Friendship / Fellowship / Community: In an increasingly complex world, Rotary provides one of the most basic human needs: the need for friendship and fellowship. It is one of two reasons why Rotary began in 1905.
2. Business Development: The second original reason for Rotary's beginning is business development. Rotary consists of a cross-section of every business community. Its members come from all walks of life. Rotarians help each other and collectively help others.
3. Personal Growth and Development: Membership in Rotary ensures continuing growth and education in human relations and personal development.
4. Leadership Development: Rotary is an organization of leaders and successful people. Serving in Rotary positions is like a college education. Leadership is all about learning how to motivate, influence and lead leaders.
5. Citizenship in the Community: Membership in a Rotary club helps develop better community citizens. The average Rotary club consists of the most active citizens of any community.
6. Continuing Education: Each week at Rotary, there is a program designed to keep members informed about what is going on in the community, nation, and world. Each meeting provides an opportunity to listen to different speakers on a variety of timely topics.
7. Fun: Rotary is a fun and exciting place to be.
8. Prestige: Rotary members are prominent people: leaders of business, the professions, art, government, sports, military, religion, and all disciplines. Rotary is the oldest and most prestigious service club in the world. Its ranks include executives, managers, and professionals - people who make decisions and influence policy.
9. Citizenship in the World: Every Rotarian wears a pin that says "Rotary International." There are few places on the globe that do not have a Rotary club. Every Rotarian is welcome - even encouraged - to attend any of the 30,000 clubs in 194 nations and geographical regions. This encourages new friendships in both local and world communities.
10. Assistance When Traveling: Traveling Rotarians can secure medical and professional assistance as well as services and advice from fellow Rotarians throughout the world.
11. Public Speaking Skills: Many individuals who joined Rotary were uncomfortable about speaking in public. Rotary develops confidence and skill in public communication and the opportunity to practice and perfect these skills.
12. Entertainment: Every Rotary club and district has parties and activities that contribute to a diverse, yet professional business life. Rotary holds conferences, conventions, assemblies, and institutes that provide entertainment in addition to Rotary information, education, and service.
13. Development of Social Skills: Every week and at various events and functions, Rotary develops one's personality, social skills, and people skills. Rotary is for people who like people.
14. Family Programs: Rotary provides one of the world's largest youth exchange programs; high school and college clubs for future Rotarians; opportunities for spouse involvement; and a host of activities designed to help family members in growth and the development of family values.
15. Vocational Skills: Every Rotarian is expected to take part in the growth and development of his or her own profession or vocation; to serve on committees and to teach youth about jobs or vocations. Rotary helps to make everyone a better doctor, lawyer, teacher, etc.
16. The Development of Ethics: Rotarians practice a 4¬Way Test that governs their ethical standards. Rotarians are expected to be ethical in business and personal relationships.
17. Cultural Awareness: Around the world, practically every religion, country, culture, race, creed, political persuasion, language, color and ethnic identity is represented among members of Rotary. Rotary is a cross section of the world's most prominent citizens who are aware of their cultures and have developed a love of working with people everywhere. They become better citizens of their countries in the process.
18. Nice People: Rotarians are the nicest people on the face of the earth.
19. Absence of an Official Creed: Rotary has no secret handshake, no official creed, no secret meetings, or rituals. It is an open society of men and women who simply believe in helping others.
20. Opportunity to Serve: As a service club, Rotary's business is mankind, and its product is service. This is perhaps the best reason for becoming a Rotarian: the chance to do good.
