Back when I first joined West Perth we were a club of some 60 members. I was a past exchange student but knew little of Rotary “proper” – aside from the amazing opportunity I was granted. I used to show up diligently to our weekly meetings at the Wembley Lodge sit at my table, struggle to be engaged with the conversation, all these old men (unfortunately at that time diversity was measured by our ability to accommodate two or more accountants as members) who really didn’t have a lot in common with this young fellow fresh out of school!
The learning curve was mine to take as seemingly everyone else knew each other, understood what was going on and where they could contribute. I had to learn the hard way that you should never get between Allan Lockhart and potatoes, Gordon White has a laugh that can engage a room, Alan Raphael can fit you in for a quick clean and scale after any Rotary meeting and a Magic Show is a real way to raise funds. If I were to reflect honestly, it wasn’t all that inviting as a new member, the club was great, the members were great and doing great things, but no one really had a focus on my journey within the club – so why continue???
Indeed there is an element of “Buck Up Petal” here, everyone isn’t responsible for my comfort – which is true, but simply opening your door to someone doesn’t make them a friend, that comes from all that goes on after you open the door.
So back to the question – why did I stay? I stayed because I had a connection to Rotary, I experienced Rotary, but fundamentally, I stayed because someone took the time to invite me to join. These 2 reasons carried me through the time where I felt uncomfortable, an outsider amongst a group of great friends. I met my wife through Rotary, I have travelled the world with Rotary, hosted Rotarians in our home, our children have grown up with Rotary and our lives are richer for it.
Things change and our environment today is certainly different to what it was 30 years ago but whilst our clothing may be different our core purpose remains as relevant as ever – connecting, engaging & uplifting.
Someone took the time to invite me to be a member, someone took the time to invite you to be a member. Who is worthy of your time to invite to be a future member of the Rotary Club of West Perth?
Yours in Rotary Service,
Stephen
President 2020-21
