What is Rotary?

​

Rotary International is an association of Rotary clubs worldwide. It’s made up of more than 33,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. The members of these autonomous clubs are called Rotarians, and they form a global network of 1.2 million business and professional leaders, all volunteering their time and talents to serve their communities and the world. Individual Rotary clubs, in turn, belong to the global association called Rotary International.

​

What are the qualifications for membership?

 

A prospective member must be a person of good character with a good business, professional or community reputation and committed to service.

​

What are the responsibilities of membership?

 

Members are expected to attend weekly club meetings. They must pay annual dues to the club, their Rotary district and Rotary International, and they’re expected to participate in local or international Rotary club activities or projects.

​

What are the attendance requirements?

 

Rotary International understands that professionals’ schedules are often difficult to accommodate a weekly meeting thus has set a target goal of 50% attendance.

 

However, members are encouraged to attend as often as possible. Attending weekly club meetings allows members to enjoy fellowship, enrich their professional and personal knowledge and meet other business leaders in the community.
If members do miss a meeting of their own club, they’re welcome to attend a meeting of any other Rotary club in the world as a make-up meeting.

​

Is there a minimum age to be in Rotary?

 

There is no minimum age to join Rotary, however, Rotarians are professionals already established in a career and have the time and financial resources to meet all Rotary club membership requirements.

​

What is the 4-Way Test

 

One of the most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics in the world is the Rotary 4-Way Test. The 4-Way Test was created by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor in 1932 when he was asked to take charge of a company that was facing bankruptcy. Taylor looked for a way to save the struggling company. He drew up a 24-word code of ethics for all employees to follow in their business and professional lives.

 

The 4-Way Test was adopted by Rotary in 1943 and has been translated into more than 100 languages and published in thousands of ways.

​

Of the things we think, say or 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?

 

How do I join?

​

You are welcome to come to a club meeting any Tuesday evening to meet with members and learn more about the Rotary Club of Columbia. Check our calendar of events to be sure we will be meeting at our regular location as, on occasion, we meet elsewhere.
Once you have been our guest for a meeting or two, you will be asked to fill out a membership application and the process will be explained to you.
Rotary is open to all professionals and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin (and, there are no secret handshakes).