Becoming A Member - How To Join

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So you would like to be a Rotarian!

With a motto like "Service Above Self," Rotary isn't for everyone.

            In fact, some might even consider Rotary as being an exclusive club of rich old men a few oddballs who think they can do almost anything - even achieve world peace.

            Rich men we are not. We are not just men, either. Some 20 percent of our ranks in Jefferson City are women (15 percent world-wide).

            When you think of us internationally, less than 50 percent are white. Our ranks are really growing in Africa and Asia.

            When Paul Harris created the first Rotary Club in 1905, he consciously sought members of diverse backgrounds. He figured that if we were going to take the time to meet new people and learn new things, who better to seek out than someone with a different point of view?

            That tradition has persisted to this day. Rotary is represented by virtually every race, religion, nation, philosophy, political persuasion and astrological sign consistent with the dictates of the Four-Way Test.

Rotarians live by the "Four-Way Test" (see box below).

            If world peace is ever to become a reality, isn't that the way we must learn to live?

            Yes, that's hard work. But it's good work.

            So if you're interested in joining Rotary, here's what you can do:

            Learn the secret handshake. Just kidding!! No secret passwords or oaths are required. But commitment to be involved is highly encouraged!

            You must be sponsored by a Rotarian. Practically everyone knows a Rotarian or two. If you don't, start asking around - or contact the President or Secretary of any of the local clubs. For Jefferson City West Rotary, that would be President Steve Houser, shouser@hawthornbank.com or Secretary John Wood, jwood@midmoelderlaw.com.

            Encourage your Rotarian pal to take you to a meeting or two, just to size us up. He or she will even pick up your tab for lunch. Then judge for yourself whether you think our group has something to offer you (and visa versa).

            If you are interested in joining Rotary, and you've picked the club that best fits your needs, complete an application and return it to your sponsor.

            One final note: Yes, there is an attendance requirement. You will be expected to be present at a minimum of 60 percent of the weekly Rotary meetings, in addition to participating actively in a few fund-raising efforts each year.

            Remember: Rotary is not a business club. It is a service club. Rotarians for the most part of professional people (active and retired) involved in art, agriculture, business, education, medicine, ministry and politics.

            So you want to be a Rotarian? All it takes is a call, a handshake, and a commitment to help provide humanitarian service to people of all backgrounds, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.

            That is service above self.

Rotary's Four-Way Test

Of the things we think, say or do:

Is it the truth?

Is it fair to all concerned?

Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

Is it beneficial to all concerned?