What Our Members Receive
Brad Howard, RID 2015-17
1. Friendship
Membership in Rotary fulfills the basic human need of friendship. In fact, it was one of the primary
reasons Paul Harris started Rotary in 1905. We create lifelong friendships in our local and international
communities. The relationships created in Rotary’s are with a network of local and international leaders
whom we address by name and are considered our equals and peers.
2. Professional Development
Rotary is a network of business, professional and community leaders, who have a culture of high level of
integrity and purpose. Our members are exposed to people, every week, in a vast range of vocations
that can provide assistance to our business and professional development. Although we are not a
business networking organization, we afford our members to be identified to the leaders in their local
community. By this association, our members not only enhance their business, they learn from and
identify with the leaders in their community. It was once said, “Rotary allows me to sit next to people
every week that I would otherwise have to pay $250 an hour to meet.”
3. Personal Growth
Rotary takes ordinary individuals and puts them into extraordinary circumstances. Every week, you are
exposed to new thoughts, new professions and new opportunities to learn. Our members develop broad
social skills. A key part of Rotary is its internationalism, which gives our members to broaden their
international scope, living and expression. Simply stated, membership in Rotary helps to make our
members better – better individuals, community leaders, internationalists, and humanitarians.
4. Leadership Development
A core value of Rotary is that we develop leaders and leadership skills. We provide leadership training at
all levels of our organization. Rotary’s brand of leadership is distinctive. We teach how to lead leaders in
the context of a volunteer organization. If you can be an effective leader in Rotary, you will be a better
can be an effective leader in your business. Serving in Rotary positions is like a college education in
leadership.
5. Community
Rotary clubs give our members a way to get involved in making their local communities better.
Membership and involvement in a Rotary club makes an individual a better community citizen and more
connected with community leaders and the needs of the community
6. Continuing Education
Involvement in Rotary allows our members to broaden their perspective and improve their business skills.
Attendance at the weekly meeting exposes our members to the meeting’s program which include
speakers talking on a variety of topics. Further, training is available for Rotarians who take on
responsibility in the organization. Training in fundraising, non-profit management, event production,
communications, etc. will help you to grow in Rotary and develop additional business skills.
7. Fun
Rotary is fun. The club projects are fun. Social activities are fun. And the service is fun. Our club
meetings and other events are filled with fellowship, humor, and entertainment. Every Rotary club and
district has parties and activities that provide social fun and camaraderie. Our members are friendly,
welcoming and engaging.
8. Public Speaking Skills
Rotary club meetings and events place a high value and regard on effective public speaking. Participating
in a Rotary club helps our member to develop confidence and skills in public communication, and the
opportunity to use it. Rotarians who get more involved with being exposed to higher levels of public
speaking training.
9. Global Citizens
Rotary is in over 200 countries and geographical regions. There are few places on the globe which do
not have a Rotary club. This global presence gives our members the exclusive opportunity to create
friends in both the local community and the world community. This global connection gives you the
opportunity and vehicle to be a better global citizen. Members who are involved in international
businesses will find access to global business, professional and community leaders a valuable asset.
10. Unique Travel Experience and Assistance
Members who travel will find that being a Rotarian will open doors throughout the world. “The Pin Gets
You In!” Visiting a Rotary club while you are traveling will give you immediate access to local resources
and information. Also, Rotary clubs everywhere can provide quick assistance in obtaining the services of a
doctor, lawyer, dentist, etc., while traveling.