- Professional Networking: A founding principle of Rotary was to provide a forum for professional and business leaders. Members are leaders in business, industry, the professions, the arts, government, sports, the military, and religion. They make decisions and influence policy. Rotary is the oldest most prestigious service-club organisation in the world.
- The Opportunity to Serve: Rotarians provide service at both the community and international levels. Service programs address health care needs, hunger and poverty, illiteracy, disaster relief, and environmental clean-ups to name a few. Members experience the fulfillment that comes from giving back to the community.
- Personal Growth and Development: Membership in Rotary ensures continuing personal and professional development. Leadership, public speaking and communication, organisation and planning, team-building, fundraising and teaching are just a sampling of the skills that can be exercised and enhanced through Rotary.
- Friendship: Fellowship was a primary reason Rotary was started in 1905 and it remains a major attraction. Today, with more than 30,000 Rotary clubs in over 160 countries, Rotarians have friends wherever they go. Rotary helps to build community as well as enduring friendships.
- Cultural Diversity: Rotary International is an association of local clubs in many countries. Clubs are open to members of every ethnic group, political persuasion, language and religious belief. Rotary clubs contain a cross-section of the world’s leaders. They practice and promote tolerance.
- Good Citizenship: Membership in Rotary makes one a better citizen. Weekly Rotary club programmes keep members informed about what is taking place in the community, the nation and the world. Rotary’s expansive network of clubs and programmes provides extensive opportunities for service and interchange.
- World Understanding: Rotary members gain an understanding of humanitarian issues and have a significant impact on them through international service projects and exchange programmes of RI and its Foundation. The promotion of peace is one of Rotary’s highest objectives.
- Entertainment: Every Rotary club and district hosts parties and activities that offer diversion from one’s personal and business life. Conferences, conventions, assemblies and social events provide entertainment as well as Rotary information, education and service.
- Family Foundations: Rotary sponsors some of the world’s largest youth exchange, educational exchange and scholarship programmes. Rotary clubs provide innovative training opportunities and mentoring for future leaders. They involve family members in a wide range of social and service activities.
- Ethical Environment: Rotarians practice The 4-Way Test that measures words and actions by their truthfulness, fairness, goodwill and benefit to all. Encouraging high ethical standards in one’s profession and respect for all worthy vocations has been a hallmark of Rotary from its earliest days.
*Courtesy of Rotary Club of Brisbane Mid-City