The Great Rotary Clubs of the World

Frequently someone asks me: "In the hundreds of communities you have visited around the world, which stand out as the great Rotary clubs? " So Ihave wondered, how do you really judge an outstanding Rotary club? Some might rate a club by the number of members or its percentage of regular attendance. Others would compare the reputation of Rotary club speakers and the quality of the weekly programs. There are Rotarians who grade clubs by the food served or the pleasure of the social events. A Rotary club could be judged by the prominence of the membership roster; the level of funds raised; or p ossibly the annual support given to The Rotary Foundation of R.I. Clubs could be classified by the number of annual community or international projects undertaken and completed. An evaluation could even be given to the number of club members attending district conferences, committee meetings, or international conventions. Perhaps all of these criteria should be used in deciding which are the great Rotary clubs of the world.

This year, however, I concluded that the "well-balanced clubs" are the very best. Over 6,000 Presidential Citations have been prepared to recognize the well-balanced club during 1992-93. The well-balanced clubs are those with enthusiastic club service activities, including excellent weekly programs, good membership growth, enjoyable fellowship events, an informative club bulletin, and a motivational orientation of new members. The well-balanced club emphasizes the avenue of vocational service with regular presentations on the business and professional experiences of the members. The club will establish activities to reward high ethical and occupational standards in the community. Career opportunities are explored with youth and young adults and The 4-Way Test is shared and practiced in the community. The well-balanced club has an active community service program, with new projects each year to enhance the quality of life. The club seeks ways to improve the environment, discourage drug and substance abuse, demonstrate concern for the aged, and support education and literacy activities. Rotary-sponsored youth activities and support projects enhance the health, environment, and safety of the community.

The well-balanced clubs reach beyond national boundaries and across the oceans in projects of international service. Goodwill and world understanding are promoted by World Community Service, 3-H projects, international exchange programs, and support for the peace and humanitarian efforts of The Rotary Foundation. These are the four corners of a well-balanced Rotary club. Those which achieve this important balance are truly the "great Rotary clubs of the world." And, the amazing thing is, that with proper leadership and determination, every club can become a "great" one.

Warmest Regards
Clifford L. Dochterman
Past President, R.I.

 RI Site