Welcome
Rotary's business is humankind and its product is service.
This is perhaps the best reason for becoming a Rotarian:
the chance to do good.
You've heard something about Rotary and Rotarians, but don't know much more. Here's a quick overview, and some reasons why YOU should consider joining.
Watch this very short video on WHY I LOVE ROTARY.
- Rotary is an international service organization with 45,000 clubs in 200 countries.
- There are 1.25 million Rotarians and Rotaractors in the world.
- Rotary's global motto is “Service Above Self”. These three words describe what Rotary is all about.
- Rotary's Statement on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is here.
- Our community service is always performed in a spirit of friendship and fun, with the benefit of meeting many different and interesting people with shared values.
- Membership in Rotary is open to adults of any age that have a desire to provide community and international service.
There are many benefits to being a Rotarian. Here are twenty.
- 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 the best reason for becoming a Rotarian: the chance to do something for somebody else and to sense the self-fulfillment that comes in the process and return that satisfaction to one’s own life. It is richly rewarding.
- 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.
- 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 (and has been active in Guelph since 1920).
- 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 continues one’s 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 getting an extra education and qualification in leadership: learning how to motivate, influence, and lead other leaders.
- Continuing Education: Each week at Rotary there is a program 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.
- 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.
- 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 practice and perfect these skills.
- 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 35,000 clubs in 200 nations and geographical regions. This means instant friends in both one’s own community and in the world community.
- Assistance when Traveling: Because there are Rotary clubs everywhere, many a Rotarian in need of a doctor, lawyer, hotel, dentist, advice, etc., while traveling has found assistance through Rotary.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Vocational Skills: Every Rotarian is expected to take part in their club by using their personal and vocational talents. Also to share their vocation and experience with youth when such opportunities present themselves. Through teaching and sharing, Rotary therefore helps members to become better professionals, in whatever field that may be.
- The Development of Ethics: Rotarians practise a 4-Way Test that governs one’s 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 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.
- 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. Its ranks include executives, managers, professionals – people who make decisions and influence policy.
- 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 people who simply believe in helping others.
- Nice People: Rotarians above all are nice people – the nicest people on the face of the earth. They are people who follow this practice: That it is nice to be important, but it is important to be nice.
INTERESTED?
For more information please send a short note to info@rotaryguelph.ca and the Membership Secretary will respond as soon as possible. The Rotary Club of Guelph (sometimes referred to as the Friday club) is one of seven clubs in Guelph Wellington, meeting at different times. We'll be glad to help you make the right connections! Check our local clubs here.