Why Join?
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.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
This is 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 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 in Leadership: learning how to motivate, influence and lead.
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 or world. Each meeting provides an opportunity for different speakers and different topics.
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.
PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS
Some individuals who join Rotary are afraid to speak in public. Rotary develops confidence and skill in public communications and the opportunity to practice and perfect these skills.
CITIZENSHIP IN THE WORLD
Every Rotarian wears a pin that says “Rotary International”. And every Rotarian is welcome at 32,000 clubs in more than 200 nations and geographic regions. There are few places on the globe that do not have a Rotary club. This means instant friends in one’s own community and in the world community.
ASSISTANCE WHEN TRAVELING
Because Rotary clubs are everywhere, traveling Rotarians can find a doctor, lawyer, travel accommodations, advice, emergency services, etc., by contacting a local Rotary club.
ENTERTAINMENT
Every Rotary club has parties and activities that provide diversion in one’s business life. Rotary has conferences, conventions, assemblies and institutes that provide entertainment as well as Rotary information, education and service.
DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL SKILLS
Every week and at various events and functions, Rotary offers the opportunity to develop one’s social skills and people skills.
FAMILY PROGRAMS
Rotary provides one of the world’s largest youth exchange programs; high school and college clubs for future Rotarians; spouse programs and activities; and a host of activities that invite participation by the whole family.
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 business.
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, virtually 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 respect and work with people everywhere.
PRESTIGE
Rotary members are prominent people: leaders of business, industry, the professions, art, government, sports, military, clergy, academics and all disciplines. Rotary is the oldest service club in the world.
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 perhaps the best reason for becoming a Rotarian – the chance to do something for somebody else and to experience the fulfillment that comes in the process. Rotarians believe in service above self. It is richly rewarding.