|
What is Rotary?
- ROTARY is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide, who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help good will and peace in the world.
- Rotary is the world's first service club. The first Rotary club was founded in Chicago, Illinois, USA on February 23, 1905.
- Rotary is some 1.2 million service-minded men and women belonging to more than 27,000 Rotary clubs in virtually every nation in the world.
- Rotarians meet weekly for fellowship and interesting and informative programs dealing with topics of local and global importance. Membership is by invitation and reflects a wide cross-section of community representation.
- ROTARIANS plan and carry out a remarkable variety of humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programs that touch people's lives in their local communities and our world community
- ROTARY is The Rotary Foundation, which each year provides some US $60 million for international scholarships, cultural exchanges, and humanitarian projects large and small that improve the quality of life for millions of people
- ROTARY is PolioPlus, Rotary's commitment to work with national and International health organizations on the goal of polio eradication by the year 2005, Rotary's 100th anniversary. More than one half billion children in developing nations have been immunized against polio through PolioPlus grants.
ROTARY IS SERVICE ABOVE SELF
The object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:
- The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
- High ethical standard in business and professions the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupation, and the dignifying by each Rotarian of his occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
- The application of the ideal of service by every Rotarian to his personal, business, and community life;
- The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.
Rotary clubs provide:
- Friendships with other managerial and professional leaders in your community
- Prestige of membership in a worldwide organization
- Ongoing practical education
- A networking of people who can help you become more successful
- Promotion of higher ethical standards in your business or profession
- Projects to enhance your community
- Help for communities in countries around the world
back to top
History of Rotary
Once there were four men. That is how Rotary began on February 23 1905, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. 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. I 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 16 organized Rotary Clubs. Like wildfire, the movement spread to Canada, England, Ireland, South America, the Philippines and into Asia. Today, the idea of Paul Harris and his friends has spread to 152 countries with over 1,206,000 members in over 27,400 clubs.
Statistics of Rotary's tremendous worldwide growth are impressive, but Rotary's accomplishments though 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.
back to top
Rotary Membership
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. The four types of membership are: Active, Additional Active, Senior Active, Past Service, and honorary.
1. ACTIVE - an ACTIVE Rotarian must perform at least 60% of his/her) work in the specified classification and only one person may hold ACTIVE membership in any one given classification. Exceptions are religious, news media or diplomatic service. 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 or community not part of the territory of an existing club.
I-A. ADDITIONAL ACTIVE - a second membership for another person engaged in the same classification as ACTIVE member and who must be proposed by the ACTIVE member. A third membership (second additional active) in the same classification may be elected to club membership with the approval of the ACTIVE member holding that classification, provided he or she has been a Rotarian previously and has terminated membership in the former club and is no longer actively engaged in a profession in the territorial limits of that club. ADDITIONAL ACTIVE has all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of an ACTIVE member.
2. SENIOR ACTIVE - a Rotarian becomes SENIOR ACTIVE after membership in one or more clubs for 15 years or more; or who reaches age 60 and been a member for 10 years or more; or who is age 65 and been a member of five or more years. All clubs operating under the Standard Club Constitution and By-Laws are required to declare as SENIOR ACTIVE any member who meets any one of these requirements. SENIOR ACTIVE has all the rights, privileges and responsibilities as ACTIVE member - may hold officer, must maintain attendance requirements, can propose an ACTIVE member, but not an ADDITIONAL ACTIVE member.
3. PAST SERVICE - certain active members who have retired or persons who have retired from active business or professional life who are otherwise qualified for Rotary Club membership, having held a qualifying position level, may be elected a PAST SERVICE member.
4. 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 attend all meetings and enjoy all other privileges. This membership must be established each year by the Club's Board of Directors.
back to top
Classifications
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/her business or profession in the club and to share the ideal of service with non-Rotarians associated in the work place. 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.
A member moving from the territorial limits of the club may retail his/her membership where the board grants such permission and said member continues to stay active in the same classification.
Twenty-five charter members are required to form a new club and 13 must have ACTIVE member status, while the balance can be SENIOR ACTIVE or PAST SERVICE members.
back to top
Attendance
Membership in a Rotary Club entails responsibility for regular attendance. Rules for attendance, makeup for absence from your own club and excuse for noncompliance due to age and years of service are defined and observed worldwide. Each member, other than an honorary member, must:
- Attend or makeup at least 60% of club regular meetings in each half of the Rotary year;
- Attend at least 30% of the regular meetings of the home club in each half of the Rotary year;
- Not miss four consecutive club meetings.
