Reflections on Change and Continuity in Rotary
by Karen Wicker
It is funny how the new year prompts us to take stock of our lives—like watching an old movie in slow motion. Most characters are friendly and familiar, while others are a little fuzzy. Still, it is worth reviewing the past to appreciate how we arrived to where we are today.
The same can be said of my Rotary experience. When I joined Club 29 in 2009, we met downtown at the prestigious Petroleum Club. Everyone sat around crisp white tablecloths while an impeccably dressed wait staff served lunch. Each program was carefully crafted, though the sound system often had a mind of its own. And after each meeting, members would elbow their way to the crowded elevators, eager to beat the post-lunch rush down the parking garage ramp.
When I first joined, I was among a minority group of female Rotarians. Most members had been in the club for decades and only one woman had ever served as club president. While I always felt welcomed, Rotary was still a place steeped in suit-and-tie traditions—down to the dress code itself.
Today, our club not only looks different, but acts differently, too. Our meeting space at St. Luke’s invites more one-on-one interaction and spontaneous conversations—often the best ones happen in the buffet line or church parking lot. The pandemic nudged us to embrace technology, and now online meetings and hybrid options make it easier for all members to stay connected. Our recent election even produced the most diverse slate of officers in club history, offering unique perspectives to the leadership of the organization.
When I look around Rotary today, I see a club that fully reflects the community we serve. Younger faces are joining seasoned professionals, newer ideas are mixing with long-standing traditions, and our focus on Service Above Self feels as strong as ever.
These changes are, candidly, for the better. They remind us that while our weekly rituals may evolve, our mission stays timeless: to bring people together, build relationships, and make an impact on the lives of others. That spirit—familiar and friendly—is what continues to make Rotary feel like home.
Thank you Karen for describing your Rotary experience over the years. I joined in 2002 and – believe it or not – I was one of the younger members 24 years ago. I have also watched Rotary change in appearance but remain the same in mission. The shifting demographics have kept the club strong and relevant which is remarkable in a world of shrjnking civic engagement. I just finished rereading Putnam’s “Bowling Alone” and clearly it is the women in the club who maintain its “social capital” and I cannot imagine a robust Rotary 29 without a female cohort and younger membership. Thank you Karen for taking time to share your/our experience of Club 29.
As a new member, I am so appreciative of the friendliness and welcoming spirit of this diverse organization. I have not witnessed the changes historically, but I know that the energy produced by the diversity of the current members, ranging across the life span, feels exciting and robust. The mix of all areas of Oklahoma enterprise from business, healthcare, the arts, nonprofit organizations, city planning, the law, etc., has resulted in a vibrant climate today. Thank you Karen for this description of your own experience over time.