“The Importance of Families in Rotary”

No Rotarian could give of his best to Rotary without the full support of his family. The importance of this fact is reflected in RI’s setting aside of the Second Week of February in each year for the observance of Family Week.

Because of other matters on our national calendar, we were not able to organize a family event during the second week of February, but we have been able so to do in the second week of March. Hence the reason for the appearance of this article in March instead of February.

In general, however, while specific days or weeks or other periods are designated for the observance of certain events or things, these are only by way of reminders. In this particular instance, one can hardly conceive the celebration or observance of the family unit for one week of the year and disregarding it for the rest of the year.

With respect to the family in Rotary, Rotarians would recall that during the interview prior to the invitation to become a Rotarian, great stress was placed on the family’s knowledge and approval. Apart from a Rotarian’s financial resources and his time which he is called upon to share, and even to contribute, very often, all the hands of the family are needed to be
lent for the successful execution of a project. Not because we do not always see members of a Rotarian’s family physically present during a project that valuable assistance was not rendered by that family. Tickets may have been sold, contributions from friends and colleagues may have been sought and obtained. In short, there may have been a tremendous amount of behind the scenes efforts without which certain projects would have failed.

Rotarian Families are more than friends or helpers of Rotary. They are much more than honorary Rotarians. They are an integral part of the Rotary Club. Let us therefore use this family weekend in Mayaro to show our families what an important part of our club they are.

President Hendy.

Meeting of the 26th February, 2004.

Attendance: 76.5 %

Rotary Information: Update in Ophthalmology by Rot. Lloyd

Fellowship: Happy Birthday Rot.Selwyn

Club Service: A Club fellowship weekend is planned for the 13th and 14th of March at Radix Beach Resort, Mayaro.

Community Service: An invitation was received to attend the AGM of The National Center for Persons with Disabilities on Thursday 4th March, 2004, 5.30 p.m. at The Auditorium, City Hall, Harris Promenade, San Fernando.

Extract of R.I. President’s Message for March 2004 Dear fellow Rotarians, “March is the month in which Rotarians and their partners in service celebrate Rotaract, and this year we observe the 36th anniversary of this vital, Rotary-sponsored service club program for young men and women ages 18 to 30. With clubs in more than 150 countries, Rotaract is preparing some 170,000 young leaders to better serve their communities.”