THE ROTARY PHILOSOPHY OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNITY SERVICE

Rotary International is an association of over 34,000 clubs in 217 nations and geographic areas, each comprised of a diverse array of local volunteer business, professional and community leaders. Rotarians generally incorporate the various skills of their local Rotary communities, focusing on the interests and needs of their local neighborhoods — as defined by the club members themselves.

In addition, Rotarians have organized and funded billions of dollars and a far greater value of donated personal and professional service to improving the lot of mankind globally as we seek to build goodwill, international understanding and better friendships among the peoples of the world.

But within that broad diversity, all Rotarians have one general characteristic in common. And that is the simple notion that by meeting regularly, by sharing ideas and talents, and by working together they can make their communities and the world a better place for all of us and our children, for our children’s children, and for generations to come.

We recognize the incredible “Power of ‘n’” — that leverage is our greatest tool — and our greatest asset — when we band together in common effort. To us, the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts.

To paraphrase many of the annual Rotary themes throughout the years, Rotarians lead the way and take time to serve because we are leaders; we reach out and lend a hand to create awareness and take action. We build the future with action and vision. We do what we believe in, and believe in what we do, recognizing that goodwill begins with us, that we must look beyond ourselves and take time to serve, for real happiness is helping others.

We believe that as Rotarians we must act with integrity in our professions and in our lives, acting with consistency, credibility and continuity, because mankind is our business and service is our product. We are reliable, and we are available. We can make dreams real because make commitments and we deliver value; our word is our bond because Rotary brings hope to our communities, both locally and globally.

We sow the seeds of love to promote world understanding, goodwill and peace through Rotary — in our local communities and throughout the world.

Rotarians are the key, quality, “centers-of-influence” community leaders united in service and dedicated to peace who build the future with action and vision; we help shape the future, for the future is in our hands.

We show Rotary cares by letting service light the way -- and celebrate Rotary with Service Above Self.
We know how to plan, organize and aim for action to dignify the human being as we take time to serve.

We believe in what we do and in our accomplishments ....as we are the BUSIEST people in the community, we MAKE time to participate! ...in the worthiest of activities and organizations.

Our time, talent and commitment are our most valuable commodities and most precious resources. Not having time to waste, we find that through Rotary we can leverage the value of our time to a degree we could never accomplish individually. Our millions of successful projects would fill volumes if we could but take the time to list them all!

Oh, and don’t overlook the fact that we enjoy Rotary .... To be a friend is the hallmark of our fellowship.

Rotary meetings begin on time, and they end on time. We do not believe in wasting time. Rotarians expect effective productivity and the achievement of the greatest possible value per unit of time invested.

If you believe in the value of your time, in your own self-worth as a decision maker, in associating with other community leaders of quality and integrity, and are interested in the welfare of our neighbors in need, do you not owe it to yourself to see just what Rotary can offer you, as well as what you can offer to our community through Rotary?