01 – Friendship:
In an increasingly complex world, Rotary provides one of the most basic human needs: the need for friendship and fellowship. It is one of two reasons why Rotary began in 1905.
02 – Business Development:
The second original reason for Rotary’s beginning is business development. Everyone needs to network. Rotary consists of a cross section of every business community. Its members come from all walks of life. Rotarians help each other and collectively help others.
03 – Personal Growth and Development:
Membership in Rotary continues one’s growth and education in human relations and personal development.
04 – Leadership Development:
Rotary is an organisation of leaders and community minded people. Serving in Rotary positions is like an education in leadership – learning how to motivate, influence and lead others.
05 – Citizenship in the Community:
Membership in Rotary club makes one a better community citizen. The average Rotary club consists of the most active citizens of any community.
06 – Continuing Education:
Each week at Rotary there is a programme designed to keep one informed about what is going on in the community, nation and world. Each meeting provides an opportunity to listen to different speakers and a variety of timely topics.
07 – Fun:
Rotary is fun, a lot of fun. Each meeting is fun. The club projects are fun. Social activities are fun. The service is fun!
08 – Public Speaking Skills:
Many individuals who joined Rotary were afraid to speak in public. Rotary develops confidence and skill in public communications and the opportunity to practice and perfect these skills.
09 – Citizenship in the World:
Every Rotarian wears a pin that says ‘Rotary International’. There are a few places on the globe that do not have a Rotary club. Every Rotarian is welcome – even encouraged – to attend any of the 35,000 clubs in 200 nations and geographical regions. This means 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 in need of a doctor, lawyer, hotel, dentist, advice etc. while travelling has found assistance through Rotary.
11 – Entertainment:
Every Rotary club and district has events and activities that provide diversion in one’s business life. Rotary holds conferences, conventions, assemblies and institutes that provide entertainment in addition to Rotary information, education and service.
12 – The Development of Social Skills:
Every week and at various events and functions, Rotary develops one’s personality, social skills and people skills. Rotary is for people who like people.
13 – Family Programs:
Rotary provides one of the world’s largest youth exchange programs; high school and college clubs for future Rotarians; opportunities for spouse involvement; and a host of activities designed to help 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 vacation; to serve on committees and to teach youth about one’s job or vocation. Rotary helps to make one a better doctor, lawyer, teacher etc.
15 – The Development of Ethics:
Rotarians practice a 4-way test that governs ethical standard. 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, colour and ethnic identity is found in Rotary. It is like a cross section of the world. Rotarians become aware of their cultures and learn to love and work with people everywhere. They become better citizens of their countries in the process.
17 – Diversity:
Rotary members come from different backgrounds and ethnicities, but they are all individuals who care for their community. They have a passion to work with others to lead change. We welcome leaders and doers in the workplace and the community, who wish to fulfil the Rotary ethic of “service above self”.
18 – Nice People:
Rotarians above all are nice people, the nicest people on the face of the earth!
19 – 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.
20 – 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 sense the self-fulfilment that comes in the process and return of that satisfaction to one’s own life. It is richly rewarding.
