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| ROTARY ORIENTATION |
Editor: Jim Hodges
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As I walked into the room for the new member Rotary orientation I was greeted by long time Rotarian
Carl.
"Welcome Frank," he boomed,shaking my hand,and then he looked at my wife standing beside me and
asked, "Introduce me to this charming lady." After exchanging greetings, he invited us to sit down.
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| About a dozen chairs were arranged in a circle. I represent the Rotary belief that all members are
equally valuable.
"In a few moments we'll get started." he assured us.
Gradually, more Rotarians entered, some new like myself, and a couple of long-time members, who
were going to help conduct the meeting. Most of the new members had their spouses with them, since
the invitation had stressed the value of their presence.
Then Carl stood before us. "Congratulations on joining Rotary. We're proud of you. You should be
proud of yourself. You're now a vital spoke in the world's premier volunteer organization. Today you are
going to learn what Rotary really is. What you are expected to give and what you can expect to receive.
You'll have questions, too. We have Rotarians Harry and Bruce here just in case I need support. But,
first, let's go around the room so the new members can tell us what attracted you to Rotary? Frank, how
about beginning?"
"My friend Jack Smith invited me to a lunch meeting a few weeks ago, I was impressed by your Rotary
motto of Service before Self. The four way test banner listed the principles I've tried to live my life by.
My visit that day started me thinking that here's a club of like minded folks that i should join. This may
sound gushy but I really want to help make the world a better place. I want my life to have a purpose;
to leave behind a positive legacy. But how? I wouldn't even know where to begin if I had to go it alone.
I believe I could do more good as a Rotary team member. Also by working as a volunteer I will be
developing my people skills that will help me in all my leadership roles, both personal and
professional."
Carl spoke up. "that's one benefit often underemphasized. Over the years Rotary has created an ethical
environment that fosters high performance leadership. Rotary will be an excellent learning experience
for you. Now's a good time to tell you that we have four avenues of service. I'll explain shortly.
Unofficially, of course, but for now, there's another avenue which I call "service-to-self." We speak
about developing ourselves as better leaders to contribute more to society.
The world needs ethical leaders. Rotary builds ethical leaders. Therefore, the world needs more
Rotarians. We ask ourselves these questions in all we think, say and do:
Is it the truth?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build good will and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
After each new member had spoken, Carl again stood before us.
"From a modest beginning in Chicago in 1905 by four men under the guidance of Paul Harris, Rotary
has grown to over 33,000 clubs in nearly 200 countries with 1.2 million members. We have donated
billions of dollars to various charitable projects the world over. But the real value has not been the
money, but the time and talent devoted to these projects by dedicated Rotarians.
Rotarians are volunteers, who expect no pay. In fact, you have to pay for the privilege of Rotary
membership. But you'll receive immeasurable rewards. For one, you'll feel good about yourself as you
help others. Some results are quickly achieved. Others like "End Polio Now" are long range goals. After
20 years of work toward that goal, we are now close to eradicating polio.
Some of you may know this already, but it's worth repeating. You are following in the footsteps of
America's foremost volunteer, George Washington. He made two compelling statements about service to
others. 1. "If to be venerated for benevolence, if to be admired for talents, if to be esteemed for
patriotism, if to be beloved for philanthropy can gratify the human mind, then you must have the
pleasing consolation that you have not lived in vain." 2. "Let your heart feel for the afflictions and
distresses of everyone, and let your hand give in proportion to your purse." If Rotary had been in
existence during his time, I believe he would have been an outstanding member. "
"That's profound. I always knew the "father of our country" was generous and good hearted," said
Frank.
Carl, rapped his knuckles on the table saying, "let's continue. We have a lot to cover. Here are our four
avenues of service. Start your Rotary career by choosing the one that appeals most to you:
1. Club service: Would you like to work within the club directly serving our members?
2. Community service: Would you like to serve the broader community?
3. Vocational service: Would you like to work stressing that all occupations have dignity by honoring
the highest standards of ethical practices?
4. International service: Would you like to understand other cultures and countries to make Rotary a
force for world peace?
Service-to-self that I spoke of earlier isn't official. In Rotary you have no powers of coercion as you
might within your company. You learn skills for getting things done by volunteering and by appealing to
fellow Rotarians highest instincts. These skills will benefit you in your professional and personal life.
Each avenue is a golden opportunity to serve. Pick the project you like best. Join a committee. Be part
of a high performing team that exceeds all expectations by working together toward common goals.
Carl continued, "please repeat after me. I am expected to:
Consider my vocation to be another opportunity to serve.
Be faithful to the letter and to the spirit of the ethical codes of my
vocation, to the laws of my country, and to the moral standards of
my community;
Do all in my power to dignify my vocation and to promote the
highest ethical standards in my chosen vocation.
Be fair to my employer, employees, associates, competitors,
customers, the public, and all those with whom I have a business or
professional relationship.
Recognize the honor and respect due to all occupations which are
useful to society.
Offer my vocational talents: to provide opportunities for young
people, to work for the relief of the special needs of others, and to
improve the quality of life in my community.
Adhere to honesty in my advertising and in all representations to
the public concerning my business or profession.
Neither seek from nor grant to a fellow Rotarian a privilege
or advantage not normally accorded others in a business or
professional relationship."
When we had finished I asked, "What other duties do you expect of us?"
"You'll want to get to know your fellow members, so, for the next four weeks, you will stand at the door
to welcome everyone wearing the red, new member badge. Think about who would be an outstanding
speaker among all your acquaintances and tell the program chairman. Also do as your sponsor has done
with you, invite good, potential candidates for membership.
"Are there any attendance requirements for continuing membership?" I asked.
"Thanks, Frank for reminding me. Yes, there is. You miss a meeting on pain of death. Just kidding.
Many of our members have perfect attendance. Some for as long as 50 years or more. We make it easy.
If you can't attend your own club, you can attend another club within a two-week span either way.
You'll really enjoy visiting other clubs. Oh, by the way, if you scoot the Sgt.-at-arms has permission to
shoot you."
"Carl, what is scooting?"
"That's leaving before the meeting is over. It's disrespectful to the speaker and disruptive to your fellow
members. If you must leave, please do so before the speaker begins. You must attend at least 60% of a
meeting, and 50% of all meetings with a six-month period. One-half of which must be in your own club.
You get out of Rotary in proportion to what you put into it. I look forward to working with you all."
"On behalf of all new members, thank you, Carl for telling us about Rotary. Let's give him a big hand."
Done! |
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