- TOP 20 REASONS TO BECOME A ROTARIAN -
1. 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.
2. 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.
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. Leadership: learning how to motivate, influence and
lead leaders.
5. Citizenship
in the Community: Membership in a Rotary club
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 about what is going on in the
community, nation and world. Each meeting provides an opportunity to
listen to different speakers and a variety of timely topics.
7. Fun: Rotary
is fun, a lot of fun. Each meeting is fun. The club projects are fun.
Social activities are fun. The service is fun.
8. Public
Speaking Skills: Many individuals who joined
Rotary were afraid to speak in public. Rotary develops confidence and
skill in public communication and the opportunity to practice and perfect
these skills.
9. Citizenship
in the World: Every Rotarian wears a pin that
says "Rotary International." There are a few places on the globe that
do not have a Rotary club. Every Rotarian is welcome — even encouraged
— to attend any of the 29,000 clubs in 194 nations and geographical
regions. This means 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 in need of a doctor, lawyer, hotel, dentist,
advice, etc., while traveling has found assistance through Rotary.
11. Entertainment: Every
Rotary club and district has parties and activities that provide diversion
in one's business life. Rotary holds conferences, conventions, assemblies
and institutes that 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 skills
and people skills. Rotary is for people who like people.
13. 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.
14. 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 one's job or vocation.
Rotary helps to make one a better doctor, lawyer, teacher, etc.
15. The Development
of Ethics: Rotarians practice a 4-Way Test
that 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 their 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 who are leaders of business, 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, professionals — people who make decisions
and influence policy.
18. Nice People: Rotarians
above all are nice people — the nicest people on the face of the earth.
They are important people who follow the policy of "it is nice to be
important but it is important to be nice."
19. The Absence
of an "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. Its product is service. Rotarians provide community service
to both local and international communities. This is perhaps the best
reason for becoming a Rotarian: the chance to do something for somebody
else; to sense the self-fulfillment that comes in the process; and the
return of that satisfaction to one's own life. It is richly rewarding.