Failure to meet these requirements, without board consent, shall result in automatic termination of membership.
A member shall be counted as attending a regular meeting of the club if present for at least 60% of the time devoted for the regular meeting or makes up for an absence by attending any Rotary Club meeting within 14 days before or after the home club's regularly scheduled meeting.
Committee or Board meetings. Round Table, STAR, indoctrination, past-presidents, or civic project meetings do not qualify as makeup meetings.
Any Senior Active member who has reached age 65, with 20 or more years of service, or age 70, with 15 or more years in one or more clubs, may be excused from attendance requirements if applied for in writing and approved by the Board of Directors.
Attendance at District Meetings (District Conference, PETS/Assembly) and International meetings (Rl Convention, Regional Conference, or Officers' Institute) shall quality 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 a 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.
back to top
District & International Meetings PETS (President Elect Training Sessions)
District and International Meetings PETS are held each year to train club presidents-elect. Attendance at PETS is mandatory for all incoming presidents unless excused by the District Governor Nominee. Duration: approximately two days. Spouses are not in attendance. It is generally held in February or March. The DISTRICT ASSEMBLY is also held, each year, for all incoming officer and directors to 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.
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 representatives and much, much more. Each conference is assigned representative of the Rl President to attend in his place and to report on the district to the President. Duration: Three days divided between business or plenary sessions and fellowship, social events, including home hospitality where visiting Rotarians dine in the home of host club members. All Rotarians and spouses are invited and urged to attend. Held in May each year at a site determined by Conference in the prior year. Estimated attendance 350-550.
THE ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION - is held annually in June and all Rotarians and spouses are invited. A tremendous gathering of Rotarians worldwide, 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 counterparts from the four corners of the world - an unforgettable experience from which a Rotarian comes home with a knowledge of the internationality of Rotary. Registration fee includes specific entertainment and all plenary sessions. Estimated attendance: 20,000 to 30,00 each year. Sites for future conventions: 1996 - Calgary, Canada; 1997 - Glasgow, Scotland; 1998 - Indianapolis, Indiana; 1999 - Singapore, Singapore.
back to top
Club Service
Service by members to the workings of their Rotary Club - that service that makes the Rotary wheel turn, providing the basic needs for good operation of a Rotary Club. The Standard Club By-Laws require that each club have the following Club Service Committees:
ATTENDANCE: To encourage regular attendance, makeups 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 other 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 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 tapes is maintained to provide Rotary information.
These are the basic, required Club Service Committees mandated by the Standard Club Bylaws, but there are many other committees used effectively by local clubs to fit their particular situation. Recommended and most helpful are the committees for: The Weekly Bulletin, House Committee, The Rotary Foundation, Youth Exchange, The Rotary Endowment Program, and many others.
It should also be noted that Club Service is perhaps the first and best indoctrination for all new members when accepted into membership.
back to top
Community Service
If Rotary were 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 Girls 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 of a Rotary Club.
The ROTARIAN MAGAZINE, each month, describes and pictures COMMUNITY SERVICE worldwide - 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 in England for handicapped children with special therapy equipment and trained staff. The list goes on and on.
In our District, clubs sponsor Christmas parties and gifts for the underprivileged - hot meals delivered to the homebound - visits to Senior Citizen complexes to show films, play bingo or just visit - CPR training - "Get Out The Vote" campaigns - street signs erected for urban identification - all community projects of the highest order.
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 by Government agencies - the person-to-person concern that can be shown by individuals and Clubs of Rotarians will never be equaled 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 not a Rotary Club anywhere that does not have a talent-laden membership who can easily fill a community need!!! The list is endless.
back to top
Vocational Services
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 now 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 be 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 Rl 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 Page 11. 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?
back to top
International Service
The Fourth Avenue of Service is perhaps the area in which Rotary is most outstanding. With clubs in 152 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 Ambassadorial 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, promoting international understanding and goodwill by means of material, technical and professional assistance. A local example: eye doctors and dentists from District 5520 flying into remote parts of Mexico to treat adults and children who have neither the means nor availability of such care. Your club can join in such cooperative efforts with a Rotary Club 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 worldwide projects needing help in fields of health, community assistance and food is available from Rl. Our District has a joint meeting with District 4110, our neighbor district in Mexico, each year. The purpose of this meeting is to match clubs in District 5520 with clubs in Mexico to assist in needed projects in both districts.
