What Rotary is all about

The original Rotary Club was organized in Chicago, Illinois, by Paul P. Harris, a lawyer.  It first met February 23rd, 1905.  The Name "Rotary" was chosen because the club met in rotation at each members place of business.  From the beginning, the rotary idea of friendship, fellowship and service to others has spread to six continents and over one million members.  

Who are Rotarians?

Rotarians are people who look beyond themselves to their community, nation and the world.  They seek the truth; they let fairness govern their relationships; they endeavor to build goodwill and better friendships; they strive to benefit all in every inter-personal relationship.  In short, they put service above self!

The Object of Rotary

Encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and in particular:

• The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service.
• High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying by Rotarians of their occupations as opportunities to serve society.
• The Application of the "Ideal of Service" by Rotarians to their personal, business and community life.
• The advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of businesses and professions united in the "Ideal of Service". 
  

What is expected of a member?

Rotary is built upon fellowship and friendship which depends on being at the meetings.  Rotarians are expected to attend at least 60% of them.  It is understood that  a problem of attendance may arise among busy people.  If a member misses a meeting, they are privileged to make it up at one of the other 25,000+ clubs located in the US and over 180 other countries. There are many in the local area to choose from such as the Denton-Noon Club, Sanger, Flower Mound, Grapevine, Keller, several in Lewisville as well as many others in the DFW area.  Needless to say, each make-up affords Rotarians a splendid opportunity to broaden their acquaintances and to bring back to their club information and ideas that can improve their club's operations and programs. 

The other area of emphasis for Rotary members is creating within individuals the "Ideal of Service".  Members are encouraged and supported in their personal, civic, youth and other public activities to fulfill this Ideal..  It is also from within the club that most members draw volunteers for worthy service activities.  

Benefits of Membership

• Broaden their circle of friends .
• Are in touch with the mainstream of the community life and the people that make it tick.
• Obtain increased knowledge of business and professions other than their own and a sympathetic understanding of the problems of others.
• Acquire the opportunity the seek counsel from industry experts and other experienced members.
• Develop their talents and capabilities in roles of leadership and support.
• Gain recognition for themselves, their business or profession for participating in an organization dedicated to service, vocation, community, international goodwill and understanding.
• Are enabled to express in a practical way those nobler desires found in all persons who wish to make their contributions to the betterment of society.
• Broaden their social life and that of their family.
• Find new outlets for their goods and services.
• Find individuals with whom to share their hobbies, interests and develop contacts in every business and profession represented in their club memberships.
• Increase their knowledge of world affairs and receive a keener appreciation of customs and character of other peoples.
• Acquire a friendly contact and a warm welcome in almost every important city of the free world.

How do you become a Member?

Membership is by invitation only and are chosen to represent businesses or professions present in the community.  This classification principle insures our club includes at least one qualified representative of each worthy business and profession.  In this way, our club becomes a cross section of the community.  We are open to ALL races, creeds and both genders.  You do not have to be a member to attend one of our meetings. Just contact one of the people listed on our club membership pages if you would like to attend and be considered for membership.

Finding a Club

Not only does each of your local Rotary Clubs have its own meeting place, day and time, but also have their own personalities.  Some are very formal while others quite the opposite.  Though we encourage you to join at a club in the city where you work, you may find a better fit for you in your home town.  Even clubs within the same town offer enough diversity to make the decision difficult.  Either way, you will find yourself involved with a group of people dedicated to humanity with a scope that is broad enough to cover the entire planet.

What is the cost of Membership?

Quarterly dues are $122.00 which includes the initial pin, plaque, certificate, subscription to the Rotarian, our monthly Rotary magazine, meetings, meals and additional information.

The Rotary Foundation

Rotarians are asked to voluntarily support the Foundations national and international projects by becoming sustaining members with annual gifts of $100 or more.  When the cumulative amount reaches $1,000, they become a Paul Harris Fellow.  A Fellow receives special recognition and joins a distinguished group of dedicated Rotarians world wide.  Each Paul Harris Fellow receives a special pin and certificate.