20 ANSWERS TO THE QUESTION: WHY 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. THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE - Rotary is a service club. Its business is mankind; its product is service. Rotarians provide community service - to both the local and international communities. This is the best reason perhaps 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 who profits most who serves the best."
   
   
4. PERSONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT - Membership in Rotary continues one's growth and education in human relations and personal development.
   
   
5. 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.
   
   
6. 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.
   
   
7. CONTINUING EDUCATION - Each week at Rotary there is a program designed to keep one informed as to what is going on in the community, nation and world. Different speakers, different topics.
   
   
8. PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS - Many an individual who joined Rotary was afraid to speak in public. Rotary develops confidence and skill in public communication. And 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 28,000 clubs in 188 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.
   
   
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 life. Rotary has conferences, conventions, and assemblies, which provide entertainment in addition to Rotary information, education and service. This leads to…
    
    
12. FUN - Rotary is a lot of fun. Each meeting, every club project, the social activities and the service are occasions to have a good time.
    
    
13. THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL SKILLS - Every week and at various events and functions, Rotary develops one's personality, social and people skills. Rotary is for people who like people.
    
    
14. FAMILY PROGRAMS - Rotary provides one of the world's largest youth exchange programs; high school and college clubs for future Rotarians, and a host of activities designed to assist family members in growth and the development of family values.
    
    
15. 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.
    
    
16. 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.
    
    
17. 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.
    
    
18. 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, professionals; people who make decisions and influence policy. It is an honour to be invited to join Rotary.
    
    
19. 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.
    
    
20. THE 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..

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