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 why 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 organization of leaders and successful people. Serving in Rotary positions is like a college 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. Serving others 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 33,000 clubs in over 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 and college 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 the 4-Way Test that governs one’s ethical standards. Rotarians are expected to be ethical in business and person relationships.
- 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 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 more important to be nice.”
- The Absence of an” Official Creed”: Rotary has no secret handshake, no secret policy, no official creed, no secret meetings 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 product is serving. 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.
Rotary Testimonials
“Rotary’s 4-Way Test and its focus on “Service Above Self” attracted me right away. The welcome I received the first time I visited as someone new to the community; the energy of the group; the family feel; and the breakfast meeting setting all drew me in.”
“I initially attended a Rotary meeting at the urging of a colleague. I immediately feel in love with the group and its mission. The 4-Way Test provided a foundation for serving, and it guided and continues to guide all of my actions. It serves as my guide and conscience. I’m proud to give back to the community that I’m part of. I’ve always enjoyed having my husband and children involved in the community activities. It is a place where I can both give and feel grateful for the friendships made.”
“The community service and being part of a group I can be proud of.”
“I wanted to be part of a service bloc that connects with the community. The fellowship is a positive aspect”
“I like that I meet many people from many different business fields I would not have otherwise met. I liked what I learned about Rotary, its focus on international education, peace, health issues, clean water, property, children and women. My parents were very much volunteer oriented in our community and that was my model when I grew up. They taught their children to give back to society. I like to do service and Rotary gives me that opportunity with people I like.”
“I’m dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and our plant. I am drawn to the philosophy, global view, alignment with the United Nation goals, areas of focus, inspiration that I draw from reading about other clubs and Rotarians in the Rotary magazine, orientation towards peace and goodwill, non-partisan/non-denominational/open to all mindsets, and diversity of people who come together to do good in the world. I appreciate the opportunity to form connections and roots with my local community through Rotary, but that is secondary to serving the larger purpose for me. I also value the professional development and lifelong learning. That is made possible through rotary. And I treasure the friendships that have arisen along the way. “
“I wanted to be part of a service club that connects with the community. The fellowship is also a positive aspect.”
“We all need to put back into our community and Rotary is one of my labors of love. “