TJ Atkins
My introduction to Rotary was typical. It was something I inherited from my predecessor of my organization. I had never heard of Rotary, and I had no clue what to expect. I remember asking my staff at the time what it was. The answer I got was, “It’s an early morning meeting with a group of mostly men.” My initial response was okay, but how early? Mind you I am up at 5 am and out of my house at the latest 6 am. So, when my staff said 7 am, I thought ooo my kind of people. I would come to learn you were more than my kind of people you would inspire me well beyond anything my imagination could comprehend at the time.
I’ve been a member now for 4 years and believe it or not, I still feel like a sponge just soaking it all in. I recall coming back this last time from PETS and someone asking, “Did you drink the Rotary Kool-Aid?” and I laughed, because I not only drank it, I bathed in it, and I still can’t seem to get enough. I love learning about each of you, the work you do, the work we do in the community, the work we do around the state, across the country, and in the world. When everything in the world isn’t as rosy and often heavy, I think of my work, your work, and our work as Rotarians and the refreshing impact we make. It is magic and it is contagious but is a very good way.
This year’s slogan is “The Magic of Rotary”. To get your magic juices going, I want you to think back and remember when you went to your first Rotary meeting. What did it feel like? Were you excited? Were you perhaps anxious about being new? Who welcomed you? What magic light bulb moment did you have to say, yes, I want to be a Rotarian? That is what I want us to remember and lean into this year.
This year I want us to have more magic moments in the community, where we can be seen, heard, doing what we do best serving others, but most of all having fun. We are a fun group and people need to know it.
In the coming year, we will welcome new members. We will engage more with each other as we continue to grow an inclusive and diverse club. We will continue our international projects and look for new projects. We will explore our options for having another exchange student. Together through all these things the magic of Rotary will continue.
I’m delighted, excited, and humbled to be of service and I know this will be a phenomenal year for all of us.
Thank you.
TJ Atkins
Rotary Club of Eau Claire President
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