| Kuro-kuro Ko Lamang |
by: Rtn. Chuck Montecillo
Rotary is a group of business people, who are highly successful in their fields of
business, that want to give back to their community. Rotarians get together once every
week, to meet and discuss the various ways that they can accomplish their sworn mission.
Ideally, that's they way it works. For the most part, Rotary Clubs in the Philippines do
their jobs well. Needy people get medical help they so desperately need, food goes to the
hungry and funds are raised for projects that improve the lives of many.
Of course, Rotary is not just help, help, help. Since the organization is composed of
business people, whose schedules are already filled with work related meetings and tasks,
these people need to be entertained. In comes the fellowship.
We have fellowships to strengthen the bonds between members, in the hopes that this
friendship will create a more effective "helping" machine. Like I said before
(in my first issue of Pagkakaisa 2000), you gotta keep the Rotarians entertained so they
can more effectively give of themselves.
Polio is just about gone from the face of this earth, thanks to the Rotary. This is a
testament to how effective the system of Rotary can be. Rotary Clubs all over the world
touch the lives of countless people, most of whom are strangers to the Rotarians.
One drawback, though, with fellowships being so entertaining, there is a danger that the
mission of every Rotarian can get clouded. Weekly meetings can very easily become a
gathering of "fun" seekers, rather than "helpers". I can be very easy
to lose sight of why we are all Rotarians. Golf tournaments, Family fellowship weekends,
Parties and of course, award winning club publications can all contribute to the
"clouding" effect on the Rotary mission. Once in awhile, the attitude of
"here's my check, now let's have fun" can show its cold and ugly face. When this
happens, the spirit of Rotary dies just a little bit. The effectiveness of the
"helping machine" is lessened.
Another unsavory situation is when the priorities of a Rotarian of Rotary Club shifts to
weigh more on the fellowship, rather than the giving back to the community. More money is
spent on fellowships and food than the charitable contribution given to a person in need
of medical attention.
The bond between Rotarians is so strong, that when one is in need of help, members jump in
and contribute as much as they see fit. True friendship has a home in a Rotary club. But,
sometimes, it can be limited only to its members. We tend to bend over backwards to help
one another, but set limits on the charity we give (usually very low) to club employees,
whose efforts outshine some Rotarians.
So, are we truly Rotarians? It's time to take stock and answer that question. Unless, we
don't mind becoming a club that merely enjoys the company of its members and the
activities it sponsors rather than the service we render.
RCMA is a great club. Eyes are upon us, especially with all our accomplishments for the
year. Let's show the world what true Rotarians are like.
Good morning RCMA.
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