Interestingly our soon to be RI President Stephanie often addresses her remarks to “My Rotary Family.” The concept of embracing our fellow Rotarians as family members could have a surprisingly far-reaching effect.
Rotary is an organization that practices prosocial behavior. This means we take actions that benefit others or society – the opposite of antisocial behavior. Prosocial behavior is often associated with multiple positive outcomes, including reduced stress, improved mental health, and enhanced well-being. Studies have found that volunteering, doing acts of kindness and helping others involves building and maintaining social connections which are associated with lower blood pressure and improved cardiovascular health. People who experience these outcomes tend to have an increased lifespan and experience greater happiness.
I believe Rotarians are happier, more engaging, and more fun than the general population. Is it because Rotary is an organization focused on prosocial behavior and therefore, we are the beneficiaries of this practice?
As you know there are only two ages in Rotary – the “young” and the “young at heart.” Have you ever wondered why there are so many “young at heart” Rotarians? Perhaps it is because our stock in trade is prosocial behavior and therefore Rotarians simply live longer and are happier.
Viewing our fellow Rotarians as family would encourage even more actions from Rotarians to benefit others. By following Stephanie’s lead to recognize our fellow Rotarians as family and intentionally practicing prosocial behavior, we not only would experience tremendous individual benefits we would make the world a better place.
