Awareness and Fellowship in Rotary

Posted by JACK HARIG

January is Rotary Awareness Month; I have a challenge for my fellow Rotarians. It will take just a little effort on your part, a little wee bit of your time; who knows, we may all be surprised with the new things we learn about Rotary Service and Rotary International's successes. The Challenge is in three parts:

1) The Rotarian Magazine,

2) Rotary International (click here for WEB Site) and
3) RGHF Rotary Global History Fellowship (click here for WEB Site)

Scan each of these three Rotary resources and spot something you did not know about Rotary and jot that thought or idea down on a post-a-note, napkin, or scrap of paper and bring it to a meeting. It will create some interesting table talk. If you all do this it is possible with 8 people at a table and 4 meetings in January 2010 you could come away with 96 new things you did not know about Rotary.

Each year the RI Presidents theme freshens the way I look at my Rotary commitments. For me this years theme reminds me that Rotary is "Up Close & Personal" It makes clear the obligation of every Rotarian in every club, in every district and in every country around the world to share his or her unique talents and skills to do as a group of like minded individuals what we could never hope to do alone, the power of Rotary unleashed

The Rotary Theme for 2009-10 is "The Future of Rotary Is in Your Hands". If your hands are connected to a knowledge base that includes the history of Rotary, what is happening now in Rotary and the dreams of Rotary for the future your Rotary your club will continue to grow and serve. Best of all your lives and the lives of your family will continue to be enriched as you see your contributions to the community, country and world grow. If there is a future week where your club has a club assembly or no scheduled program you could have a lot of fun sharing the scoop on what new things you have learned about Rotary in a group setting. Have fun, enjoy the New Year and share your love with family and friends.

The Rotary experience is enhanced as our understanding of the challenges and accomplishments of Rotary grows. Our lives are strengthened when bonds of fellowship are forged in service to mankind. The bonds of friendship you make in Rotary grow as you learn more about your fellow Rotarians, their work, their families and their dreams. Take time to get to know each other and share your dreams. Make 2010 the best Rotary year you have ever experienced.