Second Chapter
.jpg)
THE FOUR AVENUES OF SERVICE - NOW FIVE
The term "Four Avenues of Service" (or Five) is frequently used in Rotary literature and information. The "Avenues" refer to the four elements of the Object of Rotary: Club Service, Vocational Service, Community Service, International Service and the Fifth Avenue of New Generations.
Although the Avenues of Service are not found in any formal part of the constitutional documents of Rotary, the concept has been accepted as a means to describe the primary areas of Rotary activity.
The Fifth Avenue, of "New Generations" recognizes the positive change implemented by youth and young adults involved in leadership development activities, community and international service projects, and exchange programs that enrich and foster world peace and cultural understanding. Programs include Debating Competition, Rotaract, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, Summer Science Schools, Youth Exchange, Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment, Model United Nations Assembly.
When a Rotarian understands and travels down the "Four Avenues of Service," the Object of Rotary takes on even greater meaning.
THE ROTARIAN AND REGIONAL MAGAZINES
The month of April is annually designated as "Rotary's Magazine Month," an occasion to recognize and promote the reading and use of the official RI magazine, The Rotarian, and the regional magazines, which make up the Rotary
World Press.
THE ROTARIAN has been around since 1911 as the medium to communicate with Rotarians and to advance the program and Object of Rotary. A primary goal of the magazine is to support and promote key programs of Rotary. The magazine also disseminates information about the annual theme and the philosophy of the RI president, major meetings, and the emphasis of the official "months" on the Rotery calendar.
The Rotarian provides a forum in which both Rotary-related and general interest topics may be explored. The magazine serves as an excellent source of information and ideas for programs at Rotary club meetings and district conferences. Many articles promote international fellowship, goodwill and understanding. Regular readers usually have superior knowledge of the activities of Rotary and how each Rotarian may be more fully involved in the Avenues of Service around the world.
In addition to The Rotarian In addition to THE ROTARIAN, the Rotary World Press includes 29 regional magazines printed in 21 languages with a combined circulation of almost half a million. Although each regional publication has its own unique style and content, they all provide Rotarians with up-to-date information and good reading in April” and all through the year.
INTERNATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF A ROTARIAN
As an international organization, Rotary offers each member unique opportunities and responsibilities. Although each Rotarian has first responsibility to uphold the obligations of citizenship of his or her own country, membership in Rotary enables Rotarians to take a somewhat different view of international affairs. In the early 1950s a Rotary philosophy was adopted to describe how a Rotarian may think on a global basis. Here is what it said:
"A world-minded Rotarian:
• Looks beyond national patriotism and considers himself as sharing responsibility for the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace.
• Resists any tendency to act in terms of national or racial superiority.
• Seeks and develops common grounds for agreement with peoples of other lands.
• Defends the rule of law and order to preserve the liberty of the individual so that he may enjoy freedom of thought, speech and assembly, and freedom from persecution, aggression, want and fear.
• Supports action directed toward improving standards of living for all peoples, realizing that poverty anywhere endangers prosperity everywhere.
• Upholds the principles of justice for mankind.
• Strives always to promote peace between nations and prepares to make personal sacrifices for that ideal.
• Urges and practices a spirit of understanding of every other man's beliefs as a step toward international goodwill, recognizing that there are certain basic moral and spiritual standards which will ensure a richer, fuller life."
That is quite an assignment for any Rotarian to practice in thoughts and actions!
When this philosophy was developed, Rotary was still an all-male organization. The description of a world-minded Rotarian today would obviously include all women members as well.
STANDARD CLUB CONSTITUTION
Rotary International is the most territorial organization in the world. It exists in 215 countries and cuts across dozens of languages, political and social structures, customs, religions and traditions. How is it that all of the more than 34,300 Rotary clubs of the world operate in almost identical style? The primary answer is the Standard Rotary Club Constitution.
THE SPONSOR OF A NEW MEMBER
The sponsor should:
1. Invite a prospective member to several meetings prior to proposing the individual for membership.
2. Accompany the prospective new member to one or more orientation/informational meetings.
3. Introduce the new member to other club members each week for the first month.
4. Encourage the new member to become involved in any club service projects underway.
5. Invite the new member to attend meetings of the Interact or Rotaract clubs sponsored by the club.
6. Provide opportunities for the new member to get involved in international program efforts, such as Group Study Exchange or Youth Exchange.
7. Invite the new member to accompany the sponsor to neighboring clubs for the first make-up meeting to learn the process and observe the spirit of friendship.
