Why people join Rotary is often different than why they stay…but we’ll get to this soon enough.
Who, What, When, Where, and Why…best place to start is at the beginning.
WHO is Rotary? There are 1.2 million Rotarians around the world (hopefully soon 1.3 million!) Here in Andover, we’ll soon have 60 members in our 25 year old chapter by this upcoming June. All Andover Rotarians are passionate about service and helping others, and we either live or work in Andover, but that’s about all we have in common. We’re men and women. We’re young and old. We’re tall and short, bald and hairy. We’re big and small. We represent various religions, ethnicities, political views, vocations, and more. Yes, we’re an eclectic bunch, who enjoy each others company, and enjoy helping others.
WHAT is Rotary? It’s various things, for various people. We meet weekly to hear great stories, listen to fascinating speakers, and share laughs . We also support various local charities and service opportunities in and around town. We read at a local elementary school, and fight addiction through substance abuse prevention, treatment support, educations, and awareness. We help people less fortunate than ourselves serving at a local food kitchen, providing meals for people at Thanksgiving, collecting food at food drives, and more. We support philanthropic opportunities throughout the World, with our time, talent, and financially. We support each of Rotary’s “Pillars” of focus. More about this in an upcoming monthly newsletter.
WHERE is Rotary? We meet locally in town at various restaurants and clubs, and also support service opportunities in and around Andover, but we also support efforts as far away as Cibu Phillapines, Kenya Africa, Guatemala, and more! Right now our weekly meetings are at 34 Park, in downtown Andover.
WHEN is Rotary? It’s always. While our club typically meets on Friday morning, and also on select Wednesday evenings. Our board meets the 3rd Wednesday morning of each month. We are Rotarians 24/7. We remember our 4-way test throughout each day, making ethical choices, and helping others wherever we can, whenever we can.
WHY Rotary? That’s the most important question. Why people join is often very different than why they stay. Many join for reasons to help themselves…with business development, social connections, or other reasons. Others join because their parents were Rotarians, or their friends are Rotarians. People often stay for years because of the joy and fulfillment helping others, the camaraderie, and more. It’s a different answer for each Rotarian. It’s a great question to ask Rotarians you meet at our meetings, service projects, or around town.
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