If you are a Rotarian, are you Rotary fit?
What does that mean? It may mean that you have enough of an understanding of Rotary to not only participate in a meaningful way within your club, but also to make your membership meaningful to you. There are plenty of ways to gain this understanding. First of course is to be active in your club, taking part in its activities on a regular basis and not being willing to let someone else carry the load. Other ways to learn more about Rotary are: going along to Rotary district training - even brand new Rotarians are always welcomed when they want to discover the big picture of Rotary opportunities; participate in a Rotary Leadership Institute course, which after all is the Rotarian development forum; or simply browse your Rotary Down Under magazine each month - you will be amazed how much you actually pick up from each issue that is of use.
Or maybe being Rotary fit is taking part in some of the many walkways developed by Rotary clubs over time that are valued assets in their communities. The Rotary walkway along the Tamaki River in Auckland comes to mind. This was a partnership project of the Rotary Club of Pakuranga with Manukau City Council and others, and this walkway meanders along several scenic kilometres. In the Napier-Hastings area there are tens of kilometres of walking and cycling pathways developed by Rotary. And in the deep south near Cromwell there is a 45 minute walk along the 45th parallel that has spectacular views of Lake Dunston, the Cromwell Basin and the surrounding snow capped mountains. It would be hard to not find something similar in virtually every community throughout New Zealand, and more are being developed. All of these are free, so just do it!
Then there are organised activities run by Rotary clubs that get you and your family out into our varied and usually spectacular countryside. The Blog Post just before this one has an example, but what about the Rotary Club of Waiuku's Sunset Coast Walk held annually at the end of February? This popular easy walk crosses farmlands along a stunning coastline that is enjoyed by single walkers, couples plus family and other groups. The Rotary Club of Warkworth is another example with a guided walk in March each year combining Mount Tamahunga, Pakiri Beach and walks on private land on Kawau Island, so this walk provides challenge, variety and a wonderful unspoiled location. As a third example, the Rotary Club of Milton organises guided walks of many of the great walks of New Zealand. Get your boots on!
Rotary fit may mean taking part in some Rotary outside your club or even your country. Rotarians are of course able to visit any Rotary club throughout the world as they travel. The many Rotary recreational 'fellowships' offer amazing opportunities to meet people and see the sights. We enjoyed memorable sailing on the sparkling waters of French Polynesia, then swimming and sipping French champagne while drifting in a lagoon, thanks to the hospitality of the French Polynesian Fleet of the International Fellowship of Yachting Rotarians. There are also Fleets in the Bay of Islands, Auckland and Lake Taupo, plus many other locations all around the world. Oh, you don't sail, you play golf ... then join the Golfing Fellowship to of course play the courses of the world. Or you can join the Cricketing, Flying, Motorcycling or Caravanning Fellowships.
Why not get Rotary fit today and have a great time? A healthy lifestyle demands it.
