Why Join Rotary?

We’re a friendly group of women and men, who are dedicated to the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self.”

Mendocino Rotarians are part of a worldwide organization of 1.2 million individuals dedicated to improving our local communities and supporting global humanitarian efforts such as ending polio and providing disaster relief. Wherever you go in the world, you’re likely to find and Rotary Club. And, when you walk into any one of the 32,000 clubs, you are welcomed and treated like a friend.

 

NETWORKING

An original goal of Rotary was to allow club members to meet periodically and enlarge their circle of business and professional acquaintances. As members of the oldest service club in the world, Rotarians represent a cross-section of their community’s business owners, executives, managers, political leaders, and professionals – people who make decisions and influence policy.

SERVICE

Club members have many opportunities for humanitarian service, both locally and internationally. Service programs address concerns such as health care, hunger, poverty, illiteracy, and the environment. Rotarians regularly experience the fulfillment that comes from giving back to the community.

FRIENDSHIP

Rotary was founded on fellowship, a cornerstone that continues to attract members today. Rotarians enjoy camaraderie with like-minded professionals, and club projects provide opportunities to develop enduring friendships. Club members who travel have friendly contacts in almost every city of the world.

FAMILY

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

ETHICS

Encouraging high ethical standards 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

Rotary is an organization of successful professionals. Team-building, fundraising, public speaking, planning, organization, and communication are just some of the leadership skills that club members can exercise and enhance. Being a Rotary leader provides further experience in motivating, inspiring, and guiding others.

How to become a member

The Nuts and Bolts of Joining Rotary

New members are proposed by an existing member. However, if you have an interested in joining the Mendocino Rotary Club, but don’t know a member, please join us at one of our weekly meetings, and/or send an us an email: hello@mendocinorotary.org. We will welcome you and pair you up with an existing member to sponsor you.

Here’s how the new member process works:

  1. We identify someone who could be a prospective member
  2. We invite prospective member to Lunch #1 (Rotary Member pays)
  3. We invite prospective member, if interested, back to Lunch #2 (Club pays)
  4. After lunch, we ask if a prospective member would be interested in an invitation to join.  If “yes”, we gather the information and ask them to fill out a short application (basic information). Note: various Rotary booklets are handed to prospective members so they know something about Rotary.
  5. Application information is submitted  to the club secretary, who will prepare to get board approval after third lunch.
  6. Invite prospective member back for Lunch #3 (Club Pays)
  7. Ask prospective member to sign if interested and permit induction to club. Enjoy lunch, allow interest & name to be shared with the club, and take away card.
  8. Attend orientation breakfast: new member attends breakfast with his/her sponsor and one or more club officers. The new member’s spouse/partner is welcome to attend this orientation breakfast.
  9. Club president extends formal invitation.
  10. Sponsor assists President and Membership Chair in Induction. Basically, you attend three meetings, decide if you want to join, and fill out an application.