PRIVILEDGES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERSHIP IN THE ROTARY CLUB OF EAST COBB DISTRICT 6900 1
ROTARY THE OBJECTIVE The objective of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster: FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH The development of acquaintances as an opportunity for service. High ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian in his occupation as he serves society. The application of the ideal of service by every Rotarian in his personal, business and community life. The advancement of international understanding, good will, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional men and women united in the ideal of service. 2
ROTARY A LITTLE HISTORY Rotary was founded in Chicago, Illinois, by lawyer Paul P. Harris. The first meeting was on February 23, 1905. On that day Paul met with three friends: Sylvester Schiele, a coal dealer, Gustavus E. Loehr, a mining engineer, and Hiram E. Shorey, a merchant tailor. Initially, Paul Harris s idea was to promote fellowship among business acquaintances, but soon the purpose had evolved into a higher calling, that of service to others. This club met in rotation at the offices of the members, therefore the name ROTARY was adopted. The diverse membership of that first club continues to be one of our dominant themes. In 1911, Rotary became international, establishing clubs in Canada, England and Ireland. Rotary became the forerunner of other great service clubs such as Kiwanis International founded in 1915, Lions International founded in 1917 and Optimist International founded in 1919. The first international Rotary convention was held in Atlanta in 1917. There are now over 31,000 Rotary Clubs around the globe with a total Rotary membership of more than 1.2 Million men and women. Rotary is the oldest, largest and most active civic organization in the world today. 3
ROTARY IS ROTARY INTERNATIONAL & DISTRICT 6900 There are currently 530 Rotary Geographic Districts encompassing 164 countries with over 1.2 Million active members. Rotary International is governed by a president and a Board of Directors elected from Past District Governors from around the world. Annually, each district elects its own District Governor to serve a one-year term beginning July 1. Your club, The Rotary Club of East Cobb, is one of several early morning clubs in District 6900. As a member of Rotary International, our club supports and fosters the many projects of the worldwide organization. Our sponsoring club was the Marietta Rotary Club. Rotary Districts are comprised of multiple Rotary clubs and are led by the District Governor and his/her Assistant Governors. Districts 6900, 6910 and 6920 are the 3 districts within Georgia. District 6900 has 70 Rotary clubs with a District roll of over 5,100 Rotarians. The district territory covers north Atlanta to south of I-20 and west of I-75, all the way to the Florida state line, with the Thomasville Rotary Club being the southernmost club in the district. The 2003-2004 District Governor of 6900 is Bill McDonald from The Rotary Club of Peachtree City. Rotary International s world headquarters building is located in Evanston, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, and the birthplace of Rotary. Every Rotary member is invited & welcomed to visit the HQ offices for a visit & tour. 4
THE INDIVIDUAL ROTARY CLUB Each Rotary Club is similar, yet clearly distinctive because of the emphasis on the local community. Club membership is based on representation from each business or profession represented within the community. The intent is to cultivate an inclusive, not exclusive, membership roster. Rotary recognizes all useful occupations and each club seeks members that represent a true cross-section of their local community. This Classification Principle is employed to provide a fellowship for service, based on diversity of interest. The classification principle also prevents the predominance in the Club of any one group. Thus each member holds a classification to help promote diversity in the community. Each local Rotary club is intended to be a group knit together in bonds of personal friendship and Service Above Self. Regular attendance at weekly meetings is one of the opportunities and responsibilities of membership. Regular attendance is highly honored. Once you join Rotary you are welcomed the world over as a friend and fellow Rotarian. Your active participation is crucial to the overall club s success. Club participation and community leadership are the links that build the Rotary spirit. Rotary Club of East Cobb 5
