1. FRIENDSHIP: In an increasingly complex world,
Rotary provides one of the most basic human needs: the need for friends
and fellowship. It is one of the two reasons why Rotary began in 1905.
2. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: The second original reason
for Rotary's beginning. Everyone needs to network. Rotary consists
of a cross section of every business community. Its members come
from all walks of life. Rotarians help one another, and collectivety
help others.
3. PERSONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT: Membership
in Rotary continues one s growth and education in human relations
and personal development.
4. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: Rotary is an organization
of leaders and successful people. Serving in Rotary positions is
like a college education in Leadership: learning how to motivate,
influence and lead leaders.
5. CITIZENSHIP IN THE COMMUNITY: Membership in
a Rotary ciub makes one a better community citizen. The average
Rotary club consists of the most active citizens of any community.
6. CONTINUING EDUCATION: Each week at Rotary there
is a program designed to keep one informed as to what is going on
in the community, nation and world. Different speakers, different
topics.
7. FUN: Rotary is fun. A lot of fun. each meeting
is fun. The club projects are fun. Social activities are fun. And
the service is fun.
8. PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS: Many an individual
who joined Rotary was afraid to speak in public. Rotary develops
confidence and skill in public communication. And opportunity.
9. CITIZENSHIP IN THE WORLD: Every Rotarian wears
a pin that says: "Rotary International." And every Rotarian
is welcome - even encouraged to attend - at 28,000 clubs in 188
nations and geographical regions. There are few places on the globe
which do not have a Rotary ciub. Instant friends in both one s own
community and in the world community.
10. ASSISTANCE WHEN TRAVELING: Because there are
Rotary clubs everywhere, many a Rotarian who has needed a doctor,
lawyer, hotel, dentist, advice, etc., while traveling has found
same quickly through Rotary.
11. ENTERTAINMENT: Every Rotary club and district
has parties and activities which provide diversion in one s business
life. Rotary has conference, conventions, assemblies and institutes
wtiich provide entertainment in addition to Rotary information,
education and service.
12. THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL SKILLS: Every week
and at various events and functions, Rotary develops one s personality,
social and people skills. Rotary is for people who like people,
or who want to.
13. FAMILY PROGRAMS: Rotary provides one of the
world s largest youth exchange programs; high school and college
clubs for future Rotarians; spouse clubs and programs, and a host
of activities designed to assist family members in growth and the
development of family values.
14. VOCATIONAL SKILLS: Every Rotarian is expected
to take a part in the growth and development of his or her own profession
or vocation; to serve on committees and to teach youth about one
s job or vocation. Rotary helps to make one a better doctor, lawyer,
teacher (or whatever one does for a Irving) etc.
15. THE DEVELOPMENT OF ETHICS: Rotarians practice
a 4-Way Test which governs one's ethical standards. Rotarians are
expected to be ethical in business and personal relationships.
16. 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 other cultures and learn to
love and work with people everywhere. They become better citizens
of their countries in the process.
17. 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 are executives, managers, professionals:
people who make decisions and influence policy. Not every one is
invited to join Rotary.
18. NICE PEOPLE: Rotarians above all are nice
people; the nicest people on the face of the earth. They are important
people who adhere to the policy that while it is nice to be important,
it is more important to be nice.
19. THE ABSENCE OF "OFFICIAL CREED":
Rotary has no secret handshake, no secret policy, no official creed,
no secret meeting or rituals. It is an open society - of men and
women who simply believe in helping others.
20. THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE: Rotary is a service
club. Its business is mankind; product is service. Rotarians provide
community service - to both the local and international communities.
This is the best reason perhaps for becoming a Rotarian: the chance
to do something for somebody else. And to sense the self-fulfillment
which comes in the process. And the return to one s own life. Rotarians
believe in service above setf;it is richly rewarding.
"HE PROFITS MOST WHO SERVES THE BEST."
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