NAME: Anil Puri
HOME CLUB: Twin Cities
AG AREA / CLUB NAMES: Area 16 | Centralia, Chehalis, Kelso, Longview, Longview Early Edition, Twin Cities, Woodland
YEAR JOINED ROTARY: 1987
- Why did you join Rotary? What did you expect from your Rotary membership?
A friend asked me to join Rotary in 1987, I became a charter member, also, for a new club, so I did. After joining Rotary, I started to learn more about it, especially its international reach and penetration. Quickly became apparent that “fellowship” is a big part of a club, as you get to know each other. No better way of helping your community than to join with a group of community leaders who are also Rotarians. Rotary gives you a “purpose” and “belonging”.
- Has Rotary lived up to your expectations – how?
Rotary experience has exceeded my expectations by keep offering “opportunities” to serve– from the very beginning of my membership. Within a few years of becoming a rotarian I had the honor to lead our District’s Group Study Exchange (GSE) team and that was a life changing experience. After more than 25 years of GSE–travel history is still fresh.
- We know Rotary is a big part of your life, but what do you like to do for fun? Hobbies?
Best part of my life now, in retirement, is enjoying family and grandkids—in person and by virtually. Doing “zoomgebra (Algebra on Zoom)” with my 6th grade granddaughter. Read non-fiction books on various topics. Play pickle ball. Listen to “music” —process vastly improved by digital technology.
- What inspired you to become involved at the club level? Then at the district level?
Best way to enjoy Rotary, I believe, is by “getting involved”, take assignments of interest, raise your hand when someone needs help. Then, when the time comes, sign up to become President -Elect. Every Rotarian should take their turn to lead. More than sufficient training is available for a Rotarian to practice club “presidency” with, always, full support from your club and past presidents. What one learns as a club leader, then, can take the opportunity to help other club leaders —that is where opportunities open up at the District level. Such an opportunity was to apply for the AG’s job.
- Best experience so far as Assistant Governor?
To stay available to support and help Club Presidents. Attending NWPETS with incoming Presidents and meeting other Rotarian leaders, hearing exceptional speakers, was the best part of the job. This is where area presidents get to know each other, and AG’s can play useful role. To be able to see all 7 area clubs join in to do a common literacy project–Dolly Parton Imagination —to have 0- to 5-year-old kids get a book a month in the mail box—was a huge for me.
- When will we see you as the District Governor?
I am here to support our District Governor Line—fantastic group of leaders. So good to see younger leaders in the future–bring new ideas and innovative processes
