The Spirit of Service, the Spirit of Rotaract

The Spirit of Service, the Spirit of Rotaract

Written by: TP Marian Abio Rotaract Club of Mega Edsa

evastated houses, homeless residents, lack of resources—the recent typhoons have brought a new whirlwind of challenges amidst the pandemic. But in the face of these troubles, bayanihan arose to rebuild spirits and communities.

Rotaractors played a large role in this endeavor through relief operations, donation drives, initiatives—proving their dedication to ignite further the spirit of service in these trying times. among other

The following words of inspiration from Rotaract leaders proved that volunteerism doesn’t stop at one point, but is a continuous and selfless series of acts of giving and connecting.

"I believe that our passion for service starts from within—from our own Rotaract clubs. If we feel in our own clubs that everyone is there for each other, then we can build our strength and inspiration to radiate that same feeling outward. We will be ignited to help people, even those we do not know, in times of crises. ” — PDRR Louie De Real, PILIPINAS MDIO

EMPOWERING, ENCOURAGING, and ENRICHING ROTARACTORS

“We, Filipino Rotaractors have faced different types of natural disasters and calamities. Even the current pandemic challenged our faith and passion for Rotaract service.

We can ignite the spirit of service and the role of Rotaractors in community building by EMPOWERING our co-Rotaractors by giving them a chance to spearhead innovative projects that could create an impactful change in our community.

Start ENCOURAGING the youth to be involved in online discussions and webinars. Encourage more clubs to do collaborative projects that could lead to catering to a larger group of beneficiaries. Encourage your club to be involved in local government projects as they can be our best ally in improving our communities.

Lastly, start ENRICHING their talents, skills, and knowledge through online workshops, training, and seminars. Create a domino effect of leaders creating more leaders which they can also apply in their community. Always remember; "The more we share the things, talents, skills, and gifts we possess, the more we gain. " — DRR Hasem Baladjay, Rotaract Clubs of District 3780

Many Rotaractors can still do their roles in this virtual society. We can do online meetings via Zoom or Google Meet to avoid physical interaction to help stop the spread of the virus. Aside from that, community service projects can be done via an online donation drive. You can donate through bank transfers in just one click. If you must gather and do your projects, always observe proper health protocols and social distancing.

I know it's quite hard to do projects and meetings these days due to the pandemic, but always remember that we are creative and unique in our little ways.

I believe that we learned a lot in our current situation. We just need to look for the brighter side of what happened this year. We should be grateful for what we have and continue being kind and generous despite all things. As a Rotaractor, that's what we need to do because this year is life-changing." — DRRN Trishia Anne Soldevill, Rotaract Clubs of District 3780

"We can ignite their spirit of service by going back to their ‘why. ’ Everyone has different reasons for joining volunteer organizations such as Rotaract. I think those reasons can sustain and further reassert their spirit for service and volunteerism as it is their foundation of joining Rotaract. Partnering with training for pandemic project strategizing, I know Rotaractors can still do their roles in community building and more. " —CSP Excelsis Angel Ilagan, RAC Quezon City Central

"The Covid-19 pandemic and the aftermaths of recent typhoons had brought many challenges in our lives. As young leaders, we should think of ways to turn challenges into opportunities to serve our community.

The use of different forms of media made us create and strengthen connections that further ignited the spirit of service and encouraged more people to support and be one with us in our cause. In these trying times, our role is to improve our service while ensuring that the minimum health standards are being considered to remain safe. " — TP Raffy Malte, RAC Balingasa

"Service is not just one big community event that we organize. Providing them with basic necessities like clothes, food and toiletries might be enough to bring a smile to their faces. But once they go back to their ruined homes, even with that pack of donations on their hands, their smiles will fade because there is still trauma, loss, and grief. As Rotaractors, we don't just want to give temporary smiles but a permanent one. Being at their side and making them feel that life is still worth living would be a big help to build them up again. It doesn't mean that we have to be with them everyday. A weekly or monthly visit will do or we could check up on them through chat. It's making them feel loved and valued will make them recover fast. Serving is truly a tiring yet a fulfilling duty. We should also invite our family and friends to help share this fulfilling experience. " — CSP Valerie Dacanay, RAC Mega Edsa