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					 20 ANSWERS TO THE QUESTION: 
								WHY JOIN ROTARY 
					
      by Rotary International  Past President Richard King 
      
       
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		The following points were developed by then President-Elect Richard King when he served as membership chair for Rotary International several years ago. Use them often and freely to assist others in understanding the depth and breadth of Rotary's mission. 
		1. FRIENDSHIP. In an increasingly complex world, Rotary provides one of 
  the most basic human needs: the need for friends and fellowship. It 
  is one of the two reasons why; Rotary began in 1905. 
2. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT. The second original reason for Rotary's beginning. 
  Everyone needs to network. Rotary consists of a cross section of every business 
  community. Its members come from all walks of life. Rotarians help one another 
  and collectively help others. 
3. PERSONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. Membership in Rotary continues one's growth 
  and education in human relations and personal development. 
4. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT. Rotary is an organization of leaders and successful 
  people. Serving in Rotary positions is like a college education in 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. Each week at Rotary there is a program designed to 
  keep one informed as to what is going on in the community, nation, and world. 
  Different speakers, different topics. 
7. FUN. Rotary is fun. A lot of fun. Each meeting is fun. The club projects 
  are fun. Social activities are fun. And the service is fun. 
8. PUBLIC SPEAKING- SKILLS. Many an individual who joined Rotary was afraid 
  to speak in public. Rotary develops confidence and? skill in public communication, 
  and plenty of opportunities to speak! 
9. CITIZENSHIP IN THE WORLD:? Every Rotarian wears a pin that says: "Rotary 
  International". And every Rotarian is welcome--even encouraged to attend-at 
  over 29,000 clubs in 163 nations and other geographical regions. There are few 
  places on the globe that ` do not? have a Rotary club. Instant friends in both 
  one's community, and in the world community. 
10. ASSISTANCE WHEN TRAVELING. Because there are Rotary clubs everywhere, many 
  a Rotarian who has needed a doctor, lawyer, hotel, dentist, advice, etc., while 
  traveling has found it quickly- through Rotary. 
11. ENTERTAINMENT. Every Rotary club and district has parties and activities 
  that provide diversion in one's business life. Rotary has conferences, conventions, 
  assemblies, and institutes that provide entertainment in addition to Rotary 
  information, education, and service. 
12. THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL SKILLS. Every week and at various events and 
  functions, Rotary develops one's personality, social, and people skills. Rotary 
  is for people who like people, or who want to. 
13. FAMILY PROGRAMS. Rotary provides one of the world's largest youth exchange 
  programs; high school and college clubs for future Rotarians; partner's clubs 
  and programs, and a host of activities designed to assist family members in 
  growth and the development of family values. 
14. VOCATIONAL SKILLS. Every Rotarian is expected to take a 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 make one a better 
  doctor, lawyer, teacher, or whatever one does for a living. 
15. 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.  
16. 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 other cultures and learn to 
  love and work with people everywhere. They become better citizens of their countries 
  in the process. 
17. 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 
  are filled with executives, managers, and professionals, people who make decisions 
  and influence policy. Not everyone is invited to join Rotary. 
18. NICE PEOPLE. Rotarians above all are nice people; the nicest people on 
  the face of the earth. They are important people who adhere to the policy that 
  while it is nice to be important, it is more important to be nice. 
19. THE ABSENCE OF ?OFFICIAL CREED?...Rotary has no secret handshake, no secret 
  policy, no official creed, no secret meetings 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 the best reason perhaps for becoming a Rotarian: 
  the chance to do something for somebody else. And to sense the self-fulfillment 
  which comes in the process. And the return to one's own life. Rotarians believe 
  in service above self, it is richly rewarding. "he profits most who serves 
  the best". 
 
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