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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 begain 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 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 few places on the globe that do not have a Rotary club.
Every Rotarian is welcome -- even encouraged -- to attend to 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: 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
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 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.
Richard D. King
Rotary International President 2001-02
Date Posted: April 25, 2002
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