Commitment is an important in the world.  It means many things to many people. Much of it depends on who you are and what you are. 
 
To advocates, commitment means dedication to the cause. To Rotarians it is a dedication to the cause - but also to the principles of Rotary. For Rotary advocates, sometimes we must identify ourselves as one or the other.
 
(Shown is a photo of the hand of a volunteer holding the hand of a person in need of help.)
 
(Shown is an graphic image of Rotary's Four-Way Test, as stated below.)
 
In Rotary, the commitment to service above self it often reflected in the Four-Way Test: 
  1. Is it the truth?
  2. Is it fair to all concerned?
  3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
  4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Rotary's Four-Way test has great meaning to those of us dedicated to the human rights of people with disabilities as well as to Rotarians. Those who believe in these statements and follow them have a strong commitment to Rotary service as well as to the cause.
However, those who are committed to both Rotary and to the cause face a challenge. That is because Rotary is based on policies and well-thought=-out strategies. Advocates faced with a need that must be immediately addressed sometimes take risks regardless of policies.
 
Often, our Club must decide which is the stronger commitment. We try to compromise - and many times it works. As a cause-related club in Rotary, we also face that challenge. And as one of those clubs, we are paving new paths how to how to deal with that challenge.
 
Working that all out is part of our first year of development as a club. We will find a balance, but it is also important that when we take action, we determine whether we are doing the action as Rotary members or representing ourselves as advocates. 
 
If we are doing it in the name of our Rotary club, we need to be mindful of the procedures. However, if we are doing it as advocates be mindful that those who are involved understand our position.    
 
The most important point is that service above self it the key goal for everyone. That is the truth whether we achieve it as either Rotarian or non-Rotarian advocates.
 
To read all of the latest edition of our Weekly Newsletter, including my President's Message, above, click here.
 
For more information on our worldwide Club, contact me, Ken Masson, via either WhatsApp or kennethmasson@gmail.com.
 
 
Reminder: This Saturday, November 13 is World Kindness Day, to download the celebration guide, click here.