Mary Berge on a service project in the Dominican Republic. “Rotary service makes me happy,” she says.

By Mary Berge, a Rotary Coordinator and member of the Rotary Club of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, USA

Did you know that people are more interested in the “why” than the “how?”

This applies strongly to Rotary membership. It’s far less interesting how you became a Rotarian than why you became, and why you remain, a Rotarian.

I became a Rotarian because of my innate character to give. I am, by nature, altruistic and I believe in doing the right thing (even when no one is looking). In a nut shell, I feel good when I’m helping others. I remain in Rotary because I feel good when I’m helping others.

I also remain in Rotary because of the connectedness I feel with my fellow Rotarians through service and fellowship. We are engaged in each other’s lives in and outside of our Rotary meetings. My fellow Rotarians really care about me and I really care about them. Outside of family, where else does that happen? Rotary has become my extended family and the fact that my family reaches around the world has a huge impact on me!

Rotary in the future

Youth Exchange students and Interactors use words that encourage peace during a district conference activity.

I wonder what Rotary will look like in 2050. I wonder about how our journey, together as Rotarians, will take shape. I imagine the powerful and meaningful projects that will happen along the way. I imagine the positive impact we will have on human lives, all over the world. I imagine the lifelong friendships and bonds that will spontaneously occur as a result. It makes me smile to think about it all.

Have you noticed the common theme in my words above? It’s happiness. I believe that Rotary makes people happy. The givers and receivers of our Rotary service are happy people! And when we are happy, we work, play, and love harder and better. Our performance, energy and creativity increases. In Rotary, the happier we are, the harder and better we serve others!

Success doesn’t lead to happiness; happiness leads to success. Our goal in Rotary is to serve others and to do good in the world and by working toward and achieving these goals, alongside my fellow Rotarians, I am a happy person!

Editor’s note: Share your passion and commitment to Rotary during Membership and Extension Month! Here’s how:

• Set a personal goal with the Membership Challenge
• Lend your voice to our Thunderclap
• Watch RI President Ron Burton’s membership message