In 1966 the Rotary Club of Nelson West was chartered offering local residents with business, professional and / or community service backgrounds a way of actively contributing to the betterment of their community. Although many of those joining the new club were new to Rotary and many had young families and were building their careers, they were all willing to be contributors to a better community for all. 

 

They could see that Rotary was: 

 

• not ‘for the other side’ but rather made up of people like themselves … ordinary people who cared about the community they lived in

• a place where families and friends were welcome to just join in as they were able with what Rotary did in the community

• made up of men and women from all walks of life, with all sorts of life and business experience (young professionals right through to retired) who were willing to connect with each other in an informal way – a great source of informal mentorship for those wanting this

• an organisation that provided the opportunity to be part of something much bigger than the individual

• an organisation that encouraged new ideas where it only takes one person with a good idea to start something and Rotary was willing to listen and support such ideas

• able to offer all members a means of being true global citizens as while the club would have a focus on its local community it also encouraged members to move beyond club-only involvement and participate in activities of interest to them throughout the world whether in service internationally through projects or professional association, or one of the many recreational fellowships.

 

This has continued right through to the present time. The ebb and flow of life means members have come and gone but all have valued their membership and remain good friends with the club.  Things have changed over the years in terms of technology being used and projects that meet ever-changing local and global community needs but the commitment and active involvement of members and their families and friends remains strong with the ever-present friendliness, fun and integrity that makes the club so worthwhile to so many.

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Rotary is a 1.2 million-member organization started with the vision of one man—Paul P. Harris. The Chicago attorney formed one of the world’s first service organizations, the Rotary Club of Chicago, on 23 February 1905 as a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of each member.

 

Nelson West Rotary is part of Rotary internationally.  Rotary started in 1905 and it most significant single international achievement is the program to eradicate polio which was started by Rotary in 1979 and has been joined by several very influential world partners.  If you would like to learn a little of the history of Rotary International go to: https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/history 

 

Ready to make history with us? Get involved.