|
:ABOUT ROTARY : WHO WE ARE : EVENTS &
PROJECTS : NEWSLETTER : LINKS : CENTURION
CLUB
: CONTACT : HOME :
What Is Rotary?............Who Can Join?.........YOU Can!
Rotary
International is over 1,200,000 community-minded men and women around the
globe in around 30,000 clubs in over 160 countries who meet regularly to
contribute their time towards providing humanitarian service, encouraging
high ethical standards in all vocations, and helping to build goodwill and
peace in the world.
Rotarians do this by hands-on sleeves-rolled-up work in the local
community; by huge international projects such as Polio-Plus and Youth Exchange;
and by fostering high ethics through school and vocational award and reward
programs.
The main objective of Rotary is service. 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.
The idea of a vocation-based club was thought up in 1905 by Paul Harris, a
lawyer who had moved from a small town to the city of Chicago. He formed a
friendship with 3 others from different vocations and they met regularly at
a different home each week (hence the name "Rotary"). As time went on,
they donated a horse to a local preacher so he could continue his rounds
and were soon being asked to assist in various community projects. Paul
Harris saw the opportunity to formalise and extend the association, and the
second Rotary Club was formed in San Francisco in 1908. By 1921 Rotary had
spread to six continents and was firmly established.
Who Can Join? While membership to Rotary is by the invitation of the
club concerned, interested members of the community are invited to contact
their local club and visit a meeting. The Rotary Club of Wetherill Park
also welcomes inquiries about it's new "Corporate Membership Scheme"
whereby a corporation of business can become a member, and nominate one or more eligible
employees to participate in the Rotary club's meetings and programs on it's behalf. Ask us how!
(We can't invite you to join if we don't know you!)
Rotary
club membership represents a cross-section of the community's business and
professional men and women. The world's Rotary clubs are non political, non
religious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds. Interested members
of the community can usually find a contact number for their local Rotary
club from local Council or newspaper.
You can also call 1300 4 ROTARY to be placed in contact with a Rotary Club anywhere in Australia.
Otherwise, just contact ANY Rotary Club and they will help you find your nearest club. Visitors
are most welcome at meetings. Let the members know you are interested, and
they will advise you.
We are happy to answer any inquiries. Please follow
links
|