Presentation by Bernie Mason at Celebratory Dinner October 2020
Why did I join Rotary? Bernie Mason
To think upon this question has been interesting.
There are the usual points of looking for a way to fill time, to join a group of like minded people toward a goal, or just to make new friends.
Yes all of these are true. This decision has been so much more than that though.
The community are forefront in what North Ryde Rotary do. Those in need, how can we help? It is a question I often hear. I joined Rotary because Pete and I had recently retired. We were involved in Scouts Australia for many years, and enjoyed being leaders and committee members as our children went up through all the levels of Scouting. Community is also a big part of Scouting, so as we did not want to go back into Scouting, we spoke with Pam( my cousin) and Garry about what they were doing with their spare minutes? Turned out there weren’t any of those because they had joined North Ryde Rotary.
The decision to join for us was not immediate. We attended some meetings as visitors. I researched all things Rotary, because that’s what I do. We made the decision to join and have not regretted that decision at all.
We know have a whole lot of learning to do, a new life for me away from Medical Acronyms to Rotary Acronyms, and a new set of rules to live by.
My decision was made really when I read the
OBJECT OF ROTARY
The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and in particular, to encourage and foster:
- FIRST: The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
- SECOND: High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of worthiness of all useful occupations and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
- THIRD: The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal business and community life;
- FOURTH: The advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.
The other is the 4 way test. We all should live by these very wise words.
The Four-Way Test is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide for Rotarians to use for their personal and professional relationships. The test has been translated into more than 100 languages:
Of the things we think, say or do
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Bernie Mason