More than ever, Milwaukee and the world, need more Rotarians.

 

Never in Rotary’s 110 plus years has the concept of service above self been more relevant, important, or necessary than the times we find ourselves in. Even as factors work to divide people along political, social, or ideological lines, Rotary provides a place where the golden rule is still practiced and supported by our four-way test. Rotary is a place that brings people together to celebrate different perspectives and experiences in an environment centered on civility, mutual respect, and the capacity to learn and grow from each other. It is the reason terms like “service above self” follow Rotarians all over the globe and quickly distinguish them as “people of action.”

 

Rotary provides opportunities to connect with other professionals and community leaders to build relationships and establish lasting connections through meetings, events, and projects. You will experience personal growth through the unique platform that Rotary provides including leadership training and opportunities and skill building workshops. We realize that our members are busy professionals, which is why volunteer activities like “Done in a Day” allows members to help give back in a short time. Social activities outside of regular lunch/breakfast meetings like Tyrotarian Tours, Connector groups, Happy Hour Socials and Live @ the Lakefront provide fun, casual settings that are ideal for meeting new people and catching up with old friends—to connect and celebrate our diverse backgrounds, ages, professions, and personalities. I hope you will take advantage of all our club has to offer this year by attending meetings, joining a committee, and participating in social events.

 

 

Our impact can be felt locally with projects like Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum, Clarence and Cleopatra Johnson Park, support of the armed service and veterans, MKE Urban Stables and the Live @ the Lakefront concert series. It can also be felt globally with our work in Guatemala, delivering urgently needed medical supplies to Ukraine and our longstanding commitment to eradicating polio around the world. I have personally enjoyed being part of an organization that is locally based but globally focused and several of our Rotarians have been welcome guests at Rotary meetings held around the world.

 

I know we will accomplish great things and enjoy those accomplishments even more because we’re working alongside other like-minded leaders. It is a profound honor to serve as President of this wonderful organization and I have learned that the power of Rotary lies in the engagement, creativity, and commitment of our members. This is why I am focused on doing what we can to engage our current members and recruit new members. It will broaden our view of the world around us, build our talent, capabilities, and capacity to help and to make the generations of Rotarians that preceded us and those who follow us proud to be called “people of action.”