20 Answers to the Question: Why Join Rotary?
- 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.
- Business Development: The
second original reason for Rotary's beginning is business
development. 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 ensures continuing 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.
Leadership is all about learning how to motivate, influence and
lead leaders.
- Citizenship in the Community:
Membership in a Rotary club helps develop better community
citizens. 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 members
informed about what is going on in the community, nation and
world. Each meeting provides an opportunity to listen to
different speakers on a variety of timely topics.
- Fun: Rotary is a fun and
exciting place to be.
- Prestige: Rotary members are
prominent people: leaders of business, the professions, art,
government, sports, military, religion, and all disciplines.
Rotary is the oldest and most prestigious service club in the
world. Its ranks include executives, managers, and professionals
– people who make decisions and influence policy.
- Citizenship in the World:
Every Rotarian wears a pin that says “Rotary International.”
There are few places on the globe that do not have a Rotary
club. Every Rotarian is welcome – even encouraged – to attend
any of the 30,000 clubs in 194 nations and geographical regions.
This encourages new friendships in both local and world
communities.
- Assistance When Traveling:
Traveling Rotarians can secure medical and professional
assistance as well as services and advice from fellow Rotarians
throughout the world.
- Public Speaking Skills: Many
individuals who joined Rotary were uncomfortable about speaking
in public. Rotary develops confidence and skill in public
communication and the opportunity to practice and perfect these
skills.
- Entertainment: Every Rotary
club and district has parties and activities that contribute to
a diverse, yet professional business life. Rotary holds
conferences, conventions, assemblies, and institutes that
provide entertainment in addition to Rotary information,
education, and service.
- Development of Social Skills:
Every week and at various events and functions, Rotary develops
one’s personality, social skills and people skills. Rotary is
for people who like people.
- Family Programs: Rotary
provides one of the world’s largest youth exchange programs;
high school and college clubs for future Rotarians;
opportunities for spouse involvement; and a host of activities
designed to help family members in growth and the development of
family values.
- 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 jobs or vocations. Rotary helps to make
each invidual a better doctor, lawyer, teacher, etc.
- The Development of Ethics:
Rotarians practice a 4-Way Test that governs their ethical
standards. Rotarians are expected to be ethical in business and
personal relationships.
- Cultural Awareness: Around
the world, practically every religion, country, culture, race,
creed, political persuasion, language, color and ethnic identity
is represented among members of Rotary. Rotary is a cross
section of the world’s most prominent citizens who are aware of
their cultures and have developed a love of working with people
everywhere. They become better citizens of their countries in
the process.
- Nice People: Rotarians are
the nicest people on the face of the earth.
- Absence of an Official Creed:
Rotary has no secret handshake, no official creed, no secret
meetings or rituals. It is an open society of men and women who
simply believe in helping others.
- Opportunity to Serve: As a service club, Rotary’s business is mankind and its product is service. This is perhaps the best reason for becoming a Rotarian: the chance to do for others and to experience the fulfillment that comes from service above self.
“He profits most who serves best.”
“20 Answer”s excerpted from an article by:
Richard D. King
Rotary International President 2001-02