggest that The Rotary Foundation would be close to the top.  
If any club or individual would like more information, or needs a short foundation program, I am happy to come to your club and give more information.  My contact information is:
PDG Kenny Harris Kharris.rotary6040@yahoo.com or 816-935-8490.