As a Rotarian and outgoing (meaning my term is almost over, rather than “self-described affable human being”) NY Lakes Area Governor for Rotary District 7040, I would love for more people to associate this organization with those snippets. I would love for more people to know that the Rotary Foundation is rated 4/4 stars by Charity Navigator with 100% for the Accountability and Finance Beacon meaning you can trust that your donation is being used as promised.

I would love for more people to reach out to Rotary and ask, “how can I help?”

The more members involved from Lake Placid and surrounding communities, the more dynamic the clubs and the more good that can be done.

There are 1.4 million Rotarians in 46,000 clubs in the world and four of those clubs are in this immediate area — Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake and AuSable Valley. From its inception in 1905 until 1989, Rotary was a men’s organization. Women now help carry out Rotary’s objectives at all levels including, finally, this year, at the top with the first female Rotary International president, Jennifer Jones, from Ontario. By being inclusive we are able to welcome more people to help carry out the seven avenues of service.

Seven avenues of service We promote peace by offering peace fellowships and scholarships at one of the Rotary Peace Centers. We fight disease by vaccinating children against polio (and other childhood diseases) and providing better medical equipment. We help improve access to clean water, better sanitation and hygiene in areas of the world that don’t have the resources to do this for themselves. We work to save mothers and children by training medical professionals to decrease maternal and child mortality. We support basic education and literacy by strengthening the capacity of communities to support education initiatives. We help grow local economies by providing opportunities for productive work. We protect the environment through supporting the activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources.

From global to local. This translates locally into picking up highway trash, giving each elementary age child their own (and for some, their only) book, offering resume writing assistance and interview skill practice through job fairs, sponsorships of high school age students for weekend leadership development, providing grants to local nonprofits such as the animal shelter, food pantry and emergency medical services. We also partner with Rotary clubs worldwide in far-flung communities to help them meet the needs of their communities so that basic needs are being met which enables individuals to be able to fend for themselves.

And what is the benefit to the Rotary volunteer? The satisfaction of knowing you have done something to help someone else. The fellowship you enjoy when you are working side by side on a project, the fun you have when you get together for that sole purpose, the support you feel when times get tough and you share your troubles with your club and the joy you feel when a project comes to a successful end.

Service above self. People of action. Now you know these snippets are Rotary. If they speak to you, please consider joining us.

The Rotary Club of Lake Placid meets weekly on Thursdays at 7:20 a.m. via Zoom and in person at the Marriott. All are welcome. Visit online at www.rotarylakeplacid.org.