Membership Corner - November 25, 2013
Posted by Thomas Sturiale
Membership Corner
The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise.This week we will review the fourth statement defining the Object of Rotary - "The advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service".
The worldwide accomplishments of Rotary are really quite astounding. International projects funded by Rotary clubs around the world amount to hundreds of millions of dollars. Think about the progress made in the eradication of polio, Peace scholars, exchange students, Gift of Life, GEMINI, disaster aid, water and sanitation, disease prevention and countless other projects. Our district alone this year is currently funding projects in 25 countries amounting to over $1.5 MM based on contributions from our own members of $285 K. In the last 15 years, our district has supported District and Global grant projects (domestic and international) worth $6.3 MM!!! That is simply astounding.
Everyone who contributes to The Rotary Foundation is a part of this worldwide effort. Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY) means that we each contribute some amount to The Rotary Foundation (TRF) each year. If can be as little as $10/yr or as much as you like. It is so simple to have $10/month deducted by credit card. All you have to do to finance that contribution is one less latte and a cookie each month - you will never miss it. Then you can proudly claim that you are a part of the effort to advance international understanding, goodwill and peace. Is your club educating its members about these programs? Does your club participate in these international projects? Does your club communicate these Rotary projects in your community? The more your community knows about the total face of Rotary, the more able you will be in attracting like minded people to Rotary.
As an excellent example of a Rotary Club that has attracted 35 new members since July 1 by embracing the four Objects of Rotary, please view a Youtube presentation by Dr. Satya Mitra, President of the Worcester Rotary Club. It is quite amazing!
Tom Sturiale - Membership Chair District 7910