|
"What is Rotary? - Information for the non-Rotarian" |
The purpose of this information is to give the reader a thumbnail sketch on what Rotary is all about. The real in-depth knowledge of Rotary comes from your participation in its many diversified activities. Some life long friendships will be made along the way and that alone may be reason enough to join.
Rotary was founded on the basis of exchanging information with people in diversified careers, fellowship and community service. It quickly became an idea whose time had come and spread into international service. Where else can you enjoy the fellowship of your community leaders, get involved with worthwhile community projects, meet people from all over the world and enjoy a good program? As with any worthwhile endeavor, you will get out of Rotary much more than you put into it. However, you must make an effort to put something into it. This is not a lunch club; you can eat lunch anywhere. This is a service club. Rotary is the number one service club in the world. It will expose you to a wide range of service projects in your community as well as around the world. It will give you a chance to give back to your community some of the benefits your community has given you. Rotary will also allow you the opportunity to make a difference in the world. Yes, the world. In 1985, Rotary International initiated a worldwide vaccine program. Its purpose was to inoculate the children of the world against the five major childhood diseases. As of January 1995 over 600,000 children in the world have been inoculated. This program wiped out polio in the western hemisphere as of September 1994. When this program is complete in the year 2005, Rotary will have directly or indirectly affected the lives of one out of four people living on the earth.
Come join us and become an active member of your club. If you are looking for a place just to have lunch, you may want to keep looking. If you are looking for a way to serve your community, to make new friends, to make a difference in the community and in the world, come join us. You will be rewarded in ways you never imagined.
The above by John B. Guyette District Governor 1995-96 District 5440 - USA, parts of Northern Colorado and Nebraska, and Wyoming.
The qualifications to be a Rotarian - an adult person of good character and reputation, with a position of executive capacity, engaged as a proprietor, partner, officer or manager of any worthwhile business or profession. There were, at one time, four types of membership. There are currently only two:
1. ACTIVE - an Active Rotarian must perform at Ieast 60% of his/her work in the specified classification. A Rotarian may live or work anywhere within the corporate limits of the club city or within the territorial limits of an immediately adjoining club.
2. HONORARY - a designated membership for a person who has become distinguished by meritorious service in furtherance of Rotary ideals. An HONORARY member cannot hold office, does not pay dues, cannot propose new members, does not need to meet attendance requirements but can attcnd all meetings and enjoy all other privileges. This membership must be re-established each year by the Club Board of Directors.
The classification principle of membership distinguishes Rotary from all other organizations. By accepting the loan of a classification, each Rotarian assumes an obligation to represent his business or profession in the club and to share the ideal of service with non-Rotarians associated in the workplace. It assures a membership which is representative of the business, professional and institutional life of the locality in which the club is established. CLASSIFICATION - The principal and recognized activity of a firm, company, institution, business or professional endeavor. Classifications are determined by the activity or service to society rather than the position held by the individual. In other words, if president of a bank, a person is not classified under "Bank President" but under the classification of "Banking", or that person may be loaned the classification of the activity he or she is principally engaged in. To be eligible for a specific classification, the proposed member should be generally recognized in the community as being primarily engaged in that business, profession or activity. In the fields of medicine, dentistry, law, etc. where specialization in a given field is recognized by a community, it is appropriate for the Rotary Club to establish and loan separate classifications to cover such specialized practices. The Board of Directors of Rotary Clubs should annually update the listing of classifications in their community, showing the names of members and their classifications and the unfilled classifications that are open for membership. Rotary International publishes a list of classifications in a typical community, but clubs are urged to add to this listing and establish whatever classifications are needed in their area. Balanced Membership: efforts should be made to maintain a well balanced membership in which no business or professional group predominates - allowing a club's membership to be representative of the business and professional life of the community.
