November 6, 2001   *   vol. 1 (19)

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vol. 1 (19)   *   November 6, 2001

     In every man's heart is a desire that can only be filled by helping others, and it is through the Christian ideal of Rotary of "service above self" that Rotarians get to fulfill that yearning in terms of humanitarian service to the community and the country, particularly to the poor. There are tremendous opportunities provided by the club for learning and experiencing new skills, insights and knowledge that can be used in serving others.
     There are at least four avenues through which one's longing to serve is satisfied. There's the community, the club, the vocation and the international channel involving clubs from other nations, aside from the Rotary's own Foundation which has successfully undertaken several projects, foremost of which is the Polio Plus. Lately, there's another lane thru which Rotarians may impart assistance especially among youth.
     Members in a Rotary club are assumed to be diligent, industrious, active leaders in their special line of occupation with qualities of the head and the heart that makes them fit to impart Rotary's message to fellowmen. They are counted as representatives of their profession or career in the club who contribute something of educational value pertaining to their craft. Members are classified to make certain that every club is a reflection of the professions, vocations and business of the community where it is located. However, membership in Rotary is not just raising one's hand to recite the oath of allegiance, and being issued a membership card. Every member has to personalize in his character and life the Rotary ideal, and to practice its four-way test of truth, fairness, goodwill and of being a man for others in actual day-to-day living. 
     The strength of every Rotary club is the fellowship and mutual confidence among its members during club meetings and most certainly in

undertaking various club activities. Companionship and development of fellowship are basic sources of strength for the organization to carry out its mission of servicing the less fortunate. Members are also expected to be religious in the payment of their membership dues and other fines and assessments and to be regular in attendance at the weekly meetings. It is in these two practical aspects that a club can effectively plan, formulate, and implement its projects. Thus, presence at meetings and other club activities becomes virtually a must. Being busy is not an excuse to be absent, after all only busy men are privileged to become members of the club.           
     In Rotary, it is a tradition or way of life to give every member the opportunity to grow as a person and as a professional; to develop meaningful fellowship and camaraderie; to build a world of friendship and peace; and best of all - to serve.