|
Rotary
members join for many reasons. Being with an organization with other
managers or professionals is one of the reasons. Others join for
friendship, a chance to help their community or to learn more about
leadership or management skills.
Community
Service
is, however, Rotary's underlying purpose.
There
are many needs in the community -
and
in the world
- that are not seen or met by governments or other organizations. Rotary
uses the skills and resources of its members to identify community
service needs, to design projects to meet those needs and to provide
professional commitment to complete the projects. |
- 1. Friendship - In an
increasingly complex world, Rotary provides one of the most basic
human needs: The need for friends and fellowship. It is one of the
two reasons why Rotary began in 1905.
- 2. Business Development
- The second original reason for Rotary's beginning. Everyone
needs to network. Rotary consists of a cross section of every
business community. Its members come from all walks of life.
Rotarians help one another, and collectively help others.
- 3. Personal Growth and
Development - Membership in Rotary continues one's growth and
education in human relations and personal development.
- 4. Leadership Development
- Rotary is an organization of leaders and successful people.
Serving in Rotary positions is like an education in Leadership:
Learning how to motivate, influence and lead leaders.
- 5. Citizenship in the
Community - Membership in a Rotary club makes one a better
community citizen. The average Rotary club consists of some of the
most active citizens of the community.
- 6. Continuing Education
- Each week at Rotary there is a program designed to keep one
informed as to what is going on in the community, nation, and world.
Different speakers, different topics.
- 7. Fun - Rotary is fun.
A lot of fun. Each meeting is fun. The club projects are fun. Social
activities are fun. And the service is fun.
- 8.
Public Speaking Skills
- Rotary
develops confidence and skill in public communication; and
opportunity.
- 9. Citizenship in the World
- Every Rotarian wears a pin that says: "Rotary International."
Every Rotarian is welcome- even encouraged to attend- at over 32,000
clubs in the 168 nations and geographical regions. Rotarians have
friends in both one's own community and in the world community.
- 10. Assistance When
Traveling - Many Rotarians take advantage of clubs world wide. A
Rotarian who has needed a doctor, lawyer, hotel, dentist, advice,
etc., while traveling has connected through Rotary.
- 11. Entertainment -
Every Rotary club and district has parties and activities which
provide diversion in one's business life. Rotary has conferences,
conventions, assemblies, and institutes which provide entertainment
in addition to Rotary information, education and service.
- 12. The Development of
Social Skills - Every week and at various events Rotary develops
one's personality, social and people skills.
- 13.
Family Programs - Rotary provides one of the world's largest
youth exchange programs; high school and college clubs for future
Rotarians and a host of activities designed to assist family members
in growth and the development of ethical values.
- 14. Vocational Skills -
Every Rotarian is expected to take a 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.
- 15. The Development of
Ethics - Rotarians practice a 4-Way Test which governs one's
ethical standards. Rotarians are expected
to be ethical in business and personal relationships.
- 16.
Cultural Awareness - Around the world, practically every
religion country, culture, race, creed, political persuasion,
language, color 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 other cultures and learn to
love and work with people everywhere.
- 17. Prestige - Rotary is
the oldest and most prestigious service club in the world. Its ranks
are executives, managers, and professionals: People who make
decisions and influence policy.
- 18. Nice People -
Rotarians above all are nice people; the nicest people on the face
of the earth. They are important people who adhere to the policy -
that - while it is nice to be important, it
is more important to be nice.
- 19. The absence of '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.
- 20.
The Opportunity to Serve - Rotary is a service club. Its
business is mankind; its product is service.
Rotarians provide
community service - to both the local and international communities.
This is the best reason perhaps for becoming a Rotarian: The chance to
do something for somebody else, and to sense the self-fulfillment which
comes in the process. |
Why Join Rotary?
