Why would you want to join a huge worldwide organization like the Rotary?

Let’s start by describing this worldwide organization. What is Rotary?

Rotary is made up of individual Rotary clubs, 33,000 clubs in the world with 1.2 million members just like you. Clubs are designed to do volunteer projects that help local peoples. Their motto is “Service Above Self.”

In Bali that may be a water project that brings water to villages, or even schools, that have no access to water. Or it may be setting up a library with book shelves and books in local schools without books. Or supply motorbike helmets for 5 and 6 year old local children that can’t afford them. The Rotary Club Bali Ubud Sunset focuses on health, hygiene, and education. We look for families, schools and communities that are unable to benefit from the tourist economy and work with them to see what their greatest needs are.

We have our own projects like the helmets for kids and school libraries, but we also support local organizations like The John Fawcett Foundation with does free cataract surgeries, gives eye exams, etc. Also the Bali Children’s Project, which provides the items that some children need to go to school but can’t afford, like books, uniforms, shoes, etc. We also helped to open the HIV/AIDS clinic west of Ubud, Klinik Anggrek, that provides free provide screening and then free medicines and support where needed.

Here is a list of many of the reasons why people join a local Rotary club:

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.
Business Development: The second original reason for Rotary’s beginning is business development. Everyone needs to network. 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.
Personal Growth and Development: Membership in Rotary ensures continuing growth and education in human relations and personal development.
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.
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.
Continuing Education: Each meeting 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.
Fun: Rotary is a fun and exciting place to be.
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.
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.
Assistance When Traveling: Traveling Rotarians can secure medical and professional assistance as well as services and advice from fellow Rotarians throughout the world.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 each individual a better doctor, lawyer, teacher, etc.
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.
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.
Nice People: Rotarians are the nicest people on the face of the earth.
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.
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.

So why not attend our next meeting to find out more. We meet on the last Monday of each month at the Maya Resort and Spa in Ubud and on the 2nd Monday each month at Kakiang Garden Café on Jl Andong. 5:30-7PM. To ensure a seat you need to RSVP to: meeting @ rotarybaliubudsunset.org. Also visit our web site for more information at http://rotarybaliubudsunset.org/

You can read all past articles of Rotary News at

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