1. Friendship: In an increasingly complex world, Rotary provides one of the most basic human needs: the need for friendship and fellowship. It is one of two reasons why Rotary began in 1905. 

2. Business Development: The second original reason for Rotary's beginning is 
business development. Everyone needs to network. Rotary consists of a cross section 
of every business community. Its members come from all walks of life. Rotarians 
help each other and collectively help others. 

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

4. Leadership Development: Rotary is an organization of leaders and successful 
people. Serving in Rotary positions is like a college education. Leadership: - learning 
how to motivate, influence, and lead leaders. 

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

6. Continuing Education: Each week at Rotary there is a program designed to keep one 
informed about what is going on in the community, nation, and world. Each meeting 
provides an opportunity to listen to different speakers and a variety of timely topics. 

7. Fun: Rotary is fun, a lot of fun. Each meeting is fun. The club projects are fun. Social 
activities are fun. The service is fun. 

8. Public Speaking Skills: Many individuals who joined Rotary were afraid to speak in 
public. Rotary develops confidence and skill in public communication and the 
opportunity to practice and perfect these skills. 

9. Citizenship in the World: Every Rotarian wears a pin that says "Rotary 
International." There are few places on the globe that do not have a Rotary club. 
Every Rotarian is welcome - even encouraged - to attend any of the 29,000 clubs in 
194 nations and geographical regions. This means instant friends in both one's own 
community and in the world community. 

10. Assistance when Traveling: Because there are Rotary clubs everywhere, many a 
Rotarian in need of a doctor, lawyer, hotel, dentist, advice, etc., while traveling has 
found assistance through Rotary. 

11. Entertainment: Every Rotary club and district has parties and activities that provide 
diversion in one's business life. Rotary holds conferences, conventions, assemblies, 
and institutes that provide entertainment in addition to Rotary information, education, 
and service. 

12. Development of Social Skills: Every week and at various events and functions, 
Rotary develops one's personality, social skills and people skills. Rotary is for people 
who like people.

13. Family Programs: Rotary provides one of the world's largest youth exchange 
programs; high school and college clubs for future Rotarians; opportunities for spouse 
involvement; and a host of activities designed to help family members in growth and 
the development of family values. 

14. Vocational Skills: Every Rotarian is expected to take part in the growth and 
development of his or her own profession or vocation; to serve on committees and to 
teach youth about one's job or vocation. Rotary helps to make one a better doctor, 
lawyer, teacher, etc. 

15. Development of Ethics: Rotarians practice a 4-Way Test that governs one's 
ethical standards. Rotarians are expected to be ethical in business and personal 
relationships. 

16. Cultural Awareness: Around the world, practically every religion, country, culture, 
race, creed, political persuasion, language, color, and ethnic identity is found in 
Rotary. It is a cross section of the world's most prominent citizens from every 
background. Rotarians become aware of their cultures and learn to love and work 
with people everywhere. They become better citizens of their countries in the process. 

17. Prestige: Rotary members are prominent people: leaders of business, the professions, 
art, government, sports, military, religion, and all disciplines. Rotary is the oldest and 
most prestigious service club in the world. Its ranks include executives, managers, 
professionals - people who make decisions and influence policy. 

18. Nice People: Rotarians above all are nice people - the nicest people on the face of the 
earth. They are important people who follow the policy of it is nice to be important 
but it is important to be nice. 

19. The 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 men and 
women who simply believe in helping others. 

20. Opportunity to Serve: Rotary is a service club. Its business is mankind. Its 
product is service. Rotarians provide community service to both local and 
international communities. 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 and return of that satisfaction to one's own life. It is richly 
rewarding.