On 23rd February 2022, Rotary Zones 33/34 proudly launches its newest international initiative - You've Been Served.
All members of the Rotary family are invited to participate in this initiative which is designed to be a collaborative action that brings together clubs, Rotaractors, Interactors and Rotarians. By performing acts of kindness, service and good deeds in local communities, we would like all members to actively demonstrate Rotary's motto of Service Above Self, as well as, to effect our Rotary theme for 2021-2022 – Serve To Change Lives.
Members and clubs are encouraged to be creative in thinking of ways to partner with other clubs, districts and zones to do good in the world and make this initiative something powerful and impactful – whether it is made up of one large group action or a collection of several individual actions.
Here are some guidelines:
1. The You've Been Served Event
This is a "No Barriers" call to ALL clubs, Interactors, Rotaractors and Rotarians to participate in helping your communities, raising awareness of local clubs and Rotary International, attracting potential new members, engaging existing members, and inspiring those served to pay it forward by serving someone else in the future. The entire enterprise kicks-off on Wednesday 23rd February – on Rotary's 117th Anniversary – and ends on Saturday 23rd April – during the week of Paul Harris' birthday.
This is a "No Barriers" call to ALL clubs, Interactors, Rotaractors and Rotarians to participate in helping your communities, raising awareness of local clubs and Rotary International, attracting potential new members, engaging existing members, and inspiring those served to pay it forward by serving someone else in the future. The entire enterprise kicks-off on Wednesday 23rd February – on Rotary's 117th Anniversary – and ends on Saturday 23rd April – during the week of Paul Harris' birthday.
2. The You've Been Served Challenge
You are encouraged to be creative and have fun as you conduct good deeds and acts of kindness that serve your community. You may also invite others within and outside your district, zone or country to get in on the fun and collaborate for an even more enjoyable and significant effort. Share your activities and stories on your club's and Zone 33/34's social media sites.
You are encouraged to be creative and have fun as you conduct good deeds and acts of kindness that serve your community. You may also invite others within and outside your district, zone or country to get in on the fun and collaborate for an even more enjoyable and significant effort. Share your activities and stories on your club's and Zone 33/34's social media sites.
3. You've Been Serve Resources
The You've Been Served website – rotaryserves.org – provides resources as well as highlights the acts of service and kindness planned and conducted between 23rd February and 23rd April. You can find and download the following from the website
The You've Been Served website – rotaryserves.org – provides resources as well as highlights the acts of service and kindness planned and conducted between 23rd February and 23rd April. You can find and download the following from the website
- You've Been Served Cards – Give to those persons whom you served; Personalize the back of the card with your club's name and/or a message of encouragement (https://rotaryserves.org/resources/)
- You've Been Served Logo and Social Media Posts – Use to promote the initiative among your members, followers and communities (https://rotaryserves.org/resources/). Don't forget to use the You've Been Served hastags when posting: #rotaryserves, #you’vebeenserved
- You've Been Served Calendar – Find past, current and upcoming activities carded as part of the initiative (https://rotaryserves.org/scheduled-activities/)
- You've Been Served Activities Portal – Submit your club's event before or after it occurs. When submitting events after they occur, please provide attachments such as photos (https://rotaryserves.org/submit-an-event/)
Benefits of Service
- New members who participate are immediately connected because they have a chance to brighten someone's day and share meaningful moments with others.
- Existing members are re-energized as they connect with people in their community and practice Rotary's motto in real life.
- EVERYONE is touched by the event--the Rotarians, Rotaractors & Interactors, the people served and the community--there are tears and smiles and oh, so much more!
For your reference and inspiration, below is a list of some of the ways Rotarians have served and can serve their communities:
- Give a gas gift card to someone at the gas station
- Give away a store gift card
- Help someone in need (e.g., crossing the street, carrying a package, etc.)
- Help someone with garden/yard work or household chores
- Help build or repair someone’s home
- Share your “You’ve Been Served” experience on social media
- Donate to a worthwhile cause and invite others to join you
- Pay for someone's groceries or give away gift cards for groceries at the supermarket
- Treat someone to a cup of coffee
- Buy someone breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack
- Offer to help someone engaged in a task to complete it
Let's all unite as members of the Rotary family to really showcase our commitment to serving others during these two months and prove to ourselves, our clubs and our communities that we are all People of Action!
