Every year, the President of RI, the Governor of District 7330 and club Presidents plan projects, establish goals and exhort Rotarians to participate in the former and achieve the latter. Individuals and clubs are presented various awards for superior and excellent performance.
What does it mean when a Rotarian or a club receives an award? For example, what does it mean when a club is designated the District's Club of the Year?
It does not mean that the club had the best fundraisers, the most service projects, the best bulletin or gave away the most money. It means the club helped people have a better life. It means the club was an exemplar of the ideals and goals of Rotary.
It means that the club responded to challenges issued by Rotary International and by the District Governor. It means that the club responded to self-imposed challenges. It means that problems were solved, obstacles were overcome and needs were met.
Earning the designation of Club of the Year is not analogous to winning the Super Bowl or some other championship or contest. The designation is not an end unto itself. It is recognition that the club made a difference in the lives of people in its community, in Pennsylvania, in the United States and around the world. As PDG Tom Uram has said on more than one occasion, because of Rotary clubs, your Rotary Club, somewhere a mother who you will never know was saved from deciding which one of her children will get a meal one day. If the Award were presented to the club with the strongest and most efficient administration, it would be sterile and without real meaning.
This is not to say that effective club administration and leadership is not important. They are among the key components of a superior Rotary club. What else does it take to be the best?
"Your Club" is composed of Rotarians - people like you. It is you and your colleagues who make the Club what it is [or isn't].
As you read these words, consider whether you do or did your share of the work or whether you are or were along for the ride. What you are really asking yourself when you contemplate that question is whether you are a Rotarian or whether you are merely a member of a Rotary club. Did you place Service Above Self or did you just eat some meals, listen to some programs and pass the sign up sheets to the next person without placing your name on it?
Are you proud of the recognition earned by your Club or is it something which is not very important to you? If you view awards in the proper light - that they represent recognition for helping people through service by putting their needs ahead of your own, we think you will realize it should be and is important and a source of satisfaction.
In the final analysis, Rotary is all about helping people, many of whom can't help themselves, and Rotary awards really recognize those clubs and individuals who made the effort to do it. While many tasks performed by Rotarians seem mundane, all contribute to the ultimate goal of helping people all around the world. Is there really any higher or more noble calling? It's your calling as a Rotarian; just one more benefit of membership.
