Why Join a Rotary Club - March 19, 2007

WHY JOIN A ROTARY CLUB?

There are many reasons why someone might join a local Rotary Club. In summary,

-- To bring about change within the community

-- To develop leadership skills

-- To gain an understanding of — and have an impact on — international humanitarian issues

-- To develop relationships with community and business

-- To gain a world network of friends and peers

Professional networking. The Rotary Club reflects the leadership in the community – owners, executives, managers, and professionals. These people make decisions and influence policy within the community. Members will find very interesting peers among the Rotary Club members.

Service opportunities. Rotary offers opportunities for humanitarian service in the local community or the international community. Rotarians who participate in service opportunities can contribute to improvements in health care and the environment, and can help try to eliminate hunger, poverty, and illiteracy.

International study/scholarship. Since 1946, Rotarians in Georgia, USA, have promoted world peace through understanding by offering scholarships to international students for one year of study in Georgia colleges and universities. Georgia Rotary Clubs sponsor students recommended by a Rotary Club in their home country.

The students become adopted members of a Georgia "host family," but live on-campus at the school they attend. This is a scholarship program, not an exchange!

Each year, about 80 students from all over the world make friends in the United States and other nations and learn about differing cultures and life styles. Georgia Rotarians believe "Peace is Possible" and through GRSP promote international goodwill through the bonds of friendship and understanding.

To be eligible for this Georgia scholarship, students must be between 18 and 25 years of age by August 1 the year studies begin, must not have studied in the USA, and must be single. The scholarship covers one scholastic year, from August to May, and is for study in colleges and universities located in the State of Georgia.

Students who may be eligible should email Kitty at ladykit@xplornet.com or call Anne at 264-729-1738.

International awareness. Rotarians are active in 166 countries around the world. International service projects and exchange programs foster global understanding of the world around us. The goal is to build goodwill and peace in the world. International service projects provide an exciting opportunity to achieve this goal.