PURPOSE
Rotary began on February 23, 1905 in Chicago, Illinois. Paul P. Harris had invited three friends to explore his idea that had been developing for several years. The idea - a club of business and professional men who could and should be friends. Harris was a lawyer, his friends were a coal dealer, mining engineer, and merchant tailor. The aim of the first Rotary Club was the encouragement of friendship, fellowship and mutual assistance. It is significant that each of the members of the first Rotary Club was a comparative stranger from a small town who had come to that great metropolis of Chicago to go into business. Each felt a need for personal friendships to replace those severed by moving from their former homes.
The name "ROTARY" was suggested by Harris; prompted by the original plan of the club members meeting in rotation at their various places of business. As the membership increased, it became necessary to hold dinner meetings which later gave way to weekly noonday meetings. Contrary to general opinion, although Paul Harris was the originator of Rotary, he was not the first president. That distinction went to Silvester Schiele, one of the original four. Paul Harris became the president of Chicago Club No. 1 in 1907. Also in 1907 the first Rotary community project was undertaken - the establishment of public comfort stations in Chicago's City Hall. Soon to follow was Club No. 2 in San Francisco, then Oakland, followed by Seattle, Los Angeles, New York and Boston. The first Rotary Convention was held in 1910 in Chicago with 29 members present, representing 14 of the 16 organized Rotary Clubs. Like wildfire the movement spread to Canada, England, Ireland, South America, the Phillipines and into Asia. The first club in District 5520 was the El Paso Rotary Club (#119), chartered in 1914.
Statistics of Rotary's tremendous world-wide growth are impressive, but Rotary's accomplishments through the years defy expression in figures. The fellowship created, the improvement in the conduct of business and professions, the playgrounds provided, the crippled children helped, the student loans granted, the community betterment undertakings, the increased understanding among nations, the countless other achievements of Rotary Clubs, and the activities of The Rotary Foundation, all must be considered when viewing the progress of Rotary.
If Rotary was a watch - COMMUNITY SERVICE would be the mainspring. Every Rotary Club, large or small, in every country is engaged in a community project of some nature. This Avenue of Service is where clubs and members exercise their community leadership. They see a need - they act - in working with and sponsoring youth centers, Boy and Girl Scout Troops, Boy's and Girl's State, traffic safety, cultural development, community beautification, fire prevention, home safety, assistance to the aged, etc. The list is endless - only limited by the imagination and desire to serve by the members in a Rotary Club. The Rotarian Magazine each month describes and pictures COMMUNITY SERVICE world-wide - U.S. Clubs promoting free enterprise through essay contests and seminars for students and teachers - Clubs in Mexico raising funds for construction of a home for mentally retarded children - camps operated in England for handicapped children with special therapy equipment and trained staff. The list goes on and on. A community survey by a committee from the local Rotary Club will result in a list of many areas where help can be used - where people (the young, the handicapped, the aged) will be so receptive to a service that persons like Rotarians can furnish. Some projects may require money and a matching drive to obtain funds must be devised - other projects require only time or thought and the desire to serve others. Do not think that everyone is taken care of now by Government agencies - the person-to-person concern that can be shown by individuals and Clubs of Rotarians will never be equalled by a bureaucracy. Playgrounds furnished - parks built - bicycle safety classes - driver training - drug abuse information - the list grows: vision and learning testing in the schools - athletic programs - citizenship and patriotism essay contests - weekly flowers to a retirement home - legal and medical advice clinics - take an old-timer to a ball game - or take that same old-timer to get his hair cut or his wife to the beauty salon. There is no Rotary Club anywhere that does not have a talent-laden membership who can easily fill a community need!! The list is endless.
