The Rotary Club of Klerksdorp serves the community of Klerksdorp in the North West province of South Africa. Rotary is a service organization that was started in 1905 with the formation of the Rotary Club of Chicago. Today there are more than 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide that are members of over 32 000 Rotary clubs. The Rotary clubs belong to a global association, Rotary International. Rotarian
s form a global network of business, professional, and community leaders who volunteer their time and talents to serve their communities and the world. Strong fellowship among Rotarians and meaningful community and international service projects characterize Rotary worldwide. The Rotary Club of Klerksdorp was founded in November 1953. The Rotarians of Klerksdorp meet every week (excluding the last week of the month) at Rota Park Hall, du Toit Street, Freemanville on a Friday from 13h00 to 14h00. Professional Networking. A founding principle of Rotary was to meet periodically to enjoy camaraderie and enlarge one’s circle of business and professional acquaintances. As the oldest service club in the world, Rotary Club of Klerksdorp members represent a cross-section of the community’s owners, executives, managers, political leaders, and professionals – people who make decisions and influence policy. Service Opportunities. Club members have many opportunities for humanitarian service, both locally and internationally. Service programs address such concerns as health care, hunger, poverty, illiteracy, and the environment. Rotarians experience the fulfillment that comes from giving back to the community. International Awareness. With Rotary clubs in over 160 countries, Rotarians gain an understanding of humanitarian issues through international service projects and exchange programs. One of Rotary’s highest objectives is to build goodwill and peace throughout the world. Rotary was founded on fellowship, an ideal that remains a major attraction of membership today. Club members enjoy the camaraderie with like-minded professionals, and club projects offer additional opportunities to develop enduring friendships. Rotary club members who travel have friendly contacts in almost every city in the world. Good Citizenship. Weekly programs keep members informed about what is taking place in the community, nation, and world and motivated them to make a difference. Family Foundations. Rotary sponsors some of the world’s largest youth exchange, educational exchange, and scholarship programs. Rotary clubs provide innovative training opportunities and mentoring for young leaders and involve family members in a wide range of social and service activities. Entertainment. Social activities give Rotarians a chance to let loose and have fun. Every Rotary club and district hosts party and activities that offer diversions from today’s demanding professional and personal schedules. Conferences, conventions, assemblies, and social events provide entertainment as well as Rotary information, education, and service. Ethical Environment. Encouraging high ethical standards in one’s profession and respect for all worthy vocations has been a hallmark of Rotary from its earliest days. In their business and professional lives, Rotarians abide by The Four-Way Test:
Of the things we think, say, or do:
1) Is it the TRUTH?
2) Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3) Will it BUILD GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4) Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? Leadership Development. Rotary is an organization of successful professionals. Team building, fundraising, public speaking, planning, organization, and communication are just a sampling of the leadership skills that club members can exercise and enhance. Being a Rotary leader provides further experience in learning how to motivate, inspire, and guide others. Diversity in Membership. Rotary’s classification system ensures that a club’s membership represents a variety of the community’s professional men and women, including leaders in business, industry, the arts, government, sports, the military, and religion. Rotary clubs are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds.
