Did you know that only 5% of current Rotarians are aware of their organization’s history? I just made that up, but since it MIGHT be true, I decided to remedy that lack.

I am Assistant Governor for Area 12, which includes clubs in Cedaredge, Delta, Montrose (Black Canyon), and the North Fork Valley (Crawford, Hotchkiss, Paonia). On a functional level, I am supposed to keep the District Governor aware of what is happening in these clubs, as well as working with the clubs to carry out her initiatives. I am supposed to do this by visiting the clubs and writing reports.

While I will admit to only marginally accomplishing those duties, I chose a different path for engaging my clubs, one of sending out Rotary historical tidbits on a more or less regular basis.  To keep district leadership informed of what I was doing, I sent them copies of my messages. I now claim that more than 5% of local Rotarians are aware of at least some of Rotary’s rich history!

I joined Rotary in 2000 soon after I moved to Paonia.  I wanted to get to know the community leaders. When I join an organization it is with the intent of being actively involved. Thus I was soon drafted into club leadership and then Assistant Governor at the close of my first presidential year.  Frankly, I really was not properly prepared for district leadership, but learned on the job. That was 15+ years ago.

2021 was a major turning point for me. My husband of 57 years died; District Governor Elect, Sam Kevan, asked me to be his aide. My purpose in life changed from being a full time care giver to that of supporting our upcoming Rotary District leader. My primary responsibility was preparing both Sam and the individual clubs for his Governor visits. As such I was involved with weekly district leadership meetings.

I learned how district leadership supported the clubs and what tools they needed to be effective. It became clear that Assistant Governors were a critical link. If they were able to do their job their clubs tended to excel. Thus, when the term of my predecessor expired, I decided it was time to apply for the AG position and try to be more active this time around.

While I am still learning how to be most useful to my clubs, I have certainly seen progress. I have seen how four rather different Rotary Clubs serve their community, which I am privileged to share among them and with District leadership. It is truly exciting to see a club’s membership grow, another’s leadership development solidify, the very successful hands on community service provided, and the unwavering support of young people among them all.

Stepping up to District leadership is the most effective way I know of being more fully engaged as a Rotarian. Are you a passive joiner or an active one? Put your time and skills to work in support of the most effective service organization in the world. That is my humble opinion and I am sticking to it!

Yours in Rotary service,

Sarah

Sarah G. Bishop
Rotary District 5470
AG Area 12
970-312-1324 cell
sgbishop112@gmail.com