More Than Just a Pin: Why a Paul Harris Fellow Means So Much

There are many recognition’s in Rotary.

Medals, certificates, badges, ribbons and titles long enough to make your name badge look like a shopping receipt! but there is something just a little different about a Paul Harris Fellow recognition.

A Paul Harris Fellow Is one of Rotary’s most special honours and It’s not about the pin or about how much was donated. It’s about being recognised.

For those outside the Rotary world, the Paul Harris Fellow was established in honour of Rotary founder Paul Harris and recognises contributions made to The Rotary Foundation. Traditionally, a donation of USD $1,000 to the Foundation is linked to the recognition. Sounds simple enough on paper. A pin, a certificate, a handshake, maybe a slightly awkward photo while someone tells you to “move a bit to the left near the banner.”

But emotionally? It’s much more than that.

Because when somebody chooses to recognise you with a Paul Harris Fellow, what they are really saying is: “We see you.” “We appreciate you.” “We notice what you do, even when you think nobody else does.”

And in volunteer organisations like Rotary, where so much happens quietly behind the scenes, that means a lot.

Most Rotarians don’t do what they do for awards. If we did, we probably chose the wrong hobby. There are easier ways to spend evenings than sitting through committee meetings discussing the roster for who is helping on the club project and whether the raffle tickets were counted correctly.

Yet people continue to show up.

They drive hours to support communities. They organise events. They answer emails at midnight. They put out metaphorical spot fires, and sometimes literal ones during a BBQ fundraiser. Often with very little recognition.

That’s why receiving a Paul Harris Fellow can hit people right in the heart when they least expect it. I know from personal experience as I have been the lucky recipient of 9 PHF’s! yes, 9, totally unbelievable that 9 individual people over the last 15 years felt that I was deserving of the tremendous honour.

And I’ve seen hardened old Rotarians suddenly go quiet and emotional. The kind of people who normally only cry when their football team loses a grand final or Bunnings runs out of sausages.

Because being recognised by your peers is powerful.

Especially when it comes unexpectedly from your club, your district, or another person who simply values who you are and the difference you make.

It says your contribution mattered. Your kindness mattered. Your leadership mattered. Your humanity mattered.

And importantly, a Paul Harris Fellow isn’t always about the loudest person in the room. Sometimes it’s the quiet achiever stacking chairs at the end of the night. The person making welfare calls. The one who never seeks the spotlight but keeps the wheels turning anyway.

That’s the magic of Rotary at its best.

A Paul Harris Fellow pin may only be small, but the feeling attached to it can stay with someone forever.

And let’s be honest, for many Rotarians, it’s also one of the few moments in life where people voluntarily clap for you without you having to perform CPR, win a talent show, or successfully connect the USB dongle into the slot on the first attempt.

Article by Evan Burrell

No one joins Rotary for the drama!

People Don’t Remember Meetings, They Remember Moments

If there’s one thing I’ve been reminded of this year, it’s this…

People are complicated……very very complicated.

And from time to time, we’re going to encounter people who are difficult. That’s not unique to Rotary, that’s just life, it’s human nature. But in a volunteer organisation built on relationships, trust, and shared purpose… those challenges can hit a little harder.

Rotary is amazing… until it isn’t!

It’s the moments, the experiences and the interpersonal interactions that make or break Rotary.

Over the past few months, there have been a few “human resources” issues across clubs in my district. The kind of issues that have kept me, my District Youth Protection Officer, and my District Conflict Resolution Officer very busy and more often than not, up at night!.

It’s never easy to manage and occasionally we question our beliefs. Not because we don’t believe in Rotary.

But because we care deeply about what Rotary should be and that means having some honest conversations about the kind of Rotary we all want to create.

A Rotary that is welcoming. A Rotary that is inclusive. And absolutely, a Rotary that is free from harassment, bullying, abuse, conflict and tension.

Because let’s be clear, creating safe, respectful and positive experiences for all members is not optional. It’s essential!

Now here’s the reality…Not every relationship is going to work.

Sometimes personalities clash.

Sometimes values don’t align.

Sometimes the best thing we can do… is take a step back.

But even in those moments, how we behave matters. We can disagree without being disagreeable.

We can set boundaries without creating conflict. We can walk away from situations that no longer serve us…or our commitment without tearing others down in the process.

No one joins Rotary for the drama.

So if we’re being honest, truly honest, Rotary isn’t perfect, Rotarians aren’t perfect.

We’ve all met them.

