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 Do you wear your Rotary pin every day?

By Arnold R. Grahl 
Rotary International News -- 10 February 2010 
 
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Rotarians have been extolling the virtues of wearing a Rotary pin on RI's official LinkedIn group. Pins come in many designs, including this one from vendor Russell-Hampton. See a full list of official RI licensed vendors. Photo courtesy of Russell-Hampton

Luanne Triolo was several weeks into a challenge to wear her Rotary pin for 60 days straight when she realized she had missed a day.

So the 2009-10 president of the Rotary Club of Carol Stream, Illinois, USA, started all over again to meet the challenge William Ferreira, governor of District 6440, had set before all his club presidents.

"You get used to it. It's something that is really good to do," says Triolo. "Different pins do catch people's eye in different ways."

Many Rotarians are serious about wearing their Rotary pins. Eugene Beil, past governor of District 6950 (Florida, USA) and a member of the Rotary Club of Hudson, tapped into that dedication recently when he started a discussion thread on RI's official LinkedIn group, asking Rotarians whether they wear their pins every day or just for meetings. The discussion has prompted more than 190 comments.

"I am happy with the feedback," Beil says. "I feel strongly about the value of wearing the pin every day. Whether you are at the grocery store, at work, or anywhere, you never know when a stranger is going to notice and you have an opportunity to explain Rotary to them."

Tony Quinn, governor of District 1200 (England), notes on the LinkedIn thread that Rotarians agree to wear their pins at all times when they are inducted.

"Remember what Past RI President Bob Barth had to say," Quinn notes. "He said that a Rotary pin should say this about the wearer: 'You can rely on me, I am dependable, I am reliable, I give more than I take, and I am available.' I can't think of a better reason to wear it at all time."

Many shapes and sizes

Triolo says her favorite Rotary pin depicts several women with their arms raised in the air, with the Rotary emblem on the side, available through the vendor Russell-Hampton. (See a full list of official RI licensed vendors.) She says she likes to look for new pins at presidents-elect training seminars, club officer trainings, and district conferences. "There are even magnetic ones for people who don't want to stick a pin through their clothing."

Claudiu Presecan, a member of the Rotary Club of Cluj-Napoca Cetatuie, Romania, notes that Rotary was forbidden in his country during the 50 years of communist rule. "It's a pin we can wear now in Romania too. I guess only when you are forced to stop wearing it you realize its true significance."

Daniel Romanchik, a member of the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, says the LinkedIn discussion has convinced him to wear his pin more often. He is particularly drawn to RI theme pins.

Lisa Hunter, president of the Rotaract Club of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, says she always wears her Rotaract pin with pride. "Like many others, I keep a variety of different pins in my bag so I always have the right one to suit the occasion," she says.

Do you wear your Rotary pin every day? Have you struck up a conversation with strangers about Rotary as a result? Leave your comments below, or join the discussion on RI's official LinkedIn group.

