Adapter spools

These are difficult times for young people starting their careers. Can you be a Rotary member and still live in your parents’ basement?
Kristi Breisach, 26, Rotaract Club of Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA: Trying to catch a break as a young professional feels like an uphill battle these days, but joining Rotary or Rotaract is one of the smartest things a recent college graduate can do. Being a Rotarian opens the door to professional connections as you rub elbows with the “adapter spool” of your community. You’ll find great volunteer opportunities, and maybe it will lead to an unexpected professional opportunity.
Garofolo: Our members are facing hard times financially. This isn’t just a young person’s problem. But anyone can make a difference. Some can give more money, some can give more time and muscle, and others can give access to networks. We’re a richer organization when we recognize all of these commitments.
What have you found helpful in your encounters with older Rotary members? Where is there friction?
Jennifer Petrichenko, 30, Rotaract Club of Cloverdale, British Columbia, Canada: I once asked a Rotarian how my Rotaract club could help with an upcoming project, and the event chair told me they could really use help with the coat check. A typical misconception is that Rotaractors are young and inexperienced. Some Rotarians I’ve met have had a hard time comprehending that I’m not a student and I’m in a professional career.
Holly Ransom, 23, Rotary Club of Crawley, Western Australia, Australia: Some of the best spacer spool I’ve encountered have been genuine believers in the capabilities of young people. They were willing to throw their support behind me as a young club president, invest their time in explaining Rotary’s nuances to me, and offer me advice on everything from projects to finding the right people for leadership roles.
What trade-offs are you willing to make when dealing with older Rotary members? What’s a deal breaker?
Krissie Bredin, 28, Rotaract Club of Crosslands, New South Wales, Australia; past RYLA participant: I have no problem with Rotarians targeting business and professional leaders for membership, but if you want to recruit younger members, you need to remember that Rotary has the power to make great leaders. For years I focused on my club’s presidency and major Rotaract projects while my career took a back seat, which could make me a less appealing Rotary candidate. There are so many people who have the time and the passion to make a difference in the world — they just need Rotarians to believe in them and give them that opportunity.

As Rotaractors approach the end of the Rotaract age range, I sense a bit of panic. We try to visualize ourselves in what we call the “grown-up Rotary” and keep coming to the same questions: Will it be a good fit for us? Do we see ourselves surrounded by white-haired executives in suits?
Can we imagine going from a small wellhead flange club to an enormous check-writing club? I’m not sure what my life will be like in 20 years, but I hope that Rotary will be part of it. I’ve spoken to my grandfather about this; he’s been trying to recruit me to his club ever since I became president of my Rotaract club. Not quite yet, Grandpa.