The Rotarian who can be a bit difficult.

A bit stuck.

A bit resistant to change.

A bit disagreeable

And sometimes…even a bit shit!

We all know one right?…and if you don’t, then maybe it’s you!

And here’s the danger, those moments, those people, those experiences, can be enough to turn someone

away from Rotary entirely.

They can stop someone from finding connection. From finding purpose. From finding something that could genuinely change their life.

And that should concern all of us.

Because the future of Rotary doesn’t depend on our history. It depends on the experiences we create right now. So here’s what I want to say…

Don’t let a Rotarian… put you off Rotary.

Because Rotary is bigger than any one person.

Bigger than any one club.

Bigger than any one project.

Bigger than any one program.

Rotary is what we choose to make it, so be the reason they join, not leave.

The future of Rotary isn’t written in policy documents.

It’s written in moments. In how we treat people. In how we include people. In how we make people feel.

Rotary doesn’t have a membership problem, it has a moment problem.

Because somewhere out there right now. There’s a potential new member.

Not quite sure where they fit. And they’re only one good Rotary moment away…

From finding their people.

From finding their purpose.

From finding their path.

But with a new member or even a long-term member it just takes one, just one.

One experience..

One bad experience… and they’re gone!.

Or one great experience… and they’ve found their people for life.

That’s the difference.

And that’s the responsibility we carry.

Because Rotary doesn’t lose people because of policy.

It loses people because of “personalities”.

So the question isn’t “What kind of Rotary do we have?”

It’s this…

What kind of experience did you create today?

The Rotary they experience is the Rotary they remember!

Article by Evan Burrell

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I encourage you to visit the Rotary Learning Centre Resources and take the many free

courses on offer, like this one.

Essentials of Understanding Conflict: A core course available to help Rotarians manage

and resolve disputes.

Visit https://my.rotary.org/learn

What If Paul Harris Started Rotary Today, in 2026

As we celebrate another Rotary anniversary, I often wonder what Paul Harris would make of Rotary today.

Would he smile proudly?

Or stare in mild confusion while asking someone to explain what a “hashtag” is?

When he gathered a few friends together on 23 February 1905, I doubt he imagined that little idea would grow into a global movement.

But it got me thinking…

What if Paul Harris didn’t start Rotary in 1905?

What if he started it today, in 2026?

To imagine that, we first have to imagine a 30 something Gen-Y / Gen-Z Paul.

He’s probably a social entrepreneur with a podcast, a Substack newsletter, and a side hustle that somehow involves crypto investing. His style is equal parts metro, a dash of emo, and just enough hipster to know which café has the best ethically sourced oat-milk iced lavender-infused macadamia matcha latte with exactly two pumps of sugar-free vanilla, half-caf, and extra ice in a venti cup….

He eats organic, tries to remember to meditate, and owns at least one reusable water bottle that cost far too much.

He’s warm, engaging, laughs easily, and networking comes naturally, no need for the book “How to Win Friends and Influence People”. He’s already got 500+ LinkedIn connections and a group chat on WhatsApp that never stops buzzing.

So what would his Rotary club look like?

The Club…in the clurbbb..we all fam!

First up, it would be radically inclusive.

Members come from every background, belief, culture and identity imaginable. The club is thoughtful about traditions and careful to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable walking through the door.

They don’t argue politics, but they absolutely mobilise around problems.

Climate. Homelessness. Youth mental health. Community resilience. If it needs fixing, they’re in.

Their phones are their toolbox.

Instagram stories show service projects in real time.

WhatsApp groups organise volunteers.

LinkedIn spreads professional connections.

Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe and Kickstarter help launch projects in days instead of months.

Someone probably even built an app for the club.

Because of course they did.

Meetings (…sort of)

The club meets regularly, but not rigidly.

Sometimes in person.

Sometimes online.

Sometimes hybrid because someone’s travelling.

Maybe once or twice a month.

What matters isn’t attendance.

It’s impact.

Members join because they want to do something real, get their hands dirty, contribute their skills, and make a difference.

Communication never really stops. Ideas bounce around daily in group chats and social feeds. Service opportunities spread quickly through friends, colleagues and networks.

Suddenly people who’ve never heard of Rotary are turning up to help.

The Venues

Forget the formal meeting room.

This Rotary club might meet:

• at a small bar

• a co-working space

• a café

• a brewery

• or occasionally on Zoom while someone walks their dog

Costs stay low so energy and resources go into projects, not overhead.

The vibe is relaxed.