67 Comments:
At 10:20AM on 27 March 2013, David Graham wrote: I wear my Past President pin on all my suit jackets and it often is noticed and Rtary discussed. At the Airport it often starts a conversation.
At 10:49AM on 9 October 2012, Brydie Hill wrote: Is it okay for me to wear my pin on jean days for work? We still dress nice or should I say is there a dress requirement for the pin?
At 10:33AM on 3 October 2012, Allen Stare wrote: In 2006, my wife and I took a cruise-tour of Alaska. We got on a train in Anchorage headed to Fairbanks. The first leg was six hours. We sat down across from a couple from Buffalo, NY and he immediately noticed my Rotary pin in the collar of my shirt. "So what exactly is Rotary?" he said. I had six hours...I was able to take my time with the answer. Six weeks after that trip, he sent me a picture from his induction into one of the Buffalo clubs. WEAR YOUR PIN!! IT WORKS!!!
At 10:35AM on 30 August 2012, PDG Aswini Kar wrote: I have been wearing rotary lapel pin every day since last 15 years without fail. When I go out of home I wear the pin and take it out when I return home.
At 9:49AM on 11 June 2012, Jo Ann Oxsen wrote: I'm proud to wear my Rotary pin daily.
At 10:00AM on 28 February 2011, Ulisses Perez wrote: I went with the D4160 GSE Team visiting Germany (D1890) on May/June 2010. Back to Mexico I've been wearing my GSE pin (Mexico-Germany flags, united by the Rotary emblem) every day since then. It becomes a stand-out statement which allows me to tell everyone, everywhere, about my wonderful experience with the GSE, with Rotary, and with rotarians from all over the world. It's a great way to spread a word of goodwill.
At 8:18AM on 18 January 2011, Saleem A Khan (PE.2011-12) RID-3272 wrote: I am still wearing Rotary Pins continuously its now almost fourteen months.
At 4:45PM on 14 September 2010, Steve Smith wrote: I am proud to wear my pin. I have a number of them which means I can move them from jumpers to jackets to shirts.
At 11:26AM on 7 September 2010, rotr jimoh otaru wrote: every morning before i leave, if i did not wear my rotaract pin, i will fill am incomplet. so i allways wear my pin even to bed.
At 10:50AM on 25 August 2010, Rotn. Oqua Etim wrote: I'm proud to be a Rotarian and I believe every Rotarian like me who is proud to be a member of the worldwide Rotary Family should be proud to wear the Rotary pin every day. It's part of the challenge of being a Rotarian. I enjoy it when colleagues and friends see the Rotary pin on me and ask questions about it.
At 3:07PM on 16 August 2010, sekwila mumba wrote: my name has become a must have on all my outfits and am proud to wear it each day.
At 10:37AM on 16 August 2010, N.Karthikeyan wrote: I have been in rotary since 1999~2000 and til this date i make sure i wear the rotary pin 365 days a year the moment i step out of my house. I find that i enjoy a special status when i get identified as a rotarian. The rotary pin has given me access to many oppotunity and occassion. Its a wonderful feeling when you get identified as a rotarian , mostly during an international travel. This is the magic of Ratary and this year`s theme is testimonial to this fact. www.rotaryadventurers3201.org
At 11:39AM on 2 August 2010, Paui Bakeman wrote: I was advised to wear my pin every day when first became a Rotarian for the same reasons mentioned previously. I am now in a new club, Wildomar Rotary Club in Wildomar, CA, USA, and incourage members to wear their pin everyday. Rotary Opens Doors.
At 11:36AM on 30 July 2010, saif wrote: I feel very happy to join this movement.
At 11:58AM on 13 July 2010, PDG Barbara Shayeb-Helou wrote: On becoming a Rotarian in August of 1992, my sponsor told me I had to wear my pin everyday. She was very serious about the pin and about me maintaining perfect attendance. Eighteen years later, I still have perfect attendance and wear my pin everyday. Of course, I have pins from all over the world. They are apart of me.
At 12:46PM on 28 June 2010, margaret palmer wrote: what a great idea to raise awareness and also to perhaps encourage all by making it a challenge. i shall bring it up at our meeting tonight.
