Rotary membership provides the opportunity to:
- become connected to your community
- work with others in addressing community needs
- interact with other professionals in your community
- assist with Rotary International's international humanitarian service efforts
- establish contacts with an international network of professionals
- develop leadership skills
- involve family in promoting service efforts
Here are 20 reasons to join Rotary:
Friendship
In an increasingly complex world, Rotary provides one of the most
basic human needs: the need for friendship and fellowship. It is one of
two reasons Rotary began in 1905.
Business Development
The second original reason for Rotary's beginning is business
development. Everyone needs to network. Rotary consists of a cross
section of every business community. Its members come from all walks of
life. Rotarians help each other and collectively help others.
Personal Growth and Development
Membership in Rotary continues one’s growth and education in human relations and personal development.
Leadership Development
Rotary is an organisation of leaders and successful people. Serving
in Rotary positions is like a tertiary education. Leadership: - learning
how to motivate, influence and lead leaders.
Citizenship in the Community
Membership in a Rotary club makes one a better community citizen. The
average Rotary club consists of the most active citizens of any
community.
Continuing Education
Each week at Rotary there is a program designed to keep one informed
about what is going on in the community, nation and world. Each meeting
provides an opportunity to listen to different speakers and a variety of
timely topics.
Fun
Rotary is fun, a lot of fun. Each meeting is fun. The club projects are fun. Social activities are fun. The service is fun.
Public Speaking Skills
Many individuals who joined Rotary were afraid to speak in public.
Rotary develops confidence and skill in public communication and the
opportunity to practice and perfect these skills.
Citizenship in the World
Every Rotarian wears a pin that says “Rotary International.” There
are few places on the globe that do not have a Rotary club. Every
Rotarian is welcome – even encouraged – to attend any of the 32,500
clubs in more than 200 nations and geographical regions. This means
instant friends in both one’s own community and in the world community.
Assistance when Traveling
Because there are Rotary clubs everywhere, many a Rotarian in need of
a doctor, lawyer, hotel, dentist, advice, etc, while traveling has
found assistance through Rotary.
Entertainment
Every Rotary club and district has parties and activities that
provide diversion in one’s business life. Rotary holds conferences,
conventions, assemblies, and institutes that provide entertainment in
addition to Rotary information, education, and service.
The Development of Social Skills
Every week and at various events and functions, Rotary develops one’s
personality, social skills and people skills. Rotary is for people who
like people.
Family Programs
Rotary provides one of the world’s largest youth exchange programs;
high school clubs for future Rotarians; opportunities for spouse
involvement; and a host of activities designed to help family members in
growth and the development of family values.
Vocational Skills
Every Rotarian is expected to take part in the growth and development
of his or her own profession or vocation; to serve on committees and to
teach youth about one’s job or vocation. Rotary helps to make one a
better doctor, lawyer, teacher, etc.
The Development of Ethics
Rotarians practice a 4-Way Test that governs one’s ethical standards.
Rotarians are expected to be ethical in business and personal
relationships.
Cultural Awareness
Around the world, practically every religion, country, culture, race,
creed, political persuasion, language, colour, and ethnic identity is
found in Rotary. It is a cross section of the world’s most prominent
citizens from every background. Rotarians become aware of their cultures
and learn to love and work with people everywhere. They become better
citizens of their countries in the process.
Prestige
Rotary members are prominent people: leaders of business, the
professions, art, government, sports, military, religion and all
disciplines. Rotary is the oldest and most prestigious service club in
the world. Its ranks include executives, managers, professionals –
people who make decisions and influence policy.
Nice People
Rotarians above all are nice people - the nicest people on the face
of the earth. They are important people who follow the policy of 'it is
nice to be important but it is important to be nice'.
The Absence of an “Official Creed”
Rotary has no secret handshake, no secret policy, no official creed,
no secret meeting or rituals. It is an open society of men and women who
simply believe in helping others.
The Opportunity to Serve
Rotary is a service club. Its business is mankind. Its product is
service. Rotarians provide community service to both local and
international communities. This is perhaps the best reason for becoming a
Rotarian: the chance to do something for somebody else and to sense the
self-fulfillment that comes in the process and return of that
satisfaction to one’s own life. It is richly rewarding.
Need more information?
There is much more information at www.rotary.org or at your local Rotary Club.