Why I Joined Rotary by Barb Kinahan

I am quite embarrassed to admit that the reasons I joined Rotary were not quite aligned with the 'Service Above Self' motto.  I had just started my "third career" selling homes for Avonlea.  I belonged to an executive women's group while I was employed in the automotive sector.  Executive Women International had a classification system and most groups adhered to the one member per classification rule.  Because there was a realtor member in the group already, she was able to veto my re-application for membership when I joined Avonlea and my classification changed.

My friend, Diane Randell, was the president of Sunrise Rotary at that time.  When I told her about what had happened at Executive Women International, she immediately invited me to the next Sunrise meeting.  I knew nothing about Rotary - not even its reputation as a "stuffy old boys club".  It took a little while for Diane to convince me to come for breakfast.  I had given up being anywhere at 7:00 a.m. after I stopped working at the hospital.  And to meet EVERY Thursday?  That just seemed like too much of a commitment for me!  But the ever persuasive Diane never gave up on me.  Finally I agreed.  I was looking mostly for somewhere to network and grow my business - rather self-centered motives.  So I went once and met a GREAT group of people.  I went again the next week - the speaker was fascinating!  EVERY Thursday didn't seem quite so bad.  Even the 7:00 a.m. was manageable ONCE a week!  Within a few weeks I became a full-fledged member.

Getting to know the members of Sunrise Rotary, I quickly learned what it meant to be a Rotarian.  They taught me all about the true meaning of 'Service Above Self'.  There were so many opportunities locally, nationally and internationally for our small group to help and support others who were less fortunate.  And it wasn't just about the money, it was about sweat equity and working together.  To think that I could play a part in eradicating polio in the world (I am old enough to know people who had survived polio and to have seen the iron lung).  I could send a ShelterBox to help people near or far survive disaster in their lives.  I could meet professional people or young students from around the world as they came to Lethbridge to share knowledge and exchange ideas.

Whether it was coincidence or kismet, Rotary came to me at a time of transition and change in my life.  Rotary provided me with the opportunity to give me back to the community where I had grown up and around the world.  It taught me that a few people working together can have a significant impact that will ripple out beyond our expectations.

I have been able to attend two district conferences and have already registered for the 2010 conference in May 2010 in Banff.  I will attend my first international conference in Montreal in June.  I am looking forward to an amazing experience while sharing in the world of Rotary!

If I have any regrets about becoming a Rotarian, it is only that I didn't do it sooner!