What Rotary Means To Me
As a proud Rotarian of more than a year, this is what Rotary means to me.
This essay was originally published on January 12, 2023.
It’s difficult to concisely explain what being a Rotarian means to me. This is because the reputation of Rotary International precedes itself. For over a century, Rotary has continued to make a considerable impact on the lives of millions of individuals around the world, most notably in its efforts to eradicate polio. It is phenomenal that over one million Rotarians around the world today continue to build on the legacy of this century-old organization!
Yet, despite its immense influence on a global scale, Rotary also enables you to make a difference in your local community. As someone who has lived in my hometown for his entire life, I am embarrassed to admit that I was unaware of what was happening in my community before joining my local Rotary Club. However, the purpose of joining your local Rotary club isn't so that you can be provided with an instant stream of information and contacts related to your community, though these are indeed perks of being a Rotarian. More importantly, Rotary provides avenues for you to make your own contributions to the improvement of your community.
While being a Rotarian is unquestionably an honor, it is also true that to whom much is given, much is expected. It should be no surprise that an organization as successful as Rotary International demands its members be as involved and dedicated to achieving its mission as its founders. While some may initially join Rotary to make connections or learn more about their communities, individuals remain as Rotarians once they realize the significant impact that they are having on their communities and the world at large. As one becomes more involved in Rotary, whether by serving as a club officer or completing service projects, one realizes how meaningful the work of Rotary truly is. Ultimately, being a Rotarian means putting “service above self,” and falling in love with work that improves the lives of those who were not dealt a fair hand in life.