Rotary Club of Marlin: Service Above Self

Rotarians are people of action.

This global network of more than 1.2 million neighbors, friends, and leaders volunteer their skills and resources to solve issues and address community needs.

Rotary Clubs bring together people across generations who share the ideals of service, leadership, diversity, friendship, and integrity to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

For Rotary International, the “new year” primarily refers to the start of the Rotary fiscal and leadership year beginning on July 1st. However, on January 7, 2026, the Rotary Club of Marlin met, and to the guest speaker and one another reflected a welcoming, refreshing synergism of dedication to service in this, the 2026 New Year.

While not the official Rotary year start, Rotarians often use January 1st for personal reflection on their individual contributions and commitment to service. It’s a time to consider how one person’s actions can create significant change, echoing themes of renewal and personal growth.

Together, Rotarians’ commitment means “No challenge is too big for us (them).” For more than a century, Rotarians have bridged cultures and connected continents. They champion peace, fight illiteracy and poverty, help people get access to clean water and sanitation, and fight disease. The newest cause is to protect this planet and its resources.

Rotary International sets a theme for the year (e.g., “Unite for Good” for 2025-26) to guide activities, focusing on unity, action, and community impact. This is made possible through Rotary Club meeting programs that educate members on community/ world issues, develop leadership/public speaking skills, foster fellowship through shared activities, and coordinate service projects. All the while, meetings are engaging, informa-tive, and aligned with Rotary’s mission of service and ethical standards; meeting programs provide a structured way to fulfill Rotary Club goals.

Focusing on key service areas like Vocational Service (Jan), Peacebuilding (Feb), Water/Sanitation (Mar), Environment (Apr), Youth (May), and Fellowships (Jun), continuing through Maternal & Child Health (Jul), Membership (Aug), Education (Sep), Economic Dev (Oct), Rotary Foundation (Nov), and Disease Prevention (Dec), Marlin’s Rotary Club follows through on its commitment to this community and the international one.

A positive, collaborative spirit, focused on serving others in 2026 emphasizing purpose, community, and shared goals for a better future in Marlin and beyond, persists.

One’s time, energy, and a passion to improve the world are all one needs to get involved with Rotary. Become one of Rotary’s people of action or explore the many opportunities available— whatever age or interest — who wants to improve lives in communities near and far. Connect with the local club to find out how to get involved.

Rotary Club of Marlin meets every Wednesday at 12:00 noon at The Chicken Place, Marlin. Contact Membership Chair Rockney Terry.

And, by the way, the Rotary Club of Marlin was created in 1931!