FAQ
More about Rotary and our club:
Rotary International is a world-wide organisation which provides an opportunity for men and women in business, the professions and trades to use their vocational skills to assist others - "to make a difference".
It is a global network of volunteers based in local communities. Rotarians know that as an individual they can't achieve much in their spare time to help others, but by working with others, the effect of their contribution is amplified many times over. People working together can do almost anything!
Each Rotarian represents their industry or profession within their club - so Rotary clubs contain a diverse range of people. Rotarians are committed to maintain high ethical standards in their business and professional lives and to promote peace in every corner of our world.
Some facts:
- Rotary was founded in 1905
- There are more than 1.2 million Rotarians world-wide in over 170 countries
- Rotary has a seat in the General Assembly of the United Nations in recognition of the efforts of its membership to foster goodwill and peace across national boundaries
- Rotary has the world's largest non-government Foundation providing educational and humanitarian aid
- Rotary is non-political and non-religious, recognising the needs of all humankind to live and work together to achieve peace and prosperity world-wide
How is Rotary structured?
Rotary International headquarters is located in Evanston, Illinois, USA and each year Rotary is led by a world President and Board of Directors from all regions of the world.
Districts The world is divided into 532 districts which each year elect a District Governor. The District Governor has a team of experienced Rotarians to help clubs achieve their plans and objectives. Clubs The power of Rotary comes from the membership in each club chartered by Rotary International. Each club is autonomous and may make its own decisions about projects it will initiate and support. This allows for great diversity between clubs around the world while all maintain principles in common and dedication to "service above self". Each club President serves for 12 months, so all members can have an opportunity to serve as the leader. A Rotary club has a Board of Directors with an executive of President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and a number of Directors who chair the major club committees. Rotarians A Rotarian is a member of a Rotary Club and will be involved in some of the projects run by the club. They may also decide to support the international efforts of Rotary in any number of ways. A Rotarian is always welcome as a visitor at any club meeting anywhere in the world. This opportunity to sample the hospitality of clubs around the world is a major benefit of membership.
Our club:
The Rotary Club of Hampton was chartered in October 1995. We are open to ideas and willing to give people opportunities to develop projects. We support each other. Hampton welcomes partners and friends to our meetings, club activities and projects. We have no gender bias and we represent a wide range of vocations and professions and age groups. We are proud of our achievements in our local community and in the national and international sphere. And we have fun.
What sort of things does a Rotary club do?
Each member makes a contribution in some way - your skills may include leadership, project management, organisation and people management, creativity and innovation, communication, technology skills - and the most useful of all, a desire to lend a hand. Projects vary from small to very large depending on club resources and availability of members. Often they require only small amounts of time and yet they enrich the lives of many in our local communities. We provide the will to make things happen and then we use our energy and skills to ensure the success of the project. And yes, sometimes this requires fundraising - minor or major. But, often we facilitate grants from other entities - and we don't expect Rotarians to always be ‘putting their hand in their pocket'. Members agree on the projects to be undertaken and you will decide what you can contribute yourself - time, skills and/or talent.
How much time is required?
Rotary clubs meet weekly - and that gives us a chance to get to know each other well. Guest speakers are often a feature of Rotary meetings and they provide members with access to a wide variety of people talking on interesting topics.
Are there fees?
Each Rotary Club requires its members to pay an annual membership fee. Fees are used to cover administration costs and insurance (this covers all Rotarians at any Rotary function). Our current fees are about $6.00 per week plus the cost of your own meal and drinks.
What happens next?
Well, if you are still reading this - you may have some interest in seeing us in action! Please contact President Marie (Ph. 03 9592 8139) or Vice President Phillip Heath (Ph 03 9598 3531) for an invitation to join us at a forthcoming meeting or event.
