farragutpress

Compassion leads Rotary message

August 5, 2026 by Tammy Cheek

Compassion led the message for Rotary District 6780 2026-27 Gov. Deb Birdsall, who visited Rotary Club of Farragut in Fox Den Country Club Wednesday, July 15.

Additionally, club members welcomed back fellow member Tory Kinson’s son Garrett, who just returned home from Fukuoka, Japan, as part of the Rotary Youth Exchange program.

Garrett, who graduated from Bearden High School in May 25, spent his year between high school and his plan to attend University of Tennessee to study engineering, engaging in experiences that would last a lifetime.

While Birdsall spoke of compassion among Rotary members, her message carries forward to those outside the club as well.

For example, when the club welcomes a new member who is full of enthusiasm, “sometimes their energy can be overwhelming and they can be hard to be around,” she acknowledged.

“What do we do?” Birdsall asked. “Do we push them away or do we bring them into the fold? Do we take them in and show them, in a loving and compassionate way, how they can use their energy that benefits others and also be part of the club?”

That also could apply to new company staff members or classmates at school.

“We want to make sure that they feel included,” Birdsall added.

“And, then there’s the season in life where you have children,” she said. They have challenges about which others do not know.

“If you have someone in your club who has a family — children especially — and they made a commitment to do something and life becomes complicated for them, Birdsall said. “Let’s give them some grace.”

She advised asking that person, “What can I do to help?”

“And there’s very little in Rotary that’s life or death,” Birdsall added. “Seriously, sometimes we need to give them permission to rest … what we don’t want them to do is get so overwhelmed [they quit the club].

“Every Rotarian is fighting a battle we can’t see,” she acknowledged. “Compassion builds retention.

“Why do we have 1.2 million Rotarians every single year?” she asked. “That means, for every Rotarian that we tried so hard to bring in, we’re losing them out the back door. Why?

“Because they feel unseen or disconnected,” Birdsall answered.

When someone has missed a meeting or two, she advised checking in — not checking up. Call and let them know they are missed.

Also, Birdsall advised listening, not solving.

“Sometimes, they just need someone to listen so they can solve the problem themselves,” she said.

Birdsall also advised making space for the seasons in life while making sure they feel included.

Another message she shared was how to rekindle passion for Rotary, asking why someone became part of Rotary in the first place.