Why Join Rotary?
20 Reasons to Join Rotary
1. Friendship
In an increasingly complex world, Rotary provides one of the most basic human needs: that of 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 and collectively help others.
3. Personal Growth and Development
Membership in Rotary continues your 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 means learning how to motivate, influence, and lead other leaders.
5. Citizenship in the Community
Membership in a Rotary club makes you 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 you 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 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 your 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 our business life. Rotary holds conferences, conventions, assemblies and institutes that provide entertainment in addition to Rotary information, education,
and service.
and service.
12. The Development of Social Skills
Every week and at various events and functions, Rotary develops your 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 growing and developing family values.
14. Vocational Skills
As Rotarians, we are expected to take part in the growth and development of our own profession or vocation; to serve on committees and to teach youth about our job or vocation. Rotary helps to make you better at your chosen profession.
15. The Development of Ethics
Rotarians practice a Four-Way Test that governs our 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: leaders of business, various 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 more 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 and to sense the self-fulfillment that comes in the process and return of that satisfaction to one’s own life. It is richly rewarding.