Nick Adams
Rotary 5470 District Membership Chair

Last month, we looked at the importance of creating opportunities for our members to become more involved, develop their talents, and discover what Rotary has to offer. This month, I want to turn our attention outward and consider how we share those experiences with others.

Every Rotarian has a story. 

Why did you join Rotary? More importantly, why are you still a Rotarian?

Perhaps you joined because someone invited you to a meeting. Maybe you wanted to serve your community, build relationships, develop leadership skills, or become part of something larger than yourself. The reason you remain a Rotarian may be entirely different from the reason you joined.

Those personal stories are among our most effective membership tools.

Public image may not be the primary responsibility of a club’s membership committee, but the two are closely connected. Before people consider joining Rotary, they need to understand who we are, what we do, and why it matters. Our websites, social media posts, service projects, community events, and conversations all help shape that understanding.

October gives us two timely examples of the Rotary story we can share.

World Polio Day on October 24 reminds us of what Rotarians can accomplish through sustained commitment. For decades, Rotary members have worked alongside our partners to bring the world closer to eradicating polio. It is a story of service, perseverance, partnership, and the collective impact of Rotarians around the world. It is also a story worth sharing with people who may not realize the role Rotary has played in this historic effort.

Registration is also open for the 2027 Rotary International Convention in Barcelona. The convention offers members the opportunity to experience the worldwide reach of Rotary, meet people from across the globe, exchange ideas, and see how our shared commitment to service connects us across cultures and communities.

Polio eradication and the International Convention demonstrate the global reach of Rotary, but our local stories are just as important. A student receiving a scholarship, a family helped through a service project, a community partnership, or a member discovering a new opportunity to serve can help someone understand what Rotary looks like close to home.

We do not need a polished speech to tell Rotary’s story. We simply need to speak honestly about our experiences, show Rotary in action, and invite others to experience it for themselves.

This month, I encourage every member to consider two questions:

What is my Rotary story, and who could I share it with?

When our communities understand why Rotary matters to us, they are more likely to see how Rotary might matter to them.

Nick Adams
District Membership Chair
Rotary District 5470