Vocational Service is an obligation that derives from having a classification in Rotary. This Third Avenue of Service was actually one of the founding principles of Paul Harris in 1905 when he met with his fellow business and professional friends and yet, it is the area in which much work is needed. Clubs and members tend to stress and excel in the Club, Community and International Avenues rather than the one that is indigenous to Rotary membership. The opportunity for the development of Vocational Service has no limits. Perhaps the most widely used approach is having each club member give a 5 minute talk on his/her profession or business about a month after induction. Employer-Employee day is held annually by many clubs - a great way to share Rotary and also foster a potential Additional Active member into the club. Many clubs are now holding counseling days at the local high school, allowing soon-to-be-graduates to listen and confer with business and professional leaders in the fields they may be interested in. Many clubs are sponsoring PRIVATE ENTERPRISE seminars for teachers and/or students - a subject so badly needed and so little understood. A recommended area for Vocational Service is a tour by members of a Rotary Club (as part of or in lieu of their regular meeting) of local industries, hospitals, schools, military installations, etc. This can usually done by moving the weekly meeting to the location to be visited and having a box lunch or by eating in the facility cafeteria. These are only a few of the more prevalent ways to implement Vocational Service - with a little thought and imagination, this can be a very delightful image builder for every club. Basic to Vocational Service is "The Four Way Test" as originated by RI President Herbert J. Taylor. This 24 word test of the things we think, say and do is a convenient and effective instrument of Vocational Service and is more fully described on a later page. Our district sponsors an essay contest in the schools each year on "The Four Way Test". Members are expected to adhere to the "Declaration of Rotarians in Business and Professions" which Rotary has officially adopted to foster high business standards and ethical practices. We practice Vocational Service in our daily working schedule, but are we not selfish if we don't try to share the Rotary philosophy of fairness and truth with our friends and particularly with the youth of our community?
The Fourth Avenue of Service is perhaps the area in which Rotary is most outstanding. With clubs in so many countries, Rotary has a unique opportunity to further understanding and world peace through the programs of International Service that include Special International Meetings, International Educational and Cultural Activities, World Community Service and the programs of The Rotary Foundation. All club members should be encouraged to become personally involved in International Service. INTERNATIONAL MEETINGS of Rotary present opportunities for fellowship and communication links that can last for years. These meetings include the annual Rotary International Convention and the Rotary Peace Forum. EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE activities include Rotary's Youth Exchange Program, Rotary Foundation Scholarships, Group Study Exchanges, Rotary Volunteers, and Grants for University Teachers to serve in developing countries. Some of these programs and the Rotary Foundation are described in further detail elsewhere in this publication. FRIENDSHIP EXCHANGES arranged through district or club officers offer an opportunity to visit in Rotarians' homes and experience hospitality in another land. WORLD FELLOWSHIP ACTIVITIES is a program in which international friendships are fostered through hobbies and common interests ranging from "ham" radio to chess by mail, golf, travel and yachting. A wonderful way to broaden and enhance a hobby and make friends around the world. WORLD COMMUNITY SERVICE offers a range of activities through which Rotarians conduct projects to improve lives and meet human needs and thus promote international understanding and good-will by means of material, technical and professional assistance. Your club can join in cooperative efforts with a Rotary Club or needy institution in another country. Humanitarian assistance and development projects aimed at improving the quality of life and providing self-help in developing countries are targets for World Community Service. A listing of world-wide projects needing help in fields of health, community assistance and food is available from R.I.
The objective of The Rotary Foundation is the achievement of world understanding and peace through international charitable and educational programs which include:
AMBASSADORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS - The world's largest privately sponsored international scholarship program has sent more than 21,000 scholars at a cost of more than 181 million dollars.
HEALTH, HUNGER AND humanity GRANTS(3-H) These grants fund large-scale, one to five year humanitarian projects. A total of 125 major projects in 44 countries have been approved and completed.
GROUP STUDY EXCHANGE (GSE) - These annual awards are are made to paired Rotary Districts to provide travel and other expenses for a team of five young non-Rotarians from a variety of vocations, acting as Ambassadors of Goodwill. Rotarians in the host district organize a four to six week itinerary of educational and cultural interest.
ROTARY VOLUNTEERS - This new and expanding program pays the expenses of Rotarians and Foundation Scholarship Alumni who have volunteered their services and expertise in another country. Volunteers may be scheduled by The Rotary Foundation or they may identify their own service sites.