8. Ask the new member and spouse to accompany the sponsor to the club's social activities, dinners, or other special occasions.
9. Urge the new member and spouse to attend the district conference with the sponsor.
10. Serve as a special friend to assure that the new member becomes an active Rotarian.
When a new member becomes involved and connected, both Rotary and the new member become stronger.
WOMEN IN ROTARY
Until 1989, the Constitution and Bylaws of Rotary International stated that Rotary club membership was for males only. In 1978 the Rotary Club of Duarte, California, invited three women to become members.
The RI board withdrew the charter of that club for violation of the RI Constitution. The club brought suit against RI claiming a violation of a state civil rights law which prevents discrimination of any form in business establishments or public accommodations. The appeals court and the California Supreme Court supported the Duarte position that Rotary could not remove the club's charter merely for inducting women into the club. The United States Supreme Court upheld the California court indicating that Rotary clubs do have a "business purpose" and are in some ways public-type organizations.
This action in 1987 allowed women to become Rotarians in any jurisdiction having similar "public accommodation" statutes. The RI constitutional change was made at the 1989 Council on Legislation, with a vote to eliminate the "male only" provision for all of Rotary. Since that time, women have become members and leaders of clubs and districts
throughout the world.
RI WORLD HEADQUARTERS
The headquarters of Rotary International always has been in the area of Chicago, Illinois, USA. The first seven Secretariat offices were located in the city's downtown, but in 1954 Rotary built an attractive new building in suburban Evanston. This building met the needs of the Rotary Secretariat until the 1980s, when the addition of new programs, the growth of The Rotary Foundation, and the new PolioPlus activities made the headquarters building extremely crowded and required some staff members to operate in supplementary office space nearby.
When a modern 18-story office building became available in downtown Evanston in 1987, it appeared to meet all of Rotary's space and expansion needs for years to come. The glass and steel structure, built in 1977, provides 400,000 square feet (37,160 square meters) of office and usable space. The building was purchased by Rotary International, which leases nearly half of the space to commercial tenants, until needed by future Rotary growth.
The building provides a 190-seat auditorium, large parking garage, and 300-seat cafeteria, as well as functional office space for the 500 employees of the World Headquarters. The executive suite on the 18th floor includes conference rooms for meetings of the RI Board of Directors, Rotary Foundation Trustees, and RI and Foundation committees, in addition to the offices of the RI president, president-elect, president-nominee, chairman of The Rotary Foundation Trustees, and general secretary.
One Rotary Center, as it is called, enhances the efficient operations of Rotary International.
MORE ROTARY FIRSTS
• Rotary became bilingual in 1916 when the first club was organized in a non-English-speaking country-Havana, Cuba.
• Rotary established the "Endowment Fund" in 1917, which became the forerunner of The Rotary Foundation.
• Rotary first adopted the name "Rotary International" in 1922 when the name was changed from the International Association of Rotary Clubs.
• Rotary first established the Paul Harris Fellows recognition in 1957 for contributors of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation.
• The Rotary club which first held meetings on a weekly basis was Oakland, California, the Number 3 club.
• The Rotary emblem was printed on a commemorative stamp for the first time in 1931 at the time of the Vienna Convention.
• The first Rotary club banner (from the Houston Space Center) to orbit the moon was carried by astronaut Frank Borman, a member of that club.
• The first Rotary International convention held outside the United States was in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1921.
• The first head of state to address a Rotary convention was U.S. President Warren G. Harding in 1923 at St. Louis.
ROOM 711 - ROTARY'S BIRTHPLACE
The number 711 has a very special significance for Rotary. Room 711 of the old Unity Building, formerly located at 127 North Dearborn Street in downtown Chicago, Illinois, USA, was the birthplace of Rotary. It was in that historic room, which was the office of engineer Gus Loehr, where Paul Harris first met with several friends, Silvester Schiele, Gustav Loehr and Hiram Shorey, to discuss his idea of a club for professionals and businessmen.
It took extensive research and dedication by a few Chicago Rotarians to preserve the room and restore it to its 1905 authenticity. For years, Room 711 was preserved as a miniature Rotary museum by Rotarians around the world who voluntarily belonged to and contributed annually to the Paul Harris 711 Club, which provided funds for leasing, maintenance, and preservation. In 1989, when the Unity Building was about to be torn down, members of the 711 Club carefully dismantled the landmark room and placed its contents in storage. There it stayed until 1994, when the re-created Room 711 found a permanent home at the RI World Headquarters in Evanston, where this piece of Rotary's heritage is preserved.
