A Tee Time With Your New Rotary Club: Why Should You Join?

By David Pavlik, Public Relations Chair

There’s an African proverb that says: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Relationships are key to the success of any business, but not all relationships are created equal. It’s rare to come across people who will open their door to you, take your call, or invite you to coffee without being suspicious, closed off, or expecting something in return. In this day and age, it’s even harder to find an individual, let alone a group of people, who will invite you into their inner circle to do life together. 

In a world of scarcities, many times, Rotary is one of those places. If you’re not aware, Rotary is an organization; no, actually, Rotary is a family that spans the globe, united in a common goal to live life with the motto: “Service above self.” Officially, per the Rotary.org website:

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

Rotary is where neighbors, friends and problem-solvers share ideas, join leaders and take action to create lasting change. Action is a keyword as you can see. What actions are we taking, you might ask? The Rotary family understands that you have to live this life for something greater than yourself. You have to have a vision that is much bigger than you. I’ve often said that if your “WHY” is not scaring you then you need a bigger “WHY.” 

Well, Rotary doesn’t disappoint. What’s the “why” we are trying to tackle? Here are a few:

• Promote peace
• Fight disease
• Provide clean water, sanitation and hygiene
• Save mothers and children
• Support education
• Grow local economies

There are over 35,000 Rotary clubs in the world working together to tackle these Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs), and we are excited to announce another club to add to that list of groups doing their part to impact the world! 

Debra Lowe, Terri Turner, Dan Kirby, Tweet Coleman, Rhys Lynn, and David Pavlik are spearheading the launch of this new club, which will have an outreach emphasis on supporting our military community and anti-bullying solutions for students. This new club will be meeting at our very own Drive Shack in Lake Nona. 

For those who would like to learn more and ask questions about this specific club, or Rotary in general, there will be a Rotary informational session every Wednesday in the month of August from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Drive Shack in Lake Nona. Everyone is welcome to attend these informational sessions at no cost.  

I have been a Rotarian now for a few years, and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made. Not only will you have a “why” or vision that is larger than yourself, you will join an organization that gives you access to a network, a fraternity, a family that is invaluable. 

If what I’ve already mentioned wasn’t reason enough already to join this elite group, let me share a few more things that will benefit you by joining:

• FRIENDSHIP
  • Rotary provides one of the most basic human needs; it’s one of the two reasons why Rotary began. These friendships will last you a lifetime.
• BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
  • The second original reason for Rotary’s beginning. Everyone needs to network. We love to do business with one another, and we’ll help in any way we can.
• PERSONAL GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
  • Rotary continues one’s growth and education in human relations and personal development. Being around such high-caliber individuals causes one to grow and level up. As it’s said, “Your net worth is calculated by your network.”
• LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
  • Rotarians learn to motivate, influence and lead leaders. We challenge one another and support one another.
• CITIZENSHIP IN THE COMMUNITY
  • The average Rotary club consists of the most active citizens of any community. In addition, Rotarians are welcomed at 29,367 clubs in 200 nations.
• CONTINUING EDUCATION
  • Programs keep Rotarians informed about the community, the nation, and the world.
• FUN
  • Rotary is fun … club projects, social activities, meetings, and service are fun.

There are many more I could add to this list, but hopefully this is enough to spark an interest and have you come check us out. I can tell you from personal experience that you won’t be disappointed. With that said, a Rotary club is like anything else in life. You get out of it what you put into it. 

That’s all I have for now! Pack your 9 iron and your driver and let’s get to work. See you soon.

For more information, please contact Dan Kirby, GM at Drive Shack at 808.256.6398 or Tweet Coleman at 407.361.4552. David Pavlik is the Public Relations Chair and can be reached at 407.758.9867.