History of Rotary

Twenty answers to the question:

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 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 we 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 of 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.
   
9. Citizenship in the World. Every Rotarian wears a pin that says, "Rotary International." And every Rotarian is welcome - even encouraged - to attend functions at 29,000 clubs in 195 nations and geographic regions There are few places on the globe that do not have Rotary clubs - instant friends in both one's own 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 and so on while traveling has found what he or she needs 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 institutes which provide entertainment in addition to Rotary information, education and service.
    
12. Development of Social Skills. Every week and at various events and functions, Rotary develops one's personality and social and people skills. Rotary is for people who like people - or 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 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.
    
15. Development of Ethics. Rotarians practice a Four-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 love and work with people everywhere.
    
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 are, above all, 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. Absence of "Official Creed." Rotary has no secret handshake, no secret policy, no secret meeting or rituals. It is an open society of men and women who simply believe in helping others.
    
20. Opportunity to Serve. Rotary is a service club. Its business is mankind; its product is service. Rotarians provide community services to both the local and international communities. Perhaps this is the best reason for becoming a Rotarian: the chance to do something for someone else, to sense the self-fulfillment which comes in the process, and to see the return in one's own life. Rotarians believe in service above self; it is richly rewarding: "He profits most who serves the best."