When John first helped with the Corazón house build project, he just wanted to pound nails. It's an ambitious project that builds a house in a day for a deserving family. This year, he's running the entire program.
"I came to give a day of my time," he smiles, "but Rotary saw something in me I couldn't see in myself."
This is the magic that happens when people join Rotary projects. What starts as a simple desire to help often grows into something transformative—both for communities and for the volunteers themselves.
Many Ways to Serve, One Powerful Mission
Maureen, a retired librarian, found her place in a literacy program. "I thought I was done working," she laughs, "but now I'm making a bigger difference than ever."
Meanwhile, Ray P., a retired entertainer and bartender, dedicates his time to mentoring a middle-school marathon team. "These kids remind me why I work so hard," he says. "Their growth is the best return on investment I've ever received."
This is the beauty of Rotary—there's a perfect fit for everyone. Some members, like Marianne, plant community gardens. Others help raise funds through our golf tournament or car show. Some use their professional skills to guide young people, while others join international efforts bringing dental and vision care to children in Mexico.
Overcoming the "Yes, But..."
Some want to help but worry about their busy schedule. "I can't commit to another thing," a volunteer told her friend who had invited her to a project. But her friend suggested she just come once to help with the Swallows Day pancake breakfast.
Three hours later, looking at the parade volunteers getting breakfast, she felt something shift. "I realized I didn't need to solve everything or commit forever. I just needed to show up once and do one small good thing."
Your Next Step
The world's big problems—hunger, disease, illiteracy, poverty—can feel overwhelming. But Rotary's approach is refreshingly simple: bring good people together, find a need, and take action.
Whether it's a few hours at a local food bank or joining a team bringing medical supplies to another country, your participation creates ripples of change. As Paul Harris, Rotary's founder, once said: "The world moves forward when people of action come together."
Well said Ray ! Vicky and I felt this way with the dental and Vision project last weekend with you and our team ! We didn’t know what we could offer but left with a feeling of Love and gratitude for all the children we touched to leave them with smiles and Hope ! They know there are people in this world that care and are willing to give them unconditional love and support !
Cheers Marc and Vicky Franz