HISTORY OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF EAST COBB ---In October 1984, Jim Speed, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, and President of the Marietta Rotary Club, asked Roy Simmons to investigate the establishment of a new Rotary Club in East Cobb. ---The first meeting of the East Cobb-Marietta Rotary Club was held at 7:00 a.m. at the Indian Hills Country Club, on Wednesday, January 1985. There were twenty in attendance at that first meeting. ---By Charter Night, March 11, 1985, when Rotary International officially recognized the club, there were 41 Charter Members. That night, 7 new members were inducted. Four Charter members remain active in our club today. They are Harry Boone, David Butts, Russ Osmond and David Stahl. ---The club wasted no time making itself known at the District 6900 level. Within several months, East Cobb Rotary was selected to host the Georgia Rotary Student Program s annual student enclave. This was an unprecedented honor for the brand new club. The 57 international students of GRSP were housed in club members homes during the weekend of meetings, activities and parties. It was a lot of hard work and great fun! We continue to be well represented in GRSP, and are known as an active, can-do club. ---Our Club continues to place Service Above Self. Our first fundraiser was a huge garage sale and auction, followed by Hangar Dances, Cajun Shrimp Boils at the Naval Air Station, Casino nights and basketball demonstrations. We currently present the popular East Cobb Concert Series, which raises money and promotes Rotary in our community. These events have earned thousands of dollars for our favorite charities over the past 19 years. ---During the 1988/89 Rotary year, President Randy Thompson and Jim Rhoden spearheaded the formation of the East Cobb Rotary Foundation, now worth well over $100,000. ---Also at the District level, we have taken an active leadership role. One of our charter members, Bill Foster, has served as District Governor. David Stahl has been Lt. Governor. Ken Armstrong handled the registration for the District Conference at Jekyll Island for 13 years. Don Stout and Dave Stahl have both served as Conference Chairmen. ---The hard work of Rock Satterfield, Phil Issenberg and others brought an Interact Club to Walton High School several years ago. More recently, Steve Jezerinac worked to bring Interact to Wheeler High School. David Butts and Bernie Hatch coordinated the establishment of our third Interact Club at the new Kell High School. Historian Harry Boone offers a memory in the form of a quote from Roy Simmons, the founder of the Rotary Club of East Cobb. Roy invited Harry to the January 9, 1985 first meeting saying this: If you are like me, the more you find out about this great organization, the more you are proud to be a part of it. I have had the pleasure of attending Rotary meetings worldwide and have met some fantastic people at home and abroad. 6
THE CORNERSTONE OF ROTARY THE FOUR WAY TEST of the things we think, say or do first... Is it THE TRUTH? second... Is it FAIR TO ALL CONCERNED? third... Will it BUILD GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? fourth... Will it be BENEFICIAL TO ALL CONCERNED? 7
HOW WERE YOU PROPOSED AS A MEMBER OF ROTARY? 1. A member of The East Cobb Rotary Club sponsored your application. 2. Our Classification Committee verified your occupation and agreed that: You are a significant person in your firm; you are a leader in your vocation; and the classification being loaned to you was not overly represented in our club. 3. Our Membership Committee verified your personal reputation, both in business and in the community. 4. Our Board of Directors approved your application for Rotary membership. 5. Our entire membership also approved you as a new Rotarian. 8
ORGANIZATION & ACTIVITIES 9
