This is Rotary

Rotary is an International Organization u Rotary International is an association of 1,280,550 members in 32,126 Rotary Clubs in 200+ countries. The Organization is non-political (non-governmental) and non-sectarian. u There are 527 Districts in countries throughout the world. u Our club, The Rotary Club of (PUT YOUR CLUB’S NAME HERE) is in District u Our District covers from Lake Charles to Grand Isle, including Baton Rouge and the Lafayette area. We include 26 parishes

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL u Rotary International is governed by a president and a board of directors elected from all over the world. President John Kenny u Annually each District elects a District Governor – Whose job is to assist each club be the best that it can be

In the beginning… u The first Rotary Club was organized in Chicago in 1905, by Paul P. Harris. Rotary Founder Paul Harris u The club, with four members, met in rotation at the offices of the members - thus the name Rotary. u Now, there are more than 1.2 million members in over 32,000 clubs in 200+ countries

Women in Rotary u In 1987 women were admitted to Rotary. u Today the number of women in clubs is increasing with many clubs having women serving as presidents and district governors. u Pam Daniels of the Morgan City club served as our first woman District Governor in the Rotary year

Service Above Self u Rotary was not long to recognize that fellowship alone would not keep a group together — there needed to be a purpose. u First project was public washrooms in downtown Chicago. u Rotary became the world’s first “service club”.

The Rotary Club of (PUT YOUR CLUB’S NAME HERE)

The Rotary Club of (YOUR CLUB NAME) Projects

The Rotary Club of (YOUR CLUB NAME) Fund Raisers

The Rotary Foundation “World Peace through Understanding”

The Rotary Foundation

Volunteers in Action u Polio Eradication Campaign u Ambassadorial Scholarship Program- u Group Study Exchange Program- Promotes world peace and understanding.

The Rotary Club of (PUT YOUR CLUB NAME HERE) Exchanges u Group Study Exchanges –Teams of one Rotarian leader and four non- Rotarian business or professional young people visit the district for four to six weeks. –(YOUR CLUB NAME) has hosted visiting teams, and sponsored team members to visit a country.

PHF & Benefactors u SOME (YOUR CLUB) Rotarians and spouses are Benefactors of the Permanent Fund. u About (NUMBER OF CLUB’S PAUL HARRIS MEMBERS) present members are Paul Harris Fellows. u Many now donate a small amount each quarter when paying their dues.

Object of Rotary u The object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster: u First. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;

Object of Rotary u Second. High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying by each Rotarian of his or her occupation as an opportunity to serve society;

Object of Rotary u Third. The application of the ideal of service by every Rotarian to his or her personal, business and community life;

Object of Rotary u Fourth. The advancement of international understanding, good will, and peace through a world of fellowship of business and professional people united in the ideal of service.

We implement the object of Rotary through the Four Avenues of Service

Club Service –Those things that a Rotarian does to help make successful the running of the local club. Vocational Service –The promoting of the “ideal of service” throughout the business and professional world. Community Service –Urges every Rotarian to participate in all activities which make the community a better place in which to live. International Service –Encourage and foster the advancement of understanding and good will among people of the world. (CLUB DIRECTOR)

Board of Directors The Board of Directors of the (YOUR CLUB NAME) are the four Directors (YOUR CLUB NAME’S) Club, Vocation, Community and International service directors, and past President plus: President:(NAME) President-Elect: (NAME) Secretary:(NAME) Treasurer:(NAME) A new board is elected to take office on July 1 of each year. All positions in Rotary are USUALLY one year terms that change July 1.

THE FOUR-WAY TEST of the things we think, say or do 1. Is it the TRUTH? 2. Is it FAIR to all concerned? 3. Will it build GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? 4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

The Privileges in Rotary u The Privilege of FRIENDSHIP WITH LEADERS: –in your community –in neighboring cities and towns –around the world

The Privileges in Rotary u The privilege of GIVING SERVICE to your community. u The privilege of DEVELOPING INTERNATIONAL GOODWILL and understanding. u The privilege of helping BUILD HIGHER ETHICAL STANDARDS within your vocation through the common bond of Rotary.

Your Obligations in Rotary Participation u To be a Rotarian you must give of your time and talents: –in community work –in social functions –in Club and District activities. PLAN NOW TO ATTEND THE DISTRICT CONFERENCE IN Lafayette April , 2010

Questions to ask your club u What club committee can use my skills? u How can I assist my club officers? u Who in my club can serve as my mentor? u Can I serve as a greeter at club meetings? u How do I find out where to make up missed meetings? u Can my friends join the club?

Your Obligations in Rotary Attendance u Attendance at the weekly meetings is a benefit of Rotary. A minimum of 60% is expected. u You can maintain your attendance levels by making up at another Rotary Club within 14 days in advance or 14 days after a meeting is missed; or by attending a District event or a RI Convention.

Your Financial Obligations u Initiation Fee ( write in ) u Annual Dues $___.00/year u Meals ( ) u Fines ( ) u Social Events ( ) u District & Semiannual dues ( )

Membership There are three types of membership in a Rotary Club: u Active u 85+ rule u Honorary

The Rotary Club of (YOUR CLUB NAME) is Fun u A service club should be fun to be a part of even when the work is tiresome. u (CLUB NAME) Rotary strives to be a fun, young-at-heart club. u Social events are offered regularly. u We live up to RI Past President Hugh Archer’s theme: “Enjoy Rotary.”

You are Rotary u Participate for friendship u Participate for service u Participate for fellowship u Participate for knowledge u Participate for international understanding Remember you are Rotary!

Welcome to the Rotary Club of (YOUR CLUB NAME)