I Was a New Member

I Was a New Member
by  Paul Moore

Fifty years ago was our nation’s Bicentennial and my first year as a new member of Rotary.  I was 27 years old, married with a four year old son, newly moved from New York to North Carolina, and in my first line management position.  My predecessor, 20 years my senior, had recommended that I join Rotary.  Several influential members sponsored me and so it began.

The next youngest member was in his late thirties.  His father and grandfather were members.  The club decided I should be named Sergeant At Arms, which mostly involved convincing members to offer a prayer and lead the Pledge of Allegiance.  I think I was given the job because everyone else was tired of being turned down.  All this was in Hickory, NC, where we met in the second floor meeting room of Mom and Pop’s Ham House.  It was a great experience and helped me learn to adult.

In later years I was a new Rotarian in Charlotte, Oklahoma City, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, and again in Oklahoma City.  Each experience was unique – from the Ham House to the California Club, from 40 members to 600 – and I treasure all of them.

In Club 29, my current duties still include convincing people to offer a prayer and lead the pledge, and serving on the Member Engagement and Retention Committee.  In the latter role, I have been reminded that not everyone’s experience as a new member is the same.  We utilize a New Member table each week to help with connections and have had positive responses to that.  Some people come into the club already knowing many members and others have a smaller circle.

My challenge to you and to myself is that we mindfully help New Members widen their circle.  Introduce yourself, ask them about themselves, build a connection.  (Will it build goodwill and better friendships?)  We were all new members at least once.