10 Things I Love About Rotary

10 Things I Love About Rotary
by Karen Wicker

February is the month of love, a time to share joy and appreciation with important people in our lives. There are countless reasons I love being a Rotarian, but here are the ones which immediately spring to mind.

Rotary is a place where I can “belong” once a week, and I appreciate the accountability Club 29 provides. Being a member of rotary means committing to supporting your peers; it also means making a verbal commitment to truth, fairness, goodwill and friendship through the Four-Way Test. Everyone needs a little accountability in their lives.

I’m thankful for the relationships I’ve formed with Rotarians who span generations, who work in an array of professions and have varying ways of looking at the world. When we come together, I’m reminded of the universe that exists outside of my own bubble.

Being part of rotary has helped open my eyes to the tremendous potential of organizations, associations and businesses in our community. Our group’s guest speakers help me get out of my comfort zone and learn about topics to which I wouldn’t otherwise be exposed. I like to say because of these passionate speakers, I know just enough to be dangerous at a cocktail party.

By pledging allegiance and singing the national anthem weekly, I’m reminded of the importance of patriotism and how privileged we are to live in a free country. Club 29 is diverse in its opinions and thoughts — some of us are republicans, some are democrats, some are people of faith and others are not — but at rotary, we all come together and represent the good in the world.

Our weekly meetings are opportunities for fellowship. Some of my dearest friends belong to rotary, and I always look forward to catching up with them and hearing about their lives. Club 29 is a rich network of smart, dedicated people, and I’m glad to call its members both colleagues and friends.

There is always a project or committee to join, a place or a purpose to give back. Being a servant isn’t just an abstract idea in rotary — it’s a way of life. Whether it’s pledging donations to a local nonprofit or ringing bells for the Salvation Army, Rotarians step up in a big way.

I’m consistently amazed by Rotarians with perfect attendance and am in awe of their sense of commitment. They set such a great example and demonstrate the importance of community involvement.

Rotary’s Four-Way Test is the foundation of our organization, a weekly reminder to be a good person and do the right thing. Whether I’m battling a client issue or dealing with something in my personal life, saying the Four-Way Test out loud truly helps to cleanse my soul.

Speaking of soul-cleansing — where would we be without Cheryl and her incredible talent? Her music brings on a wave of nostalgia; the only other time you hear tunes like hers is back in the days of department store piano players. She is the rock of rotary, and we wouldn’t be the same without her.

Happy February, Club 29. May you continue to spread love to the people of Oklahoma City and the world.