Laptops open. Ideas flowing. Someone designing a logo on Canva while another member is lining up volunteers.

Social Life

One thing would feel very familiar to Paul Harris.

Friendship.

The club would still prioritise time together, dinners, trivia nights, spontaneous catch-ups, community events.

Friends bring friends.

No pressure. No hard sell.

Just good people doing good things.

And interestingly, many people involved in their projects wouldn’t actually be members… yet.

They simply care about the same causes.

Sound familiar?

Maybe Paul Would Recognise It

The funny thing is, while this picture is imaginary, parts of it already exist in Rotary today.

Different formats.

Different styles.

Different generations.

But the same spirit.

People connecting.

People helping.

People building community.

Maybe if Paul Harris walked into a Rotary meeting in 2026 he might be surprised by the technology, the language, or the venues.

But I suspect he’d recognise the most important thing immediately.

A group of people who simply decided to do some good together.

And really, that was the whole idea in the first place.

Article by Evan Burrell

Hi, my name is, what? My name is, who? My name is...

There are a few things you can almost guarantee to be at a Rotary meeting.

A reciting of the Four-Way Test, someone selling a raffle ticket, a serving of Rotary chicken (maybe) and a room full of fully grown adults proudly wearing name badges like we’re at the world’s longest-running speed dating event.

And I absolutely love it!…..well not the chicken so much.

Rotary’s obsession with name badges actually makes sense, the tradition actually goes right back to Rotary’s earliest days, creating that relaxed, atmosphere where the mechanic, the magistrate and the milkman were all just “John,” “Sue,” or “Bill.” First names. No titles. Just fellowship.

The badge was there to make introductions easy and to remind us that in Rotary, we meet as equals. The badge became a symbol of that culture, worn proudly on the right side so it’s perfectly positioned for a handshake and a warm “G’day, I’m Evan.”

Which brings me to my confession…

I don’t just have a Rotary name badge.

I have a Rotary name badge collection!

I’m sitting at about 30 of them.

Every possible variation:

Evan Burrell – Club President

Evan Burrell – Honorary Member

Evan Burrell – District Public Image

Evan Burrell – RI Communications Committee

Evan Burrell – Rotaract (yes, I’ve still got that one!)

Evan Burrell – District Governor

And in July i’ll get a new one!

Evan Burrell – Past District Governor….I’m waiting in a favour of anticipation for this one.

And at this point I need to head to IKEA and get a display cabinet, or have a rotating lanyard system like a backstage pass holder at a music festival.

But here’s the real upside…

If I ever get amnesia, I won’t panic.

I’ll just open my top drawer, look down and instantly know: “Ah yes… I’m Evan Burrell. Apparently I’ve held several positions of mild responsibility and I have lot’s of badges.”

Honestly, it’s foolproof identity insurance.

Every time I think, “This will be the last badge I’ll ever need,” Rotary says, “Congratulations! Here’s another role!” And off I go with another badge on the chest.

But the humour aside, the badge isn’t about hierarchy, it’s about connection. It says, “Here’s my name. Come and talk to me.” It reinforces that culture of first-name friendshipthat makes Rotary feel less like a formal organisation and more like a very well-organised family.

Yes, we may look like we’re permanently attending a conference icebreaker…

But when you walk into a Rotary meeting and everyone greets you by name, badge gleaming in handshake position, it feels less like a meeting and more like an episode of the 80s tv sitcom, Cheers.

Where everybody knows your name.

And they’re always glad you came.

And surely wouldn’t you want to go where everybody knows your name?

Evan Burrell

Six Months In: The Parts I Expected and the Ones I Didn’t

Six months ago, I slipped on the District Governor chain of office, stuck on the badge, smiled for the photos, did the customary big speech and thought I had a pretty good idea of what I was in for.

Turns out…….I had some idea.

Just not all of it…

This role has been everything people said it would be, inspiring, humbling, energising and busy!! But also there was a few things they didn’t quite warn me about.

At the six-month mark, it feels like the right moment to pause, take a breath, and reflect honestly on what this journey has been so far.

Here is the Good Stuff (and there’s been plenty)

First, the absolute privilege of it all. Visiting clubs across our district, meeting all the different people, hearing local stories, seeing creativity, generosity, and optimism in action, that has been the fuel in my tank.

There have been a few moments where I’ve sat quietly (hard for me!) at the back of a room thinking, “Wow… this is Rotary at its best.”

