OF THOSE TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN MUCH IS EXPECTED

Rotarians Observing Family Month

As Rotary has become more and more international, it is fitting that in December, Rotarians celebrate «Family Month». Many of us take part in religious celebrations such as Christmas, Hanukah, Rohatsu, Kwanzaa and Ramadan, while others celebrate the Solstice; regardless, the celebrations involve family and friends.

This is a busy time of year, with parties, family gatherings and gift giving, and it provides just the opportunity to strengthen our clubs as a family. To me, it means two things; involving our natural families in our Rotary club, and extending our family to include our Rotarian colleagues.

Rotary celebrations of the season usually involve spouses and children at dinners and parties. At the Rotary Club of Anchorage South, Alaska, Santa Claus appears to present gifts to the children of Rotarians who have come to the meeting with their parents. Worldwide, clubs gather gifts and food for needy families in their communities. Many members involve their own families in serving dinners and delivering gifts. This helps teach our children, and remind all of us of our obligation that from «whom much is given, much is expected». In other words, «service above self».

We Rotarians have been given much, in family, friends and opportunities through Rotary. Family month is a time to renew our ties and commitment to make our Rotary members extensions of our family, and our family an extension of our club. We do that by doing those things family members do – making an effort to get to know each other, truly caring about our fellow Rotarians, supporting each other in good times and bad, and by engaging in activities that we all enjoy and from which we gain satisfaction.

If your club hasn’t already done so, December is the perfect time to make service to our members our priority and create a Family of Rotary Committee. It is a gift that will keep on giving, to our members, their families, and those we serve.

PDG Alana Bergh

Chair RI Membership Development & Retention Committee 2005-06

Health and Hunger Resource Group Zone 22 Coordinator

R. C. Pole North, Alaska, USA

In Newsletter Family of Rotary and Membership Nr 2

PHOTOS: we are sure to get it (photo José Amorim, Brazil); Alana Bergh