POLIO PLUS - The largest project ever undertaken by a service organization - to immunize the children of the world against the crippling disease of polio. This program was initiated by The Rotary Foundation and culminated with contributions and pledges of more than $450 million. Polio will be a controlled disease by the year 2005 thanks to the generous contributions of Rotarians throughout the world.
Contributions are made to The Rotary Foundation through the Paul Harris Recognition Award Program. Clubs are encouraged to designate a Paul Harris Fellow with a contribution of $1000 to The Rotary Foundation. This is the highest award a club can bestow upon a member or a non- member. Rotarians are also encouraged to support the Foundation by personally contributing $1000 and becoming a Paul Harris Fellow. Sustaining memberships are also available by making an initial payment of $100 and paying the balance of $900 over a period of time. All contributions made in the USA are tax-deductible. Rotarians and their relatives are not eligible to be recipients of any Foundation award. Contributions may also be made to THE ROTARY FOUNDATION ENDOWMENT FUND by will, life insurance or other form of estate plan. Rotarians who make such a commitment are called "Benefactors". District 5520 became the leader in the Benefactor Program with more than 300 Benefactors who have made a commitment to the ENDOWMENT. This is a permanent fund, and only the interest is used each year to carry out the Foundation's humanitarian programs.
An outstanding program of sending and receiving secondary school pupils (boys and girls) betweeen the ages of 15-17 for one academic year to a foreign country. A careful selection at club and district levels, plus an orientation of students and parents is essential. Parents of outbound students furnish transportation costs, health, accident and liability insurance. Host parents of inbound students provide room, board and exercise the same parental responsibilities as would the exchangees' own parents. The host clubs should provide a modest monthly allowance to the student, including lunch money while attending school. RESTRICTIONS: Students are not allowed to travel outside the district without permission of club and district - not allowed to own or drive any motor vehicle. Student commitment: Agree in writing to all requirements - exemplary conduct - place themselves under the authority of host family and host Rotary Club. As the Youth Exchange Program is not part of The Rotary Foundation relatives of Rotarians are eligible to apply.
Ryla is held each year at the YMCA camp in Estes Park, C0. It is held in conjunction with two other districts. Each participating club identifies and sponsors a young man or woman in their junior year of high school that has recognized leadership skills to attend this week long camp. The object of Camp Ryla is to provide an environment where future leaders will experience democratic living, be exposed to the challenges of life, and hear from leaders in business, military, religion, education and sports - and a chance to "rap" with the speakers in evening sessions. Capacity is approximately 150-200. The participants are well supervised and chaperoned. Afternoons are busy with games and athletics following the morning session of outstanding speakers. Transportation and tuition are paid by the sponsoring clubs.
Clubs for young people ages 14-18. Organized by Rotary Clubs to develop leadership, personal integrity, thoughtful-ness, importance of home and family, respect for rights of others, dignity, the value of all useful occupations, and knowledge and understanding of community, national and world affairs.
Clubs for young people ages 19-30. Organized by Rotary Clubs to develop leadership, personal integrity, thoughtful-ness, importance of home and family, respect for rights of others, dignity, the value of all useful occupations, and knowledge and understanding of community, national and world affairs. Clubs may be University-based or Community-based.
Membership in a Rotary Club entails responsibility for regular attendance. Rules for attendance, make up for absence from your own club and excuse for non-compliance due to age and years of service are defined and observed worldwide. The membership of any member, other than an honorary member, shall automatically terminate if, without consent of the Board for good and sufficient reason (see below), a Rotarian fails: 1.To attend or make up 4 consecutive regular meetings, or 2.To attend or make up at least 60% of the regular meetings in the first or second six months of the Rotary year, or 3.To attend at least 30% of the regular meetings of the home club in the first or second six months of the Rotary year, or 4.To be present for at least 60% of the time devoted to the regular meetings.