THE ROTARY CLUB EAST COBB ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE Each year in November club members elect future officers for duties beginning July 1 st, the beginning of the Rotary year. This slate of officers consists of a President, President-Elect, Club Secretary, Treasurer, and a Sergeant-at-Arms. These officers conduct the general business of our Club for that Rotary year. The Service Directors are responsible for coordinating and scheduling member participation in activities within their service areas. These Club Service Directors, along with the elected officers, form the Board of Directors. This group meets once a month to determine policy and direction for the club. You will be personally asked to participate in the Avenue of Service of your choice after your induction. The Four Avenues of Rotary Service: 1. Club Service- Here is the starting point for all Rotary service with responsibility for ongoing assessment of club needs and desires for service. Club Meetings / Rotary Information Bulletin / Club Programs Scrapbook / Photographer Membership Development Public Relations Fellowship/Family/Socials 2.Community Service- To a large extent, Rotary s reputation is built on the myriad of service projects undertaken by Rotarians. Clubs worldwide make service their priority with activities as varied as the needs they address. Once described as the heartbeat of Rotary, Community Service is a many- pronged effort to improve the quality of life within our local communities. Community Development Charities Awareness Literacy Projects Fundraising Activities Educational Support Activities AIDS/ Polio Plus Support 3.Vocational Service- This avenue of service creates and carries out plans to engage in Vocational Service projects and in daily vocational service in their business and personal life. Service Above Self Awards Key Employee Recognition 4.International Service- The Foundation of peace is built on many small efforts to advance understanding and good will among people of different nations and to improve the quality of life in all countries on Earth. World Community Service Projects Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholars Group Study Exchange Teams Georgia Rotary Student Program* * Unique project in Georgia 10
THE ROTARY CLUB OF EAST COBB COMMITMENT TO SERVICE 2003-2004 Officers President... Steve Jezerinac President-Elect... Mary K. Widener Secretary...Sarah Dimond Treasurer... Brad Groff Sgt. at Arms...Tony Sellman Immediate Past President.Guy Gebhardt 2003--2004 Directors Club Service Programs... Dale Lowenstein Club Service - Membership... Virginia Hale Club Service Family of Rotary... Charlie Hynes Community Service Director...Larry Descalopoulis Vocational Service Director...Des Yawn International Service Director...Make Hart Special Committees Fund Raisers...Stephanie Williams Bulletin....Rex Wallin Website..Don Caldwell Greeters..Ken Armstrong Historian..Harry Boone 11
PAUL HARRIS FELLOW PAUL HARRIS SUSTAINING MEMBERSHIP In 1917, at the first international Rotary convention in Atlanta, it was decided that Rotary should work for good around the world. Arch Klumph, the sixth international president of Rotary, convinced the convention of the need for an endowment for doing good for charitable, educational or other avenues of service, worldwide. In 1928, the foundation was strengthened by the appointment of the first trustees. The foundation was formally incorporated in 1983. At the death of Rotary s founder Paul Harris in 1947, Rotarians from around the world made gifts to the foundation in his memory. The foundation later decided to honor its founder by recognizing donors of gifts to the foundation of $1000 or greater as Paul Harris Fellows. Those who give $100 a year toward becoming a Paul Harris Fellow are Paul Harris Sustaining Members. Each year the Rotary Foundation funds: Approximately 1200 Ambassadorial Scholarships for study abroad. Over 150 international humanitarian projects including Polio Plus, which has generated approximately $250 million to help eradicate polio from the world. Grants for Health, Hunger and Humanity. These programs encourage prevention rather than cure and self-help rather than charity. Over 150 international volunteers who can offer their business and professional expertise abroad. Over 300 Group Study Exchanges. Peace Programs that explore conflict resolution and new ways to encourage mutual understanding. 12
GEORGIA ROTARY STUDENT PROGRAM WILL WATT FELLOW The Georgia Rotary Student Program (GRSP) awards scholarships to international students for study in Georgia s colleges and universities for one academic year. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition, books, room, means and an allowance for incidentals. The GRSP is not related to the Rotary Foundation. GRSP was founded in 1946 by a Georgia Rotarian, Will Watt of Thomasville, who saw the need for a practical application of the Rotary ideal of international service. One source of funding for the program is the GRSP Endowment Fund. A contribution of $1000 or more earns a Rotarian the Will Watt Fellow designation. 13
