Rotary may mean different things to different people in different ways and even at different times depending on who poses the question or who the respondent is. A Rotarian is an individual who belongs to a local Rotary Club which is in good standing with Rotary International.

In this short piece, I shall attempt shedding some infinitesimal light on what Rotary has meant to me in my very short journey so far. Although, I will not claim to ‘have arrived’, knowing that others have superior experiences to share, I believe this will set the tone in an attempt to re-orient people’s mindset. I have categorised the subject matter under broad headings to make for easy reading.

Leadership

Rotary, being such a diverse and multicultural organisation, has a membership with a myriad of attitudes, character traits, behavioural traits, minders, etc. The mere art of relatedness with all these categories of people is a major leadership skill very well sought after worldwide. It is said that every Rotarian is a potential leader, but I dare add that this assertion is not entirely correct. I shall modify to read that ‘every true Rotarian is a Leader’!

It is about the only known major voluntary service organisation where members look forward to the end of tenure after occupying the number one spot be it Presidency, Governorship, etc. Infact, records have it that those ‘unfortunate’ ones who have had to repeat terms have done so amidst serious protestations and/or out of necessity.

Character and Ethics

In every setup established or otherwise, there are acceptable practices which might not be in print but very well known to all. Rotary helps in moulding an individual’s character regarding things to abhor and indulge in especially in the practice of our varied vocations.

As part of the Classification Talk new members give at Rotary meetings, it is highly recommended they cite practical examples regarding how they apply the 4-Way Test in their various vocations. The essence is to imbibe these cardinal principles into them and ensure that it stays.

The strict application of these sound ethics sometimes becomes counterincentive especially in environments where there are literally no punitive measures for circumventing processes or laid down regulations. The typical question that comes up most times is whether a true Rotarian should “pay” his way into obtaining a lucrative contract, job, appointment, etc. or risk losing it since others will jump at such an opportunity!

My answer will be to consider the larger goal and long term societal Rotary Expedition D9102 September 2018 11 consequences before losing sleep over such matters. We should always remember that a ship is safe in the harbour but that’s not why it was built.

Networking & Fellowship

One interesting song in our Club Songs Book encourages us not just to make new friends but keep the old as well because one is silver and the other gold. The importance of maintaining relationships cannot be over-emphasised.

There are several opportunities and fora within Rotary circles to meet people from varied academic, social and professional backgrounds through conferences, conventions, training, assemblies, seminars, fair exhibitions, referrals, etc.

Some have struck significant business deals, some have been blessed with marriages, and others have had lifechanging encounters with individuals and organisations they would never have dreamt of but for their association with Rotary.

Indeed, Rotary is good!

Discipline & Respect

Rotarians honour their commitment. An appointment with a Rotarian is taken more seriously on the basis that time will be strictly adhered to. It is in this vein, that I doff my cap to the serious advocacy work by the action group on Punctuality and Time Management. Their ongoing campaign in Ghana is aimed at indicating such useful attitude beyond Rotarians.

Worldwide, Rotary has gained the enviable reputation of being a noble organisation made up of people who are truthful as espoused by the 4-Way Test. It is a known fact that people – Rotarians and non-Rotarians alike, have abused this recognition by using it for false declarations and personal gain. Notable amongst them is the use of Rotary clout in securing Visas, fundraising, etc. It is incumbent on the good ones to expose and/or reprimand the bad nuts in order to preserve its sanctity, failing which the negative consequences will befall everybody.

Humility

There is no denial the fact that most people have had casual exchanges with very prominent individual Rotarians without noticing simply because they do not have their circular or preoccupations engraved on their foreheads. Rotarians are simply amazing individuals who are not haughty.

Service Projects

In our various communities, we are confronted with the reality of insufficiency or lack of one form of basic amenity or the other. Most of the time, people tend to look up to governments or city authorities to address those needs but this hardly materialises either due to inadequate funding or simply being nonchalant.

The motto of ‘Service Above Self’ resonates very well with any true Rotarian. Rotarians always marshal resources to change lives by embarking on meaningful projects. The ideology of having to individually solve a need is unsustainable and can be a heavy burden as well, hence the need to join forces with likeminded people. 

A true Rotarian is one who has a sacrificial spirit and serving heart! In signing up as a Rotarian, the art of giving is a given!

Without the voluntary giving of financial and material resources by Rotarians worldwide, the eradication of polio would have been a mirage and likewise the numerous projects that Rotary has successfully executed since 1905.

The essence of Rotary’s existence is firmly rooted in its significant emphasis in carrying out projects that outlive generations. Well-meaning Rotarians give in numerous forms for projects to be undertaken, most of which they might never see in their lifetime.

Social Support Haven

The element of camaraderie among Rotarians answers a very fundamental social need for belongingness as professed by Maslow’s Theory of Needs. Rotary Clubs, being human organisations offer social support in different forms depending on the cultural setting to their fellow members and serves as good assurance of concern or care. Most of these are not necessarily financial assistance but the offer of a shoulder to lean on is sufficient especially in very trying and challenging circumstances. Rotarians also come in handy to celebrate blissful moments which makes one feel loved.

Conclusion

It is my earnest expectation that whatever drive we may have in deciding to join this transparent human-centred organisation known as Rotary, will be a call to duty with enough conviction to champion the cause of making the world a better place.

Each one must have a genuine reason in becoming a Rotarian and a personal roadmap to achieving the stated objectives. It is important to count the cost before embarking on the Rotary journey so one does not become a statistic in the popular revolving door membership dogma.

PP Emmanuel Quarshie
Rotary Club of Accra-West,
District 9102