At 11:23AM on 24 May 2010, Rtn.Mahmood Ali Khan,RC Dhaka Midtown ,Bangladesh. wrote: Rotary pin is a distinctive mark for a Rotarian,which he wears with pride exuding dedication to Rotary ideals, principles and spirit of service, fellowship and internationlity.My club bulletin regularly exhorts its menbers to wear the pin.And they gladly comply.
At 11:18AM on 11 May 2010, piraiyon wrote: Rotary pin has become my port of service life. I am active Rotarian post 16 years .When i found wearing my rotary pin most effective was when traveled and met several Rotarian's that was thank for rotary experience
At 10:00AM on 23 April 2010, Rotractor Offor Rose Chiamaka wrote: Rotaract is good,humanity service is not just for outside charity but also for family charity,charity begins at home.let us love one another.4rm district 9140.
At 4:40PM on 22 April 2010, Carlos Salvio Neto wrote: I am proud to use my Rotary pin every day. The Brazilian Flag and the Rotary Flag. The Rotarian Service is my north and It deserve my respect and my work support. Salvio
At 10:04AM on 23 April 2010, Rotn Ug Larry Nwabugwu wrote: it is indeed a good habit of wearing the rotary pin far back as when i was a rotactor in the university. i indeed recommend the wearing of the pin. i have many.
At 11:20AM on 12 April 2010, Saleem Ahmad Khan wrote: Since last 28 months i am wearing three pins of Rotary. There is not a day without a pin. Three theme pins and one Rotary pin is always on the top next to my National flag.I am proud to be Rotarian.
At 11:08AM on 5 April 2010, Sarad Bawri, President RC Shillong wrote: Wearing the Rotary Pin everyday gives me a feeling of being a part of an organisation with is in the foremost of providing service to humanity. I have a variety of these pins, and I keep changing them everyday, depending on the occasion.
At 10:59AM on 5 April 2010, Helen wrote: I am a former member of a South Carolina rotary club. I had to resign because I enrolled in law school and the demands of law school and active membership were too much. Now I am accompanying my boss to a Rotary speaking engagement and would love to wear my pin out of respect for the organization, but can't help but feel it might be inappropriate since I am not an active member now. I can't find any rules on this. Can someone give me some advice?
At 9:44AM on 29 March 2010, brian mcginley wrote: i wear my pin every day because I'm proud to be a Rotarian and what Rotary stands for. I've had clients and bosses alike notice and make comments. This opens communication between members and non-members frequently.
At 9:33AM on 26 March 2010, Patty Meehan wrote: I wear a Rotary Pin everyday. I am proud to be a Rotarian plus it sometimes prompts questions when I am out. I have a couple of pins that are of special significance which I focus on that day.
At 11:14AM on 18 March 2010, Betty McNerlin wrote: District 1160 (Ireland). I now have 3 different pins and will collect more from now on - I make a point of making sure my pin is on before I leave for work in the morning - it's a matter of honour.
At 9:35AM on 11 March 2010, Moses Quinion Galabuzi wrote: Where do we find pins and how much are they?
At 9:00AM on 2 March 2010, Ramesh Tamrakar wrote: I love wearing pin and it makes me more responsible. it reminds the true spirit of Rotary and encourage me to serve to needy. I also feel proud of the group to whom I belong through Rotary. People can rely on Rotarians. we should be very much careful and keep the image of Rotary.
At 2:57PM on 26 February 2010, Kamrul Hussain Chowdhury wrote: Rotary pin is a pride of every Rotarian. This shows your shobar & commitments to Rotary.
At 9:08AM on 24 February 2010, Maureen Kahima wrote: Wearing my pin shows the pride I have in the organization I proudly belonged to for the last 8 years. When i have it on i don't labour so much to say what I am because the pin represents the values i subscribe to. I sometimes forget to put on but I will always look at my lapel/chest and realise that I am not completely dressed. Having the pin on adds value to attire. i am proud to be rotarian
At 9:03AM on 23 February 2010, PDG George Buckley wrote: Of course every Rotarian should wear their pin. I wear one every day because I am proud to be a Rotarian and for what Rotary stands for. Do you think that Mercedes would leave their badge off their car or Mcdonalds remove their Golden Arches? So wear your badge with pride tell people about Rotary
