Throughout the region there are numerous Rotary International chapters. Members of Rotary International demonstrate leadership and generosity within the community they live in. Portage is now re-establishing its chapter, and they had their first official meeting on Tuesday, July 12 at Tate’s Place.
Rotary International is an organization that brings together people who want to make a difference at the local, national, and international level. Rotary provides communities with resources, tools, and opportunities to change the world through numerous projects. Members are able to develop their leadership skills and knowledge while building lifelong friendships.
Nancy Mendez-Lopez, Portage Rotary member and Centier Valparaiso Branch Manager, said, “We’ve had several speakers from different Rotary clubs come in and give us more information. Portage Rotary has been having unofficial meetings about a month ago, and there has been a huge interest in leadership opportunities. It’s amazing to see how eager people have been to get involved.”
The Portage Rotary Chapter is currently in the process of creating a strong member base. However, this should not be too difficult considering what amazing leaders occupy the Northwest Indiana Community. For example, the Valparaiso Rotary Chapter has been thriving the last couple of years and is always willing to extend a helping hand. Although the Portage chapter is relatively new, the organization is already being lead by strong and dedicated leaders.
Mendez-Lopez continued, “I think that value of having a Rotary club in Portage is that it simply gets people more involved in causes that are local and international. It brings business people together for the betterment of the community. It’s also a great way to engage the youth in giving back through projects like the Interact Club at the high school level.”
Mendez-Lopez is absolutely correct. The work Rotary International impacts individuals of all ages. Rotary empowers students to make an impact in their community at a young age. Two aspects that thrive within the Northwest Indiana region are Interact and the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. Interact is a leadership program sponsored by Rotary clubs for students ages 12-18. The goal is to cultivate socially responsible and globally conscious leaders. Rotary Youth Leadership Awards is Rotary’s leadership training program for teens and young adults that emphasizes social responsibility, global citizenship, and personal development. Once the Portage Rotary Club takes off, they can began engaging in such projects.
All in all, the Portage Rotary Chapter is already making waves in the Northwest Indiana Community. I’m sure we’ll be hearing more about the positive impact they are leaving on the community.