Credit for make up attendance is granted by attending any Rotary Club meeting 14 days prior to the home club regularly scheduled meeting or within 14 days immediately following such meeting. Example: Club meeting date is Thursday the 17th. Make up: From Thursday the 3rd until Thursday the 31st. Committee or Board meetings, Round Table, STAR, indoctrination, past-presidents, or civic project meetings may qualify as make up meetings. Attendance at District meetings (District Conference, PETS/Assembly) and International meetings (R I Convention, Regional Conference, or Officers' Institute) shall qualify a member for being present at his own club as do attendance at Rotaract, Interact or Village Corps meetings provided such meeting falls within the time frame as described by the Standard Club Constitution. A member's absence shall be excused if caused by protracted ill health or by stay of more than two weeks in a country having no Rotary Clubs. Authorized leaves of absence granted by the Club Board of Directors exempt the member from attendance requirements but the excused member is counted for club attendance purposes. All attendance rules apply to all Active, Additional Active, Senior Active and Past Service members as provided above.
PETS (President-Elect Training Sessions) are held to train club presidents-elect. These training sessions are often combined with the DISTRICT ASSEMBLY for all incoming officers and directors which provide motivation, inspiration, Rotary knowledge and instruction in administrative duties to those attending. The District Governor Nominee and the current club presidents are leaders of these "nuts and bolts" sessions. Attendance at PETS/ASSEMBLY DISTRICT is mandatory for all incoming presidents unless excused by the District Governor Nominee. Duration: approximately 1 day - spouses not in attendance. Generally held on a Saturday in March at a Denver Hotel.
THE DISTRICT CONFERENCE - highlights the programs of Rotary through fellowship, inspirational addresses, discussions and social activities. It is a showcase covering all aspects of Rotary programs in the District - featuring all Youth Exchange Students, the visiting Group Study Exchange Team, RYLA presentations and much, much more. Each conference is assigned a representative of the RI President to attend in his place and to report on the district to the President. Duration: 2 days divided between business or plenary sessions and fellowship, social events, entertainment and good fun, It is the culmination and celebration of the Rotary year. It honors and recognizes the work of the past year and outlines the goals and ojectives of the coming year. It is held in the late Spring each year at various resort locations in the District. The District Conference is a great way to meet new people,learn more about the goals and objectives of Rotary and have a great time. All Rotarians and spouses are invited and urged to attend. Held in April or May each year at site determined by Conference in prior year. Estimated attendance 350-550.
THE ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION - is held annually in late May or early June and ALL Rotarians and spouses are invited. A tremendous gathering of Rotarians world-wide, held over a 4 day span with great speakers, excellent entertainment, home hospitality - the very best method of seeing the scope of Rotary - of meeting your counter-parts from the four corners of the world - an unforgettable experience from which a Rotarian comes home with a real knowledge of the internationality of Rotary. Registration fee includes specified entertainment and all plenary sessions. Estimated attendance: 20,000 to 30,000 each year.
SERVICE by members to the workings of their Rotary Club - that service that makes the Rotary wheel tum, providing the basic needs for good operation of a Rotary Club. The Standard Club By-Laws require that each club have at least the following Club Service Committees:
ATTENDANCE:To encourage regular attendance, make-ups for missed meetings, promote incentives, find remedies for poor attendance, recommend dismissals for failure to meet requirements.
FELLOWSHIP: To promote acquaintance and fellowship, create an atmosphere of cordiality and hospitality to members, guests and any visiting Rotarians. To keep membership advised of birthdays, anniversaries, special honors to members and those ill or disabled.
PROGRAM: The heart of every good club. To prepare and arrange the programs for each meeting - balanced in subject matter and covering one of the Four Avenues of Service.
MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: To review continuously the club roster of filled and unfilled classifications and to present to the Board of Directors the names of suitable persons for membership.
