Service Above Self - Find Out More About Rotary Clubs

A gentleman at Tour of Novato asked me (hosting a Rotary booth),"What does Rotary Club do?" 

Caught by surprise while making balloons for Tour of Novato's young participants, I had to think a bit. 

Do I give an official answer (which, honestly, I would not be able to at that time), or do I give an abbreviated answer for all the things that we do with so many members and clubs around the world? 

An organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world, Rotary International has clubs in more than 160 countries worldwide, with approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 30,000 Rotary clubs.

With 'Service Above Self' as our motto, the club members look for and create opportunities to make a difference at home and abroad to support education and job training, provide clean water, combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, and eradicate polio.

From service within - Club Service, Vocational Service; to outreach - Community Service, Vocational Service, Youth Service and International Service (does Global Polio Eradication ring a bell?); and everything else a member deemed worthy and brought up has always been considered.  While doing so, we build goodwill and friendship.

In addition, the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is a not-for-profit corporation that promotes world understanding through international humanitarian service programs and educational and cultural exchanges. It is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and others who share its vision of a better world. Since 1947, the Foundation has awarded more than US$1.1 billion in humanitarian and educational grants, which are initiated and administered by local Rotary clubs and districts.

Last night, on a whim, I created a youtube video of Fishing in the City, one of the recent events Rotary Club of Novato Sunrise (along with City of Novato Parks and Recreation, and San Marin Robotics Club) helped host with California Department of Fish and Wildlif each year.  This epitomizes how we get things done by reaching out and coordinating efforts with various organizations.

The kids (and adults) learned about fishing, sportsmanship, our nature environment and the importance of recycling and protecting our resources and the Earth.  This is just one of the many projects that we do, it's only the beginning.

One thing I will always remember is what one of out long term members and a respectable community member told me, that it was wise I chose to join Rotary club because "Rotary Club is the Mother of All Service Clubs".  This always brings a smile to my face when I think of it.

Want to learn more?  Come to our meetings. 

• Rotary Club of Ignacio meets at noon, Thursdays, Rickey's Restaurant
• Rotary Club of Novato meets at noon, Fridays, Margaret Todd Center
• Rotary Club of Novato Sunrise meets at 7:15am, Tuesdays, Moylans'

Rotary District 5150: There are Rotary clubs in almost all cities of Marin County under Rotary District 5150, which governs Rotary clubs in Marin County, San Francisco County and San Mateo County.

Rotary International: Rotary clubs orginated in the United States.  Rotary International is headquartered in Evanston, IL.