20 Answers to Joining Rotary

Why join Rotary?

1.      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.

2.      Business Development:  Everyone needs to network, and Rotary is a great place to do that networking.  Clubs  consist of a cross section of the business community, and members come from all walks of life.  Rotarians help each other and collectively help others.

3.      Personal Growth and Development:  Membership in Rotary provides opportunities for  education in human relations and personal development, while serving people locally and those in other parts of the world.

4.      Leadership Development:  Rotary  provides opportunities to motivate, influence, and lead.

5.      Citizenship in the Community:  Membership in Rotary allows one o become a better participant in the community.

6.      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/or world.  Each meeting provides an opportunity to listen to different speakers and a variety of timely topics.

7.      Citizenship in the World:  Rotary is an international organization and confirms that by stating those words on the pin given to each member.  Every Rotarian is welcome, even encouraged, to attend any club in the world personally or on an exchange program.  This can mean instant friends in both one's own community or world community. 

8.      Assistance when Travelling:  Because there are Rotary clubs everywhere, many a Rotarian in need of a doctor, lawyer, hotel, dentist, advice, etc., while travelling has found assistance through Rotary.

9.      Entertainment:  Every Rotary club and district has socials 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.

10.   The Development of Social Skills:  Every week, and at various events and functions, Rotary enhances one's personality, social skills, and people skills.  Rotary is for people who like people.

11.   Family Programs:  Rotary provides one of the world's largest youth exchange programs, high school and college clubs for future Rotarians, opportunities for partner involvement, and fund raisers targeting various age ranges.

12.   Vocational Skills:  Every Rotarian is expected to take part in the growth and development of his/her own profession or vocation by serving on committees and teaching others about one's vocation. 

13.   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.

14.   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.

15.   Prestige:  Rotary members are leaders of business, professionals, and/or employees of art, government, sports, military, religion, and all other disciplines.  Rotary is the one of the longest standing and prestigious service clubs in the world. 

16.   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-fulfilment that comes in the process and the return of that satisfaction to one's own life.  The experiences are richly rewarding!

(May, 2013)