By Flora R. Butler '20
As a young lady from the Hills of Campbellsville, KY, I remember hearing about Rotary but never really paid much attention to what the organization was all about. Although Rotary was the last thing on my mind, I now see it as the best organization I’ve participated in during my adulthood.
When I attended my first meeting, I noticed that not many people there looked like me; however, I did not feel like an outsider. The crowd was mainly older Caucasian gentlemen, and the vibration in the room was laughter, camaraderie and joy. I found it a very refreshing atmosphere to be around in the middle of a hard-working day.
Each meeting thereafter revealed opportunities to learn what was happening in my community, opportunities to participate in community events and networking. Each session also introduced me to people I got to know and grew to enjoy in just a short time.
Being a Rotarian is not common in my family. My children often tease me for my prideful comments about being a Rotarian compared to their memberships in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (two of nine prestigious organizations in the African-American Community). However, as we learn more about Rotary, its diversity will increase, as will opportunities to learn about what's happening in our community and participate in community events and network. Laughter, camaraderie and joy will be a part of the journey for all.
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