What is Rotary?

A few common questions about Rotary

'What is Rotary?' 

Rotary is a truly international organisation, with some 33,000 clubs and well over a million members represented in more than 200 countries worldwide.  Its aim is simple - to provide humanitarian assistance and to help promote goodwill and peace both at home and abroad.   

'What is a Rotarian?'

Rotarians, men and women, represent a complete cross-section of worthy occupations and professions, whose motivation is a desire to serve society.  They recognise that, individually their efforts may be limited, but as a member of similarly minded groups, with combined experience, expertise and enthusiasm, the sky is the limit!  The ideal for every Rotarian is reflected in the motto, 'Service Above Self.'

'So what do you do?'

Dundee, along with all other clubs, supports major International Rotary projects aimed at relieving disease, hunger, unclean water and poor education. It also responds urgently to natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes, often using Rotary manpower, equipment and distribution facilities.  We are also mindful of our own local Community needs, supporting schools and youth projects, as well as the elderly, disabled or disadvantaged.

'So is it all about raising money then?'

Far from it.  Of course we have to raise some money, and we try not to do it by asking fellow Rotarians to cough up!  We try to arrange our projects in such a way that involves the whole local community, is value for money and above all - is fun examples include the Dundee Oktoberfest and a large, well established Sportsman Dinner.  Much of our other community involvement is hands-on, using our combined experience to stage events from blood-pressure monitoring to schools concerts, Young Chef and Dolphin watching trips on the river.

Oktoberfest 2015

'What about the social side?'

We see that as being fundamental to being a Rotarian.  Our weekly lunch meeting at the Invercarse Hotel bring us together in a spirit of real friendship, enhanced by many other social events throughout the year.  We don't expect members to attend every meeting, but our high attendance record perhaps speaks for itself.  Maybe our (unofficial) club motto should be 'Fun With a Purpose'.

'O.K.  I'm interested - what next?'

If you think you might like to be considered for membership or would like to find out more, the next step would be to come to one of our meetings and see just what goes on. Please contact our Membership Chair using the form below. John will be happy to advise and provide you with any further information you need.

If you decide Rotary is not for you, we won't be offended - promise.