Hello Club and welcome to Week 2 of Membership Month!
As we work through this month and focus on getting to know each other better. Let us reflect on what brought you to Rotary and why you choose to stay with the club. This is my story.
My first visit to Rotary was in March of 2012. I was invited by Elsa and it was a challenging type of meeting that helps you grow as person. We had speaker I could not relate to, and I was unsure of how to receive his information without being offended. So, I walked out of the Youngstown Club, unimpressed and determined never to return.
A couple of weeks later, I was at the Rescue Mission with Elayne and she casually explained more about Rotary and why the experience I had was not typical. Elayne didn’t push but kept inviting me. At my first Reverse Raffle, I sat at her table with Joe, Linda and Larry we talked, laughed and of course shopped. Everyone was welcoming, the Raffle was fun and Deb’s cooking table was nothing short of amazing . . . I must have eaten thirty brownies with mint on them! Maybe I was more willing to connect after fellowshipping with club members. I decided to give the club a chance.
I officially joined on August 15, 2020 and one year later I was on the ‘Put Kids First Committee’ and the ‘Reverse Raffle.’ I got to know more Rotarians and I honed my passion for service in Youngstown. This club has taught me what family and friends really mean and although this was a professional centered decision, it has turned out to be one of the best personal decisions I have made in the last eight years.
On Wednesday, I will invite two members up to tell your “Rotary Story,” or feel free to write you story and send it in to Steve Poullas for the Clatter (you can message him through the website). Getting to know someone is a beautiful process, so come along with me and get to know your fellow Rotarian.
Have a great start to your week, I will see you all Wednesday and remember, Rotary Opens Opportunities.
