If you have never heard of Rotary – you should. Rotary is the world’s largest service organization with over 1 million members around the world. I have been a member of different clubs but now I am a member of the Rotary Club of Lake Elsinore, California – in the e-club (Internet). Yes I am in an Internet club. It gives me all the benefits of being a part of such a globally influential group but I don’t have the requirement of attending an actual meeting every week as most clubs do.
I am a big traveler, I like to travel for long periods of time. I use my travel as an opportunity to meet people from all over the world and Rotary is the perfect conduit. As I travel I try to attend Rotary meetings wherever I am. I have attended meetings at the beach, in Ireland, Wales, Panama, Belgium, Uruguay, Argentina, Spain (4 cities), Morocco, St. Thomas, etc. and even on cruise ships.
I am leaving for Antigua in a little over a week and even though I am staying with friends I am reaching out to Rotarians as well. I actually met some while at the DC Travel Show – I forgot that I had my Rotary name tag on from an event that day. I was getting info at the Antigua booth and they said we are Rotarians too. They said I should come visit them and they gave me their cards.
Rotary International encourages individuals and clubs to do exchanges and host one another. My club in California is actually doing an exchange with India next month. I have hosted many Rotarians over the years and I have been hosted many times as well. My most memorable was a month in Uruguay – staying all around the country in homes with people. It was amazing!
It’s astounding what a large community we are and what a small world it can be. For me Rotary is most importantly about friendship and taking the opportunity to make more friends around the world!
Oh yes, and we can visit each other!
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