Networking
Rotary is a world-wide organisation which provides an opportunity for men and women in business and the professions to use their vocational and personal skills to assist the local community, needs within Australia and on an International level. If you have ever asked yourself the question "What can I do?" then this may be your answer. Rotary consists of individuals who are willing to contribute some of their precious time and valuable expertise to make a difference - to help those who need it and through this work and the international programs of Rotary, support the progress of world peace and understanding. Rotary International forms a global network which is based within local communities and which also provides aid and assistance throughout the world. Rotarians know that as an individual they can't achieve much in their spare time to help others - but by working as a member of a team with other business men and women, the effect of their contribution is amplified and significant improvements can be made. For example, Rotary is eradicating the scourge of polio from this earth by immunising the children worldwide. Imagine what can be achieved when people work together, enjoying a wider circle of friends and using their skills to make this world a better place in which to live. Each Rotarian represents their industry or profession within their club, ensuring a broad diversity of backgrounds and vocational skills are available to form project teams. Rotarians also recognise the need to maintain high ethical standards in their business and professional lives and to promote and build goodwill both locally and internationally, to encourage peaceful coexistence globally. Rotary International headquarters is located in Evanston , Illinois , USA and each year is led by a world President who is elected for a 12 month period from one of the many clubs worldwide. Four Australians have contributed their time to govern as RI President since its inception. The President provides inspiration, motivation and direction to all Rotarians. 12 Directors are also elected from the regional areas. They serve for a 2 year period. The world is divided into 525 districts which each year elect a District Governor whose task is to communicate the President's message and direction to the clubs within the district. The District Governor's team of experienced Rotarians is also available to all clubs for information and assistance in achieving their plans and objectives. The power of Rotary comes from the membership within each club which is chartered by Rotary International with an approved constitution. Each club is autonomous and may make its own decisions about which projects it will initiate and support. This allows for great diversity between clubs around the world while maintaining principles in common and dedication to "service above self". Each club elects a President for a term of 12 months, ensuring that all members who wish to serve through leadership have an opportunity to direct the club's activities. A Rotary club has a board of directors representing essential tasks and committees which usually include the following: A Rotarian is a member of a Rotary Club which adheres to Rotary principles of service through friendship. Each member will be asked to contribute their skills and talents towards projects the club has decided to pursue which benefit the community. A Rotarian is always welcome as a visitor at any club, anywhere in the world, and this opportunity to sample the hospitality and share companionship with others around the world in many cultures is a major benefit of membership. Each member contributes their time and skills working on projects as part of a team. Your skills may include leadership, project management, organisation and people management, creativity and innovation, communication, technology skills - and most useful of all, a desire to lend a hand. Projects vary from small to very large depending on the club's resources and availability of members. Even small projects can have significant benefits to our community. For example: Often these projects require small amounts of time and money and yet they enrich the lives of many in our local communities. Rotarians believe it is important to use our talents to bridge the gap between those with less than ourselves, to bind our community together and create common goals and aspirations for a better society. Larger projects may be initiated which fund the work of professionals to perform the tasks required to assist those in need both locally and internationally. Rotarians are facilitators; we provide the will to make things happen and then we use our energy and skills to ensure the success of the project. Sometimes this requires the raising of funds through a variety of means such as: Each club determines its own focus and the members agree on the projects to be undertaken. You will be able to contribute your specific skills and talents to these projects and thereby achieve success as a member of the team. You may also be able to develop projects in your special area of interest or expertise. New members are a valuable addition to the vigour and enthusiasm of every club. Members make their time available to Rotary according to their lifestyle and the changing demands of family and work commitments. Rotary as an organisation recognises the need for members to place family and employment ahead of volunteer activities and expects that each Rotarian will prioritise their time appropriately. Teamwork is essential to achieve the club's goals and therefore members need to spend time together regularly to get to know each other well. To that end, the club meets weekly throughout the year to provide a forum for team-building and information exchange. Guest speakers are a feature of Rotary meetings as they provide members with access to a wide variety of people addressing interesting and relevant topics. Members are encouraged to attend as often as possible with an average of 50% over 6 months. These attendance figures can be made up from the following: There can be many circumstances when a Rotarian cannot attend meetings. In those special circumstances where you are going to need extended time out of Rotary, a leave of absence can be granted by the club Board. Of course, attendance at another Rotary club's meeting is credited towards the member's attendance record. If you can't make the time of your own club's meeting, take the opportunity to visit another club and enjoy the company of other Rotarians in your area. We all get too busy at times but when the demands on our time diminish, then we can enjoy club meetings again and make our time available for teamwork. It takes time to make a difference - your time Each Rotary Club requires its members to pay an annual membership fee and, for new members, a once only joining fee. These fees are used to cover administration costs. Attendance at club meetings will incur a fixed cost and there may be the occasional requirement to pay a fine which is levied on members who have been singled out by the Sergeant At Arms for humorous behaviour or conduct. A sense of humour is an essential requirement of a Rotarian - we like to have fun. Each year, the District Governor hosts a District Conference where clubs gather to see what has been achieved in their area. While attendance is absolutely optional, it is an opportunity to see Rotary in a broader context and to enjoy some fun and frivolity with club members and the wider circle of the Rotary District. Costs vary from year to year depending on location. This document may help you in deciding if you have an interest in becoming a Rotarian. You may have further questions which you should address to your Rotary contact or to other members of our club. Please attend as many meetings and function as you can. This will give you a real feel for our club. There is much printed material available on Rotary and this can be made available to you. You may also care to explore the District website http://www.9810.rotary.org.au and the Rotary International website http://www.rotary.org.au which will introduce you to Rotary's bigger picture. When you are satisfied with the information which has been presented to you, it is time for you to decide whether you will fill in the Membership Application form that will be offered to you by your Rotary proposer. If you are interested in joining, please contact President Philip Phone 03 9598 3531 or Vice President Jennifer Newton by phone 03 9593 0136 You are then invited to become a member and your application is submitted to the board for approval. Assuming this is approved, you are then inducted into the club. You will then begin a remarkable journey which all Rotarians share.An Introduction to Rotary
What is Rotary?
Some facts:
How is Rotary structured?
Rotary International
Districts
Clubs
Rotarians
What would I be doing?
How much time is required?
What are the financial obligations?
Financial details - Current July 1 2009 Rotary Club of Hampton:
What happens next?