WORLD UNDERSTANDING & PEACE DAY is annually celebrated on February 23 as an International event by a joint meeting of the Rotary Clubs of El Paso, Texas, and Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. The event has included the President of Rotary International and other Rotary dignitaries. All Rotarians are invited.
back to top
The Rotary Foundation
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 25,500 scholars at a cost of more than 260 million dollars.
HEALTH, HUNGER AND HUMANITY GRANTS (3-H) - These grants fund large-scale, one to five year humanitarian projects. A total of 137 projects in 52 countries have been funded at a cost of $32 million.
GROUP STUDY EXCHANGE (GSE) - These annual awards are made to paired Rotary Districts to provide travel and other expenses for a team of four 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 $240 million. Polio will be eliminated 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 Fellow Recognition program. Clubs are encouraged to designate a Paul Harris Fellow with a contribution of $1000 to The Rotary Foundation. This is the highest honor a club can bestow upon a member or a nonmember. Rotarians are also encouraged to support The Rotary 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 PERMANENT 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 PERMANENT FUND. Only the interest from the Permanent Fund is used each year to carry out the Foundation's humanitarian programs.
back to top
The Four Way Test
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 nearly 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 a Roman Catholic, one a Christian Scientist, the third an Orthodox Jew, and the fourth a Presbyterian. They all agreed that truth, justice, friendliness and happiness coincided with their religious ideals and when constantly applied in the business world would result in greater success and progress. Results were just tremendous and Herbert J. Taylor turned this nearly bankrupt company into a leader in their industry. In 1954-55, this same Herbert Taylor became president of RI.
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 - billboards which are seen in many languages - framed copies furnished to 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 FRIENDSHIPS BENEFICIAL
Remember these - your company, your family, your community, our world will be better.
back to top
International Youth Exchange
An outstanding program of sending and receiving secondary school pupils (boys and girls) between 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. The leadership of our District 5520 Youth Exchange Committee has been outstanding - a very time consuming, gratifying, exciting and fast growing part of the YOUTH programs in Rotary.
RYLA (ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD) - Two separate one-week camps are held annually in late July/early August at Tres Ritos, N.M., one for young men and one for young women, with leadership capabilities and who will be entering their junior or senior year of high school. 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. Capacity is approximately 80-90 in each camp with 10-11 campers and two adult counselors living together as a team. The days are filled with activities and presentations by outstanding speakers. Transportation and tuition are paid by the sponsoring clubs.
INTERACT - Clubs for young people ages 14-18. Organized by Rotary Clubs to develop leadership, personal integrity, thoughtfulness, 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.
YOUTH - Some clubs in District 5520 designate a Fifth Avenue of Service and appoint a chairperson to coordinate Service to Youth Programs.
back to top
Rotaract
is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young men and women ages 18 to 30. Rotaract clubs can be either community- or university-based, and are sponsored by local Rotary clubs. In addition to undertaking projects to assist their local communities and to advance international understanding, Rotaractors, as club members are commonly called, also engage in activities related to professional development and leadership training.
The first Rotaract club was chartered on March 13, 1968 in North Charlotte, North Carolina. Today there are nearly 6,554 Rotaract clubs in 146 countries with an estimated 150,000 members. Each year, Rotaractors from around the globe have the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas during a forum scheduled immediately prior to the annual Rotary Convention.
back to top
Proposing a New Member
First, here is information to consider when talking to prospective members: Rotary International is one of the world's largest service organizations, with some 29,500 clubs in more than 160 countries. Annually, Rotary clubs worldwide invite a limited number of men and women to become members. These prospective members represent various businesses and professional activities in their communities. As a progressive-minded business or professional person, you will see that belonging to a Rotary club, where outstanding representatives of the different vocations in your community come together, has its benefits. To be invited, you must be:
- A leading representative of your business or professional activity
- Willing to help and participate in projects that enhance your community
- Willing to work on projects that help people in developing countries and promote international understanding and goodwill.
Here are the procedures for proposing members:
- Obtain from Secretary-Treasurer or Bookkeeper a Membership Proposal Form
- Fill it out completely (need full address, telephone, e-mail, etc
- All members are now classified as Active
- Designate a proposed classification
- Add information about the candidate that shows suitability for membership
- Sign and date the form as the proposer
- Submit the form to the President, who will make copies, give one to the Membership Chair, and the original to the Secretary-Treasurer
- Present the proposal to the Board at a Regular meeting or special meeting
- Arrange a proposed member interview to discuss roles, responsibilities, and financial obligations
- Announce an approved member to the membership for 3 weeks
- Arrange for induction once all formalities have been completed
back to top
|
