Writer / Kara Reibel
Rotary International’s motto is “Service Above Self.” Nowhere is this more evident than with their ultimate service project, Indy Do Day.
“Joining Rotary is one of the best decisions I ever made,” shares Ramona Adams, account executive with RJE Business Interiors and VP of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis as well as Indy Do Day co-chair. “Rotary has made me a better person, and Indy Do Day is our signature event that we facilitate for the city. Indy Do Day enables organizations to work together, building better relationships and has a positive impact in our city.”
Indy Do Day is a community partnership October 1-3 led by the Rotary Club of Indianapolis and involves any and every organization and individual who wishes to enroll.
“Indianapolis is one of the most civically minded cities in the United States,” states Matt Burnett, VP of City Securities and past President of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis.
Eli Lilly’s Global Day of Service falls on Indy Do Day. Several years ago, Lilly’s concentrated efforts for beautification along I-70 were well-publicized. Since then, Indy Do Day has evolved to encompass countless organizations, encouraging grassroots efforts to help our neighborhoods across the city of Indianapolis and beyond.
It all began when a dozen community leaders determined the best way to create awareness of building strong communities from the inside out was to create a day where residents care for their communities. A few years ago when the Rotary Club turned 100, they were looking for a signature project and now coordinate Indy Do Day for Indianapolis and surrounding areas.
“Rotary fits the classic ‘you get more than you give’ rule,” says Burnett. “The networking and volunteer opportunities create a great experience.”
There are 35,000 Rotary clubs worldwide in over 200 countries. The Indianapolis club is one of the 15th largest in the world. There are countless volunteer opportunities annually, including direct involvement with projects in Haiti and Zimbabwe where Rotarians are building clean water purifications systems.
“It starts locally, and we ask questions such as ‘Will it build goodwill and better friendships?’ and ‘Will it be beneficial to all concerned?’” says Burnett.
The spirit of Indy Do Day is contagious. With many different projects to chose from on their website and the opportunity to create your own, the options to get involved are endless. The goal is to Do something good for our community.
For schools and smaller organizations, Indy Do Day is a wonderful opportunity for community outreach and experience with project management.
“An individual, a group of friends or an organization can participate in a variety of ways,” says Adams. “Services or supplies for a project can be donated, so no one has to feel they cannot participate if there is a physical reason or time element. And you don’t have to be a member of the Rotary to participate.”
What will you Do on October 1-3?
The Rotary Club of Indianapolis meets for lunch every Tuesday at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. With weekly meetings, everyone does not attend each week but when their schedules allow. Past speakers have included NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Calvin Klein, Andrew Luck and Tom Linebarger, CEO of Cummins.
“Indy Do Day is a people-powered community day of service when the residents of Indianapolis take ownership of their neighborhoods and take care of their neighbors.” – IndyDoDay.org
For more information, please visit indydoday.org and indyrotary.com.
