Why Join Rotary Flyer Club Membership Book 2012-13
From Barry H Young’s writings.
“Look” said Ray “I‘ve paid my dues made a lot of money working hard and now it’s time to take care of myself first not others. I don’t see any interest in joining Rotary but if I did what’s in it for me? I could be making money so why go to lunch with a bunch of Rotarians with whom I have nothing in common”.
I took a deep breath before I replied – but before I could Jenny Bob’s wife chipped in – “that’s right what’s in it for me to waste an hour or 90 minutes at a Rotary club meeting”. “Well” I began but was again cut off. “Our business is extremely competitive” said Jenny, ’it’s dog eats dog – what with new technology, long hours and all we can’t waste a minute. I’m not opposed what you guys do but how would it benefit us” Her response drew a nod of approval from husband Ray.
Then I got a word in –“Jenny, that is what Rotary is all about fostering business connections, friendships as well as community service. The fact is when Rotary began, back in 1905 the original intent was for people from different businesses and professions to network together But don’t get me wrong you should not join Rotary expecting business from other members with profit as your motive. You see Jenny and Ray, Rotary was started by Paul Harris a lonely man who wanted to make friends. It began as a club to fill that most basic need – its aim to fulfil the need for fellowship and belonging. It later evolved into an organization that gives us the opportunity to give back to our community and to needy people around the world. All those opportunities more than ever still exist in Rotary”.
“Tell me” enquired Ray –”What are some of the businesses that your members work at”?
“Well Bob we have a great range of professions – Financial Planners, Accountants, a Banker, Veterinary Surgeons, Doctor, a Member of Parliament, a Councillor and Mayor, Real Estate Agent, Consultants, Farmers, Jewellery designer, Sports Manager, Computer Expert, a Lawyer, Factory Manager, a Wedding Celebrant, Surveyor, Retired business people, A Lighting Store, a Dairy Operator, an Optical Business, Photographer, a Restaurateur, Hospital Manager, a Vintner who keeps us supplied with beautiful wines and would you believe it when we are feeling crook we have a funeral advisor”. That brought a chuckle.
“Is that a Rotary badge you are wearing” enquired Jenny pointing to a small badge fixed to my lapel. “Yes Jenny,” I replied “that is the emblem badge of Rotary.” “What’s the bigger one, “Ray asked. “It is called a Paul Harris Fellowship – a badge named after the originator of Rotary, the man I was telling you about. You receive one of these voted by your peers for service above self”. “You must be a great Rotarian” said Jenny.
“No Jenny” I replied, “I’m simply one of the messengers and if any one of the 1-2 million Rotarians were having this conversation with you they would tell you the same thing. Membership in Rotary is one of the greatest honors that a person can be offered, and through that membership Rotarians can make a difference in their own lives, their business lives, their community and the lives of others.”
“Look – you are both successful people running a vibrant business but wouldn’t it be great to have more of a sense of purpose to your life? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a more real friends? Think how much you would feel if you were able to be part of a worldwide network that’s committed to business ethics, community improvement and service to humanity.”
“Say I said with great enthusiasm why don’t you come along as guests of my club the Rotary Club of Albury- Hume to our lunch time meeting and see first hand how business people work in fun and fellowship and planning community projects for those in need.”
“Well – ugh” pondered Ray running his hands through his hair – “I – I don’t know” he stammered. Suddenly Jenny spoke up – “Why not Ray I’m game if you are – let’s do it!”
“I’ll see you then on Wednesday at the Mantra Albury Hotel at 1pm” I said as I waved them goodbye and then went looking for my car in the car park –where is it?
Nine Reasons to Join Rotary
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. Rotarians 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 organisation made for leaders. 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 active citizens of any community.
6. Continuing Education: 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.
These abridged nine reasons came from PRIP Richard King