Service Above Self: The Mobile Rotarian

By Kitt Brand on July 22, 2025.

If the words, “Round, round, get around, I get around,” start your sandaled bare feet (please, no socks) movin’ to a mental Beach Boys tune, then you’re a perfect fit for some Rotary club somewhere …or everywhere in the world.

The simple reason is that Rotary was and forever is the first international service club. Virtually, wherever you are in the world, there is a Rotary club within hailing.

With 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries, you can find a home. So, wherever you are in the world: Tarawa, Kiribati; New Zealand; American Samoa; Cook Islands; Fiji; French Polynesia (We’ve met Rotarians there, eek!); Shetland, UK; St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador (considered remote); Helgoland, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany (2.5 hrs. by boat from another club); far-flung to nearby, there is a club to welcome you.

The Rotary Support Center is a toll-free call away: 866-976-8279 or rotarysupportcenter@rotary.org to find a club wherever you are.

How helpful are these Rotarians?

Well, a young Calgary Rotarian was tackling the surf off a remote South Pacific Island, was chomped on by a shark, rescued by an observer, and taken to a doctorless clinic. From his ward, he watched other patients disappear but not necessarily move out healed. He escaped with the help of staff and contacted the local Rotary club. They got him to skilled care, back to Canada, then on to other Rotarians who helped with treatment in Alberta.

Did Rotary save his life? He thinks so.

So, what if circumstances prevent you currently from travelling? There are Rotary e-clubs around the world with websites that allow you to visit present and archived meetings any time.

Again, check out the Rotary Support Center info above. Or, scope out Rotary E-Club of Canada One (RECCO).

Yes, I am shamelessly mentioning the e-club of which I am grateful to be an Associate Member. RECCO is Rotary action when you want it, where you want it.

Rotarians meet Thursday mornings 8-8:30 a.m. MST (Oui, only 30 minutes), and once monthly as scheduled for an hour-long assembly bursting with exciting presentations and updates on international projects and programs. Members extend from Canada to the UK to Guatemala, Spain, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, to across the globe.

One member and his wife housesit throughout the world. We never know where they’ll join from… Scotland, Greece, Portugal? Who knows?

All you “needs to know,” is that, if you have a heart to serve, to do good in the world, Rotary offers you a way… and now even a way that fits you and your schedule.

Rotary when you want it, where you want it… So where do you want it? And when?

If you really want to “get around” in a meaningful way closer to home, consider registering for the Waterton-Glacier Peace Park Assembly in Waterton, Sept.12-13.

The profound “Hands Across the Border,” the U.S. and Canada peace pledge ceremony, is planned for Saturday afternoon, followed by a Gala that evening.

“Gala” attire means you can sport your fresh mountain hiking socks or denim-and-diamond style. Registration is online (watertonglacierpeacepark.org.)

Grab your sleeping bag and tent or book your room at Aspen Village Inn or Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort.

Get around!

Kitt Brand is a member of the Rotary Club of Medicine Hat and Rotary E-Club of Canada One. Contact her at kittbrand@gmail.com

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