Members are the magic
I love our many Rotary traditions, especially our emblem: the wheel. Whenever I put on my Rotary pin, admire a new club’s logo, or spot the emblem on a volunteer’s t-shirt, I am inspired by the possibilities that wheel represents.
Early in Rotary, our predecessors envisioned it as a gear, part of a sturdy machine making great things happen. It remains that, and much more. To me, it also symbolises cycles and movement on our journey of doing good in the world. August is Rotary’s Membership and New Club Development Month, and I encourage you to think about the cyclical connection between membership and The Rotary Foundation.
When we have engaged members in dynamic clubs, The Magic of Rotary happens. Members — both new and experienced — deepen their commitment to each other and their communities. And that local engagement attracts attention and more members.
Gradually, the new members realise their club is part of a powerful organisation that is making lasting change in the world. They learn about the Foundation, support it, and perhaps apply for a grant. They see themselves as part of the movement that will eradicate polio. As our members’ experience deepens, so does their commitment to Rotary at all levels. The public sees our impact, making Rotary irresistible. New members join, new clubs are formed, and the cycle continues. With each turn of the wheel, we grow Rotary and our Foundation.
There are countless ways this magical connection between clubs and our Foundation can unfold. For instance, 100% Paul Harris Fellow clubs, where every member is a Paul Harris Fellow, showcase how engaged clubs are directly connected to the Foundation. Some clubs even up the ante, like the Rotary Club of Crescent (Greensboro), North Carolina, whose 125 members are all Paul Harris Fellows, Benefactors and Sustaining Members simultaneously.
But you do not need to be in such a “triple crown” club to make a difference. I am asking all Rotary members to remember this month’s goal for what I’m calling Mark’s Magical Markers: Please make the personal commitment to contribute what you can to the Annual Fund by August 31. Do it right now, before you forget, at rotary.org/give. While you are there, set up a recurring direct donation. With your help, we can keep that great wheel of Rotary and its Foundation rolling in the right direction, moving toward something greater tomorrow than we can even imagine today.
Mark Daniel Maloney
TRF Trustee Chair
