The purpose of a Rotary Club
1. Professional Networking: Rotary club members represent a cross-section of the community’s owners, executives, managers, political leaders, and professionals. As such, they provide an excellent opportunity to meet and network with like-minded individuals.
2. Service Opportunities: Rotary clubs offer many opportunities for humanitarian service, both locally and internationally. Service programs address concerns such as health care, hunger, poverty, illiteracy, and the environment.
3. International Awareness: With more than 34,000 clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas, Rotarians gain an understanding of humanitarian issues through international service projects and exchange programs. One of Rotary’s highest objectives is to build goodwill and peace throughout the world.
4. Friendship: Rotary was founded on fellowship, an ideal that remains a major attraction of membership today. Club members enjoy the camaraderie with like-minded professionals, and club projects offer additional opportunities to develop enduring friendships.
5. Good Citizenship: Weekly Rotary club programs keep members informed about what is taking place in the community, nation, and world and motivated to make a difference.
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 involve family members in a wide range of social and service activities.
7. Entertainment: 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 professional and personal schedules.
8. Ethical Environment: Encouraging high ethical standards in one’s profession and respect for all worthy vocations has been a hallmark of Rotary from its earliest days. In their business and professional lives, 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?
9. Leadership Development: Rotary is an organization of successful professionals. Team building, fundraising, public speaking, planning, organization, and communication are just a sampling 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.