WORLD UNDERSTANDING MONTH
The month of February is very special in the Rotary calendar since it is designated World Understanding Month. The month also includes the anniversary of the first meeting of Rotary held on February 23, 1905, now called World Understanding and Peace Day. To observe World Understanding Month, the Rotary International Board asks all Rotary clubs to plan programs for their weekly meetings and undertake special activities to emphasize "understanding and goodwill as essential for world peace."
In February, many clubs arrange for international speakers, invite Youth Exchange students and international scholars from schools and universities to club meetings, plan programs featuring former Group Study Exchange team members, arrange discussions on global issues, present entertainment with an international cultural or artistic theme, or plan other programs with an international emphasis.
Many clubs take the opportunity to launch an international community service activity or make contact with a Rotary club in another country. It is a good month to initiate a Rotary Friendship Exchange or encourage support for Rotary Foundation programs.
World Understanding Month is a chance for every club to pause, plan, and promote Rotary's continued quest for goodwill, peace, and understanding among people of the world.
THE CLASSIFICATION PRINCIPLE
The term "Four Avenues of Service" (or Five) is frequently used in Rotary literature and information. The "Avenues" refer to the four elements of the Object of Rotary: Club Service, Vocational Service, Community Service, International Service and the Fifth Avenue of New Generations.
Although the Avenues of Service are not found in any formal part of the constitutional documents of Rotary, the concept has been accepted as a means to describe the primary areas of Rotary activity.
"Club Service" involves all of the activities necessary for Rotarians to perform to make their club function successfully.
"Vocational Service" is a description of the opportunity each Rotarian has to represent the dignity and utility of one's vocation to the other members of the club.
"Community Service" pertains to those activities which Rotarians undertake to improve the quality of life in their community. It frequently involves assistance to youth, the aged, handicapped and others who look to Rotary as a source of hope for a better life.
"International Service" describes the many programs and activities which Rotarians undertake to advance international understanding, goodwill and peace. International Service projects are designed to meet humanitarian needs of people in many lands.The Fifth Avenue, of "New Generations" recognizes the positive change implemented by youth and young adults involved in leadership development activities, community and international service projects, and exchange programs that enrich and foster world peace and cultural understanding. Programs include Debating Competition, Rotaract, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, Summer Science Schools, Youth Exchange, Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment, Model United Nations Assembly.
When a Rotarian understands and travels down the "Four Avenues of Service," the Object of Rotary takes on even greater meaning.
THE ROTARIAN AND REGIONAL MAGAZINES
The month of April is annually designated as "Rotary's Magazine Month," an occasion to recognize and promote the reading and use of the official RI magazine, The Rotarian, and the regional magazines, which make up the Rotary
World Press.
THE ROTARIAN has been around since 1911 as the medium to communicate with Rotarians and to advance the program and Object of Rotary. A primary goal of the magazine is to support and promote key programs of Rotary. The magazine also disseminates information about the annual theme and the philosophy of the RI president, major meetings, and the emphasis of the official "months" on the Rotery calendar.The Rotarian provides a forum in which both Rotary-related and general interest topics may be explored. The magazine serves as an excellent source of information and ideas for programs at Rotary club meetings and district conferences. Many articles promote international fellowship, goodwill and understanding. Regular readers usually have superior knowledge of the activities of Rotary and how each Rotarian may be more fully involved in the Avenues of Service around the world.
In addition to The Rotarian In addition to THE ROTARIAN, the Rotary World Press includes 29 regional magazines printed in 21 languages with a combined circulation of almost half a million. Although each regional publication has its own unique style and content, they all provide Rotarians with up-to-date information and good reading in April” and all through the year.
INTERNATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF A ROTARIAN
As an international organization, Rotary offers each member unique opportunities and responsibilities. Although each Rotarian has first responsibility to uphold the obligations of citizenship of his or her own country, membership in Rotary enables Rotarians to take a somewhat different view of international affairs. In the early 1950s a Rotary philosophy was adopted to describe how a Rotarian may think on a global basis. Here is what it said:
"A world-minded Rotarian:
• Looks beyond national patriotism and considers himself as sharing responsibility for the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace.
• Resists any tendency to act in terms of national or racial superiority.
• Seeks and develops common grounds for agreement with peoples of other lands.
• Defends the rule of law and order to preserve the liberty of the individual so that he may enjoy freedom of thought, speech and assembly, and freedom from persecution, aggression, want and fear.
• Supports action directed toward improving standards of living for all peoples, realizing that poverty anywhere endangers prosperity everywhere.
