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 www.whyiam.org …a service of

RGHF Rotary Global History

"We live in the present, we dream of the future,

 but we learn from the past."
 
Frank BaffoeMy way to Rotary was protracted. A business friend of mine, who was a Rotarian invited me on several occasions to join him to his Club meetings. Sadly, however, his efforts were regularly frustrated by my “reasoned” excuses of why I could not join him on each occasion. Strangely though my friend never gave up on me. He persisted.

On one occasion, however, I was moved by my sense of curiosity to go and check it out. My basic problem is that I hate categorization of people that render them prone to discrimination of any kind.

At the meeting of over 50 members from 21 nationalities and cultures, I sat and listened to people of such diverse backgrounds united to find ways and means of helping those less fortunate than themselves. The atmosphere of warm and charged camaraderie was contagious. The situation was indeed exciting to me. There was a shared vision charged with a burning passion crying for action to make a difference in the lives of the needy in our communities.

As I sat and observed, one question that haunted me was: so this is Rotary?! At the end of the meeting I whispered to my friend: I would like to come with you next time again. The rest is history. I became a Rotarian four weeks later and I have never looked back ever since. Rotary has become a way of life to me, since 1983.

Rotary has given me numerous opportunities to enjoy fellowship with like-minded and highly motivated individual Rotarians all over the world as well as to promote humanitarian service project, encourage high ethical standards in my family and business environment. By the same token, Rotary challenges me to contribute in my own humble way, in fostering goodwill, understanding and peace in our troubled world.

This is Rotary, which enable me to serve humankind irrespective of creed, race, religion, gender or social standing. Join Rotary to appreciate and enjoy!

I have been enjoying reading the Monthly Features and the enriching history of our great organisation as a Fellow and a full member of RGHF.

 

I have been wondering with myself why it took me so long to become a member.  I have been able to use the historical library to enrich my District Governor's Monthly Newsletter.

 

Thanks for the rare and supportive service.

 

I am sure my becoming and remaining a Rotarian is not unique.  However, I feel my humble experience may be a source of motivation to others.  I am therefore attaching the brief write-up on Why I am a Rotarian and hope you will find it interesting to be included in a future publication.

 

Kindest regards in the Service of Rotary,

 

Frank Baffoe (RGHF Member)

District Governor 2010 - 2011

District 9320, zone 20a, Lesotho
 
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