Hello everyone,
Is there a reason you joined Rotary?
People often ask me, what is Rotary and why did you join Rotary?
I will tell you what Rotary is for me. We are leaders, all of us, who are creating positive, lasting change in our communities around the world. We are thoughtful professional and business people that exchange ideas to try and bring about change, and we use our professional skills for good causes. We are people that care about our communities and the communities around the world. We dig wells, build schools, and immunize children. We are building peace, empowering youth, and helping mothers and children. In short, we are what I think of as heroes. Rotary International is an organization full of heroes that want to make a difference in the world and in their own neighborhoods. We want to improve lives.
Why Did I join Rotary?
Initially for the business development, networking, friendship, fellowship, and the community. As I went along, it became more. Personal growth, leadership development, continuing education, cultural awareness, and most important to me, an opportunity to serve. That’s what’s kept me here.
A good friend of mine asked me if she could join Rotary. In return, I asked her why? I have known her for a long time, and I know she has a busy life (travel, business). She said she wanted to belong to an organization where she feels useful, where she can serve others. To go somewhere and help others. Well, I have to say that her answer impressed me. She is not a Rotarian (yet), but she managed to sum up Rotary without knowing it. I invited her to one of our meetings, and not only that, but also to join us in our next Wheelchair project in Panama in February, 2020. Hopefully, she finds that Rotary is exactly what she’s looking for.
I know you have friends and family with the same desire. If so, bring them to a meeting. Let’s grow Rotary together and create a positive experience for those looking to join our club.
Here’s another interesting fact about Rotary:
Fact #2
OBJECT OF ROTARY
In some areas of the world, weekly Rotary club meetings begin with all members standing and reciting the Object of Rotary. This statement, which comes from the Constitution of Rotary, is frequently seen on a wall plaque in Rotarians' offices or place of business. The Object of Rotary is "to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise." The statement then lists four areas by which this "ideal of service" is fostered: "through the development of acquaintance as the opportunity for service; the promotion of high ethical standards in business and professions; through service in one's personal, business and community life; and the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace."
The Object of Rotary has not always been expressed in this manner. The original Constitution of 1906 had three Objects: promotion of business interests, promotion of good fellowship, and the advancement of the best interests of the community. By 1910, Rotary had five Objects as increased emphasis was given to expanding Rotary. By 1915, there were six. Additional revisions took place in 1918, 1927, and 1935. The last major change came in 1951, when the Objects were streamlined and changed to a single Object which is manifested in four separate ways. The "ideal of service" is the key phrase in the Object of Rotary. This ideal is an attitude of being a thoughtful and helpful person in all of one's endeavors. That is what the Object truly means.
I have to say, we have had good speakers so far, and I love seeing so many of you attending our regular meetings. Let’s keep it that way, shall we? Speakers are not just for our entertainment; they are educational and can be opportunities of service within our community, creating a positive experience.
Enjoy an enriched life: Join Rotary! “Friendship constitutes an enrichment of life.”- Paul Harris.
See you Wednesday,
President Susy
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