Any Rotarians here?

[Complete Turf Care]

Just wondering if any members here are Rotarians? I have been a Rotarian for about 20+ years, and have served as president of 2 clubs, and currently serve as president of a 3rd club.

I am in District 6200 in South Louisiana.

 

[art]

From the award I just got I guess I've been involved for 34 years with just one club. Right wrong or indifferent My wife says I was president four times. Great organization as Rotary helps anyone and nearly everyone. From Children to injured, diseases like Polio and more as well as the elderly. One group covers all.

 

[sseelhoff]

Former Rotarian. Left the club when I moved. Former board member, club president, ten star rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow.

 

[Complete Turf Care]

I'm really surprised there are not more Rotarians here.....

 

[Depmandog]

I'm really surprised there are not more Rotarians here.....

I have a Rotary mower, and I am from Missouri...a Missourian..... Does that make at least my mower a "Rotarian" ?

Just kidding of course. What is the national rotary membership levels today compared with 30 years ago? I seldom hear of the Rotary, Jaycees, Kiwanis, Lions, etc. Are membership levels in service club generally declining?

 

[Complete Turf Care]

I have a Rotary mower, and I am from Missouri...a Missourian..... Does that make at least my mower a "Rotarian" ?

Just kidding of course. What is the national rotary membership levels today compared with 30 years ago? I seldom hear of the Rotary, Jaycees, Kiwanis, Lions, etc. Are membership levels in service club generally declining?

Yes, membership is declining. I don't know the numbers today compared to 30 years ago. It is a shame that the numbers are declining, because all of the organizations you mention do so many great things in their communities and around the world.

For me, Rotary is an easy way to help out in the community, and it's lots of fun, and I get lots of business from fellow Rotarians, although I have never solicited anything.

 

[Dr_Zinj]

I suspect some of the decline in all charitable organizations may be due to government infringement/takeover of the functions that these charitable organizations provided. When the government starts dictating just how and who you can do good deed for, the end is in sight.

 

[art]

You mean like with the foreign exchange student program where you need a FBI investigation to have a child form another country stay at your home while attending classes here. Most of the students stay with parents of other students! Maybe we should have the parents checked out before they conceive so we know if they will be a good parent.

 

[300UGUY]

I suspect some of the decline in all charitable organizations may be due to government infringement/takeover of the functions that these charitable organizations provided. When the government starts dictating just how and who you can do good deed for, the end is in sight.

I see it as a decline in the working middle class. Less money for things like service organizations. And a lot of conservative churches don't let members participate in "worldly" organizations. If it isn't their own program, they don't want to be part of it.

 

[Complete Turf Care]

And a lot of conservative churches don't let members participate in "worldly" organizations. If it isn't their own program, they don't want to be part of it.

That's interesting. I've never heard of a church that does this. But, this thread is about Rotary, so lets stay on topic.

 

[Depmandog]

Our church (southern baptist), encourages participation in community groups (with perhaps the exception of the Masonic and then all of the "drinking clubs"). My problem is lack of time. Since am very active in our church and its' associated programs, there isn't much spare time or energy for anything else.

I live in a small town that is considered part of the KC metro. In the 30 years I lived here, the only organization that has "solicited" me for membership has be our local Chamber of Commerce, and one of the "drinking clubs" in the city (FOE). Prior to living here, I came from a small county seat town in a rural part of north Missouri. The Jaycees and Rotary were active and recruiting, along with the Moose (they could throw a mean party!)

I think the urban sprawl and changes in workplace has been a contributing factor in the decline. Main Street USA is all but dead, thanks in a large part to the Waltons. With the vacation of the business districts to the shopping centers at the edge of town - our idyllic lifestyle post WWII has evolved (or devolved) to its current state.

My neighbors leave for work at 6, and don't get home till after six. 500 channels of mainly crap to watch once they get home, and of course the internet. Kids and sports, another trip into the city to play the tournament, and then of course - have to head to the lake with the boat come Friday night. "Life" has gotten too busy for most people to share their time and talents.

Oh, and the busy part I described up above has been, and to some extent still is me. I decided to make time for church, then the remainder I spend with family...

 

[RobertN]

Not a member, but have a couple friends who are locally. Cameron Park, Ca Rotary built an AWESOME observatory.
Community Observatory - El Dorado County, CA