Giving back to the community is a big deal for Southport International Rotary Club member, John Thawnghmung. Being a part of the club has presented him with more opportunities to volunteer, and he invites SHS students to make a difference in the community

“What you share with the community is much more meaningful than what you do to earn money,” Thawnghmung said.

As the Chin population in Indiana, especially the Southport area, rises, organizations, such as the Rotary Club, step up to help immigrants and those in need.

The Southport International Rotary Club has over 1.4 million members. Members of the club are dedicated to helping the community surrounding them whether it be by providing basic necessities or fighting for causes.

Every year, the club attends many food banks, and every third Saturday of each month, they host a food pantry for those in need.

“Rotary provides 47 million volunteer hours annually (and) more than $300 million for global service annually,” Thawnghmung said.

The club first started in Indiana in 2012 and has grown immensely since then. A grant from the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation has allowed the club to help more people. 

“(We) encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and advance goodwill and peace around the world,” Thawnghmung said

The club also offers a scholarship for $500 that high school students in Perry Township can apply for.

Previous member Danielle Grehn joined Rotary club to give service to those in need and to meet like minded people who would help her reach her volunteer goals.

“I think even just as a community member, it’s good to be a part of a rotary organization.” Grehn said.

Perry Meridian High School has recently started the youth version of Rotary Club at their school and Grehn encourages Southport to follow suit.

“I would love to see it here in Southport,” Grehn said, “ … I think that having the Rotary Club open a youth organization here would be a positive thing.”

Thawnghmung has noticed recently that the number of members in the Rotary Club has started to dwindle. This has caused members to begin focusing on the growth of the club.

“We want more membership because (the) more we are, the more we can volunteer and the more money we can donate,” Thawnghmung said.

Although Thawnghmung is unaware of any high school students being involved, there are still possibilities for student involvement. 

Joining the club could offer students opportunities and help them forge connections they might not otherwise have access to. 

“The more people you can work with, the more your arm is extending more and more,” Thawnghmung said.

Thawnghmung encourages more students to volunteer and contribute to the community by following in Perry’s footsteps and bringing Rotary to Southport, or by just going out and volunteering for the community.

If any student is interested in joining the club, Thawnghmung suggests attending one of the meetings to understand its purpose better and determine if it aligns with their interests.

“If we don’t know, we might miss out on what we really enjoy doing,” Thawnghmung said.