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Rotary was formed in 1905 and is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. Approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 32,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. The Rotary Club of the Denver Tech Center was Chartered in May of 1997 and includes a good mix of male and female professionals of different ages.
Rotary club membership represents a cross-section of the community's business and professional men and women. The world's Rotary clubs meet weekly and are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds.
The main objective of Rotary is service — in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world. Rotarians develop community service projects that address many of today's most critical issues, such as children at risk, poverty and hunger, the environment, illiteracy, and violence. They also support programs for youth, educational opportunities and international exchanges for students, teachers, and other professionals, and vocational and career development. The Rotary motto is Service Above Self.
Although Rotary clubs develop autonomous service programs, all Rotarians worldwide are united in a campaign for the global eradication of polio. In the 1980s, Rotarians raised US$240 million to immunize the children of the world; by 2005, Rotary's centenary year and the target date for the certification of a polio-free world, the PolioPlus program will have contributed US$500 million to this cause. In addition, Rotary has provided an army of volunteers to promote and assist at national immunization days in polio-endemic countries around the world.
The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is a not-for-profit corporation that promotes world understanding through international humanitarian service programs and educational and cultural exchanges. It is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and others who share its vision of a better world. Since 1947, the Foundation has awarded more than US$1.1 billion in humanitarian and educational grants, which are initiated and administered by local Rotary clubs and districts.
Membership is by invitation and is limited to individuals who occupy prominent positions in their business or organizations. Regular attendance at weekly meetings is an important requirement. Active participation in one or more of the areas of service is also expected.
If you would like more information on membership in this Rotary Club, please contact Bob Steiert at rsteiert@comcast.net.
Why Join a Rotary Club?
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 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, and illiteracy. Rotarians experience the
fulfillment that comes from giving back to the community.
International Awareness
With more than 32,000 clubs in over 200 countries & geographical areas,
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.
Friendship
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 Rotary club programs keep members informed about what is taking place
in the community, nation, and world and motivated 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 parties 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.
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