Why People Join Rotary
Networking… The opportunity to develop business connections was one of the two founding reasons Rotary was started in 1905 and it remains relevant today. More than ever, networking provides vital links in our personal and professional lives. Through Rotary people come together from all walks of life and business communities to help each other and collectively help others.
Friendship… The second reason Rotary started was to provide access to friendship and fellowship. This is one of our most basic human needs and is no less relevant in our increasingly complex and technological world.
Personal Growth and Development… Membership in Rotary provides ongoing growth and education in human relations and personal development.
Leadership Development… Rotary is an organization of leaders and successful people. Serving in Rotary positions is like mentored higher learning in leadership skills. Rotary leaders learn how to motivate, influence and lead leaders.
Volunteering in the Community… Rotary Club membership is a pathway to becoming a better community citizen. The average Rotary Club includes some of the most active citizens of any community.
Continuing Education… Each week Rotary programs are designed to keep members informed about what is happening in the community, nation and world. Weekly meetings provide an opportunity to listen to informed speakers on a wide range of timely topics.
Fun… Rotary is fun, a lot of fun. Meetings are fun. Club projects are fun. Social activities are fun. Service is fun.
Public Speaking Skills… Many people join Rotary with a fear of public speaking. Rotarians develop confidence and skill in public communication through the opportunity to practice in a safe and supportive environment.
Citizenship in the World… There are few places on the globe that do not have a Rotary Club. Every Rotarian wears a “Rotary International” pin and is welcome, and encouraged, to visit any of the 29,000 Clubs in 194 nations and geographical regions. This opens up a world of instant friends to all Rotarians, locally and internationally.
Assistance when Travelling… Rotary Clubs are everywhere and members are always ready to assist fellow Rotarians in need of a doctor, lawyer, hotel, dentist, advice, etc., while travelling.
Entertainment… Every Rotary Club and District hosts parties and activities that provide a social diversion to business life. Rotary Conferences, Conventions, Assemblies and Institutes provide entertainment in addition to Rotary Information, Education and Service activities.
The Development of Social Skills… Through weekly meetings and other events, Rotarians develop social and people skills. Rotary is for people who like people.
Family Programs… Rotary provides one of the world’s largest youth exchange programs; high school and college clubs for future Rotarians; opportunities for partner involvement; and a host of activities designed to help family members grow and develop family values.
Vocational Skills… Every Rotarian is expected to contribute to the growth and development of their own profession or vocation; to serve on Committees and to teach young people about their job or vocation. Rotary helps make us better doctors, lawyers, accountants, teachers, secretaries or plumbers…
The Development of Ethics… Rotary provides a strong ethical framework through a 4-Way Test that defines personal ethical standards. Rotarians are expected to be ethical in business and personal relationships.
Cultural Awareness… Around the world, practically every religion, country, culture, race, creed, political persuasion, language, colour, and ethnic identity is represented in Rotary. It is a cross section of the world’s most prominent citizens from every background. Through Rotary, people become more culturally aware and learn to love and work with people everywhere. In the process, they become better citizens of their own countries.
Prestige… Prominent people are members of Rotary, including leaders from business, government, the professions, arts, sports, the military, religion and all other disciplines. Rotary is the oldest and most prestigious service club in the world. Among Rotary’s ranks are executives, managers and professionals who make decisions and influence policy.
Nice People… Above all, Rotarians are nice people – the nicest people on the face of the earth. Whilst they may be important people, they all follow the policy that “it is nice to be important but it is important to be nice”.
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.
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 gain the sense of fulfilment and personal satisfaction that brings. Rotary is richly rewarding.
Find out more about Rotary or about membership in the Rotary Club of Canterbury
Simply contact our Membership Director membership@canterburyrotary.org