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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 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 in 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 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-different
speakers, different topics.
7. Fun - Rotary is fun. A lot of fun. Each meeting is fun. The club projects
are fun. Social activities are fun. And the service is fun.
8. Public Speaking Skills - Many an individual who joined Rotary was afraid
to speak in public. Rotary develops confidence and skill in public communication,
along with opportunity.
9. Citizenship in the World - Every Rotarian wears a pin that says, "Rotary
International." And every Rotarian is welcome, even encouraged to attend, at 29,000
clubs in the 159 nations and geographical regions. There are few places on the globe
which do not have a Rotary Club. One can find instant friends in one's own community
and in the world community.
10. Assistance when Traveling - 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 life. Rotary has conferences, conventions,
assemblies, and institutes which provide entertainment in addition to Rotary information,
education and service.
12. Development of Social Skills - Every week and at various events Rotary
develops one's personality, social, and people skills. Rotary is for people who
like people, or who want to.
13. Family Programs - Rotary provides one of the world's largest youth exchange
programs; high school and college clubs for future Rotarians; spouse clubs and programs,
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 part in the growth
and development of his or her own profession or vocation by serving on committees
and teaching 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. Development of 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. Cultural Awareness - Around the world, practically every religion, country,
culture, race, creed, political persuasion, language, color, and ethnic identity
are 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 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 are executives,
managers, professions, people who make decisions and influence policy. 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. Absence of "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. 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 which comes
in the process and the return to one's own life. Rotarians believe in service above
self, reaping the rich rewards of one of Rotary's mottoes, "HE PROFITS MOST WHO
SERVES BEST."
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