Why I Am A Rotarian
JUNE 27, 2006
Rotary was
around our home from the time of my birth. My grandfather
died in 1940 and his widow was invited to attend all the
meetings of his Salmon, Idaho, USA club.
When
I was old enough to understand that nearly everything we did
was related to Rotary, I believed that my
grandmother
was a “Rotarian.” She certainly fit the definition for
Paul Harris. She had “love for her fellow man.” She was a
remarkable woman, also becoming the first woman car dealer
in the world.
I
have grandmother’s Rotary memorabilia
in my office today and remember her community spirit and
concerns
for the world. Her own mother was the first woman
elected to the Idaho legislature. These women were smart and
strong. So, when I was named an honorary Rotarian, in 1976,
I knew what Rotary meant.
In 2006, I
was a
member of an internet club, started by another woman with a
vision.
My love of
Rotary continues as I work with my friends to preserve our
history and encourage others to learn of the strong men and
women whose ideas made, and might continue to make, a better
world.
Jack Selway
Founder: Rotary Global History