At 11:07AM on 22 February 2010, Philemon Mussey wrote: I always boldly wear my Rotaract pin every other day as I step out of my house.I just enjoy de confidence it instills in me when people recognise dat I belong 2 a great world-wide family. Last year,I attended 2 job interviews & got both (one after de other).Later on,I learnt both my direct bosses from de 2 different institutions were Rotarians.Oh what a great family I belong to.
At 9:16AM on 19 February 2010, James wrote: I love wearing my Rotaract pin each time I am leaving my house. I kept a record of 6 months in a row!! I believe that we should conduct ourselves in a manner that reflects our status as part of the Rotary organization. We r the image of Rotary and it's a responsibility
At 10:06AM on 17 February 2010, Christy Opara wrote: I love wearing my Rotary pin each time I am leaving my house as it has become part of my dressing. But Rotarians should conduct themselves properly when they wear the Rotary pins. Some Rotarians do not project the pin, they should have a change of heart . No matter the situation we should wear the pin always.
At 10:06AM on 17 February 2010, LESLIE POPE wrote: I used to wear it almost every day and will start wearing it again when I go out . When I found wearing my Rotary pin most effective was when I traveled and I met several Rotarians that was. It was a great experience
At 9:32AM on 16 February 2010, Placid Oluigbo wrote: I joined Rotary during the year of 'sow the seed of love'. Infact I was inducted with the year's theme pin. I loved it so much and wore it with pride just like I was instructed. As I grew up in Rotary, i found some bad eggs in Rotary and the pride in wearing the pin left me. Yes, I sometimes feel ashamed to be called a Rotarian when I see what Rotarians do even to themselves and the junior members of the family of Rotary. I was opportuned one day to have about four Rotaractors in my car as we left the venue of a district conference, they could all speak Yoruba except me and they knew it. Their discussion for the about 90 minutes drive was male Rotarians and female Rotaractors. Though I did not understand the language used in the conversation, I could make out some meaning when they interject English words. I felt ashamed because it is like a house divided against itself. I also have an interactor friend who was the president of the club in her school. She is in her 400 level in the University of PortHarcourt now and she did not join the Rotaract club because of her experience as an interact president in the hands of men as old as her father, who were members of her sponsor Rotary club. If we can strive to live by the tenets of the 4 way test, if we can practice what we preach, Rotary is not all about doing good to others, we must learn to do good to ourselves because charity begins at home. My pride in wearing the Rotary pin will fully be restored when we as Rotarians understand what Rotary is really all about, especially our stand on ethics
At 9:31AM on 16 February 2010, PDG Bazil Dsouza wrote: Rotary pin has become part of my life,since I joined Rotary.I feel guilty when,I forget to wear.It gives me tremendous strength in my daily activities.It moves your head,heart & mind
At 9:30AM on 16 February 2010, C. Merle Hirschman wrote: I am just back from a vacation in Palm Desert CA. I was wearing a windbreaker shirt (from Russell Hampton) while touring the Living Desert. A gentleman came up to me and shook my hand and said he always tries to meet anyone with a Rotary pin or emblem. We had a lovely conversation...he was from the state of Washington and I am from VA. I have decided that i will start to do that every time i see someone with a Rotary pin or emblem.
At 9:59AM on 15 February 2010, Rtn. Bamkim Chandra Khanal wrote: I am join as a chartered member2001,am a secretary of my club 2009-2010 RC Palpa Dist. 3292. I wear pin every day i am not missed wearing a pin .Every one ask about it at that time i got opportunity to say about Rotary & club activities it also a part of mobilized other people to join the Rotary.
