The Things We Do for Rotary

Surfing the internet, I came across a picture of a man hanging on a rope tied between a rocky mountain and a high stony edifice. One wrong move and the man may plummet to his death. Would it ever occur to you that this man is on a mission for Rotary? But it is true. Talk about being badly bitten by the Rotary Bug. You would think this man is insane. But no, he is a volunteer helping to rebuild broken bridges in Ethiopia and with the purpose of giving people a chance for a better life.

Dear friends, Rotary in its immensity, is indeed a force to be reckoned with, pervading all facets of the human condition, from rescuing disaster victims, to educating deserving scholars, to giving medical help to the sick in many parts of the world. Indeed, Rotary is hard work but a fulfilling one at that.

Though there is no sufficient measure to acknowledge or recognize the efforts these fine Rotarians have contributed to the organization, perhaps we could make an attempt, nevertheless. One of the highlights of RCM’s celebration of its 100th Year Anniversary is the Centennial Awards which was meant to give a major opportunity for the various Rotary Clubs in the Philippines to showcase their respective service projects which are worthy of praise and commendation. This activity is likewise intended to encourage more Rotary Clubs and/or Rotarians to initiate, plan, execute or implement service projects which will benefit their communities, especially the most needy in the country.

Of the entries to be submitted, ten will be shortlisted and the top three will receive the honor of being Second Runner-Up, First Runner-Up and Champion along with substantial cash prizes.

As a Rotarian, there are a myriad of ways to show that you care. I have already written about some of these ways. I mentioned in my previous articles that as a Rotarian, we have the duty to support the Rotary Foundation by becoming a Paul Harris Fellow. If you feel up to the task, you may join various committees created by the club for special or specific purposes. For example, I am the Chairman of the Rotary Information Committee. This committee was created for the purpose of briefing prospective members of the club by explaining to them what is to be a Rotarian, as well our club is all about including Rotarians duties and responsibilities. But sad to say that some of those members we brief don’t walk their talk. Remember my dear Rotarians that being a member of the Rotary Club is not just attending meetings, but Rotary is about service and fellowship.

I mentioned above the Centennial Awards which I also chair. For the Centennial Celebrations, I am a member of the Protocol and Invitations committee. Writing this article is my way of contributing to our weekly newsletter, the Balita. These are only a few examples, there are many other worthy committees each one of you may join and I guarantee that they can be enjoyable and fulfilling.

During my research for the Centennial Awards, I found a YouTube video of a club composed of women Rotarians from a Rotary Club in one of the provinces. These women were shown in the video going to the market riding tricycles to buy ingredients for the food which they prepared by their own hands which they fed to the malnourished children in the barangay. It surprised me to no end how these women can do such hard work for Rotary with smiles in their faces. I thought to myself, each Rotarian should take his/her cue from these women who join Rotary for sincere service to its causes and not because of personal motives or selfish interest.

I call on every Rotarian to make that first simple contribution and see how fulfilling it can be. There are many who are waiting in the sidelines, waiting for the opportunity to serve. There are those “hidden gems” who have yet to let themselves shine in Rotary service. This is your moment, my friend. Please take this opportunity not only to advance the goals of the club and of Rotary, but also to bring out the leader in you.

It is apt to end this article by quoting the philosopher Lao Tzu who said: “great achievements may easily be accomplished by starting with small actions.”