CLASSIFICATION: Concerns itself with eligibility for membership from the standpoint of the classification principle, remembering that classifications are determined by service to society rather than by position.
MEMBERSHIP: Evaluate prospective members' character and reputation (both personal and company). Is the proposed member "service minded", can attendance at weekly meetings and financial obligations of membership be met?
ROTARY INFORMATION: Inform members new and old of the privileges and obligations of Rotary. This is a continuous program on the workings of their club, their district, and Rotary International. A District library of videos and slides is maintained to provide Rotary information.
These are the basic, required Club Service Committees mandated by the Standard Club By-Laws but there are many other committees used effectively by local clubs to fit their particular situation. It should also be noted that Club Service is perhaps the first and best indoctrination for all new members when accepted into membership.
Every Rotarian knows The Four Way Test - How many can repeat it? But more importantly, how many can live The Four Way Test?
Twenty four words - that's all there is to it. The Four Way Test of the Things We Think, Say, or Do.
IS IT THE TRUTH?
IS IT FAIR TO ALL CONCERNED?
WILL IT BUILD GOODWILL AND BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
WILL IT BE BENEFICIAL TO ALL CONCERNED?
Best fitting into Vocational Service, this principle can be applied profitably in relations with others in the home, community, business, national and international life; particularly to proposed legislation in government, to relations between teachers and students in school. The Test was written in 1932 by Herbert J. Taylor, who had been assigned to represent the creditors of the Club Aluminum Co. and whose task was saving the company from bankruptcy. He decided that the near defunct corporation needed something that his competitors did not have in equal amounts - the character, dependability, and service-mindedness of their employees. He discussed the four questions with four of his department heads - one Roman Catholic, one a Christian Scientist, the third an Orthodox Jew, and fourth a Presbyterian. They all agreed that truth, justice, friendliness and happiness coincided with their religious ideals and when constantly applied in business would result in greater success and progress. Results were just tremendous, and Herbert J. Taylor turned around this nearly bankrupt company into a leader in their industry. In 1954-55 this same Herbert Taylor became president of R.I. How do you promote The Four Way Test? Some clubs have a banner displayed at their meetings, others sponsor an essay contest in the high schools on the subject. One club has souvenir coins with The Test imprinted which they give to visiting Rotarians and guests -biliboards which are seen in many languages - framed copies furnished libraries, hospitals and schools for public viewing. One of the more popular methods is the furnishing of school book covers printed with The Four Way Test prominently displayed. Most clubs furnish new members with a copy for hanging in their offices. Living it in our daily lives - the six key words are all you need to remember
TRUTH -- FAIR -- GOODWILL & BETTER FRIENDSHIP--BENEFICIAL
Remember these - your company, your family, your community, our world will be better!
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 Rotary¹s 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 one¹s 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 club 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 as to 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; and opportunity.
9. Citizenship in the World- Every Rotarian wears a pin that says: ³Rotary International.² And, every Rotarian is welcome- even encouraged to attend- at 28,000 clubs in the 188 nations and geographical regions. There are few places on the globe which do not have a Rotary club. Instant friends in both one¹s 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 one¹s business life. Rotary has conferences, conventions, assemblies, and institutes which provide entertainment in addition to Rotary information, education and service.
12. The Development of Social Skills- Every week and at various events Rotary develops one¹s personality, social and people skills, Rotary is for people who like people, or who want to.
13. Family Programs- Rotary provides one of the world¹s 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 a part in the growth and development of his or her own profession or vocation; to serve on committees and to teach youth about one¹s 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 one¹s 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 world¹s 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, an, government, sports, military, religion and all disciplines. Rotary is the oldest and most prestigious service club in the world. Its ranks are executives, managers, and professionals: People who make decisions and influence policy. Not every one 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 ³official creed²- 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 simple belief 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 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 one¹s own life. Rotarians believe in service above self; it is richly rewarding.
³THEY PROFIT MOST WHO SERVES THE BEST.²
Berkeley Rotary Home
Page