Why I Became a Rotary Member
Why I Joined the Local Rotary Club
I became a volunteer for the first time in Toronto in the spring of 1976; looking for something to do, I made an appointment with a volunteer centre. The interview I had with the volunteer centre coordinator was the first step on a path that has stretched over 30 years, and from Ontario to Newfoundland.
I volunteer my time and skills for two basic reasons; I want to contribute to the community I live in, and two, by volunteering, I get to meet my neighbours, and to help build a better place for us all to live.
When my wife and I arrived in Campbellton, New Brunswick, in 2006, I spent the first year simply situating myself. I like to become familiar with the terrain before taking action, and to do this properly you need time.
Living in city of about 7,000 people is a considerable change from one of 100,000 plus, and a major shift from an urban centre such as Toronto. It was exactly what we were seeking.
Once I began to know the place, I looked for an organization I could help. I was invited to a Rotary lunch and through that volunteered my time at a few Rotary supported community events. I had fun and the Rotarians I was working alongside, seemed to truly enjoy what they were doing.
The Rotary motto Service before Self is a powerful statement, and I witnessed it in action on more than one occasion. I knew I had to decide to seek membership or move on, and then at a Rotary lunch meeting the District Governor spoke about that year’s theme: Make Dreams Real.
I was already aware of the work Rotary International was doing to eradicate polio around the world, and had some idea of the various international projects they supported, as well as what each club did in its own location.
The theme was the icing on a very appealing cake. If we can make dreams real we can change the world. It was this thought that convinced me that Rotary was where I wanted to use my skills.
Over the few years since then, my involvement with Rotary has increased my awareness of the community where I live, and enhanced my ability to contribute to serving that community.
However, being a Rotarian means that not only can I be of service where I live but I can do so in cities and countries that are located a long way from here. Making a contribution and making a difference is why I volunteer and with Rotary I am able to do both.
