This initiative will highlight the incredible people who make our district so special, sharing their stories and celebrating their impact.
Rachel Poelzer, a lawyer and Crown Prosecutor, is our latest Membership Spotlight for District 5370. Discover her Rotary journey below!
Read Rachel's Story
Hi I'm Rachel Poelzer, and I'm part of the Rotary club of Edmonton Mayfield.
1. Was there a particular moment, person, or event that drew you to Rotary?
What drew me to Rotary, and continues to keep me engaged, is the idea that when I look around the world and see endless suffering, inequity, and strife, I don’t have to feel powerless. Rotary provides a pathway to channel concern into action. It brings together the resources, expertise, and passion of people who believe that meaningful, positive change is possible when we work together.
Rotary showed me that when the world feels overwhelming, I don’t have to feel powerless.
My Rotary journey began unceremoniously and by chance. In high school, my best friend recommended a leadership camp she had attended the year before, RYLE, and suggested that I apply because it was, in a word, fun. However, that single word alone does not do justice to a decision that undoubtedly changed the trajectory of my life.
RYLE was the kindling that allowed my small spark of wanting to make a difference to grow into a fire. I felt seen, supported, and encouraged to lead in my own way. It was one of the first times I was surrounded by people who wanted to apply the best version of themselves to make the world better. After that, I actively sought out ways to stay involved: I joined Interact in high school and later Rotaract in university, eager to keep that sense of purpose alive and to explore what kind of impact I wanted to make.
A huge draw to Rotary was the incredible diversity of focus areas and projects. When I was younger, I wanted to get involved but didn’t want to lock myself into one niche before I fully understood who I was and what I was passionate about. Rotary allowed me to explore local and international initiatives, short- and long-term projects, and a wide variety of goals, mandates, and teams.
When I officially joined the Rotary Club of Edmonton Mayfield in 2017, it felt like coming home. Mayfield had sponsored both my Interact and Rotaract clubs, so by the time I became a member, I had already built relationships with many members. Rotary wasn’t something new; it was a community I had grown up with, and one that continues to ground and inspire me.
2. Share your "Rotary moment"—a meaningful experience or impact that stands out.
When I think about my “Rotary moment,” it’s not a single project or event — it’s a feeling: the feeling you get when your actions align deeply with your values, and when the people standing beside you share that same commitment to the betterment of their communities as you do. Working toward shared goals inspired by shared values facilitates connections that can grow into meaningful relationships.
That realization really hit home when I was putting together my bridal party last year. As I reflected on the people closest to me — those who had supported me, challenged me, and celebrated life alongside me — I noticed something I hadn’t before: all six members of my bridal party were connections made directly or indirectly through Rotary over the past 13 years. That moment underscored how much my own life has been shaped by being a Rotarian.
Those relationships weren’t based on convenience or circumstance. They were values-based relationships, built on mutual support, respect for individuality, genuine appreciation, and consistently showing up for one another. Rotary created the space for those connections to form, but more importantly, it nurtured a culture where they could deepen and last.
The most meaningful impact Rotary has had on my life isn’t measured in the number of projects completed or funds raised, though those matter deeply. It’s the family and community Rotary has allowed me to build. It’s knowing that I am surrounded by people who care about the world, who care about each other, and who are willing to roll up their sleeves and do the work together.
Rotary didn’t just shape my service — it shaped my life.
Rotary has contributed to a sense of belonging that has carried me through different seasons of life. It has shaped who I am not just as a volunteer or leader, but as a friend, partner, and community member. That sense of connection is my Rotary moment, and it continues to grow with every relationship and shared experience.
3. What advice would you give someone considering joining Rotary?
The best advice I can offer is very simple: be open to the invitation. Whether it comes from a friend, a family member, or a colleague, say yes to volunteering or attending a meeting. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you walk through the door. Curiosity and openness are more than enough to get started.
My advice is simple: say yes. Be open to the invitation.
I often describe Rotary as a “choose-your-own-adventure” life. It’s not static, but rather constantly progressing and responding to the evolving needs and realities of our world. There is no single path or definition of what being a Rotarian looks like. If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, chances are you can help create it, with the backing, resources, and encouragement of Rotary behind you.
Another important piece of advice is to pace yourself. Rotary can be incredibly energizing, and it’s easy to want to say yes to everything. But Rotary is meant to fit into your life, not overwhelm it. If being a Rotarian becomes part of your identity, your level of involvement will naturally ebb and flow alongside your career, family, and personal commitments.
Give what you can, when you can, without guilt. You don’t need to carry every project or responsibility on your shoulders. Rotary is built on a community-based approach to problem-solving, where shared effort leads to sustainable impact.
Most of all, trust that there is space for you in Rotary exactly as you are. Your skills, experiences, and passions matter. If you’re looking for a place to grow, contribute, and build meaningful relationships while making a difference, Rotary has a way of meeting you there — and walking alongside you for the long run.
Do you know a member with a compelling story to share?
We want to hear about them! Please consider nominating them for a future spotlight.