A laminated page of guidelines for the Words of Appreciation, Inspiration, and Reflection is provided each week to the Rotarian conducting this part of the Club's meeting. These guidelines are as follows...
The purpose of the “Words of Appreciation, Inspiration, and Reflection” section of the Club meeting is to provide a thoughtful moment to separate our minds from our busy lives and reflect on the opportunity to join in the fellowship and service of Rotary and, if you chose, to invoke divine guidance and bless the meal.
Rotary is a secular, nonpolitical organization open to those of all faiths and beliefs who subscribe to the values and principles of Rotary, including the Rotary Four Way Test and the Rotarian Code of Conduct. To create a welcoming atmosphere, it is important that all Rotarians and their guests feel included in all parts of the Rotary weekly ceremony of events. Leading this part of the agenda is a privilege and a responsibility.
If you sign up you may do a reading, recitation, reflect on a personal story, or do an invocation. The following are the guidelines:
- Be respectful of the composition of the audience. Your words are offered on behalf of the entire membership and guests who represent different faiths and traditions. Your words should be nonsectarian and inclusive rather than exclusive.
- Relate to Rotary; it is the purpose of the gathering.
- If conducting an invocation, use inclusive terms for deity rather than particular proper names such as “Father” for divine manifestation.
- Closing words should simply be “Amen” (let it be so).
- Refrain from preaching, arguing, or testifying.
- Comments can be as short as 2 or 3 sentences but NO MORE THAN a minute in duration.
