Rotary Involvement: Connecting Communities and Cultivating Service
Rotary clubs have a rich history and a global impact. Right at Home owner Heather Lantry is a proud owner of the Rotary Club of Skokie Valley. Curious about what Rotary is all about? The significance of being a Rotarian? How it relates to business? Let’s dive into the world of Rotary!
What is a Rotary Club all about?
Rotary International was founded in 1905 in the Chicagoland area. Its mission? To provide a platform for business owners and professionals to give back to their communities through service and philanthropy. Rotary clubs operate at both local and global levels, engaging in fundraising and community service. One of Rotary’s most significant global efforts is the eradication of polio. With over 46,000 clubs worldwide, Rotary has become an international force for positive change.
What does it mean to be a Rotarian?
The motto of Rotary is “Service Above Self.” As someone who values service, Heather embraces what it means to be a Rotarian, actively contributing to her community. Whether it’s volunteering time, expertise, or resources, Rotarians are committed to making a difference. At the meetings, they recite the Four Way Test, a set of guiding principles:
1. Is it the truth?
2. Is it fair to all concerned?
3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
These principles, combined with community service, define the essence of being a Rotarian.
Why did Heather join the Rotary?
Heather is a proud member of the Rotary Club of the Skokie Valley (Club #3144, District 6440) and joined in order to meet other service-minded business people and find new opportunities to be of service to her community. The motto and Four Way Test resonated deeply within her when she went to her first meeting as a guest, and still moves her today. The club was chartered in 1939 and has a rich legacy of service and community impact.
What does Rotary mean to Heather as a Right at Home owner?
As a service industry professional focused on helping neighbors recover from illness or injury, or assisting them in remaining independent at home by providing companion or personal care services, being part of Rotary provides valuable insights. It deepens Heather's understanding of market opportunities, from additional supportive services to social and cultural options. Rotary connects her to a network of like-minded individuals who share a commitment to service and community betterment. Heather believes she can better serve her clients and field staff, ensuring their well-being and integration within their neighborhoods.
Whether a seasoned Rotarian or considering joining, it's important to remember that Rotary is more than just a club—it’s a global movement dedicated to making the world a better place, one service project at a time. In summary, joining a Rotary means joining a global family dedicated to positive change.