An Introvert’s Rotary
by Kirsten Lindsay
I’m one of those people you might assume is an extrovert, but I’m really an introvert (an “introverted extrovert” – or is it an “extroverted introvert”?). In large group events, I tend to arrive toward the end of the “networking” period to minimize social time. I’m more comfortable with “big talk” than small talk. The typical “How are you?” or “How’s work?” followed by the inevitable “Busy!” leaves me drained and scrambling for what to say next.
These days, small talk feels even trickier. Our economic, social, and political climate can make deeper conversations feel like minefields. Stray too far from the weather, and you risk bumping into dangerous territory. In Oklahoma, even college football is dicey. And fifteen years into my career at Francis Tuttle, I have yet to perfect my elevator speech. I love what I do and it’s important work but I can’t sum it up in thirty seconds.
So when I was approached by a long-time friend about joining Rotary, I was intrigued – Rotaries, Club 29 in particular, have an outstanding reputation in our city – but also hesitant: all those high-profile community members and overachievers in one room! All of that talking and networking! It sounded simultaneously exciting and exhausting.
What I’ve discovered, though, is that the ritual and routine of Rotary meetings are grounding. The prayer, the pledge, the welcoming of guests—they quiet the noise of the day. These moments are inclusive: different faiths are represented; different perspectives are honored. And when we get to the heart of our meetings – programs, speakers, causes- there’s a striking absence of partisanship. The topics are simply too meaningful and too global to be reduced to a political lens.
That’s Rotary’s real strength. It’s not about whether you lean left or right, but about leaning forward, toward service, toward understanding, toward making a difference. Each week I leave having learned something new about our community and its people. And as I look around the room, I know I am sitting among people of many political viewpoints, united by a shared curiosity and commitment to something larger than ourselves.
Drew Edmondson summed it up in his “Reflection” last month: “Perhaps the most important reason is the quality of our programs. Each week we have an opportunity to learn something about our city, our state, our world. We care about each other, and others.”
That’s why Rotary doesn’t feel like a networking event or a “tip club.” Our engagement isn’t measured by how many business cards we hand out, but by how we act on the ideas and inspiration we encounter each week. What organizations might I support? What issues should I learn more about? What service opportunities can I pursue?
And here’s the irony: I’ve realized that in Rotary, I do enjoy networking, because we’re not networking about the weather or vacations. We’re networking about the big things, the things that matter. So if you see me on a Tuesday, don’t be afraid to talk to me. Just don’t be surprised if my first answer is one word, before we move on to the conversations that really count