I found myself reflecting recently, wondering why people come to their first Rotary meeting. What is it that brings them back for a second, then inspires them to join, and eventually, become engaged members? This curiosity pulled me back through my own memories, tracing the path to why I joined Rotary in the first place.
I didn’t join because I knew Rotary was a great organization, or because I was already driven by a deep desire to serve the community. No, if I’m honest, I joined because I was lonely.
A Lonely Start
I had just opened my State Farm agency in a new town, and every day, the office felt a little too quiet. The phone would ring, business would carry on, but in between moments of busyness, there was an unsettling stillness. I didn’t know anyone. It felt like being in a boat adrift on calm waters, with no land in sight. Then one afternoon, the door opened, and in walked Jim Wilkinson— He wore a gentle smile, like someone offering a lifeline to a stranger at sea.
I had just opened my State Farm agency in a new town, and every day, the office felt a little too quiet. The phone would ring, business would carry on, but in between moments of busyness, there was an unsettling stillness. I didn’t know anyone. It felt like being in a boat adrift on calm waters, with no land in sight. Then one afternoon, the door opened, and in walked Jim Wilkinson— He wore a gentle smile, like someone offering a lifeline to a stranger at sea.
He didn’t waste time with small talk. Instead, Jim got right to the point. “The agent you took over for was in our Rotary club,” he said, his voice steady, but carrying the weight of expectation, “so that means you have to join.”
I laughed, caught off guard. I had never heard of Rotary. I didn’t know what a service club was or why I should care. But Jim had a way of talking that made you listen. He mentioned lunch meetings at a local restaurant every week, and described how I'd meet a banker, a financial advisor, a lawyer—all professionals just like me. At that moment, the idea of not eating lunch alone, of building connections, was enough to spark my interest. I imagined myself sitting at a table surrounded by friendly faces, laughter bubbling up between bites of food. And in that small vision, my loneliness didn’t seem so heavy anymore. I went to my first meeting shortly after, and from that moment, the journey began.
A Room Full of New Possibilities
Walking into the restaurant for my first Rotary meeting caused a bit of apprehension. I didn’t know what to expect. The murmur of conversations and the smell of fried catfish greeted me at the door. Members sat at long tables, leaning in towards one another, engaged in animated discussions. Some faces turned to me with welcoming smiles, eyes full of curiosity. The apprehension dissipated. It felt great because I knew that I had just walked into a room of people I could get to know and enjoy spending time with.
Walking into the restaurant for my first Rotary meeting caused a bit of apprehension. I didn’t know what to expect. The murmur of conversations and the smell of fried catfish greeted me at the door. Members sat at long tables, leaning in towards one another, engaged in animated discussions. Some faces turned to me with welcoming smiles, eyes full of curiosity. The apprehension dissipated. It felt great because I knew that I had just walked into a room of people I could get to know and enjoy spending time with.
As I listened to members talk about their Rotary stories, I realized something: every person in that room was there because someone had asked them to come. The seed that started this entire organization’s growth was a simple invitation—just like Jim had done for me.
Growing Together
Why would we invest time and energy to invite others? That’s when Rotary’s vision became clear: “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change.” I now realized this was more than just a weekly lunch club. It was a catalyst for impact.
Why would we invest time and energy to invite others? That’s when Rotary’s vision became clear: “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change.” I now realized this was more than just a weekly lunch club. It was a catalyst for impact.
I imagined the faces of children in far-off places, smiling as they drank clean water for the first time—water that Rotary helped provide. I pictured a community gathering around a newly built library in Uganda, books being opened and shared for the first time. These weren’t just abstract ideas; they were real, tangible projects that the Rotary Club of Pflugerville was involved with.
A Legacy of Impact
I’m part of an organization that has come “this close” to eradicating polio—a relentless, global fight that brings the world closer together with each small victory. I’m part of a district that brings clean water to the Navajo Nation and to Cozumel, Mexico. I see my club feeding the hungry in our own community, handing out boxes of food that will feed their families for a month. And most of all, I’ve seen Rotary change me. I’m a better person today because Rotary not only improves the world but also shapes the people within it.
I’m part of an organization that has come “this close” to eradicating polio—a relentless, global fight that brings the world closer together with each small victory. I’m part of a district that brings clean water to the Navajo Nation and to Cozumel, Mexico. I see my club feeding the hungry in our own community, handing out boxes of food that will feed their families for a month. And most of all, I’ve seen Rotary change me. I’m a better person today because Rotary not only improves the world but also shapes the people within it.
That's why I love Rotary. That’s why I invite others, and why, when I see someone sitting alone in their office or walking into a room full of strangers, I extend a hand—just like Jim did for me.
Jeff Coleman
District 5870 Membership Committee