Perfect Engagement – More Valuable than Perfect Attendance

Perfect engagement is a hallmark of a healthy and vibrant Rotary Club. Perfect engagement means every Rotarian is contributing time and talent to projects that interest the individual and supports club goals. Rotary recognizes five Avenues of Service, and ideally, members will contribute in two or more of these five areas. The first step to… Continue reading Perfect Engagement – More Valuable than Perfect Attendance

What Does Rotary Mean to You?

For many of us, the answer is both simple and complex.  Fundamentally, it involves connections.  Rotary is where I connect with my friends.  Rotary is where I’ve made connections to grow my consulting business.  Rotary allows me to do more, through the power of Rotarians locally and around the world, in partnership with The Rotary… Continue reading What Does Rotary Mean to You?

Rotary, a Gift of Peace

In this season of festivities, mysteries, blessings and miracles, I reflect upon Rotary International and the profound impact it has had on my life.  I joined Rotary just seven years ago and since that time, I have gotten to meet, and get to know, hundreds and likely thousands of people I would otherwise not have… Continue reading Rotary, a Gift of Peace

Traditions Abound

We’ve just celebrated Thanksgiving and the holiday calendar is in full swing.  This is a time of tradition when we enjoy foods and family activities that only happen during this time of year.  For me, as a child, it was playing Scrabble with three generations of family after the Thanksgiving meal was cleaned up and… Continue reading Traditions Abound

Support Members, First

The 2018-2019 Rotary International President Barry Rassin is calling on Rotarians “…to do more, to be more, to create something that will live beyond each of us.”  He highlighted Rotary’s new vision statement, “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities,… Continue reading Support Members, First

Rotary = Swiss Army Knife?

Rotary reminds me of a Swiss Army knife because it is many tools in one.  While the tools individually may not be ‘best in class’, when combined they form a remarkably handy implement, that you can take with you anywhere.  Let me explain… First, Rotary reminds me of church.  While Rotary is not a religious… Continue reading Rotary = Swiss Army Knife?

Service Above Self

He was tall and thin, of indeterminate middle age and with a pock-marked face. He commented about the weather, almost shyly while standing a little apart from the line in the fast food restaurant. My husband, David, and I had stopped on our way home from a Rotary training seminar, to get coffee and a… Continue reading Service Above Self

How will YOU Make an Impact as a Rotary Leader?

Rotary International, in the booklet Rotary Basics, illustrates how clubs are the hub, the central focus of Rotary International.  On page 3 it states:  “The club is the most important component of Rotary’s organizational structure.  … Rotary clubs are autonomous…” (emphasis mine).  However, as a club leader, sometimes it doesn’t feel that way.  Rather, it… Continue reading How will YOU Make an Impact as a Rotary Leader?

Well, That Didn’t Work, Now What? The Joys and Challenges of Starting (or Reviving) a Rotary Club

In January of 2016, I asked, and was granted, permission from our District Governor to start a new Rotary Club.  As an Assistant Governor covering five clubs in four rural counties, I had three clubs with membership in the low 30s and two clubs with a membership around 12.  All clubs were getting older and… Continue reading Well, That Didn’t Work, Now What? The Joys and Challenges of Starting (or Reviving) a Rotary Club