Embracing Service and Fellowship: The Rotary Experience

The Heart of Rotary

Rotary International stands as a beacon of service, fellowship, and community development. This global organization, with its roots dating back to 1905, now boasts a membership of 1.4 million individuals dedicated to making a positive impact both locally and globally. Tony Marmo, Past District Governor, describes Rotary as "a membership organization that does a lot of service locally and internationally, just trying to take care of each other and folks in need." Diana Edwards, Supervisor and Regional Membership Officer, adds, "Rotary provides individuals with the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of professionals, develop leadership skills, and foster meaningful relationships."



The Power of Connection and Service

Rotary's mission extends beyond mere fellowship; it actively seeks to change the world through service projects and community initiatives. According to Marmo, Rotary is "not just about service but also the fun part of it," highlighting the importance of engaging with community efforts that are enjoyable and fulfilling. Edwards echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that Rotary's various programs allow members to be more active participants in global change.

One such program is the youth exchange initiative, which fosters peace and understanding by allowing young individuals to experience different cultures. Marmo notes, "Youth exchange makes the world a smaller place," and can help create a more peaceful world through cross-cultural understanding.

Upcoming Opportunities and Events

For those interested in joining this dynamic and impactful organization, Rotary District 7210 is hosting a series of membership meetups in March. These events are designed to introduce prospective members to the essence of Rotary:

• March 3rd at Nanuet Restaurant, 211 Main Street in Nanuet, for those in Rockland County.
• March 4th at Best Western Plus, 503 Washington Avenue in Kingston, serving Columbia, Green, and Ulster Counties.
• March 5th at Dario's Restaurant, 3 Turner Street in Hopewell Junction, focusing on Putnam and Duchess Counties.
• March 6th at Resorts World, 888 Resorts World Drive in Monticello, for Orange and Sullivan Counties.

These events start at 6:00 PM and provide a no-cost opportunity for guests to explore the benefits of Rotary membership. Attendees can expect an evening filled with fun, food, fellowship, and an introduction to the service projects that define Rotary's mission.

Join the Movement

To become part of this dedicated community, prospective members are encouraged to attend one of these informative meetups or visit rotary.org/join to learn more about how to connect with a local Rotary club.

As Tony Marmo passionately states, "If you love to serve, it's a great organization. If you love to do business with people that like to serve first, it's a great organization. Come to Rotary to serve first, and then do business with each other that have like minds."

Rotary invites individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and professions to experience the joy of serving others while building lifelong friendships. Be part of this global force for good, and discover how Rotary can enrich your life and the lives of those in your community.

Listen to the Full Interview: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/CxLfs0N9YRb