An important distinction between Rotary and other organisations is that membership in Rotary is by invitation. Rotary clubs invite individuals to join and become members.
Membership is vital to a Rotary club's operations and community service activities. A primary goal of the club is to expand the club with committed members who have the interest and ability to get involved in service and humanitarian projects.
Prospective members should:
• hold — or be retired from — a professional, proprietary, managerial or similar position;
• have the capacity to meet 60% of the club's weekly attendance or community project participation requirements;
• live or work within the locality of the club or the surrounding area.
Responsibilities of Membership
Members are expected to attend a majority of weekly programs of the club. Opportunities to make up attendance include attending the regular meeting of another Rotary club, attending various other Rotary meetings, or attending a club service project authorised by the club board of directors.
Members are required to pay annual dues to their club, (which includes Insurance, District and Rotary International fees).
Members are expected to participate in local or international activities or projects of the Rotary club. Clubs encourage members to aspire to leadership or committee roles within their clubs.
The Benefits
Summary:
• Effecting change within the community.
• Developing leadership skills.
• Gaining an understanding of — and having an impact on — international humanitarian issues.
• Developing relationships with community and business leaders.
But many more are detailed on this page:
Why Join Your Local Rotary Club?
Why Join Your Local Rotary Club?
1. Professional Networking:
A founding principle of Rotary was to provide
a forum for professional and business leaders. Members are leaders in business, industry, the professions, the arts, government, sports, the military and religion. They make decisions and influence policy. Rotary is the oldest, most prestigious service-club organization in the world.
2. The Opportunity to Serve:
Rotarians provide service at both the community and international levels. Service programs address health care needs, hunger and poverty, illiteracy, disaster relief, and environmental cleanups, to name a few. Members experience the fulfillment that comes from giving back to the community.
3. Personal Growth and Development:
Membership in Rotary ensures continuing personal and professional development. Leadership, public speaking and communication, organization and planning, team-building, fundraising and teaching are just a sampling of the skills that can be exercised and enhanced through Rotary.
4. Friendship:
Fellowship was a primary reason Rotary was
started in 1905, and it remains a major attraction. Today, with more than 30,000 Rotary clubs in over 160 countries, Rotarians have friends wherever they go. Rotary helps to build community as well
as enduring friendships.
5. Cultural Diversity:
Rotary International is an association of local clubs in many countries. Clubs are open to members of every ethnic group, political persuasion, language and religious belief. Rotary clubs contain a cross-section of the world's leaders. They practice and promote tolerance.
6. Good Citizenship:
Membership in Rotary makes one a better citizen. Weekly Rotary club programs keep members informed about what is taking place in the community, nation and world. Rotary's expansive network of clubs and programs provides extensive opportunities for service and interchange.
7. World Understanding:
Rotary members gain an understanding of humanitarian issues and have a significant
impact on them through international service projects and exchange programs of RI and its Foundation. The promotion of peace is one of Rotary's highest objectives.
8. Entertainment:
Every Rotary club and district hosts parties
and activities that offer diversion from one’s personal and business life. Conferences, conventions, assemblies and social events
provide entertainment as well as Rotary information, education and service.
9. Family Foundations:
Rotary sponsors some of the world’s largest
youth exchange and educational exchange and scholarship programs. Rotary clubs provide innovative training opportunities and mentoring for future leaders. They involve family members in a wide range of social and service activities.
10. Ethical Environment:
Rotarians practice a 4-Way Test that measures words and actions by their truthfulness, fairness, goodwill and benefit to all. Encouraging high ethical standards in one's profession and respect for all worthy vocations has been a hallmark of Rotary from its earliest days.