About Rotary

ROTARY is a worldwide organisation of more than 1.2 million business and professional people who are pledged to:
· serve the community, locally, nationally and globally
· promote the highest ethical standards in all areas of working life
· work for peace and goodwill worldwide
In Great Britain and Ireland alone there are 59,000 members in more than 1,800 clubs, in 29 districts.

ROTARY FOUNDATION is Rotary’s Charity. Its aim is to improve world understanding and the prospect of peace by supporting humanitarian, educational and cultural programmes of Rotary Clubs throughout the world. The most ambitious project has been the eradication of poliomyelitis, working with UNICEF and the WHO to immunise children against this crippling disease - $400 million has been raised.

HOW ROTARY OPERATES
Rotarians believe that commerce and community are not separate entities but totally inter-dependent. Through membership of more than 31,000 clubs worldwide they serve the communities by devoting time, energy and skills to a whole range of projects.
As the largest organisation of its kind in Great Britain and Ireland, Rotary is uniquely placed to harness the energies of thousands of potential volunteers who want to make a contribution to the community at home or abroad.

MEMBERS and MEETINGS
Each club must be representative of the local business and professional community, ensuring a proper balance across all sectors.
Fellowship and the exchange of ideas and experience through regular meetings are at the heart of Rotary’s activities.
Members make a commitment to attend 60 per cent of meetings either at their own club or at other clubs around the world. Because it is an international organisation, Rotarians are welcome at clubs throughout the world.
Folkestone Rotary Club meets on alternate Mondays at lunchtime.

SERVICE at HOME
Rotarians place strong emphasis on personal service to the community, and pride themselves on bringing the same degree of professionalism and integrity to their community work as to their occupation.
Through vocational projects they support job development, employment skills, literacy and numeracy training, and a range of work-related activities, as well as many environmental initiatives.
…. and ABROAD
Many members give community service overseas, particularly in third world countries where their professional skills are in great demand – eye camps, educational and engineering projects (text books for schools or building water filtration units).

YOUNG ROTARY
There are two organisations created for young people, dedicated to service and international understanding. They are independent and self-governing, although closely associated with Rotary.
INTERACT is for anyone aged 14-18 years old and membership is generally found in schools and community youth groups.
ROTARACT is for 18 to 30 year olds. Both are rooted in the Rotary tradition of service to the community and run a range of local, national and international service projects. The international nature of Rotary offers many opportunities for contact and exchange visits.

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 friendship and fellowship. It is one of two reasons why Rotary began in 1905.

2. 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.

3. Personal Growth & Development:
Membership in Rotary continues one’s growth and education in human relations and personal development.

4. Leadership Development:
Rotary is an organisation of leaders and successful people. Serving in Rotary positions is like a college education. 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 in any community.

6. Continuing Education:
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.

7. 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.

8. Public Speaking Skills:
Many individuals who joined Rotary were afraid to speak in public. Rotary develops confidence and skill in public communication and the opportunity to practise and perfect those skills.

9. Entertainment:
Every Rotary Club and District has parties 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.

10. Nice People:
Rotarians above all are nice people – the nicest people on the face of the earth. They are important people who follow the policy of it is nice to be important but it is important to be nice.

11. 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.

12. The Development of Ethics:
Rotarians practice a 4-Way Test that governs one’s ethical standards. Rotarians are expected to be ethical in business and personal relationships.

13. Citizenship in the World:
Every Rotarian wears a pin that says “Rotary International”. There are few places on the globe that do not have a Rotary Club. Every Rotarian is welcome – even encouraged – to attend any of the 29,000 clubs in 194 nations and geographical regions. This means instant friends in both one’s own community and in the world community.

14. 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.

15. Family Programmes:
Rotary provides one of the world’s largest youth exchange programmes; 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.

16. Vocational Skills:
Every Rotarian is expected to take 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, teachers etc.

17. 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 a cross section of the world’s most prominent citizens from every background. 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.

18. Prestige:
Rotary members are prominent people who are leaders of business, professions, art, government, sports, military, religion, and all disciplines. Rotary is the oldest and most prestigious service club in the world and includes executives, managers, professionals who make decisions and influence policy.

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 someone else; to sense the self-fulfilment that comes in the process; and the return of that satisfaction to one’s own life. It is richly rewarding.