
Information for Prospective Rotarians
Rotary International is one of the world's largest service organizations, with some 29,500 clubs in more than 160 countries. Annually, Rotary clubs worldwide invite a limited number of men and women to become members. These prospective members represent various businesses and professional activities in their communities. As a progressive-minded business or professional person, you will see that belonging to a Rotary club, where outstanding representatives of the different vocations in your community come together, has its benefits.
To be invited, you must be:
A leading representative of your business or professional activity
Willing to help and participate in projects that enhance your community
Willing to work on projects that help people in developing countries and promote international understanding and goodwill.
Rotary clubs provide:
Friendships with other managerial and professional leaders in your community
Prestige of membership of a worldwide organization
Ongoing practical education
A networking of people who can help you become more successful
Promotion of higher ethical standards in your business or profession
Projects to enhance your community
Help for communities in countries around the world
For more information visit www.rotary.org
Why Join Your Local Rotary Club?
Professional Networking
A founding principle of Rotary was to meet periodically to enjoy camaraderie and enlarge one?s circle of business and professional acquaintances. As the oldest service club in the world, Rotary club members represent a cross-section of the community?s owners, executives, managers, political leaders, and professionals ? people who make decisions and influence policy.
Service Opportunities
Club members have many opportunities for humanitarian service, both locally and internationally. Service programs address such concerns as health care, hunger, poverty, illiteracy, and the environment. Rotarians experience the fulfillment that comes from giving back to the community.
International Awareness
With more than 31,000 Rotary clubs in over 160 countries, Rotarians gain an understanding of humanitarian issues through international service projects and exchange programs. One of Rotary?s highest objectives is to build goodwill and peace throughout the world.
Friendship
Rotary was founded on fellowship, an ideal that remains a major attraction of membership today. Club members enjoy the camaraderie with like-minded professionals, and club projects offer additional opportunities to develop enduring friendships. Rotary club members who travel have friendly contacts in almost every city in the world.
Good Citizenship
Weekly Rotary club programs keep members informed about what is taking place in the community, nation, and world and motivated to make a difference.
Family Foundations
Rotary sponsors some of the world?s largest youth exchange, educational exchange, and scholarship programs. Rotary clubs provide innovative training opportunities and mentoring for young leaders and involve family members in a wide range of social and service activities.
Entertainment
Social activities give Rotarians a chance to let loose and have fun. Every Rotary club and district hosts parties and activities that offer diversions from today?s demanding professional and personal schedules. Conferences, conventions, assemblies, and social events provide entertainment as well as Rotary information, education, and service.
Ethical Environment
Encouraging high ethical standards in one?s profession and respect for all worthy vocations has been a hallmark of Rotary from its earliest days. In their business and professional lives, Rotarians abide by The Four-Way Test:
Of the things we think, say or do:
1) Is it the TRUTH?
2) Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3) Will it BUILD GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4) Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Leadership Development
Rotary is an organization of successful professionals. Team building, fundraising, public speaking, planning, organization, and communication are just a sampling of the leadership skills that club members can exercise and enhance. Being a Rotary leader provides further experience in learning how to motivate, inspire, and guide others.
Diversity in Membership
Rotary?s classification system ensures that a club?s membership represents a variety of the community?s professional men and women, including leaders in business, industry, the arts, government, sports, the military, and religion. Rotary clubs are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds.