F is for Footsteps
There are 1.4 million Rotarians worldwide today who believe in “Service Above Self” that have followed in the “footsteps” of Rotary founder, Paul Harris. Although we all have our own story of how we got into Rotary, for many of us we followed in the footsteps of our family into Rotary (Hey, look at that, a triple “F” word!).
I for one am proud to say that my sponsor into Rotary Club #21 was my father, Larry Weir, who used to be a member of our club. I’m also proud to have sponsored my brother, Kevin Weir, when he moved back to Spokane many years ago. Kevin’s son, Alex, recently joined Rotaract, to continue the Weir family tradition of Rotary. For many of us, our link to Rotary was following in the footsteps of family.
Last Thursday, long-time Rotarian (and former club president) Jack Reeves welcomed his daughter, Carrie, into the family that is Rotary. Carrie and her sister, Amy (our next president), are third-generation Rotarians. Over my almost 20 years in our club, I’m proud to say that I’ve met several club members that have followed in the footsteps of family and are second or third-generation Rotarians.
Recently I’ve noticed that some of our older members have introduced their grandchildren at Rotary meetings! I love that they have planted the seeds for their grandchildren to learn the values of “Service Above Self” and follow in their family's footsteps into the greater family we call Rotary.
So if you have family members that you think would enjoy the benefits of “Service Above Self,” please invite them to a Rotary meeting. Because “F” is for “Footsteps” and one way to keep our club growing well into the next century is to encourage family to follow in your footsteps into Rotary!