• Upholds the principles of justice for mankind.
• Strives always to promote peace between nations and prepares to make personal sacrifices for that ideal.
• Urges and practices a spirit of understanding of every other man's beliefs as a step toward international goodwill, recognizing that there are certain basic moral and spiritual standards which will ensure a richer, fuller life."
That is quite an assignment for any Rotarian to practice in thoughts and actions!
When this philosophy was developed, Rotary was still an all-male organization. The description of a world-minded Rotarian today would obviously include all women members as well.
STANDARD CLUB CONSTITUTION
Rotary International is the most territorial organization in the world. It exists in 215 countries and cuts across dozens of languages, political and social structures, customs, religions and traditions. How is it that all of the more than 34,300 Rotary clubs of the world operate in almost identical style? The primary answer is the Standard Rotary Club Constitution.
One of the conditions to receive a charter to become a Rotary club is to accept the Standard Club Constitution, originally adopted in 1922. The Standard Club Constitution outlines administrative techniques for clubs to follow in holding weekly meetings, procedures for membership and classifications, conditions of attendance and payment of dues and other policies relating to public issues and political positions.
When the Standard Rotary Club Constitution was accepted, it was agreed that all existing clubs could continue to follow their current constitution. Although most of those early clubs have subsequently endorsed the standard constitution,
a few pre-1922 clubs still conduct their club affairs according to their former constitutional provisions.
THE SPONSOR OF A NEW MEMBER
The bylaws of Rotary clearly outline the procedure for a prospective member to be proposed for Rotary club membership. The "proposer" is the key person in the growth and advancement of Rotary. Without a sponsor, an individual will
never have the opportunity to become a Rotarian. Individuals must be asked to join Rotary; thus, it is every member's responsibility to identify and invite prospective members.
The sponsor should:
1. Invite a prospective member to several meetings prior to proposing the individual for membership.
2. Accompany the prospective new member to one or more orientation/informational meetings.
3. Introduce the new member to other club members each week for the first month.
4. Encourage the new member to become involved in any club service projects underway.
5. Invite the new member to attend meetings of the Interact or Rotaract clubs sponsored by the club.
6. Provide opportunities for the new member to get involved in international program efforts, such as Group Study Exchange or Youth Exchange.
7. Invite the new member to accompany the sponsor to neighboring clubs for the first make-up meeting to learn the process and observe the spirit of friendship.
8. Ask the new member and spouse to accompany the sponsor to the club's social activities, dinners, or other special occasions.
9. Urge the new member and spouse to attend the district conference with the sponsor.
10. Serve as a special friend to assure that the new member becomes an active Rotarian.
When a new member becomes involved and connected, both Rotary and the new member become stronger.
WOMEN IN ROTARY
Until 1989, the Constitution and Bylaws of Rotary International stated that Rotary club membership was for males only. In 1978 the Rotary Club of Duarte, California, invited three women to become members.
The RI board withdrew the charter of that club for violation of the RI Constitution. The club brought suit against RI claiming a violation of a state civil rights law which prevents discrimination of any form in business establishments or public accommodations. The appeals court and the California Supreme Court supported the Duarte position that Rotary could not remove the club's charter merely for inducting women into the club. The United States Supreme Court upheld the California court indicating that Rotary clubs do have a "business purpose" and are in some ways public-type organizations.
This action in 1987 allowed women to become Rotarians in any jurisdiction having similar "public accommodation" statutes. The RI constitutional change was made at the 1989 Council on Legislation, with a vote to eliminate the "male only" provision for all of Rotary. Since that time, women have become members and leaders of clubs and districts
throughout the world.
RI WORLD HEADQUARTERS
The headquarters of Rotary International always has been in the area of Chicago, Illinois, USA. The first seven Secretariat offices were located in the city's downtown, but in 1954 Rotary built an attractive new building in suburban Evanston. This building met the needs of the Rotary Secretariat until the 1980s, when the addition of new programs, the growth of The Rotary Foundation, and the new PolioPlus activities made the headquarters building extremely crowded and required some staff members to operate in supplementary office space nearby.When a modern 18-story office building became available in downtown Evanston in 1987, it appeared to meet all of Rotary's space and expansion needs for years to come. The glass and steel structure, built in 1977, provides 400,000 square feet (37,160 square meters) of office and usable space. The building was purchased by Rotary International, which leases nearly half of the space to commercial tenants, until needed by future Rotary growth.
