MAKING HISTORY FOR ROTARY IN PARKER, CO
The Rotary Community Corps of Parker, CO is now the Rotary Satellite Club of Parker, CO Cherry Creek Valley United, the first Rotary Club dedicated to individuals with special needs. Cherry Creek Valley Rotary of Parker is excited to have them as a part of our membership!
It began with a question during a presentation. Kam Breitenbach, Founder of the Rotary Community Corps (RCC), shared a program at a regular meeting of CCV Rotary of the many service projects the group had done over 10 years. A question was asked, ‘Are these members Rotarians?’ The answer was ‘no’. CCV Rotary member, Cheryl O’Brien, was curious as to why and didn’t really like the answer of ‘no’.
Cheryl began researching the possibility of the RCC members becoming Rotarians and learned that a satellite club was the method. She emailed CCVR President, Joshua Rivero with the idea and his thought to move forward. His answer was, ‘Yes’. Cheryl continued posing the possibility of a Satellite Club to District 5450 Governor Curt Harris, DG Elect Bob Kemp and Youth Services Director Lee Mulberry. Emails went back and forth until the path was clear that it was a possibility!
Cheryl, Kam and Joshua met to discuss what this could look like and agreed that the RCC members should be asked if, in fact, they wanted to become Rotarians. A letter was drafted to the RCC members and their families that posed the question, ‘Do you want to become a Rotarian?’ The answer an ethusiastic, ‘Yes!!!!’.
The journey continued. Cheryl contacted Rotary International for the process. Kam facilitated twenty-five membership applications completed by the RCC members. Joshua contacted fellow Rotarian, Steve Brown, attorney, to review and draft bylaws for the new Satellite Club geared for special needs. CCV Rotary Bylaws change for a satellite was voted on by the membership. On June 17, 2020 it was official through Rotarian International that this group of special needs individuals would become Rotarians!
The COVID-19 Virus postponed the official induction to September 1 at O’Brien Park in Parker, CO. Twenty of the twenty-five new members and their families attended. Lawn chairs, socially distancing, wearing masks, Rotary T-shirts, membership certificates and pins were all a part of the official induction.
The excitement and cheering of these new members was amazing! They were officially Rotarians, stated the 4-Way Test, and made a commitment to Service Above Self. Outstanding!
The door is now open for all to become Rotarians, People of Action. A positive change for a broader community made history with the Satellite Club of Cherry Creek Valley Rotary of Parker, CO UNITED. The Parker Chronicle included an article in the paper about the new club.
Reflections:
Kam Breitenbach, Founder Rotary Community Corps and CCV Rotarian, ‘Rotary Community Corps was a way to offer these individuals ways to grow; leadership and opportunities to be involved in their community. I've observed so many changes and growth in these individuals over ten years that have been nothing short of amazing!’
Joshua Rivero, President Cherry Creek Valley Rotary of Parker, CO, ‘I could not be prouder than I am at this moment. This is a group of 25 individuals that found camaraderie in doing what they loved, serving their community as a Rotary Community Corps. Now, as Rotarians, they are 1.2 million strong and with their help, we together have already begun to move mountains. Truly, let Rotary Connect the World.’
Cheryl O’Brien, District 5450 Rotarian of the Year, Cherry Creek Valley Rotary, “I believe that no circumstance should keep anyone from a desire they want to achieve. The inspiration for change came from these adults who when asked, ‘Do you want to be a Rotarian?’ answered a roaring, ‘Yes’! Perseverance and determination by many for this historical change to a broader community is amazing! We hope others will see this opportunity for membership, a connection to one another through Rotary’s Service Above Self. We are proud!”