In this section I have printed why I am a Rotarian as well as the reasons given by Clifford Dochtermann, Rotary International President 1992-93. After reading the article, click on the link at the bottom, scroll down to the comments, and let us know why you are a Rotarian.
Why am I a Rotarian
by Jim Welborne
President of the Rotary Club of Michigan City.
I became a Rotarian when a fellow Rotarian, Ed Lysaught, offered me the opportunity to join the Rotary Club of Michigan City. I immediately discovered the true meaning of “service above self”.
Within the first year of being a member I was able to travel to India to administer polio vaccinations. I saw there the actions of Rotary International.
My goal in life was to leave a legacy of service to others. I began this by earning the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America as a youth. I then became a leader in Scouting, and I’ve been in the movement for 53 years.
I also have been a teacher, a Sunday school teacher, a youth group leader, and have served in multiple positions in the churches where I have been a member.
So, when Ed asked me to join Rotary it was right up my alley. I have not been disappointed.
So, why am I a Rotarian?
I am a Rotarian because I believe in the value of service to others.
I am a Rotarian because I can only contribute as an individual but in Rotary there are over 46,000 clubs in more than 220 countries and geographical areas. This allowed me to serve in India.
I am a Rotarian because I appreciate the friendship and fellowship which abounds in our club.
I am a Rotarian because I enjoy fostering the growth of the youth in our community.
I am a Rotarian because of the opportunity to network with community and business leaders.
Why I am a Rotarian
by Clifford Dochtermann
Rotary International President 1992-93
In a single word, Rotary means “opportunity.” Through Rotary membership, you can discover dozens of opportunities to enhance your life and enrich the lives of family and friends. There may be opportunities to establish close friendships with individuals around the world whom you would never have met, except through the magic of Rotary. There are opportunities to share with many others a common belief and philosophy of service, without any thought of personal return.
There are opportunities to work side-by-side with other community leaders whom we highly respect. There are opportunities to stretch your horizons by listening to interesting programs and enjoying the good times at the weekly meetings. There are opportunities to represent your profession and demonstrate how high ethical standards are a vital part of your day-to-day occupation.
There are opportunities to travel into virtually every land and find an open door and a cordial welcome to a totally new world of Rotary fellowship. There are opportunities to make your small part in the world really count through the achievements of the great and noble activities of Rotary’s programs of service. There are opportunities to touch the lives of thousands of people whom you will never know, except through the rewarding glow of satisfaction which comes from knowing that somewhere, someone needed your help, and you took the time to do something. There are opportunities to join in the search for world peace and goodwill through the dynamic work of The Rotary Foundation.
And finally, all of these opportunities add up to one conclusion: Rotary helps you become a better person and makes the quality of your own life just a little richer and more meaningful. What a wonderful experience it is to have all of these opportunities knocking at your door just because you are a Rotarian.
by Clifford Dochtermann
Rotary International President 1992-93
In a single word, Rotary means “opportunity.” Through Rotary membership, you can discover dozens of opportunities to enhance your life and enrich the lives of family and friends. There may be opportunities to establish close friendships with individuals around the world whom you would never have met, except through the magic of Rotary. There are opportunities to share with many others a common belief and philosophy of service, without any thought of personal return.
There are opportunities to work side-by-side with other community leaders whom we highly respect. There are opportunities to stretch your horizons by listening to interesting programs and enjoying the good times at the weekly meetings. There are opportunities to represent your profession and demonstrate how high ethical standards are a vital part of your day-to-day occupation.
There are opportunities to travel into virtually every land and find an open door and a cordial welcome to a totally new world of Rotary fellowship. There are opportunities to make your small part in the world really count through the achievements of the great and noble activities of Rotary’s programs of service. There are opportunities to touch the lives of thousands of people whom you will never know, except through the rewarding glow of satisfaction which comes from knowing that somewhere, someone needed your help, and you took the time to do something. There are opportunities to join in the search for world peace and goodwill through the dynamic work of The Rotary Foundation.
And finally, all of these opportunities add up to one conclusion: Rotary helps you become a better person and makes the quality of your own life just a little richer and more meaningful. What a wonderful experience it is to have all of these opportunities knocking at your door just because you are a Rotarian.