1. Giving back / service opportunities

 

Rotarians have many opportunities for service projects, both locally and internationally. Service programs address such concerns as health care, hunger, poverty, illiteracy, and the environment. Rotarians experience the enjoyment and pride that comes from giving back to the community. There are countless opportunities to make a difference to those less fortunate than ourselves. If you like helping others, here is your chance to do something worthwhile and make a real difference. Being a Rotarian is richly rewarding and Rotarians help each other and collectively help others.

 

2. Friendship

 

In an increasingly complex world, Rotary provides one of the most basic human needs; the need for friendship. Rotary was founded on fellowship, an ideal that remains a major attraction of membership today. Club members enjoy the camaraderie with like-minded people, and club projects offer additional opportunities to develop enduring friendships. Rotary club members who travel have friendly contacts in almost every city in the world. Make friends in your own community and further afield.

 

3. Personal growth and development 

Membership of Rotary develops leadership, public speaking, social, business, personal and vocational skills as well as improving cultural awareness and broad social skills. Rotary takes ordinary individuals and puts them into extraordinary circumstance. Simply stated, membership in Rotary helps to make our members better – better individuals, community leaders, internationalists, and humanitarians.


 

4. International Connections

 

One of Rotary’s highest objectives is to build goodwill and peace throughout the world. With over 35,000 clubs in over 200 countries, wherever you travel, for pleasure or on business, you can contact local Rotarians for friendship or assistance. Every Rotarian is welcome - even encouraged - to attend any of the clubs around the world and you have instant friends in the world community. 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. Visiting a Rotary club while you are traveling will give you immediate access to local resources and information.

 

5. Cultural awareness

 

Around the world, practically every religion, country, culture, race, creed, political persuasion, language, colour and ethnic identity is found in Rotary. It is a cross section of the world's citizens from every background. Rotarians become aware of their cultures and learn to love and work with people everywhere. 

 

6. Youth and Family

 

Rotary sponsors one of the world’s largest youth exchange, educational exchange, and scholarship programs. Rotary clubs provide innovative training opportunities and mentoring for young leaders and family members in a wide range of social and service activities. 

 

7. Leadership Development

 

Team building, fundraising, public speaking, planning, organisation, and communication are just a sample of the leadership skills that club members can exercise and enhance. Being a Rotary leader provides further experience in learning how to motivate, inspire, and guide others. Members can participate in courses in person and online.

 

8. Networking 

 

Rotary club members represent a cross-section of the community so will almost certainly find other Rotarians with shared interests, similar jobs, similar experiences. Members come from all walks of life. Rotarians help each other and collectively help others.

 

9. Entertainment

 

Rotary is fun, whether that’s getting together on a project or attending an event. Social activities give Rotarians a chance to let loose and have fun. Every Rotary club and district hosts parties and social activities that offer diversions from today’s demanding schedules. Conferences, conventions, assemblies, and social events provide entertainment.

 

10. Ethical Environment

 

Encouraging high ethical standards and respect for all has been a hallmark of Rotary from its earliest days. Rotarians abide by The Four-Way Test:

 

Of the things we think, say or do:

1) Is it the TRUTH?

2) Is it FAIR to all concerned?

3) Will it BUILD GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

4) Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

 

 11. The 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 of men and women who simply believe in helping others.