Becoming a Rotarian
An association of some 31,000 autonomous clubs in 166 countries, Rotary International is one of the world's largest service organizations. The goal for a club's membership is an up-to-date and progressive representation of the community's business, vocational and professional interests.

An important distinction between Rotary and other organizations is that membership in Rotary is by invitation. Rotary clubs invite individuals to join and become members.

Membership is vital to a Rotary club's operations and community service activities. A primary goal of the club is to continually expand the club with committed members who have the interest and ability to get involved in service and humanitarian projects. Prospective members must:

• hold - or be retired from - a professional, proprietary, executive, or managerial position;

• have the capacity to meet the club's weekly attendance or community project participation requirements;

• live or work within the locality of the club or the surrounding area.

For further information about membership of The Rotary Club of Cronulla, please contact our Club Secretary (through the 'Contact Us' page)

Often a person being considered for membership is invited by a member/sponsor to attend one or more club meetings to learn more about Rotary. The sponsor may then submit the name of the candidate to the club's membership committee.

If you are interested in membership but do not know any Rotarians you can contact your local club directly. You can search for clubs in Australasia at http://www.rotarnet.com.au/index.htm .

• Effecting change within the community.

• Developing leadership skills.

• Gaining an understanding of — and having an impact on — international humanitarian issues.

• Developing relationships with community and business leaders.

Rotary club membership carries with it certain responsibilities.

Members are expected to attend weekly programs of the club. Opportunities to make up attendance include attending the regular meeting of another Rotary club, attending various other Rotary meetings, or attending a club service project authorized by the club board of directors.

Members are required to pay annual dues to their clubs, their districts and to Rotary International.

Members are expected to participate in local or international activities or projects of the Rotary club.

Clubs encourage members to aspire to leadership or committee roles within their clubs.

1. Professional Networking:

A founding principle of Rotary was to provide a forum for professional and business leaders. Members are leaders in business, industry, the professions, the arts, government, sports, the military and religion. They make decisions and influence policy. Rotary is the oldest, most prestigious service-club organization in the world.

2. The Opportunity to Serve:

Rotarians provide service at both the community and international levels. Service programs address health care needs, hunger and poverty, illiteracy, disaster relief, and environmental cleanups, to name a few. Members experience the fulfillment that comes from giving back to the community.

3. Personal Growth and Development:

Membership in Rotary ensures continuing personal and professional development. Leadership, public speaking and communication, organization and planning, team-building, fundraising and teaching are just a sampling of the skills that can be exercised and enhanced through Rotary.

4. Friendship:

Fellowship was a primary reason Rotary was started in 1905, and it remains a major attraction. Today, with more than 30,000 Rotary clubs in over 160 countries, Rotarians have friends wherever they go. Rotary helps to build community as well as enduring friendships.

5. Cultural Diversity:

Rotary International is an association of local clubs in many countries. Clubs are open to members of every ethnic group, political persuasion, language and religious belief. Rotary clubs contain a cross-section of the world's leaders. They practice and promote tolerance.

6. Good Citizenship:

Membership in Rotary makes one a better citizen. Weekly Rotary club programs keep members informed about what is taking place in the community, nation and world. Rotary's expansive network of clubs and programs provides extensive opportunities for service and interchange.

7. World Understanding:

Rotary members gain an understanding of humanitarian issues and have a significant
impact on them through international service projects and exchange programs of RI and its Foundation. The promotion of peace is one of Rotary's highest objectives.

8. Entertainment:

Every Rotary club and district hosts parties and activities that offer diversion from one’s personal and business life. Conferences, conventions, assemblies and social events
provide entertainment as well as Rotary information, education and service.

9. Family Foundations:

Rotary sponsors some of the world’s largest youth exchange and educational exchange and scholarship programs. Rotary clubs provide innovative training opportunities and mentoring for future leaders. They involve family members in a wide range of social and service activities.

10. Ethical Environment:

Rotarians practice a 4-Way Test that measures words and actions by their truthfulness, fairness, goodwill and benefit to all. Encouraging high ethical standards in one's profession and respect for all worthy vocations has been a hallmark of Rotary from its earliest days.