YOUR COMMITMENT TO ROTARY 14
YOUR OBLIGATION TO ROTARY CAN BE CATEGORIZED IN THREE WAYS: (1) PARTICIPATION (2) ATTENDANCE (3) FINANCIAL OBLIGATION (1) PARTICIPATION A Rotarian is willing to give of their time and talents: in Community Activities in Vocational Activities in Club and District Activities in International Service Plan now to attend our Annual District events: DISTRICT ASSEMBLY& TRAINING SESSION : March 19-20, 2004, Macon, GA DISTRICT 6900 CONFERENCE: May 7-9, 2004, Savannah, GA (2) ATTENDANCE Meeting attendance is an honored tradition in Rotary. Perfect Attendance can be achieved by attending your weekly club meeting or by making up at another Rotary Club within two weeks before or after your missed meeting. MAKE UPS You are eligible to make up at any Worldwide Rotary Club. Please check the Rotary website: www.rotary.org for detailed meeting time and location information. 15
(3) YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT Club Dues: quarterly $215.00 Includes: Rotary International Dues District 6900 dues All Club meeting meals Some Club social functions Subscription to The Rotarian Magazine District Assembly Event & meal fees Initial deposit into Paul Harris Fellow account Paul Harris sustaining membership One Time New Member Initiation / Registration Fee $250.00 Includes: Registration with Rotary International District 6900 dues Rotary orientation kit with club badge, pin, etc. Approximate annual total: $1200-$1500. OTHER ACTIVITIES District 6900 Conference- On to Savannah, GA The Rotary Club of East Cobb is an active participant in the District conference and normally has 25% of club members in attendance for the fun & fellowship. This year s conference dates are May 7-9, 2004. Conference Activities include: a river cruise, a Family Carnival under the Big Top, Rotary Club decorated floats and Mardi Gras Parade, a golf & tennis tourney, sightseeing tours, kids program activities with babysitters in house. Clubs receive District Awards in many categories. The GRSP students present their Million Dollar Show and Rotary World Activity Seminars. Conference fee includes 3 meals, admission to the House of Friendship and hospitality suites, as well as substantial door prizes (i.e. large screen TV s, weekend trips etc.) 16
DUES PROCEDURES THE ROTARY CLUB OF EAST COBB 1. The Treasurer prepares quarterly billings within two weeks of the beginning of each quarter. 2. Dues statements are e-mailed, hand delivered to each member at the next club meeting, or US mailed and are payable on receipt. 3. The Treasurer will write a letter to members with balances due after 45 days notifying them of amounts past due. 4. Any balance due at the time of the next quarterly billing is assessed a 10% late charge. 17
ROTARY provides many ways to participate in your community. Check the websites at www.eastcobbrotary.com and www.rotary.org for more information. Your Membership in The Rotary Club of East Cobb provides: THE ROTARIAN MAGAZINE You will receive this publication each month. It contains news of Rotary happenings and events around the world. It also features interesting articles by outstanding writers on a variety of important subjects and Rotary items of interest. WEEKLY FULL BREAKFAST MEAL & A PROMINENT SPEAKER Providing insightful and educational topics each week along with club fellowship and superb cuisine. OUR CLUB BULLETIN Reporting weekly news on our website about programs, initiatives, club members, charities, as well as District 6900 and Rotary International activities and events. LOCAL AND WORLDWIDE MAKE UP OPPORTUNITIES: Membership provides entry into any Rotary club around the world: a wonderful opportunity for networking & sharing fellowship. Local make-ups are listed on our website. 18
PRIVILEGES OF ROTARY THE PRIVILEGE OF FRIENDSHIP WITH LEADERS In your community In neighboring cities & towns All over the USA In all parts of the world THE PRIVILEGE OF DEVELOPING INTERNATIONAL GOOD WILL AND UNDERSTANDING THE PRIVILEGE OF HELPING BUILD HIGHER ETHICAL STANDARDS WITHIN YOUR VOCATION 19
WELCOME TO ROTARY PARTICIPATE FOR FUN PARTICIPATE FOR FRIENDSHIP PARTICIPATE FOR SERVICE PARTICIPATE FOR FELLOWSHIP PARTICIPATE FOR KNOWLEDGE PARTICIPATE FOR INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING REMEMBER, YOU ARE ROTARY! 20