The building provides a 190-seat auditorium, large parking garage, and 300-seat cafeteria, as well as functional office space for the 500 employees of the World Headquarters. The executive suite on the 18th floor includes conference rooms for meetings of the RI Board of Directors, Rotary Foundation Trustees, and RI and Foundation committees, in addition to the offices of the RI president, president-elect, president-nominee, chairman of The Rotary Foundation Trustees, and general secretary.
One Rotary Center, as it is called, enhances the efficient operations of Rotary International.
MORE ROTARY FIRSTS
• Rotary became bilingual in 1916 when the first club was organized in a non-English-speaking country-Havana, Cuba.
• Rotary established the "Endowment Fund" in 1917, which became the forerunner of The Rotary Foundation.
• Rotary first adopted the name "Rotary International" in 1922 when the name was changed from the International Association of Rotary Clubs.
• Rotary first established the Paul Harris Fellows recognition in 1957 for contributors of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation.
• The Rotary club which first held meetings on a weekly basis was Oakland, California, the Number 3 club.
• The Rotary emblem was printed on a commemorative stamp for the first time in 1931 at the time of the Vienna Convention.
• The first Rotary club banner (from the Houston Space Center) to orbit the moon was carried by astronaut Frank Borman, a member of that club.
• The first Rotary International convention held outside the United States was in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1921.
• The first head of state to address a Rotary convention was U.S. President Warren G. Harding in 1923 at St. Louis.
ROOM 711 - ROTARY'S BIRTHPLACE
The number 711 has a very special significance for Rotary. Room 711 of the old Unity Building, formerly located at 127 North Dearborn Street in downtown Chicago, Illinois, USA, was the birthplace of Rotary. It was in that historic room, which was the office of engineer Gus Loehr, where Paul Harris first met with several friends, Silvester Schiele, Gustav Loehr and Hiram Shorey, to discuss his idea of a club for professionals and businessmen.It took extensive research and dedication by a few Chicago Rotarians to preserve the room and restore it to its 1905 authenticity. For years, Room 711 was preserved as a miniature Rotary museum by Rotarians around the world who voluntarily belonged to and contributed annually to the Paul Harris 711 Club, which provided funds for leasing, maintenance, and preservation. In 1989, when the Unity Building was about to be torn down, members of the 711 Club carefully dismantled the landmark room and placed its contents in storage. There it stayed until 1994, when the re-created Room 711 found a permanent home at the RI World Headquarters in Evanston, where this piece of Rotary's heritage is preserved.
WORLD UNDERSTANDING MONTH
The month of February is very special in the Rotary calendar since it is designated World Understanding Month. The month also includes the anniversary of the first meeting of Rotary held on February 23, 1905, now called World Understanding and Peace Day. To observe World Understanding Month, the Rotary International Board asks all Rotary clubs to plan programs for their weekly meetings and undertake special activities to emphasize "understanding and goodwill as essential for world peace."
In February, many clubs arrange for international speakers, invite Youth Exchange students and international scholars from schools and universities to club meetings, plan programs featuring former Group Study Exchange team members, arrange discussions on global issues, present entertainment with an international cultural or artistic theme, or plan other programs with an international emphasis.
Many clubs take the opportunity to launch an international community service activity or make contact with a Rotary club in another country. It is a good month to initiate a Rotary Friendship Exchange or encourage support for Rotary Foundation programs.
World Understanding Month is a chance for every club to pause, plan, and promote Rotary's continued quest for goodwill, peace, and understanding among people of the world.
THE CLASSIFICATION PRINCIPLE
Virtually all membership in Rotary is based upon a "classification." Basically a classification describes the distinct and recognized business or professional service which the Rotarian renders to society.
The principle of Rotary classification is somewhat more specific and precise. In determining the classification of a Rotarian it is necessary to look at the "principal or recognized business or professional activity of the firm, company or institution" with which an active member is connected or "that which covers his principal and recognized business or professional activity."
It should be clearly understood that classifications are determined by activities or services to society rather than by the position held by a particular individual. In other words, if a person is the president of a bank, he or she is not classified as "bank president" but under the classification "banking."
The classification principle also permits business and industries to be separated into distinct functions such as manufacturing, distributing, retailing and servicing. Classifications may also be specified as distinct and independent divisions of a large corporation or university within the club's territory, such as a school of business or a school of engineering.
The classification principle is a necessary concept in assuring that each Rotary club represents a cross section of the business and professional service of the community.
Link to Third Chapter
Interested in being a sponsor?
Download the website sponsorship guide
Download the website sponsorship guide