Well the title certainly got you interested, which means you're looking to improve your life, make positive changes for yourself, and get away from the routine of life--my friend, you've found the right place to be!
Rotary is a club that helps the human condition for all people. Of course there are countless service projects that directly impact the community, environment, and groups of people but there is so much more. Through raising funds, Rotary works to aid in areas that are even larger than the local community. In the last three decades, Rotary has reduced polio cases by 99.9%; that means polio is nearly eradicated! There have been many, many "boots on the ground" to make this happen but large support and the means by which this has been able to happen come from the millions of dollars raised by Rotary clubs internationally!
Still not convinced that a few service projects or fundraisers will change your life? How about belonging to a group of men and women from all walks of life, on all continents, and with a history of over 100 years. The fellowship and connections made in Rotary are bonds that withstand time, distance, and world events. The friends you will make will help support you when you need supported while working with you to help others in need of support. The time spent together on projects, meetings, and traveling to different events enlivens a sense of connectedness that so many of us lost during the COVID pandemic. It's time to reconnect, join together, and become a unified whole once again.
Maybe I've still not convinced you--so let's consider more benefits. Your participation in an internationally recognized and respected group breaks down barriers to advancing yourself as far as you'd like to go. Weekly meetings and service projects are amazing and engaging but if you thirst for more, you can have that, too. With leadership training and experience, you may soon find yourself leading committees, becoming a club president, maybe a district committee member or chair, a district governor, or--dare I say--maybe even the president of Rotary International one day! Even the president started as "just a member". With time, dedication, hard work, and enthusiasm you can rise to the top to become the confident leader you were meant to be.
Shall I say more? Okay, I will. Let's talk about networking. The history of Rotary all began in an office building in Chicago in 1905. Several business men met in an office to talk, fellowship, and share knowledge with each other. They met weekly and rotated offices, hence the name Rotary. But in doing so, these men set a tone of bonding, connectedness, helping one another, and knowledge sharing. As a member of Rotary you are connected to a body of individuals of many vocations at all levels of academic achievement. The ability to help one another is something germane to the nature of Rotary. If I'm able to help you, it's a good bet you're able to help me--even if that simply means friendly conversation and a firm handshake or hug to let me know I'm a part of something bigger than myself.
You might be thinking, "where's the catch" or "how much is this going to cost me". Let's get down to the nitty-gritty here. The catch is this: you give a little to get a lot. Yearly dues help pave the way for projects, events, gatherings, and education to continue each year--nothing is free. However, when you are able to look at the return on your investment, you will find you've received more than money can buy. You've contributed to the human condition, you've improved lives--including your own--for people locally and globally. You've put food in the hands of the hungry, rooves over the heads of the homeless, blankets on the cold, and hope in the heart of the hopeless. You've changed lives--not theoretically but literally. You've done what we have been designed to do, help our brother while helping ourselves.
If you don't believe me, come to a meeting, talk with members, hear their stories, and see the impact they've had on the world and the passion with which they do it.
You can have this, too, by joining Rotary.
Regards,
Sam Fuge, Rotarian