This week we celebrate Valentine’s Day. A day that celebrates love and Rotary International embraces the spirit of love in the way it carries out the good in does in our communities, the world and in ourselves – through service above self, fellowship and friendship, care and kindness. In short, Rotarians have heart! 

When you think about the people and things you love how does Rotary fit in?

There are many reasons to love Rotary – here are 10:

1. Friendship: Rotary provides one of the most basic human needs: Connection - friendship and fellowship. It is one of two reasons why Rotary began in 1905.

2. Business Development: Rotary’s beginnings were also about business development. Everyone needs to network. Rotary consists of a cross section of every business community, from all walks of life. Rotarians help each other and collectively help others.

3. Personal Growth and Development: Membership continues one’s growth and education in human relations and personal development.

4. Citizenship in the Community: Membership makes one a better community citizen. The average Rotary club consists of the most active citizens of any community.

5. Continuing Education: Each week there is a program designed to keep one informed about what is going on in the community, nation, and world.

6. Fun: Rotary is fun, a lot of fun. Meetings are fun. Club projects are fun. Social activities are fun. Service is fun.

7. Citizenship in the World: Every Rotarian wears a pin that says, “Rotary International.” Every Rotarian is welcome – even encouraged – to attend any of the 35,000 clubs in 200 nations.

8. Regard: Rotary members are leaders of business, non-profits, professions, art, government, sports, military, religion, and all disciplines. Rotary is the oldest and most respected service club in the world. 

9. Absence of an “Official Creed”: Rotary has no secret handshake, no secret policy, no official creed, no secret meeting or rituals. It is an open society of people who simply believe in helping others.

10. Opportunity to Serve: Rotary is about service to both local and international communities. Its business is mankind. This is perhaps the best reason for becoming a Rotarian: the chance to do something for somebody else and to sense the self-fulfillment that comes in the process.

Thank you so much for the love and care you show and for your big, beautiful hearts!

With love and gratitude,

Trudie