It wasn’t until 1989 that Rotary Clubs around the world first began admitting women as members, after a vote by Rotary International’s Council on Legislation.
But long before then, women have formed their own Rotary clubs, paving the way for future generations.
Lyn Kenny has recorded that history in her book, “Pioneers: The History of Women in Rotary Since 1911.”
Lyn joined Rotary 37 years ago and was a member of the Downtown Madison club. She now lives in Vero Beach, Florida. While everyone knows Paul Harris started the club in 1905, in 1906 when the first constitution was written, it included no mention of gender. Starting with the suffragist movement, several women around the world have tried to be part of the club. Lyn chronicles the different women and their attempts to join or start their own clubs in the nearly 80 years before they were invited to join.
One was Dr. Gertrude Stanton, who with another woman began the Minnesota Women’s Rotary Club that exists today.
“They said they wanted to eliminate any classification involving intoxicated liquor,” Lyn said.
Another was Mrs. Inez Waltz who started a club in Evansville, Indiana in 1914.
Alwilde Harvey began the Chicago Women of Rotary which incorporated as the Women of Rotary Club of Chicago.
Then there was Rotary Ann, the only woman to take the train with the Rotary Club to the 1914 International Convention, beginning the Rotary Ann Auxiliary.
Whether the many women’s clubs were sanctioned by Rotary International or not, they all were involved with remarkable philanthropy, Lyn said.
In 1987, the Rotarian magazine asked if women belonged in Rotary. An overwhelming number of Rotarian’s wives said no, they didn’t want women mingling with their husbands. But that year, the Supreme Court ruled that women could not be prohibited from joining.
Jennifer Jones was then the first woman to serve as Rotary International President in 2022, and the second followed her 2024.
“The good thing is we’re no longer women Rotarians or men Rotarians. We’re all Rotarians,” Lyn said.
Lyn sells her books for $20 and all proceeds go back to Rotary.
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Other News
Food for Kidz is Oct. 19 at Dane Manufacturing. The Rotary Club has tables and will need volunteers.
Ken Pesik gave a report on Wauktoberfest where more than 70 barrels of beer were sold, along with canned beer and wine.
The Pizza Hut fellowship at Bishop’s Bay is full, but Let Bob Klostermann know if you want to cancel so that someone else can join.
A donation to the Alzheimer’s Research Trust has been made in memory of Jim Schmitz.
Jennifer Tasker reported that the Rotary in Lights team has sold $41,200 in advertising for the brochure and several sponsors are stepping up for displays.
Greeters
Sept. 25, David Rupp and Mark McFarland; Oct. 2, Sally Gile and Ken Ballweg; Oct. 9. Alex Welk and Todd Schmidt; Oct. 16, Nancy Thomas and Pat Durden; Oct. 23, Ross Mauer and Jeff Smith; Oct. 30, Shelley Moffatt and David Rupp.
To sign up to greet or to find out if you are greeting, visit:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054CAAAA2CA7F85-44320149-2023#/
