Paso Robles Rotary - New Member Information

Like most Rotarians, you probably joined Rotary to help improve the quality of life in our community and make a difference in the world. This last year, Rotary International celebrated its centennial anniversary, marking 100 years of significant achievements in service within communities and throughout the world. The Paso Robles Club celebrated its 82^nd anniversary. These achievements are the result of member action and participation. Research shows that the more Rotarians are involved in Rotary activities, the more committed and connected they become to the club. Act now and volunteer your time and talents in those areas that are important to you and where you can make a significant impact! Here are a few ways to help you become more active in the club and in Rotary activities beyond the club level:

Volunteer to serve on one or more club committees.
Attend regularly and keep informed about what’s going on in the club.
Sit with different people at each meeting so you get a chance to connect with everyone in the club.
Act as a greeter or help with the Sargent-at-Arms committee. This is a great way to meet our members.
Participate in club’s service projects and get your family involved, too, whenever possible.
Make up a missed meeting at another club and bring some ideas back.
Attend the District (5240) Conference and Assembly get to know Rotarians from other clubs.
Join one of the many Rotary Fellowships and expand your Rotary acquaintance to many other countries of the world.
Volunteer to host a Youth Exchange student, Group Study Exchange team, Open World Team sponsored by our club or district.
Volunteer to help on the RYLA (Rotary Youth Leader Award) program.
Attend the Rotary International Convention and learn just how international and interconnected Rotary service is.
Attend a PRLS (Potential Rotary Leader Seminar) training. These 1 day orientations don't put you on the fast track to president, but they are very informative about basic Rotary information. They are usually held locally and the cost to attend is paid for by the club.
Visit www.rotary.org/membership/new/involved.html for more information and resources.

Learn More About Rotary

Rotary is a large and multifaceted organization. Here are some ways to learn more about Rotary International (RI).

Visit the Rotary E-Learning Center on the RI Website where you’ll find several learning modules designed specifically for new members.
Visit other parts of the RI Website to get the latest news and information.
Read every issue of your Rotary magazine and your club and district newsletters.
Visit your district Web site at www.rotarydistrict5240.org and learn more about activities throughout the district.
Review the following materials to assist you in learning more about Rotary and The Rotary Foundation:
- Rotary Basics
- The Rotary Foundation Quick Reference Guide
- Communities in Action: A Guide to Effective Projects
- Menu of Service Opportunities
- This Is Rotary (6 minute video)
- The ABC's of Rotary (ask the secretary or membership chair for a copy)

In addition to the latest news, the RI Web site at www.rotary.org provides district Web site links and information about RI and Rotary Foundation programs, such as Interact, Rotaract, Youth Exchange, Rotary Fellowships, Matching Grants, Group Study Exchange, and Ambassadorial Scholarships. You can also conduct much Rotary business online, including registering for the convention and making contributions to the Foundation. RI offers a wide range of resources for Rotarians, including publications covering all aspects of Rotary and its Foundation.

To view the online catalog listing these materials, click on “Shop” on the Web site homepage. Our club also has a print version of the catalog with order forms; ask our club secretary if you can take a look at it.

Questions to Ask

There are a few questions that can help you become more active in the club and informed about Rotary.

What club committee could use my skills?
What community service projects are we sponsoring?
Does my club participate in any Rotary International programs, such as Youth Exchange, or Rotary Youth Leadership Awards?
Who are our club’s officers?
What is a mentor?
Who is the best one to go to for any questions I might have?
What is the Red Badge Program?
What opportunities are there to get involved in international service?
Can I serve as a greeter at club meetings?
How do I .find out where to make up missed meetings?
When is the district conference?

Beyond the Paso Robles Rotary Club

Rotary International and Rotary Foundation

Rotary currently has more than 31,000 Rotary clubs in 168 countries worldwide with over 1.2 million members of Rotary International (RI), an association that supports the clubs’ efforts to serve their communities and the world. Through RI, all Rotarians have access to an international network of clubs working autonomously and in concert to address a variety of concerns throughout the world community. The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, the philanthropic arm of the association, provides funding for clubs’ humanitarian service efforts and also supports exchange programs designed to enhance international understanding and goodwill. Supported almost entirely by the generosity of Rotarians, the Foundation awards millions of dollars each year to worthy projects carried out by clubs and districts working at the local level and in international partnerships. The Rotary Foundation, also sponsors the world’s largest privately funded international scholarships program.

Rotary International is governed by a 19-member Board of Directors, made up of Rotarians from all over the world. The Board sets policy for the association. Day-to-day operations for RI are overseen at the RI Secretariat, headed by a general secretary, with headquarters in theChicago suburb of Evanston, Illinois, USA, and international offices in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, Korea, and Switzerland. The Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI) office serves clubs in those countries. The approximately 600 staff members who work at the Secretariat (RI headquarters in Chicago) are charged with assisting and supporting Rotary districts, clubs, and members. Staff contact information is available on the RI Website.

Special Events to Keep You Involved

We have many club, district, and international events throughout the year that can help you as a new Rotarian become better acquainted with Rotary. In addition to weekly club meetings, consider attending or helping with one or more of the following:

Pioneer Day Old Timer Luncheon – A luncheon meeting hosted by the Paso Robles Rotary Club on the Thursday before Pioneer Day. Typically we host over 500 “Pioneers” (people who have lived in the community for 50 years or more.
Winemaker BBQ Cookoff – A fundraiser that invites local wineries to compete for an award for the best food. This summertime event involves food, wine tasting and fellowship. Proceeds go towards college and vocational scholarships.
Wine Country Golf Classic – This is the premier golf tournament within the county. Held in cooperation with the Atascadero Rotary Club, this event includes a day of golf, wine tasting the evening before and an awards dinner with silent auction after. Proceeds go towards Rotary charities.
Annual Christmas Party - Bring your spouse for fellowship and entertainment.
Annual Christmas Program - bring your child or grandchild to lunch
Annual Ski Trip to Mammoth Mountain - Bring your family.
Paso Robles - Atascadero High School Football Luncheon - An annual event held to encourage high school football players from each school to get to know one another before the game.
Annual Group 11 Thanksgiving Luncheon - Join together with all of the Rotary Clubs in northern San Luis Obispo County and hear a dynamic Rotary speaker. We typicaly host this event. Bring your spouse!
Annual Valentines Day Luncheon - Bring your spouse or significant other.
District assembly – Annual one day meeting open to all Rotarians and incoming club officers, designed to educate members (both new and old).
District conference — Annual two- to three-day motivational and fellowship meeting open to all Rotarians in the district and their families.
District membership seminar — One-day meeting designed to assist club efforts to recruit and retain members; open to all interested Rotarians.
Rotary Foundation seminar — One-day meeting designed to educate all interested Rotarians about The Rotary Foundation and encourage participation in its programs.
Rotary International Convention — Four-day meeting held in May or June in a different part of the world offering unparalleled opportunities for international fellowship.

Rotary needs your help!

The key to Rotary’s continued success is member participation.

Don’t let the service work of the club be done by a few.

Don’t wait to be asked to do something.

There is no limit to what we can accomplish when we come together for a common goal.

Take action now!

Get involved!

Stay involved!

You are essential to Rotary!

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