In 1854, a schoolteacher named Clara Barton saw wounded soldiers returning from the battlefield with no medical supplies, no bandages, and no one to care for them. She didn’t have a grand plan. She didn’t have an organization. She just saw a need and stepped into it—bringing food, blankets, and medical care with her own two hands. That single decision, one moment of compassion in the midst of chaos, would grow into what we now know as the American Red Cross, one of the most impactful humanitarian organizations in the world. Clara never set out to “change the world.” She simply refused to walk past someone who needed help. And because of that one act, millions of lives have been touched.

That spirit is exactly what Pam Baker reminded us of last Thursday. Pam taught us that meaningful change is rarely born out of grand ambition—it grows from as she said, “love in motion.” From her love in motion came ShamRockin’ for a Cure, which has raised millions to fight cystic fibrosis and support families walking that path. From that same love grew Coffee, Cancer & Cocktails — a gathering place for those coping with the pain and complexity of brain cancer. And later, as life brought loss, grief transformed into grace through Widows Who Wine, where women who have lost so much find connection, laughter, and the permission to keep living.

Pam said, “We didn’t start out thinking we’d change the world. We just wanted to help our kids.” There was no master plan, no strategy to build organizations, no thought of impact measured in millions. There was simply a family in need, and a mother who allowed love to guide her forward. Pam reminded us, “Every meaningful movement begins with one decision: I will not sit still when I can stand up. I will not whisper when I can speak. I will not wait when I can act.”

Our club was reminded of one of the core truths of Rotary: meaningful change does not always begin with grand gestures or sweeping movements. It begins quietly — in the action of one person — when we notice a need and choose not to look away. This is the essence of Service Above Self — not the scale of the act, but the heart behind it. History teaches us that the greatest shifts often begin with a single moment of courage. Mother Teresa said it simply: “If you cannot feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” …Just as Pam did. ….Just as Roswell Rotary does…..

In many ways, our actions last meeting at Rotary echoed the heart of Pam Baker’s message: you don’t have to set out to change the world all at once; you simply start by seeing a need and responding with compassion. That meeting, we recognized that children right here in our own schools are being affected by the government shutdown—kids who depend on meal assistance that is currently uncertain. Without hesitation, our club said not on our watch. We committed acted to raise funds to ensure those students have food, snacks, and the nutritional support they need. One child at a time. One act of love at a time. Just like Pam showed us, life-changing impact often begins with a single human gesture—meeting the need that is right in front of us.

Likewise, our service didn’t end there. Last meeting, more than 80 plus Rotarians—including many of our newest members—joined shoulder to shoulder to pack care boxes for our deployed U.S. military troops. These boxes weren’t just snacks and supplies; they were messages of gratitude, encouragement, and home. They were reminders that the people who serve our country are seen, appreciated, and never forgotten. The energy, laughter, teamwork, and purpose in that room reflected exactly who we are as Rotarians: when we see a need, we show up. Pam reminded us that love is most powerful when it becomes action—and that meeting, our club lived that message.

We may never know how far the ripples travel when we pack a box for our troops, donate to feed a student, sponsor a scholarship, build a well, or just simply show up for a family in crisis. But the ripple is real. And love, when turned into action, always moves outward.

Next week, we continue the theme of leadership guided by purpose as we welcome U.S. Representative Buddy Carter, who serves Georgia’s 1st Congressional District. Congressman Carter represents the coastal region of our state, including the Port of Savannah — one of the most significant economic engines in the Southeast. His work has focused on strengthening Georgia’s logistics infrastructure, expanding global trade capacity, and ensuring our state remains competitive in a rapidly changing global marketplace.

During his visit, Congressman Carter will share insights into the growth and strategic importance of the Port of Savannah, the partnerships that support Georgia’s economic vitality, and the leadership lessons he has gained through years of service in public office. His perspective offers us a meaningful opportunity to better understand how local initiative and national decision-making intersect to shape the future of our communities.

Pam captured it best when she said, “Any one of us — on any ordinary day — can choose to take one step forward. One phone call, one invitation, one yes, one act of courage. And those actions — repeated across a lifetime — become a legacy.”

So, the question before each of us this week is not, “How do I change the world?” The question is, “Who needs my help today?” Changing the world happens one situation at a time — one person, one family, one act of service grounded in love.

Let us continue to be the people who notice the need.

Let us continue to be the ones who step forward.

Let us continue to create ripples that outlive us.

See you Thursday — and let’s keep making a difference, together.

Sic Vos Non Vobis,

Trummie Patrick
President Roswell Rotary Club 2025-26