What it means to be a Rotarian:
 
When we join a Rotary Club and then continue our membership on an annual basis, we are making a commitment in money and time to our Club, District, and Rotary International.  We are also doing something at a fundamental and individual level.  We are agreeing with  and committing to the principles of Rotary in all aspects of our life.
 
Rotary is not political and it is not religious, but it is highly principled.  Those principles do not simply apply when we walk into a weekly meeting or Rotary event, they are principles that each of us endorse and that should apply to all that we think and say and do.
 
Accepting the universal application of Rotary principles may give each of us a fresh and deeper perspective to the four-way test.  Wherever we are, whoever we are with, whatever we are doing, at all times, we should rely on the four-way test as our touch-stone and framework:
 
1. Is it the TRUTH – are we thinking, speaking, and acting in an honest and sincere manner?

2. Is it FAIR to all concerned – are we thinking, speaking, and acting in a manner that seeks the best possible outcome for all, in a manner that transcends self-interest.  To be clear, our own interests are as valuable as other interests, but we should strive to be in harmony with those other interests and not to sow or feed discord.

3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS – are we consistently turning towards positivity and away from negativity.  We will not always agree and compromise is not always a good result, but we should consistently strive to listen to other points of view and avoid the “echo chamber” that simply reinforces preconceived notions.  In the end, this part of the test requires civil, respectful, thoughtful, and effective communication and interactions, whether or not we agree.

4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned – to some extent, this is a restatement of the principle of fairness, as acting in a fair manner is most likely to be beneficial to all.  It goes one step further and challenges us to think, speak, and act in a pro-active manner that actually seeks out a better result.  We are challenged in this way to leave the part of the world we touch better than before, again, not just for us, but for all who may be affected.  Here we find the heart of “service above self”, and we serve whether or not we are recognized for our good deeds.  It is enough for each of us to know that we have met the test of selfless service, and it matters little whether or not anyone else knows it.
 
In sum, the four-way test is a challenge, an invitation, and a gift to each of us.  It is not a jacket to put on for Rotary and then store away until the next Rotary event. Once we make the commitment to Rotary, the four-way test becomes an important part of how we think, speak, and act at all times and in all situations.  For me, by adhering to the commitment, I aspire to be better, to help make the world I touch better, and to strive to touch more of the world.  Spring is here, a time for renewal. I trust each of us will enthusiastically renew our Rotary commitment.
 
Jamie Knight
President (416-554-1072)

Rotary Meetings

Our speaker calendar for the next few months is filling up fast. I am sure they will all be interesting and informative to our members and guests.

 

April        1        Lunch Meeting        Wounded Warriors Canada (WWC),

                                                     Frank Adamson, Fonthill Rotary

               8        Lunch Meeting        Rev. Pritchard, Caribbean Workers Program

              15       Lunch Meeting        Sarah Kaufman, NOTL Museum

              22       Lunch Meeting        Club Assembly

              29       Social Lunch           Location TBD

 

May         6        Lunch Meeting        Jodi Skeates, Soaring Spirits Canada

              13       No Meeting            Meeting cancelled due to Paul Harris event on                                                         May 15

              20       Lunch Meeting        Club Assembly

              27       Lunch Meeting        Sara Burns, Political Science, RIT, Rochester

 

June       3         Lunch Meeting        Nancy Gilbert, Transform International,                                                                   (ISC Malawi)

              10       Lunch Meeting        Youth Exchange students - Paul Lalonde

              17       Social Event           Turnover Meeting

              24       Lunch Meeting        Club Assembly - Jamie's annual report,

                                                     Emil's final presentation