Projects that change lives. Members stepping up when it would be easier to step back. New ideas taking shape. Long-standing traditions evolving rather than fading.

I’ve seen leadership emerge in unexpected places. I’ve seen clubs reconnect with their “why”. I’ve seen people fall back in love with Rotary and that never gets old.

There have been laughs too. Plenty of them.....usually at my expense!. Because as I’ve always said if you can’t laugh in Rotary, you’re probably taking yourself far too seriously.

The Hard Bits (let’s not pretend they don’t exist)

Here’s the brutally honest part.

Some aspects of this role I have not enjoyed, in fact I have absolutely hated and some situations I was never truly prepared to face.

Leadership at this level doesn’t just come with the applause and handshakes. It also comes with difficult conversations, competing expectations, jealousy, plenty of criticism and moments where there is no perfect answer, only the least bad one.

There have been issues that have required me to be firm instead of friendly. Clarity instead of comfort and that’s been tough because my instinct is always to try and bring people together, not sit in the space where things are fractured.

It’s also been really confronting to learn that no matter how transparent, fair, by the book or values-driven you try to be, not every decision will be welcomed, but that’s just everything in life right?.

That’s a lesson I’m still learning and probably will keep learning forever.

The Balancing Act (or circus act)

Then there’s been the juggle. All the balls in the air, trying to catch them all.

Family. Work. Rotary.

Trying to be present everywhere, all at once, turns out to be impossible despite my best superhero intentions. There have been early mornings, late nights, long drives, and the occasional moment of wondering whether I left my brain on the top shelf at home.

Balancing this role with family life has been the biggest challenge of all. The guilt of missing moments with my children. The gratitude for an understanding partner. The constant recalibration of priorities. The questioning of whether it’s been worth it all.

It’s not always graceful. Sometimes it’s messy, sometimes the arguments have cut deep, but it’s real and it’s part of the story.

Why It’s Still Worth It

Despite the challenges or maybe because of them I’m deeply grateful for this experience.

This role has stretched me. Tested me. Forced me to grow in ways I didn’t anticipate. And it has reminded me why Rotary matters: not because it’s easy, but because it brings together people who are willing to step up anyway.

I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, listening carefully, acting with integrity, and being willing to carry the weight when needed.

Looking Ahead: The Next Six Months

The road ahead is full. There’s momentum building. There are conversations still to be had. There’s work to do.

The next six months will be about deepening my connections, supporting clubs and members through change, celebrating success loudly, and tackling challenges with honesty and compassion. It’s about keeping the focus on impact, relevance, and fun because Rotary should still feel like something you want to be part of.

I’m stepping into the second half of this year with open eyes, a steadier stride, a fully recharged bullshit detector and a heart that’s still very much in the game.

I’m halfway through, I’m still learning, I’m still committed I’m still proud to walk the path.

And yes, I’m still smiling… well most of the time anyway.

Evan Burrell

Club Banners: Rotary’s Most Collectable Collectable—But Do We Still Care?

For more than a century, Rotary clubs around the world have exchanged these small, colourful, and often beautifully crafted banners as symbols of fellowship, identity, and global connection.

These banners, often proudly displayed in meeting rooms or kept as treasured mementos, represent a long-standing Rotary tradition rooted in friendship and international goodwill. But as Rotary continues to modernise, digitalise, and adapt to new generations of members, one question quietly emerges: Is the club banner still relevant, or has it become just another Rotary relic destined for the archive box or dare I say it the rubbish bin?

A Brief History of Rotary Banners

The custom of exchanging club banners dates back to the early 20th century. As international travel became more accessible, Rotarians visiting clubs abroad sought meaningful ways to commemorate these encounters. A banner bearing a club’s name, colours, motto, and local symbolism became the perfect token.

By the 1950s and 1960s, banner exchanges were pretty widespread. District Governors returned from club visits with suitcases full of banners! (Thankfully i’ve only been given 3 banners in my current year as DG)

Meeting rooms hung them proudly along the wall, forming a colourful tapestry of Rotary’s global footprint. Banners were not simply decorations, they were storytelling tools. Each one reflected the character, culture, and spirit of the club that created it and they were, or to some degree are tangible reminders that Rotary extended far beyond one town, district, or country. For many clubs, designing a banner was an act of pride a chance to showcase local history, industry, or iconic landmarks and for visiting Rotarians, presenting their club’s banner was both a gesture of respect and a reminder of the shared values that bind us.

But Are Banners Still Relevant Today?

