What does it mean to be a Rotarian? Chances are this question, in one form or another, will pop up in discussions between a Rotarian and someone who is thinking about becoming one. It is the sort of question a Rotarian should like to have asked. Whatever is said in reply almost certainly will be drawn from the Rotarian’s own personal experiences as a member of a Rotary Club.

A Rotarian believes in Rotary and in what Rotary stands for. What Rotary stands for is stated in the Object of Rotary.1 Above all, Rotarians believe in “Service Above Self”, Rotary’s international motto. Rotarians believe in sharing Rotary with others. Being a Rotarian means more than the sum of what a Rotarian believes about Rotary; it means maintaining high ethical standards in one’s business, one’s profession, and in one’s personal life.

Being a Rotarian means having the opportunity to experience the warm fellowship of a Rotary Club which can greatly expand one’s circle of acquaintance, foster lifelong friendships, and help one do for his or her community what he or she might never accomplish alone. Being a Rotarian means to be actively involved in the affairs and service projects of one’s club. Rotarians look for ways to get involved. Rotarians demonstrate the strength of their commitment to Rotary in the service they render to their club, through their club to the community, and through the Rotary Foundation to people throughout the world. Being a Rotarian is a way of life and can be a satisfying lifelong adventure for those who are willing to give of themselves to enjoy and benefit from all that Rotary has to offer.