Rotarians At Work Day
 
In the Rotary world, the last Saturday in April is designated Rotarians at Work Day.  Rotarians at Work Day continues to grow.  Each year, clubs around the world identify a hands-on project that all members can participate in to help the local community.  The day is a great way to revitalize our clubs, bring in new members and generate publicity for Rotary.
 
In 1911, Rotarians adopted the motto "Service Above Self" because it aptly expresses the ideals that the new formed organization was creating.  Past RI President Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar, selected this theme for the 2005-2006 Rotary year.  For over 110 years, this motto has served as our mantra carrying out humanitarian service as we work for international understanding and peace. 
 
There is a District 5340 aspect to Rotarians at Work Day.  Through the vision of Past District Governor Bob Watson of the Coronado club, every Rotarian has the opportunity to renew our commitment to the message of compassion and generosity by participating in Rotarians At Work Day. 
 
This April 24th each of the 60 clubs within our District can participate in a project.  Several clubs have chosen work on more than one  project.  Some clubs are partnering with other clubs in the District.  Our Rotaract Clubs and  Interact Clubs are also participating.
 
Around the world Rotarians are planting trees, performing much needed maintenance to highways, senior centers, a variety of public buildings such as schools, parks and beach areas.
 
The vision of PDG Bob is infectious.  Imagine the result when over 35,000 clubs around the world bring together members on Rotarians At Work Day to perform hands-on community service projects.  Our potential to do good is awesome!  We cannot begin to count how many hundreds or thousands of people will benefit from our one-day efforts.  The sense of accomplishment and empowerment to those in need will be other worldly.
 
While we are selflessly serving others, we will be raising our Club's standing and prominence within the community.  What a great way to reenergize our clubs.  We will attract guests and new members who want to give back to the community.  With a Rotary project, there is something for everyone to do.
 
Here are some of the Rotarian at Work Day projects that will be done by clubs across our District:
 
  • The Carlsbad Hi Noon will build home #21 in Chula Vista for a family in Mexico. 
  • The Oceanside club will participate in a food donation drive.
  • Rotary Club of Del Mar will be doing a hands on exterior painting project at Nativity Prep Academy. Students at Nativity Prep will be the first in their families to go to college. 
  • Route 78 and the Escondido clubs will do community outreach with “Escondido Shines.”
  • Rancho Bernardo Sunrise will partner with  Project Mercy on a home build in Chula Vista for the Morales Carrasco family in Tijuana (please see the photo that is a part of this column).
  • The Downtown Breakfast club is working on a food distribution project for the Armed Services YMCA.
  • After 5 and Escondido Sunrise are partnering on a home build for Tijuana.
  • Escondido Sunrise is also doing a renewal together initiative.
  • Santee Lakeside is working on a cleanup and beautification project for seniors living in mobile home parks in Santee.
  • Rancho Santa Fe will be fast at work on the Alabaster Jar Project cleaning up the yards and gardens for the residents of Grace House.
  • La Mesa Rotary and La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Clubs will be doing their Rotarians at work day at the La Mesa Community Garden.  It will be the first public garden funded by a grant of $5,000. 
  • Chula Vista Sunrise and Chula Vista Eastlake are partnering together for Earth Week.  Their joint project is with the City of Chula Vista Sustainability Commission and the South Bay Sustainable Communities.  The plan is to meet at the J Street Marina.  Kayaks will be available for Rotarians to use and help clean out the bay. Kayaks will be provided.  There will be tour guides, buckets, biodegradable bags, and trash grabbers.  Rotarians who do not wish to kayak may stroll around the Marina picking up trash. 
  • The Solana Beach Eco club is going to perform clean up work at the San Dieguito Park as part of a week long Earth Day celebration.
The clean up projects mentioned above are fitting as the environment has become RI’s seventh avenue of focus.
 
Rotarians at Work Day is the one day we all point to with pride as we continue to do good in our communities.  Don’t forget to wear your Rotary shirts and hats during the day.