Let me take you back in time to the NBC Evening News Broadcast of March 28, 1978. Do you remember Chet Huntley David Brinkley. A one minute video that will remind you of how things used to be.
Richard Key was the President of the Rotary Club of Duarte when he said, “we think it is a human rights issue.” It was the men of The Rotary Club of Duarte that recognized that the time had arrived for change and Richard Key stated the case quite well. Who are we to limit the opportunity to be a part of an organization that provides members with the satisfaction that comes with being of service. Richard understood that privilege should be made available to all who want to join us.
Now watch the response of W. Jack Davis, President of Rotary International. It is obvious that he was in a difficult position trying to balance domestic and international interest.
We should be thankful that there were some men in the position of Rotary Leadership who could see the value to Rotary International, and the world, in doubling the number of customers for what Rotary had to offer.
The last part of the report from Duarte introduced Donna Bogart, one of the three women who were the cause of Rotary International terminating the Rotary Club of Duarte’s charter.
Donna doesn’t really seem to be so dangerous.
I have been a member of the Albion, IN Rotary Club since 1987. I have had 22 years of perfect attendance, missing 2 years because of cancer and back surgery.
My father, Dr. Justin R. Nash, was a charter member of our Albion Club and valued Rotary very much. He also had perfect attendance during his membership. He was a physician and still managed to made Rotary every week. Our Rotary club met across the street from where I lived and I could watch the Rotarians go to the meeting every week. My Dad took me some of the time. I learned the Smile Song when I was a little girl. Finally I decided I wanted to be in Rotary too, and was trying to find a way to join. Finally 1987 came and the law passed to allow women into the club. I was immediately asked to join. I became the first woman president of our club after holding all the other offices. I have always loved Rotary and always will. I have been able to attend 2 conferences, one in Indianapolis and the other in Chicago. Chicago was the anniversary year for Rotary. My grandson, Corey Hull, took me to Chicago, helped me register in the hotel and then helped me register at the conference. He took my car home, back to South Bend and then came and picked me up on Wednesday. I was able to get him into the house of friendship that day. He later joined Rotary in Valdosta, GA and is now president of his club. I am now also on the Rotary Rose Bowl Float committee for our District. Our meeting is in Michigan City in June and I will be there with a table representing the float committee. Thank goodness Rotary now includes women. I know we have given much back to the organization over the years.
Linda J. Shultz
I was invited to join Rotary in 1960, and have maintained perfect attendance ever since, minus one meeting. When women were allowed to become Rotarians it seemed like an idea whose time had come. In the first few years I can remember making up at clubs that were resisting, but his soon died away. Our first woman member was the city librarian, who served admirably.