Fast forward to today’s Rotary. The world has changed. Communication is instant and digital. Some members are younger, busier, and less inclined toward collecting memorabilia. Rotary itself encourages innovation and flexibility. The question becomes unavoidable:

Are club banners a meaningful tradition that strengthens Rotary identity, or have they become nostalgic novelties, the Rotary equivalent of collecting a collectable that doesn't spark joy anymore?

On one hand, many clubs no longer display banners regularly. Some have entire storerooms filled with dusty collections from decades past. Budget-conscious clubs question the cost of printing them. Environmentally conscious members question the need for more “stuff.”

On the other hand, banners remain one of the few tactile, personalised symbols of Rotary’s internationality. In an era of Zoom meetings and digital engagement, a physical object exchanged between clubs can feel refreshingly authentic. For visiting Rotarians, handing over a banner can still spark conversation, connection, and pride.

Tradition vs. Transformation

As Rotary strives toward long-term growth and relevance, traditions like the banner exchange inevitably come under review. But traditions can evolve rather than disappear. Some clubs now design minimalist or eco-friendly banners made from recycled materials. Others create digital banners, high-resolution designs shared via email or over social medis, reducing waste while maintaining the spirit of exchange.

My question isn't simply “Should we keep banners?” but rather is it a cherished emblem of fellowship, or a quaint tradition ready for retirement?

Is it a symbol of global unity, or just another trinket cluttering our cupboards?

The answer may be different for each club. But as Rotary continues balancing innovation with heritage, this small piece of fabric invites us to ask a bigger question:

What traditions really truly matter in Rotary now, and how do we honour our past without being limited by it?

Article by Evan Burrell

When Recognition Becomes Routine

There was a time when receiving a Rotary pin gave you goosebumps.

It wasn’t just another ceremony, it was a moment.

A proud nod from your peers that said, “You belong here. You’ve earned this.”

Becoming a Rotarian meant your actions had already spoken for you, your values, your service, your integrity. The same went for the Paul Harris Fellow recognition. It wasn’t a piece of paper; it was a badge of honour. A milestone that said, you’ve made a real difference.

But somewhere along the way, those moments started to feel a little…automatic.

Pins handed out without the story, certificates given without the spark. And when recognition becomes routine, it risks losing what made it powerful in the first place.

Yet the answer isn’t to stop recognising, it’s to bring back the meaning.

To make every pin, every Paul Harris Fellow, every handshake matter again.

Because recognition isn’t about the formality, it’s about the heart behind it.

It’s about celebrating those who live and breathe Rotary’s values every single day, not for applause, but for purpose.

So let’s restore that pride.

Let’s make sure every award tells a story worth sharing, every pin represents a promise kept, and every act of recognition reminds us why we joined Rotary in the first place.

Because the true strength of Rotary has never been in how many wear the pin, but in how many live by what it stands for.

Article by Evan Burrell

I'm Ready For My Close-Up!

The most popular social media platforms are YouTube and TikTok. Know why? Engaging videos!

Have you jumped on the short-video train yet? Because if not you might be missing the best opportunity your Rotary club has ever had to connect, inspire, and grow.

And no you don’t need to be Steven Spielberg or have a big Hollywood budget. You just need a phone, a story, and a little bit of Rotary heart.

These days, creating engaging short videos for social media is so easy, no film crew, no expensive gear, no perfectly memorised script. You don’t even need to be totally confident on camera. You just need to tell a story.

When you look straight into that smartphone lens and speak like you’re chatting with a friend across the table, you build real connection the kind that turns viewers into followers and followers into future members.

Try this:

Share why you joined Rotary, be authentic, be real.

Show your club in action on a service project.

Interview your guest speaker right after their talk and capture their energy while it’s fresh.

Keep it short, 30 to 90 seconds is perfect and don’t worry about perfection you're not filming Citizen Kane!. Sometimes your first take is your best take.

Not sure what to post? Borrow inspiration! There’s a treasure trove of Rotary videos on YouTube or on my Changemaker Facebook page that you can share or remix to spotlight what Rotary does best, making a difference!.

And don’t forget the golden rule: Always include a call to action.

“Find out more about joining us.”

“Support our cause/event/fundraiser etc.”

“Follow our page for more good news.”

Video is one of the most powerful storytelling tools we have and it’s made for the People of Action.

So grab your phone, hit record, and start sharing the magic of Rotary in your own authentic way.

Who knows… your next clip might just go viral. Or at least win you a few standing ovations at the next club meeting.

Article by Evan Burrell