| 1. 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. 2.
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.
3. 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.
4. 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 experience the self-fulfillment that comes in the
process; and the satisfaction this brings to one's own life.
It is richly rewarding.
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. 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 one's
own community and in the world community.
7. 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.
8. PERSONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT:
Membership in Rotary continues one's growth and education
in human relations and personal development.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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