Join our Club

Why You Should Join Our Club

It will depend upon the type of person you are. Do you enjoy the company of like minded people? Are you keen to help and support others less fortunate than ourselves? Do you want to help raise funds for local, national and international charities? Are you interested in helping local community groups? Do you have the opportunity to devote some of your spare time to working with others, helping communities and have a great deal of personal satisfaction and fun? If so, you may be just the person Wakefield Chantry Rotary is looking for!

An important distinction between Rotary and other similar organisations, is that membership in Rotary is by invitation. However this should not stop anyone who feels that they might like to become a Rotarian from indicating an interest, (either by speaking to a local Wakefield Chantry Rotarian, or by contacting us by email through this website), with no obligation on either side.

Some clubs maintain a list of the types of businesses and professions in their community, and seek candidates to fill classifications not already held by an active member of the club, but classifications are many and varied. For examples of classifications, visit our Club Members page, and see the varied range of occupations and professions represented in our club. If you are interested, we really would like to hear from you.

What it Means to be a Rotarian

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 the two reasons why Rotary began in 1905.

Business Development

The second reason for starting Rotary was 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.

Personal Growth and Development

Membership in Rotary continues one's growth and education in human relations and personal development.

Leadership Development

Rotary is an organisation of leaders and successful people from the district around Wakefield. Serving in Rotary positions is like further education; learning how to motivate, influence and lead leaders.

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.

Continuing Education

Each week at Rotary there is a programme 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.

Fun

Rotary is fun; a lot of fun. Each meeting is fun. The club projects are fun. Social activites are fun. The service is fun.

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.

Citizenship in the World

Every Rotarian wears a lapel 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.

Assistance when Travelling

Many a Rotarian in need of a doctor, lawyer, or dentist for example whilst travelling, has found assistance through Rotary, because there are Rotary clubs all over the world.

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.

The 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.

Family Programmes

Rotary provides one of the world's largest youth exchange programmes; 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.

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, engineer etc.

The Development of Ethics

Rotarians practice a 'Four Way Test' that governs one's ethical standards. Rotarians are expected to be ethical in business and personal relationships.

Cultural Awareness

Around the world, practically every religion, country, culture, race, creed, political persuasion, language, colour, 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.

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.

Nice People

Rotarians are above all nice people. They are important people who follow the policy of "It is nice to be important, but it is important to be nice".

The Opportunity to Serve

Rotary is a service club. Its business in 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-fulfilment that comes in the process and return of that satisfaction to one's own life. Rotary is richly rewarding.

Understanding the Work That We Do

Here in Wakefield Chantry, we operate with a flexible committee structure which changes on an annual basis, with members being able to work on a different aspect of Rotary each year. Members can elect to work on either the Community, International, or Vocational Service committees, or they can work on behalf of Rotary International to support its chosen charities on the Foundation or Club Service committees.

Each committee elects its own Chairman, and sets to work over the next twelve months following a programme of activities, which are specified at the beginning of the Rotary year (June). Their programmes are different but they all complete various projects to do with fundraising, giving and support.

Membership Criteria

Recruiting new members is vital to a Rotary club's future and long term success, and so clubs put a great deal of emphasis on expanding their membership with enthusiastic and 'service minded' individuals.

Prospective members must actively hold or be retired from a professional, proprietary, executive or managerial position. They must also have the desire and ability to serve, and to meet the club's attendance requirements for its weekly meetings.

How To Apply

If you are interested in joining Wakefield Chantry Rotary, please contact us.

(Please use the contact form at the bottom of this page)

You may also speak to any other Wakefield Chantry Rotarian about the possibility of joining our club. Please see our contact page for details.

The Application Process

The application process is very simple, and is outlined below:

1. Make contact and express your interest

2. Visit the club at meetings with a member at least three times

3. Complete an application form with your proposer, who must be a member of the club

4. Attend an 'Information Meeting' to discuss Rotary, the Wakefield Chantry club, and your reasons for wanting to join.

Club members are then asked if they have any objections to your application. If after ten days none are received, the Club Council will contact you by letter to inform you that your application has been successful. You are then required to attend the next convenient club meeting, where you will be officially welcomed and inducted into the Rotary Club of Wakefield Chantry