At 9:59AM on 15 February 2010, Dike ONYIRI wrote: When we were all inducted into Rotary, we were asked to wear our Rotary pins and not just to wear it but to wear it with PRIDE. Today, it is hard to see Rotarians wearing their pins outside Rotary events. This is ‘UNROTARY’ of us. How do we advertise the Club, if we can not speak our advert, the Rotary Pin, should speak for us. I can vividly remember one occasion someone stopped me in my working place to ask what the pin was for. That day I was wearing the “Make Dreams Real” Theme pin, I had to explain and the fellow showed interest, though I have not been able to bring her to join Rotary but it was a good starting point.
At 9:57AM on 15 February 2010, Fred Ley PP MPHF wrote: Shortly after receiving my first PHF I drilled a small hole in a gold tie bar and mounted my PHF pin. I have worn it very day since except when recently the tie clip spring broke. A few days later I replaced the tie clip and am wearing the PHF pin again. I have two past president pins. I wear one on my lunch jacket and one on my suit coat so that whenever I leave my home I am wearing both the PHF award pin and the Rotary Internatinal pin. Either one starts discussion about Rotary.
At 9:56AM on 15 February 2010, Grant Engle. PDG wrote: I wear a Rotary pin at all times. I put Rotary emblems on my car and boy has my driving improved. When you represent the best, you do your best.
At 9:55AM on 15 February 2010, Kazi Moazzem Hossain Liton R/C Narayangonj Mid Town wrote: I am alwage wear my Rotary pin.Becouse I am proud fill as a Rotarian.
At 9:54AM on 15 February 2010, PP Rtn Ashok Kumar Tripathy wrote: I was wearing my Rotary Pin everyday when I was President of my Club . I was able to attract about 50 new members because I had to explain about it to my collegues , friends and seniors .
At 9:54AM on 15 February 2010, ROTN Olajide Ajala(Incoming Presiden, Hill-top, Calabar) wrote: i wear my Rotary pin with pride because i am always willing to explain to people what the pin is all about and as a result more persons have been able to join the Family.
At 9:53AM on 15 February 2010, Raffi Mohammed wrote: I may miss my pen ,i do not miss tha rotary pin because pen can barrow when you need it ,but rotary pin is very value adding part to my life. because any one canot replace it. raffi mohammed.dist 3150.RC Bhadrachalam raffi_9@rediffmail.com
At 9:53AM on 15 February 2010, Rtn.PHF.Er.M.AMALAN ASHOK-RC of DEVAKOTTAI-RI dist-3212 wrote: In our club it is compulsory.We once fined our DG not wearing pin in the meeting.its our duty. we must wear the pins everyday.It has been our identification.It sure makes me a better person and people notice.
At 9:52AM on 15 February 2010, KAZI MOAZZEM HOSSAIN LITON wrote: I Think Every Rotaryan Proud Fill His/Her Rotarian Identity.So Every Moment Wear Pin.
At 9:51AM on 15 February 2010, PDG Pratap Puranik, past RRIMC wrote: Thirty One years back, a friend of mine who brought me in Rotary told me the importance of wearing of Rotary pin, from the moment you step out of home till you retire for the day. I had fascinating experiences, while I am on move within and outside India. You quickly get connected with Rotarians; beside you tell to a stranger about Rotary, what it is and what it does! The wearing of Pin is an opportunity for doing good. During my Membership Talks as RRIMC of Zone 6a, I was propagating in each of my presentation about the miracles pin can do with each one of us! It was very effective and I believe many have kept habit of wearing on daily basis as of date.
At 9:51AM on 15 February 2010, Rtn. Raja President 2009-10 wrote: Your every day action be it professional or social or domestic, is guided by 4 way test when the Rotary Pin is on you everyday. We will be exemplary ourselves to the society so the Pin on your shirt is a friendly reminder to you.
At 9:50AM on 15 February 2010, Dr.Essam Eldin Abdel-Azim (Cairo, Egypt) wrote: The pin is a part of my personality and I am proud of it.
At 3:50PM on 12 February 2010, Dru Laduke wrote: I encourage my club members to "Let their Rotary show!" as often as I can. Be proud of who you are associated with. One simple way is to wear your pin, any Rotary pin. It acknowledges your support, communicates the pride and quality of character you associate yourself with and it's a great ice-breaker to tell people, who don't know, what a great world-wide organization we belong to.
At 2:45PM on 12 February 2010, Fred Staunton wrote: You are what you wear!
