The Third Object

Membership Corner - November 18, 2013
 
Continuing the theme of the Object of Rotary, this week we will state the third object - " The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian's personal, business and community life".  Service Above Self!  The ideal of service!   How do we live up to these grand ideas of service?  
 
The ideal of service is the essence of Rotary and we are surrounded by opportunities to apply the ideal of service in our communities and internationally. 
 
How do we identify these opportunities?  They may not be apparent to us as we go about our daily lives but there are many devoted folks in our communities who dedicate their lives to helping people.  Consider the many organizations devoted to helping the poor, the homeless, the indigent, the elderly, the sick, the hungry, the injured veterans and many other needy people.  Have we reached out to them to offer support either financially or with hands on help?  Do we invite them in to speak to our members about community problems and issues?  Have we invited them into the family of Rotary as members?  Have we tied our fund raising efforts to specific community needs? 
 
We sometimes lament the lack of public knowledge about Rotary but what do we do about it?  Satisfying critical community service needs represents the best opportunity to gain public image, public knowledge and public support for Rotary.  Search out the folks who are doing this work and invite them into Rotary. They may be reluctant to join because of time and financial constraints but Rotary has relaxed attendance requirements and clubs can be creative in their applications of dues and fees.  There are so many wonderful folks working to alleviate pain, suffering and anguish.   They are Rotarians and don't know it.  Let us seek them out.  Together we can satisfy the third Object of Rotary.
 
Tom Sturiale - Membership Chair District 7910