Why Should I Join Rotary?
I had a desire to give back to my community and the world. My
father was social worker, so I knew a lot about it. That was about twenty one
years ago joined in Rotary. I think what keeps me there is the friendship, not
only with people in my local club but with Rotarians I’ve met from around many
Rotary districts in India and the world.
Not only are this there many reasons to join ROTARY…
1.
Friendship
In an increasingly complex
world, Rotary provides one of the most basic human needs; the need for friends
and fellowship. It is one of the two reasons why Rotary began in 1905.
2. Business
Development
The second original reason for
Rotary's beginning. Everyone needs to network. Rotary consists of a cross
section of every business community. Its members come from all walks of life.
Rotarians help one another, and collectively help others.
3. Personal
Growth and Development
Membership in Rotary continues
one's growth and education in human relationship and personal development.
4.
Leadership Development
Rotary is an organization of
leaders and successful people. Serving in Rotary positions is like a college
education in Leadership: learning how to motivate, influence and develop
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
At each Rotary meeting, there
is a programme designed to keep one informed as to what is going on in the
community, nation and world via different speakers and different topics.
7. Fun (with
a purpose)
Rotary is fun with a purpose -
a lot of fun. Each meeting is fun; the club projects are fun; social
activities are fun; and, service is fun.
8. Public
Speaking Skills
Many an individual who joined
Rotary was reluctant to speak in public. Rotary develops confidence and skill
in public communication - and provides opportunity.
9.
Citizenship in the World
Every Rotarian wears a pin
that says: "Rotary International". And every Rotarians is welcome -
even encouraged to attend - at 33,000 clubs in 200+ nations and geographical
regions. There are few places on the globe, which do not have a Rotary club.
Instant friends in both one's own community and in the world community of 1.2+
million Rotarians.
10.
Assistance When Travelling
Because there are Rotary clubs
everywhere, many a Rotarian who has needed a doctor, lawyer, hotel, dentist,
advice, etc�, while traveling has found
same quickly through Rotary.
11.
Entertainment
Every Rotary Club and District
has parties and activities, which provide diversion in one's business and
social life. Rotary has conferences, conventions, assemblies (and an
institute), which provide entertainment in addition to Rotary information,
education and service.
12. The
Development of Social Skills
At various events and
functions, Rotary develops one's personality, social and people skills. Rotary
is for people who like people, or who want to - and who wish to help others.
13. Family
Programmes
Rotary provides one of the
world's largest youth exchange programmes; high school and college clubs for
future Rotarians; spouse clubs and programmes, and a host of activities
designed to assist family members in growth and the development of family
values.
14. Vocational
Skills
Every Rotarian is expected to
take a 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 (or
whatever one does for a living) etc.
15. The
Development of Ethics
Rotarians practice a 4-Way
Test which 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 other cultures and learn to live and work with people everywhere. They
become better citizens of their countries in the process.
17. Prestige
Rotary members are often
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. membership is by
invitation - and not everyone is invited to join Rotary.
18. Nice
People
Rotarians above all are nice
people; the nicest people on the face of the earth. They are important people
who adhere to the policy that while it is nice to be important, it is more
important to be nice.
19. The
Absence of 'Offical 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.
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 the best reason,
perhap, for becoming a Rotarian; the chance to do something for somebody else.
And to sense the self-fulfillment which comes in the process. And the return to
one's own life. Rotarians believe in "Service Above Self"; it is
richly rewarding.
"He
profits most who serves the best".
