Why I Joined Rotary by Inga Jesswein
When I was first invited to a Rotary meeting in the fall of 2003, I knew only two things about the organization: The Rotary Club had raised money to buy dragon boats for the fledgling Abreast of 'bridge dragonboat club of which I was a member, and it had organized the Lethbridge Dragonboat Festivals in 2002 and 2003, in which I competed with my team.
When I attended that first meeting, held in a dingy downstairs room at the Travelodge Convention Centre (now part of the new Coast Hotel), I felt somewhat at sea, not really understanding much of what was going on or why it was happening; I really had no idea what the whole point of it was. And I don't think I would have gone to another meeting had I not noticed the 4-Way Test banner hanging on the wall. I wrote the words into the notebook I carry with me, and decided, right then and there, that if Rotary was guided by these principles, then I was prepared to spend the time getting to know more about it, because this was something I wanted to be part of.
What I found out was that if I just kept attending meetings, eventually the Club would get used to me and induct me; I became a member of
What a joy to be with people who have the gung-ho, "let's just get it done (whatever "it" was)" attitude that seems to characterize Rotarians. Big projects, small projects; local project, international projects; "get-your-hands-dirty" projects; supporting youth projects; the list is endless. And always lots of fun, laughter and satisfaction at the opportunity to serve others. My own motto is to "go out and do good things in the world"; my business is one vehicle that allows me to do just that, and Rotary has given me another way. I feel truly blessed to be part of such a generous, caring organization.
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"Why I Joined Rotary" is a monthly column helping us to learn why our fellow members decided to join Rotary and what it is that keeps them coming back. Many thanks to Marlys Reynar for sharing her story to get us going.
If you would like to share your story drop me a line at campbell.reed@shaw.ca or
403-328-2209.
Judi Reed