Nurturing a sense of togetherness in a Rotary club

By Gurjeet S. Sekhon, past governor of District 3070 (India) and member of the Rotary International Membership Growth Committee

In a world that often feels fragmented and fast-paced, the yearning to belong – to feel seen, heard, and valued – remains one of our deepest human desires. For members of a Rotary club, where service, fellowship, and leadership converge, cultivating a true sense of belonging isn’t just important – it is foundational.

When people feel they belong, they stay. They lead. They serve with heart. They grow. But such a culture doesn’t happen by chance. It is built intentionally layer by layer, conversation by conversation, heart by heart.

Here’s how Rotary clubs worldwide can weave a tapestry of belonging, rooted in our shared values and enriched by every unique voice.

1. Create space for every voice

Belonging begins when every voice is not only heard but invited.

Consider the story of a young violinist in a community orchestra – quiet, unsure, often overlooked. One day, the conductor paused and asked for her interpretation of a musical passage. That simple gesture gave her the courage to speak. Her insight transformed the music and her place within the group.

In Rotary, we must intentionally seek out the quiet voices – the new members, the young professionals, those from underrepresented backgrounds, or those who are simply unsure where they fit in. Are we inviting their input in meetings? Are we offering meaningful roles in planning or service?

The magic of Rotary lies in its diversity of age, profession, culture, and thought. Every voice enriches the harmony. Let’s make room for all.

2. Celebrate contributions, big and small

A well-known story from NASA in the 1960s tells of a janitor who, when asked what his job was, replied, “I’m helping put a man on the moon.” He saw his role, however humble, as essential to the mission.

We must do the same in Rotary.

Celebrate the member who brings food to meetings. The one who sends birthday wishes. The quiet presence who always has a kind word. These gestures may not make headlines, but are the heartbeat of belonging. Recognize them in meetings, in newsletters, and personal notes. Let every member know: You matter. Your work matters.

3. Build through storytelling and shared experience

Human beings connect through stories, not statistics. One small-town book club once asked each member to share the book that most changed their life. The evening turned into a powerful journey of laughter, reflection, and connection.

Rotary can do the same.

Invite members to share their “Rotary moment,” a story of service, a lesson learned, or why they joined. Host “Rotary Story Nights.” Feature personal spotlights in your meetings or newsletters. These stories deepen the connection. They humanize our mission. They remind us that we’re not just part of a club but part of each other’s journeys.

4. Design with inclusion, not just intention

Good intentions are not enough. Inclusion requires design.

A global tech company once changed the timing of its leadership training after discovering that evening sessions excluded working parents. With a simple schedule shift, participation doubled.

Rotary clubs can ask the same: Are our meeting times and venues accessible to working professionals, caregivers, or seniors with mobility needs? Are communications inclusive of all languages and digital fluencies? Are we making it clear not just in words, but in structure, that everyone belongs?

Inclusion isn’t a checklist. It’s a lens through which we build everything.

5. Foster moments of connection beyond service

A Rotary club in Nairobi once visited a rural school to plant trees. After the planting, instead of leaving, members stayed to play football with the students. That spontaneous moment sparked an ongoing relationship that led to mentorship, support, and a lasting bond.

Service may be our foundation, but fellowship is our glue.

Organize informal coffee mornings. Plan cultural nights, hikes, or movie evenings. Encourage members to bring family, friends, and stories. These small moments build deep roots. Because when we build friendships, not just committees, we stay connected for the long haul.

6. Lead with empathy and purpose

During the height of the pandemic, a hospital administrator made nightly phone calls to every staff member. She didn’t call to give orders. She called to listen. That act of empathy, more than any directive, restored morale and unity.

Rotary leaders can do the same.

Check in with members not just about projects, but about life. Celebrate birthdays and milestones. Be present in times of joy and hardship. When leaders lead with compassion, members follow. Rotary becomes more than a service organization; it becomes a family.

A circle where everyone has a seat

Picture your Rotary club as a great round table. Around it sit people from every walk of life: the retired doctor, the young engineer, the small business owner, the teacher, the student. Each one brings something unique. Each one deserves to feel they belong.

Creating belonging isn’t a one-time effort. It’s a culture we shape through the stories we share, the hands we extend, the gratitude we show, and the empathy we live.

Because when people feel they belong, they give more, grow more, and stay longer. And together, we go further in service, friendship, and impact.

Let us build Rotary clubs where everyone finds a seat at the table and feels truly at home.