At 9:59AM on 12 February 2010, Rtn.rajesh Kumar Gupta PHF wrote: I am join as a charterd member in interact club ballia u p RID 3120 1989. then continew Chartered President of Rotaract Club Ballia (Power). Then ofter i have join R C VARANASI EAST AS A MEMBER 2008. But my club lapel pin alwes done my coler. I ries the my bussiness only for club lapale pin. PHF Rtn. Rajesh Kumar Gupta Secretary President 2010-2011
At 10:00AM on 12 February 2010, Rotn. Yetunde Adesanya, RC Egbe, Nigeria wrote: when i put it on, am always reminded of the responsibility i carry. to be at my best. It sure makes me a better person and people notice.
At 10:01AM on 12 February 2010, Rot. Anifowose Olubunmi wrote: Having your pin on always is essential. i was on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway having a flat tyre in less than two minutes three vehicle have parked seeing my rotary club sticker at the backscreen. I have the necessary tools to use yet i was assited.
At 10:02AM on 12 February 2010, Peter Gleichman wrote: As President of the Rotary Club of Canton, GA, I began my Rotary year promoting a twist on RI's Every Rotarian, Every Year. I called it "Every Rotarian, Every Day" based on trying to get every Rotarian in my club wearing his/her Rotary pin every day. I also started a regular feature of our weekly meetings that I called "My Pudding Moment." I had found that by wearing my Rotary theme pin, "The Future Is In Your Hands" daily, it was a great conversation starter; people would ask me "What's that?" and I could tell them about Rotary. On the idea that "the proof of the pudding" was in the wearing of the pin, I invited members weekly to talk about their "pudding moments" in the previous week.
At 11:25AM on 12 February 2010, Akakmnonu Azubuike wrote: My Rotary pin has become part of my dresssing whenever i am going out for work in the morning and any other social functions. I have many of them. It has been my identification mark since i joined Rotary.
At 11:26AM on 12 February 2010, Rtn.Mohsin ali RFSM.PP. Rotary Club Of Narayanganj Midtown RID 3280 wrote: Rotary logo is a simbol of ranking,As a proud member of rotary i were right pin on right occasion.
At 2:10PM on 11 February 2010, Jay Dzurilla, PDG RD 6630 wrote: With pride I wear one of many Rotary pins I own. With RESPONSIBILITY I wear a Rotary pin daily, as we place Service Above Self with every breath we take. With ENTHUSIASM I have met fellow Rotarians in any number of airports, museums, sports arenas, RESTARAUNTES !!
At 10:56AM on 11 February 2010, AmanulHasanKhan(Pappu) wrote: on this nice oppurtinity,i fill privillage to ask each and every rotary member to put on their Rotary pin through everyday life. so each one can be a simbol of this centenial movement.
At 10:55AM on 11 February 2010, Rtn. SP. Manikandan, Charter Secretary, RC of Karaikudi Heritage wrote: Really it is nice that we must wear the pins everyday. I realised the changes. Everyone just look us and ask what is it and if we tell about it, then they ask what is Rotary. Then we will say about Rotary and its activities. I think it is also one of the ways to spread the word and make others to join with us. Let's do it. ENJOY ROTARY.
At 10:55AM on 11 February 2010, sanjay h salvi wrote: Many times, on seeing my pin, my non rotarian friends have asked me about Rotary, & after knowing they feel proud about me. I wear it every day.
At 10:53AM on 11 February 2010, PDG Aswini Kar wrote: I religiously wear my rotary pin every day when I leave my home in the morning. I have not missed a day without wearing pin. I wear my rotary pin with pride. I ask every Rotarian to wear their pin every day.
At 10:53AM on 11 February 2010, Rotr.Ogunnoiki Adedapo Badmus (PP,RC Mapoly, D9110,Nigeria) wrote: Is a thing of pride for me wearing my Rotaract Pin everyday.It make me feel calm and it has shaped my life for good.I make sure that i never missed out on it anywhere i go.
At 10:52AM on 11 February 2010, Rotr Ajobiewe Samuel wrote: My rotaract pin have given me access to many oppotunity. At immigration office embassy hospitals and other public place. Rotarians and Rotaractors should know that even stranger recognice the pin and respect the bearer

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