In Rotary, with everything that we do for others, for most of us the only thanks we’ll ever need is the joy and personal satisfaction we find when we help others as we do. Yet, we also have a human need for recognition and to just hear “thanks” now and then.
Rotary recognized this need a while back, and through Rotary we have a recognition plan that most of our members have probably never heard of. It has the very catchy name of the Membership Society, with differing levels depending on membership sponsorship.
Like everything in life, the records aren’t always perfect, as the individual reporting to RI the new member in the club may not know who the sponsor was, or the importance of even entering the data, so we live with GIGO – Garbage In, Garbage Out. Even with this limitation, we have three members in our own district who shine brightly in the realm of membership. It won’t surprise you that they all do so much more than just bring in members – they all epitomize Service Above Self.
With 35 members to date – Melissa Prandi from the Rotary Club of Mission San Rafael. This places Melissa in the Silver Category of The Membership Society.
Not far behind her, in the Bronze Level, we have Brian Rusch from the Rotary Club of Global Action, and Nine LaDow from the Rotary Club of SOMA, both with 29 new members that they have sponsored.
Yes, sponsoring a new member does take a bit of effort, a willingness to face rejection, but when one decides the gift of Rotary needs to be shared, then I’d encourage all of us to remember Melissa, Nine and Brian – and go ask someone today to join you in your next project or come to your next meeting.
On behalf of the district, my personal thanks and congratulations to Melissa, Brian and Nine.
--Written by 2024-2025 District Governor, Steve Wright