An engaged membership is vital for the effectiveness of any Rotary Club. Yes, August's recognized focus is Membership and New Club Development but in reality, membership is a basic responsibility of every Rotarian each and every day. We each have a responsibility for maintaining the health of our clubs by retaining existing members and adding to the diversity and skills within the club by recruiting of new members. We need to be able to tell perspective in a short and sincere way what Rotary membership has to offer them.
Why Join Rotary?
Friendship: In an increasingly complex world, Rotary provides one of the most basic human needs: the need for friendship and fellowship.
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.
Personal Growth and Development: Membership in Rotary ensures continuing growth and education in human relations and personal development.
Leadership Development: Rotary is an organization of leaders and successful people. Serving in Rotary positions is like a college education. Leadership is all about learning how to motivate, influence and lead leaders.
Continuing Education: Club programs are designed to keep members informed about what is going on in the community, nation and world. Each meeting provides an opportunity to listen to different speakers on a variety of timely topics.
Fun: Rotary is a fun and exciting place to be.
Prestige: Rotary members are prominent people: leaders of business, the professions, art, government, sports, military, religion, and all disciplines. Rotary is the oldest and most prestigious service club in the world.
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 Rotary club meeting anywhere in the world. This encourages new friendships in both local and world communities.
Assistance When Traveling: Traveling Rotarians can secure medical and professional assistance as well as services and advice from fellow Rotarians throughout the world.
Public Speaking Skills: Many individuals who joined Rotary were uncomfortable about speaking in public. Rotary develops confidence and skill in public communication and the opportunity to practice and perfect these skills.
Development of Social Skills: At various activities and functions, Rotary develops one's personality, social skills and people skills. Rotary is for people who like people.
Youth: Rotary provides one of the world's largest youth exchange programs; high school and college clubs for future Rotarians
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 jobs or vocations. Rotary helps to make each individual a better doctor, lawyer, teacher, etc.
The Promotion of Ethics: Rotarians practice a 4-Way Test that governs their ethical standards. Rotarians are expected to be ethical in business and personal relationships.
Cultural Awareness: Around the world, practically every religion, country, culture, race, creed, political persuasion, language, color and ethnic identity is represented among members of Rotary.
Nice People: Rotarians are the nicest people on the face of the earth.
Absence of an Official Creed: Rotary has no secret handshake, no official creed, no secret meetings or rituals. It is an open society of men and women who simply believe in helping others.
Opportunity to Serve: As a service club, Rotary's business is mankind and its product is service. Rotary membership offers the opportunity to become engaged in the local Thai community via our service projects.This is perhaps the best reason for becoming a Rotarian: the chance to do for others and to experience the fulfillment that comes from service above self.
"He profits most who serves best."