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 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 Develpopment
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 consistsof the most active citizens of any community.
6. Continuing Education
Each week a 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 opportunity.
9. Citizenship in the World
Every Rotarian wears a pin that says: "Rotary International". And every Rotarians is welcome -
even encouraged to attend - at 28,000 clubs in 188 nations and geographical regions. There are
few places on the globe, which do not have a Rotary club. Instant friends in both one's own
community and in the world community.
10. Assistance When Travelling
Because there are Rotary clubs everywhere, many a Rotarian who has needed a doctor, lawyer, hotel,dentist, advice, etc..., while traveling has found same quickly through Rotary.
11. Entertainment
Every Rotary Club and district has parties and activities, which provide diversion in one's
business life. Rotary has conferences, conventions, assemblies and institute which 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; spouse 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 to make one a better doctor, lawyer, teacher (or whatever one does for a living) etc.
15. The Development of Ethics
Rotarians practice a 4-Way Test which 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
live 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 executives, managers, 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 'Offical 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 the 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.Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. In more than 168 countries worldwide, approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 30,000 Rotary clubs.

Rotary club membership represents a cross-section of the community's business and professional men and women. The world's Rotary clubs meet weekly and are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds. 

  The main objective of Rotary is service — in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world. Rotarians develop community service projects that address many of today's most critical issues, such as children at risk, poverty and hunger, the environment, illiteracy, and violence. They also support programs for youth, educational opportunities and international exchanges for students, teachers, and other professionals, and vocational and career development. The Rotary motto is Service Above Self.

Although Rotary clubs develop autonomous service programs, all Rotarians worldwide are united in a campaign for the global eradication of polio. In the 1980s, Rotarians raised $240 million to immunize the children of the world; by 2005, Rotary's centenary year and the target date for the certification of a polio-free world, the PolioPlus program will have contributed $500 million to this cause. In addition, Rotary has provided an army of volunteers to promote and assist at national immunization days in polio-endemic countries around the world.

Find out more about Rotary by visiting the Rotary International web site.  

 Information on this page came from:

The About Rotary and the RI Programs pages on the Rotary International web site