The Rotary Club of Paynesville has challenged its newly inducted members to make community service the central purpose of their membership, warning that joining the organization carries a responsibility to contribute to the wellbeing of society.
The call was made over the weekend during an induction ceremony held at the Liberian Learning Center in Paynesville City, where four new members were formally welcomed into the Rotary family.
The new Rotarians are Rtn. Joseph Tarty Sankor, a professional classroom teacher; Rtn. Mbakai Varpliah-Woyee, an administrator; Rtn. James S. Momo, Sr., a physician assistant and sociologist; and Rtn. John Freeman Zurbah, an administrator.
Serving as induction officer, Assistant Governor of Rotary District 9101, Rtn. Anthony Siakor told the inductees that Rotary membership is more than belonging to a social or professional organization.
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He said it represents a commitment to a cause greater than individual interests and requires members to dedicate their talents, time and resources to improving their communities.
"Your decision to become a Rotarian is a commitment to something greater than yourself," Siakor said.
He urged the new members to embrace Rotary's core values of fellowship, friendship, integrity, leadership and service, while actively participating in club meetings, fellowship activities and community projects.
Siakor challenged the inductees to use their professional knowledge, skills and resources to help address challenges confronting their communities.
He also encouraged them to demonstrate respect and goodwill toward fellow Rotarians and the wider public and to encourage other qualified individuals to join the organization.
Siakor said the Rotary pin presented to each new member should not be regarded merely as a symbol of belonging, but as a daily reminder of the responsibility that comes with Rotary membership.
"The true meaning of the pin is not found in wearing it, but in living the values it represents," he said.
He urged the inductees to ensure that their actions reflect the principles represented by the Rotary emblem and to become active participants in the organization's service initiatives.
The call for active community service was reinforced by veteran Rotarian Rtn. Francis Karpeh, who encouraged the new members to develop a culture of giving back to society.
Karpeh said meaningful service should not be measured only by financial contributions, stressing that members can make significant contributions through their time, skills, experience and willingness to participate in community projects.
He challenged the new Rotarians to focus less on what they could gain from Rotary and more on what they could contribute.
"Don't always think about receiving. You should also think about giving, not necessarily money. Your time," Karpeh said.
According to him, volunteering time and expertise can be just as valuable as financial contributions, particularly when members use their professional abilities to address community needs.
Karpeh said the personal satisfaction derived from helping others can strengthen members' connection to their communities and motivate them to become more engaged in addressing societal challenges.
Reflecting on his own experience in service organizations, he said his involvement with Rotary had deepened his appreciation for giving back to society, especially through projects that have a direct impact on communities.
He therefore urged the newly inducted members to embrace the same spirit and view their membership as an opportunity to create meaningful change.
Meanwhile, newly inducted member Rtn. John F. Zurbah brought years of previous Rotary experience to the ceremony, recalling his earlier involvement with the Rotary Club of Buchanan.
Zurbah said he previously served the Buchanan club in several leadership capacities, including Sergeant-at-Arms, Treasurer and Secretary.
His decision to return to Rotary, he said, was influenced by his appreciation for the organization's fellowship, friendship and leadership.
Zurbah challenged fellow Rotarians to keep the Paynesville club active and vibrant while remaining committed to the values that unite its members.
He particularly emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong commitment to service.
A visiting Rotarian also cautioned the new members against becoming inactive after joining the organization.
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The visiting Rotarian recalled instances where individuals demonstrated strong enthusiasm during their induction but gradually stopped attending meetings and participating in community service projects.
The new members were therefore encouraged to remain engaged, attend meetings regularly and participate actively in the club's programs.
The message, according to Rotary leaders, is that membership should be demonstrated through action rather than simply through attendance at an induction ceremony.
The induction ceremony ultimately served as more than a formal welcome for four new members.
It provided an opportunity for Rotary leaders and veteran members to reinforce the organization's broader mission of promoting service, leadership, fellowship and community engagement.
The new members were reminded that their professional backgrounds and personal experiences give them valuable tools that can be deployed to improve the lives of others.
For the Rotary Club of Paynesville, the message was clear: membership is not simply a title--it is a commitment to serve.
