Why Join Rotary?

1. Friendship: In an increasingly complex world, Rotary provides one of the most basic human needs. 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. It’s members come from all walks of life. Members help each other and collectively help others.

3. Personal Growth & Development: Membership in Rotary aids 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 educational in that we learn how to motivate, influence, and lead.

5. Citizenship in the Community: Membership in Rotary makes one a better community citizen.

6. Continuing Education: There is an educational program at each of the weekly meetings.

7. Fun: Club members have a lot of fun, both at meetings and while doing a wide variety of community service projects.

8. Public Speaking Skills: Rotary develops confidence and skill in public communications.

9. World Citizenship: There are few places in the world that does not have a Rotary club. Every Rotarian is encouraged to attend any of the nearly 32,000 Rotary clubs in more than 160 countries. This means instant friendship in both the local community and world community.

10. Travel Assistance: There are nearly 32,000 Rotary clubs worldwide in more than 160 countries and assistance while traveling can often be found through Rotary.

11. Entertainment: Every Rotary club has activities that provide diversion in one’s business life.

12. Development of Social Skills: Rotary helps develop one’s personality and social skills every week at meetings and at various events and functions.

13. Family Programs: Rotary provides one of the world’s largest youth exchange programs as well as the opportunity for spouse involvement.

14. Vocational Skills: Every Rotarian is expected to take part in the development of his or her own profession or vocation and to serve on committees and to teach youth about one’s job or vocation.

15. Ethics: Rotarians practice the “4-Way Test” which governs one’s ethical standards. Rotarians are expected to be ethical in business and personal relationships.

16. Diversity/Cultural Awareness: Nearly every religion, country, culture, race, creed, political orientation, language, and ethnic identity is found in Rotary around the world.

17. Prestige: Rotary is the oldest and most prestigious service club in the world.

18. Nice People: Rotarians are important people who follow the practice of “it’s nice to be important but it’s also important to be nice.”

19. Absence of an Official Creed: Rotary has no secret handshake, no secret policy, no official creed, no secret meetings or rituals. It is an open society that simply believes in helping others.

20. Opportunity to Serve: Rotary is a service club. This is perhaps the best reason to become a Rotarian: the chance to do something for someone else and to sense the self-fulfillment that comes in so doing.