Volunteering

Rotarians put Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self into action every day and in every part of the world, generously contributing their time and skills to help others. Rotary Volunteers are vital to the success of this humanitarian work.

If you’d like to volunteer, an important first step is to consider your availability and interests:

1. How much time can you invest in volunteer service?
2. Do you want to volunteer regularly or just for special events?
3. Are you available during the day, in the evening, or on weekends?
4. What skills, interests, and experiences do you offer?
5. Are you drawn to a specific issue or cause?

 1. 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.

2. 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. Rotarian’s help each other 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. 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 of any community.

6. 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.

7. Fun
Rotary is fun, a lot of fun. Each meeting is fun. The club projects are fun. Social activities are fun. Serving others is fun.

8. 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.

9. 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 33,000 clubs in over 200 nations and geographical regions. This means instant friends in both one’s own community and in the world community.

10. Travel
Because there are Rotary clubs everywhere, many a Rotarian in need of a doctor, lawyer, hotel, dentist, advice, etc., while travelling has found assistance through Rotary.

11. 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. Subject to any current Statutory restrictions.

12. 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.

13. Family Programs
Rotary provides one of the world’s largest youth exchange programs; high school and college clubs for future Rotarian’s; opportunities for spouse involvement; and a host of activities designed to help family members in growth and the development of family values.

14. 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 one’s job or vocation. Rotary helps to make one a better doctor, lawyer, teacher, etc.

15. Ethics
Rotarian’s practice the 4-Way Test that governs one’s ethical standards. Rotarian’s are expected to be ethical in business and person relationships.

16. Cultural Awareness 
Around the world, practically every religion, country, culture, race, creed, political persuasion, language, colour, and ethnic identity are found in Rotary. It is a cross-section of the world’s most prominent citizens from every background. Rotarian’s become aware of their 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 include executives, managers, professionals – people who make decisions and influence policy.

18. Nice People
Rotarian’s above all are nice people – the nicest people on the face of the earth. They are important people who follow the policy of “it is nice to be important, but it is more important to be nice.”

19. The Absence of an” 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 product is serving. Rotarian’s provide community service to both local and international communities. This is perhaps the best reason for becoming a Rotarian: the chance to do something for somebody else and to sense the self-fulfilment that comes in the process and return of that satisfaction to one’s own life. It is richly rewarding.