Why I Am A Rotarian
JULY 18, 2006
 I
had occasion years ago to make some statements as to why I
am a Rotarian. One statement was that Rotary provides a
vehicle for fulfilling that natural instinct in people of
goodwill everywhere to care and to volunteer time for the
needs of their neighbours. Another was our worldwide
fellowship.
As the years have gone by, I find that my conclusions are
being reinforced in my club, in the district and in our
Rotary world.
The fellowship that abounds at club meetings generates true
friendship. The friendship has a way of spreading to the
local community. Civic responsibilities are enhanced and
community needs are met.
The same fellowship is present in all the clubs in the
District, at District conferences, Rotary Institutes and
Conventions. Some of the best friends are made not only in
the local clubs but also in the district, Zones and indeed
around the world.
Rotary makes me feel as much at home in Nigeria as it does
elsewhere. In all the places, I am surrounded by Rotarian
friends. I am in company of a global community united by
common values; delightful members old and young of the
Family of Rotary.
As Rotarians we define those values and reflect upon them in
a number of ways: the object of Rotary, the Rotary
International Mission Statement, the Annual President's
theme, the Declaration of Rotarians of Businesses and
Professions and the Four Way Test.
But for most of us or indeed all of us, it comes back to the
three simple words "service above self", otherwise
translated as "Lend a Hand".
For me, Rotary is one great gateway that leads to many doors
- the chance to meet great people you would otherwise never
meet, to learn about cultures you never knew existed, to
break bread with otherwise total strangers and so break down
the barriers of ignorance and intolerance, to support a
strong Rotary Foundation and its programs and participate in
a crusade for building world understanding and peace.
An organization with a track record of 100 years of
humanitarian service, a catalyst and supporter of global
effort to eradicate polio and architect of the Rotary
Centers for International Studies in Peace and Conflict
Resolution commends itself for membership.
Whereas nations and governments carry out programs for their
citizens in fulfillment of obligations to do so, Rotarians
execute projects that meet the needs of people no matter
where, not because of their gain or a duty to carry out the
project. Their joy is the ability to volunteer and their
benefit is opportunity to serve.
Jonathan B.
Majiyagbe
RIPP 2003-04
TRF Trustee
The Rotary
Club of Kano,
Kano State,
Nigeria
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