Understanding Rotary Part 7

WEEKLY DOSE OF ROTARY INFORMATION

FOUR AVENUES OF SERVICE

The Avenues of Service, listed below, are the channels through which we achieve the Object of Rotary through the activities in four primary areas.  This is the arena in which we perform as Rotarians.  It is how we "encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise." They are:  * Club Service * Vocational Service*Community Service and * International Service.

Club Service   I t is the fundamental building block of a successful Club and a successful Club is the single most important, basic unit in Rotary. Without the organization and fellowship of the Club, none of the other Avenues of Service could be consistently or successfully accomplished. If you want to be involved, join a committee, chair a committee, get elected to the board. Since the social aspects of belonging to Rotary can not be emphasized enough, attending lunches and social events help you enjoy and serve. 

Vocational Service Vocational Service is basically why Rotary was started in 1905 showing how we ethically perform in our Vocations daily. There is an emphasis on Rotarians doing business with Rotarians.  Our District 5170 has instituted a trial run "Yellow Pages" where you can list a description of your business in an attempt to garner business from other Rotarians in the District.  Go to the District website's HOME page, www.rotary5170.org  .  You will see a tab marked YELLOW PAGES.  Follow the link and it will step you through the listing procedure. (If you need help, feel free to contact me!!)

Community Service Rotary clubs are organized at the local level with members from the business and professional community who live and work in a community. Particular emphasis is given to helping children, needy families, the aged, the handicapped, and those most in need of assistance.  Our club runs the gamut of community service - Christmas for Kids, Steps for Success, Boyscouts, scholarships, Senior Barbecue.

International Servic e   The International Service Avenue comprises all the things that a Rotarian can do to advance international understanding, goodwill, and peace by getting acquainted with people of other countries, their cultures, customs, accomplishments, aspirations, problems - through personal contacts and to join in or institute beneficial projects around the world, especially through our Foundation.

If you are too new a member to know about the Nicaraguan projects ask a Santa Clara Rotarian who was around.  We are currently working towards helping a hospital in Romania and a literacy project in Africa.