1. Friendship: The need for friendship and fellowship is one of two reasons why Rotary began in 1905. So in an increasingly complicated world, Rotary provides one of the most basic human needs.
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. Leadership and Personal Growth: Membership in Rotary continues one’s growth and education in human relations, leadership skills and personal development.
4. Citizenship in the Community: Membership in a Rotary club makes one a better community citizen. The average Rotary club consists of some of the most active citizens of any community.
5. 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 33,000 clubs in over 200 nations and geographical regions. This means instant friends in both one’s own community and in the world community.
6. 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.
7. The Development of Ethics: Rotarians practice the 4-Way Test that governs one’s ethical standards. Rotarians are expected to be ethical in business and person relationships.
8. 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.
9. The Absence of an” Official Creed”: Rotary has no secret handshake, no secret policy, no official creed, no secret meetings or rituals. It is an open society of men and women who simply believe in helping others.
10. The Opportunity to Serve: Rotary is a service club. 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.

By participating in local and international service projects, Club members can volunteer their time and talents where they’re most needed.

The Avenues of Service are Rotary’s philosophical cornerstone and the foundation on which Club activity is based:

• Club Service focuses on strengthening fellowship and ensuring the Club’s effective functioning.
• Vocational Service encourages Rotarians to serve others through their vocations and to practice high ethical standards.
• Community Service covers the projects and activities the Club undertakes to improve life in its community.
• International Service encompasses actions taken to expand Rotary’s humanitarian reach around the globe and to promote world understanding and peace.
• New Generations Service recognizes the positive change implemented by youth and young adults through leadership development activities, service projects, and exchange programs.

Read more about Rotary fellowship and service.

To keep Clubs strong, every Rotarian must share the responsibility of bringing new people into Rotary. Even new members can bring guests to Club meetings or invite them to participate in a service project.

Keeping members involved in Rotary is another responsibility. Fostering strong fellowship and encouraging early participation in service projects are two of the best ways to sustain a Club’s membership.

Upon induction as a new member, an initiation fee is charged.

All members are billed quarterly for Club dues which include a subscription to the Rotarian magazine, the cost of breakfast each week, a personal donation of $50 to The Rotary Foundation (one-half the annual recommendation of $100 to the Annual Fund for recognition as a Sustaining Member), a fee assessed for each member by Rotary International, and administrative costs for the New Bern Breakfast Club.

Club members are encouraged to volunteer for leadership roles at the Club level and beyond.

If you are interested in joining the New Bern Breakfast Rotary Club please use the button below which will take you to a screen where you can send a message to the Club Membership chairperson.