Your club responsibilities are listed at the bottom of this email. This includes both meeting responsibilities (if applicable) and your committee memberships.
Originally from Georgia, Barbara Thompson spent her childhood surrounded by agriculture. Her mother's family still owns a large farm in Greene County, a legacy that likely influenced her father's career path as an agriculture and physics teacher. Now residing in Mequon, Wisconsin, Barbara enjoys a life filled with family (two sons and six grandchildren!), travel adventures, peaceful moments spent gardening, and getting lost in a good fiction novel.
Education:
Ph.D. Degree Educational Leadership, Foundation & Technology
Congratulations to Herb for organizing the 38th year of participating in Family Fun Before the 4th. Thank you to all that participated. Peterson has become a master of corn roasting.
In 1905, a spark ignited in Chicago. Attorney Paul Harris envisioned a gathering place for professionals from diverse backgrounds. This simple idea, fueled by a desire for fellowship and service, became the seed of a global phenomenon: Rotary.
Rotary's name itself whispers of its origins. In those early days, meetings rotated from office to office, fostering a spirit of community and shared purpose. From the beginning, the focus wasn't just on camaraderie. It was about giving back. As Paul Harris himself declared, "Rotary's legacy would be built on the results it achieves."And achieve it did. Rotary's reach transcended borders with remarkable speed. Within 16 years, the organization spanned six continents, a testament to its universal appeal. But Rotary wasn't just about growth; it was about resilience. When World War II cast a dark shadow, clubs in several countries were forced to disband. Yet, the spirit of Rotary persisted. Members continued to meet in secret, their commitment to service unwavering. After the war, they emerged, ready to rebuild not just their clubs, but their communities.
Rotary's dedication to service is a constant thread woven through its history. Take polio, for example. In 1979, a project to immunize 6 million Filipino children marked the beginning of Rotary's fight against this crippling disease. Today, thanks to their unwavering efforts, polio is nearly eradicated, a testament to the power of collective action.
The story of Rotary isn't just about grand gestures; it's about the countless acts of service, big and small, that ripple outwards, creating a wave of positive change. It began with a $26.50 donation to The Rotary Foundation in 1917, a seed that grew into a force for good. This commitment to service continued with the Foundation's first gift of $500 to the International Society for Crippled Children in 1930.
Rotary's story is far from over. It's a story that continues to be written by its members, individuals from all walks of life, united by a common purpose. As Rotary looks towards the future, one thing remains certain: the ripples of service started by Paul Harris in 1905 will continue to spread, creating a more connected and compassionate world.
So, I pose this question to our Thiensville-Mequon Rotary Members: How will you make your ripple?
How do we market our service club to future incoming members? As Tyler mentioned this being one of his goals for next year, lets review the variety of ways we can serve.
We all know the feeling – that urge to make a difference, to leave the world a little better than we found it. Rotary is built on this shared desire, and the good news is, there's a way for everyone to get involved!
Finding Your Perfect Service Fit:
Volunteering with Rotary isn't a one-size-fits-all proposition. Here are some ways to discover your service "spark":
Skills-based Volunteering: Are you a whiz with numbers? Lend your accounting expertise to a local non-profit. Do you have a knack for graphic design? Help create awareness campaigns for a cause you care about. Rotary connects your skills with community needs, maximizing your impact.
Passion Projects: Does a particular issue ignite your passion? Rotary supports a vast array of causes, from the playground initiative to Veteran music programs. Find your niche and join forces with like-minded Rotarians to create real change.
Time Commitment Flexibility: Whether you have a few hours a week or just a day to spare, Rotary offers flexible volunteer opportunities. Lend a hand at a one-time event, or commit to a longer-term project – it's all about contributing your time and talents in a way that works for you.
Global Impact: Do you dream of making a difference on a larger scale? Rotary International offers international service projects that allow you to collaborate with Rotarians from around the world on projects that tackle global challenges.
More than just Volunteering:
Being a Rotarian is more than just volunteering – it's about building meaningful connections. Through shared service experiences, you develop lasting friendships with individuals who share your values and commitment to making a difference. You also gain valuable professional skills, leadership experience, and a renewed sense of purpose. The impact you make, the friendships you forge, and the personal growth you experience – it's a journey that will enrich your life in ways you never imagined.
Let's find your service spark and ignite the change we want to see in the world!
Local Opportunity:
Join us to welcome home Veterans on the next Stars & Stripes Honor Flight! We just celebrated our 10,000th Veteran in Milwaukee last flight.
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