Once people get past the enduring confusion of whether or not Rotarians are the Masons, the Shriners, Kiwanis, or other great service organizations, they are often surprised to find out we pay dues to be a part of a volunteer service organization.
Why would anyone pay dues to volunteer? Isn’t volunteering free?
What surprises people even more is finding out how much we love being a part of this international family of volunteers.
Rotary is a peaceful and purposeful place in a chaotic world. It is a great opportunity to make our world better – one community at a time. We clean water. We fund schools. We prevent disease. Your club alone could add dozens of examples of successful service projects locally and abroad.
No, we’ve all answered, there’s no secret handshake or special hats required. No, we’re not a religious organization or politically affiliated in any way. But there is a deeply fulfilling sense of purpose that unites us across our different ages, professional backgrounds, languages, religions, and political alignments when we do good work together. No matter what our differences are, we all have the same values. We know we can walk into another Rotary club anywhere in the world and be welcomed by like-minded people committed to the greater good.
- So why did you join Rotary yourself? Why do you stay?
- What do you love most about being a Rotarian?
- Why do you invest your time and money, despite your busy schedule and all of the other things you could spend money on?
District 5110 wants to hear from you!
We want to add your unique passion and your personal experience to the District 5110 website – in your own words. If you’re so inclined, please feel free to answer any or all of these questions in the comments below. Be sure to include your club name.
We look forward to hearing from you! Thank you for your Service Above Self.
Comments
7 comments
Jane Falls
I joined the RC of Springfield when I became principal at Gateways High School. I didn’t know the “movers and shakers” in Springfield and had a hunch I would meet them at Rotary….boy did I! EVERY single Rotarian brings their unique perspectives, talents, and connections. Together we are so much more powerful than we are when we try to solve problems on our own.
Sarah Steen
Hello,
I joined Rotary because when I was in high school, Rotary believed in me. Rotary club of Albany and Greater Albany (my club) sent me to RYLA and gave me a high school scholarship for my volunteerism in my community. When I was given the opportunity to join as a local professional in my hometown of Albany….I was so excited to do so. I have been a Rotarian now for over ten years. I served on the board for nine years and RYLA chair for 7 and very involved in youth exchange.
David Bondurant - Rotary Club of Eugene Airport
I was first invited to join Rotary in 1990, when as a first time solo pastor one of my church members invited me to the Rotary Club of Edinburg (Tx) There in this very large club I found what I have found to be true in every single Rotary club (4) I have been a part of since. I found people dedicated to helping people live better lives with a passion for service. And as I listened and learned and served with Rotarians across the country I discovered that each of my clubs have been a treasure chest of information, problem solving, generous individuals that truly cared – for people far and near. If I have a problem or a need – I turn first to my Rotary Club. If there is a question about the community – I turn to my Rotary Club. And the last reason I am a Rotarian is pretty simple. I do nothing alone as a Rotarian. Even when I send my gift to the foundation – it is matched and grown with every other Rotarians gifts. I maintain friendships with people from 4 other Rotary clubs to this day. It is in my vernacular – Rotary is one of my happy places!
Theresia Hewitt
Honestly, the local Rotary Club needed someone to write the newsletter, so Michael ask me to come to meetings, take notes, and write the newsletter. Later on, my husband and my friend decided I should become a Rotarian, so in the end, my friend came to dinner, Michael cooked, she took care of the paper work, and that is how it went down.
This year will be my 18th year as the “chair” of Giving Tree. I thought it should become a Rotary project, so I ASKED and it was approved, and it has been a Rotary project for about 13 years. We serve 70 to 90 children every year. The community buys the gifts, we organize the distribution, and we raise money to give each family a Christmas food basket with makings for 3 meals, and YES, we put come Christmas candy in every basked. To this day, the one person who funded the first year is still a secret! No it wasn’t us, shows that community members believe in the Power of Rotary!
Kim Meyers
Kim Meyers, Eugene Delta
I was invited to join Rotary in the late 90’s by then member and co-worker Jill Foster. I had small children and I knew committing to a weekly meeting and working the hours of a newer CPA, was not going to work with my schedule.
In 2007, another co-worker Robin Matthews sponsored me to join The Rotary Club of Eugene Delta. Within a few months of joining, while still a Red Badge, I was asked to be the club treasurer. I have always been someone who enjoyed helping others and being involved. I have always supported and volunteered with my childrens sports teams and clubs. I have been very active in my church. As my children grew, I went through a divorce, my Rotary club became a supportive family. I love what Rotary represents and the people they serve. My Rotarians are my closest friends. I can not imagine my life without Rotary.
Dorothy Hosking
For over 60 years, my life has been intertwined with Rotary. Throughout numerous relocations and life changes, Rotary has consistently provided a platform for impactful projects and meaningful friendships.
My connection with Rotary began in 1963 in Walla Walla, Washington, where I was involved in local politics. The Rotary club met weekly at the Marcus Whitman Hotel, where our party headquarters were also located. The Rotarians I met were the doers and builders of the community, leaving a lasting impression on me with their dedication and impact.
Fast forward over ten years to Wenatchee Washington, where I encouraged my husband to join Rotary as the manager of a local propane company. During our year and a half in Wenatchee, we made wonderful friends and actively participated in Rotary projects, solidifying our commitment to the organization.
Sacramento and Cameron Park Experience
After moving to the Sacramento area, my husband transferred his membership to the Cameron Park club. There, most members had wives in the local Soroptimist club, leading to joint projects between the two organizations. This collaboration exemplified the power of combined efforts in achieving community goals.
Our journey continued with a move to Rancho Cordova, where my husband again transferred his Rotary membership. Each transfer brought new friendships and opportunities to contribute to community projects, reinforcing the value of Rotary in our lives.
In 1995, we moved to Sutherlin, Oregon, where my husband joined the Roseburg club. He dedicated his Paul Harris Fellow points to me, highlighting his appreciation for my support. In 1999, the Roseburg club sponsored a new Rotary club in Sutherlin, and we were deeply involved in its formation. I officially became a paid member after years of being an “associate” member.
I took a break from Rotary for a few years, mistakenly thinking other pursuits were more important. However, in 2010 I needed funding for a high school project and approached the Sutherlin club. This led to my rejoining Rotary, where I have remained actively involved ever since.
In 2022, I moved my membership from Sutherlin to Florence, Oregon. Here, I find myself more involved than ever, contributing to various projects and continuing to build lasting relationships.
Rotary has significantly influenced my life, providing support and resources for countless activities and projects in every community I have been part of. It remains my go-to place for community engagement and new friendships, embodying the spirit of service and connection.
Chris Waugh
Great story, and GREAT picture!