Rotary has held the wheel as its symbol since the early years. The wheel represents “service in action” and was adopted by the Rotary International Association which subsequently required all Rotary Organizations to adopt the gear wheel as the exclusive emblem. Over the years, this emblem has been adjusted to reflect the changes in Rotary.
Today’s version of the gear wheel illustrates the following…
The gear teeth on the exterior represent actions to be taken.
The six spokes represent Vocational Service supported by the Member Classification System.
The spokes also symbolize the ideals —the Six Avenues of Service—which drive the work of Rotary toward the community, businesses and vocations, which are represented by members.
The keyway, or inner wheel—attaches power to the shaft—signifying that the individual member is a key factor. Each member, when engaged, puts energy into motion—in order to create the power that moves the work of the organization.
There are many types of wheels—differing in shape, size and motion. Yet they all generate torque as they move together to keep the wheel in motion. Similarly, each member of Stroudsburgs Rotary is an inner wheel—interlocking with one another through the contribution of time, funds, ideas, and talent—all of which keep the organization viable.
We, as inner wheels—are vital to the organization’s sustainability. The challenge is that we all check on the motion of our inner wheel to see if we can do just a little bit more to move the organization’s objectives forward. It can be as simple as telling a neighbor about Rotary. I know that I can do a little bit more. How About You?
Thanks For All You Do In Service,
Cleo MeriAbut Jarvis, President 2020-2021
Special Thank You to Midge McClosky, Executive Director of Shawnee Playhouse our Program Speaker last week. She shared the history of the Playhouse, current situation and future events. See http://www.theshawneeplayhouse.com
