By Nitin Kapur, 2024-25 president of the Rotary Club of Chandigarh Midtown, India
One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had as club president was our recent Alumni Meet. It was all about reconnecting with the past to build an even brighter future for our club.
As I took on the role of president, I thought a lot about the incredible legacy of our club. Over the years, we’ve had many amazing members contribute their time, energy, and passion to our shared mission. But as life goes on, some of our members have had to step away. I’ve long thought about finding a way to bring them back into the fold. I wanted to remind them of the Rotary spirit that first brought us all together.
I decided to reach out to every former member, personally calling them and inviting them to our Alumni Meet. I knew these were the people who had once been the heart and soul of our club. I believed that, deep down, the Rotary spirit still burned within them. Those phone conversations were some of the most fulfilling I’ve ever had. It was clear that many former members missed the camaraderie, fellowship, and sense of purpose that Rotary offers.
Former members recall Rotary’s magic
When our Alumni Meet finally came around, I was thrilled to see eight former members walk through the doors. The room was filled with familiar faces, and it felt like no time had passed at all. This gathering gave the alumni a chance to connect again – not just with the club, but with each other. As they shared their stories, it was clear that the essence of Rotary had never left them.
One member talked about the fellowship they longed for and the friendships Rotary nurtured. Despite the demands of a busy life, they were eager to revive those relationships. Another member, who had taken a break due to work commitments abroad, expressed how much they missed being part of our projects. Their passion was palpable.
By the end of the evening, I was overjoyed to welcome six alumni back into our Rotary family. Seeing them rejoin was a powerful affirmation of the enduring impact Rotary has on all of us. The excitement in the eyes of our returning members suggested that together, we would achieve even greater things.
But that’s not all: Our Rotary family grew from 84 to 90 members in just one day! It was a milestone that filled me with pride and hope for the future. I could see the excitement in the eyes of our returning members. I know that we’re going to achieve even greater things together.
District governor nominee Dr. Rita Kalra shared inspiring updates on our current projects and initiatives. Her words resonated deeply with everyone in the room, reminding us that being a Rotarian is more than just a title – it’s a lifelong commitment to service and community.
Returning members bring renewed energy
This Alumni Meet was about more than just reconnecting with the past; it was about building on our legacy and looking forward to the future. It reaffirmed the power of Rotary – its ability to bring people together, inspire us to make a difference, and always feel like home.
As we move forward, we carry with us the renewed energy and expanded perspectives our returning members bring. Their homecoming strengthens our club and enriches our collective ability to serve our community and fulfill the Rotary mission.
This reunion stands as a beautiful reminder of the lasting connections nurtured through Rotary and the timeless appeal of our organization’s core values. It reinforces the idea that once you’re a Rotarian, you’re always a Rotarian – a sentiment transcending time and distance.
Regularly seek feedback from members and act on it to show openness to change. Use the Member Satisfaction Survey to ensure members are enjoying their experience.
https://blog.rotary.org/2024/08/29/reunion-of-past-members-renews-rotary-bonds/