It looks like Fulton soon will have more Rotarians providing community service in line with the organization's motto, "Service Above Self."
A diverse group of 20 potential members gathered last week at Callaway Electric Cooperative to hear more about the possibility of expanding Rotary in Fulton. All 20 indicated a desire to be a Rotarian. In addition, several other individuals have expressed interest, but were unable to attend the meeting.
Rotary District Governor David Bixler, who came from Springfield, Missouri, to speak to the group, shared five reasons to be a Rotarian, including community service, professional development and networking.
Mary Ann Beahon, president of the Rotary Club of Fulton, talked about Rotary's avenues of service: Club service, vocational service, community service, international service and youth service. She also explained Rotary's areas of focus, such as promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education and growing local economies.
The Fulton Rotary Club has been investigating the potential for an evening Rotary club in the community - a club for people who have a heart for service but may be unable to attend lunch meetings. Among the potential members targeted were teachers or others who can't leave their school or workplace at lunchtime and people who work in Columbia or Jefferson City but live in Fulton.
The evening Rotary will be a satellite club. Those who join will be members of the Rotary Club of Fulton but will have their own meeting day and time, dues structure and board, with a chairperson instead of a president. A satellite club may eventually transition into its own club.
"We believe there are many, many folks in Fulton who would enjoy an opportunity to give back to their community and to connect with like-minded leaders and friends," Beahon said. "An evening club could do just that - at a fraction of the cost of a luncheon meeting."
People join Rotary for many reasons, Beahon said, including community involvement, personal development, professional networking, and camaraderie.
"But perhaps the most important benefit is the satisfaction you gain from making a real difference in your community and in the world," she said.
Most evening clubs meet shortly after the work day is over. They meet someplace that gives them the option of ordering food or a drink, without the obligation to do so. That keeps the cost down because the largest expense of a luncheon club comes from the price of the meal. Some clubs even arrange for childcare for the members to make attendance easier.
"Rotary doesn't have to be expensive," Beahon said, adding, "$11.25 a month covers the dues. Any additional fees are up to the individual club. Fulton Rotary, for example, adds amounts for community support and scholarships."
Rotary International in the past year has provided more flexibility for clubs. There no longer is a requirement to meet weekly. Some clubs meet once a month and conduct a service project on another date and possibly a social on another. In addition, members no longer have to be business leaders. They just have to conduct themselves ethically and be willing to help the community through service.
The Fulton Rotary Club meets at noon each Wednesday at Fulton Country Club.
For more information on the organization, email the Rotary Club of Fulton at [email protected] or visit www.fultonrotary-mo.org.