Why I Joined Rotary by Deane Little
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Doreen and I moved to Lethbridge 33 years ago. We found it very difficult to break into the community socially. My motivation to join Rotary to start with, was to find a friend. I've also felt a strong desire to contribute for the benefit of others and the Rotary motto "Service Above Self" seemed to fit. Much to my surprise, the Downtown Lethbridge Rotary Club mirrored the community. All the old Lethbridge people sat together and most of them had little interest in getting acquainted with anyone new. I became discouraged and began to miss meetings until I received a letter from the secretary telling me I had to improve my attendance or I would be asked to resign. To resign meant defeat and I decided this couldn't happen, so I really put my heart into it volunteering for any assignment that I was asked to fulfill, ending up as Club President in 1985.
As we journey through life, we are always searching for experiences that stick with us for a life time. Attending the Rotary International Conference in Kansas City was such an event for me. Others will attest, it makes one proud to be a member of an organization that achieves so much for others around the world. The experience inspired to me excel through my presidency to substantially elevate the achievements of the club. Since the inception of the club 60 years earlier they had honored eight members by making them Paul Harris fellows. As the first member to pay for his own Paul Harris fellowship it lead to a major change in attitudes, substantially increasing contributions to the foundation.
One spring when I returned from California I resigned from the club. It seemed to me, as time passed, the club had become more demanding in terms of member contribution in service and financial support, with less of a focus on the social aspects of membership. It wasn't long after, that the Downtown Club decided to sponsor a new breakfast club and I was invited to help make it a success. I had missed Rotary and the spirit of giving, so I have enjoyed my participation and am happy to be a part of it all. The heart of Sunrise Rotary Club is made up of earthy, sincere members; working hard, but enjoying themselves at the same time which makes it so appealing to be a member.
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"Why I Joined Rotary" is a monthly column helping us learn why our fellow members decided to join Rotary and what it is that keeps them coming back. If you would like to share your story drop me a line at campbell.reed@shaw.ca or 403-328-2209. Judi Reed