By Cliff Dochterman
1992-93 President
Rotary International
These short articles about Rotary were first published in the weekly bulletin of the Rotary Club of North Stockton, California, U.S.A. That was well before their author, Cliff Dochterman, became president of Rotary International for the year 1992-93. Originally called "Did Ya Know?" the pieces were prepared to share interesting facts about Rotary International with members of the North Stockton club. Later, in response to requests from other Rotary clubs, the articles were reprinted in collected form. Now, President Cliff has brought the collection up to date in keeping with one of the emphases of his year in office as R.l. president--to help Rotarians learn more about the colorful history of their organization, its customs and traditions, and the current status of its global programs. The articles may be reprinted in Rotary club bulletins or presented as Rotary information at weekly club meetings.
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How do you describe the organization called
"Rotary"? There are so many characteristics of a Rotary club as well
as the activities of a million Rotarians. There are the features of service,
internationality, fellowship, classifications of each vocation, development of
goodwill and world understanding, the emphasis of high ethical standards,
concern for other people and many more descriptive qualities.
In 1976 the Rotary International Board of Directors was
interested in creating a concise definition of the fundamental aspects of
Rotary. They turned to the three men who were then serving on Rotary's Public
Relations Commit- tee and requested that a one-sentence definition of Rotary be
prepared. After numerous drafts, the committee presented this definition, which
has been used ever since in various Rotary publications:
"Rotary is an organization of business and professional
persons united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high
ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace in the
world."
Those 31 words are worth remembering when someone asks,
"What is a Rotary club?"
An official flag was formally adopted by Rotary
International at the 1929 Convention in Dallas, Texas. The Rotary flag consists
of a white field with the official wheel emblem emblazoned in gold in the
center of the field. The four depressed spaces on the rim of the Rotary wheel
are colored royal blue. The words "Rotary" and
"International" printed at the top and bottom depressions on the
wheel rim are also gold. The shaft in the hub and the keyway of the wheel are
white.
The first official Rotary flag reportedly was flown in
Kansas City, Missouri, in January 1915. In 1922 a small Rotary flag was carried
over the South Pole by Admiral Richard Byrd, a member of the Winchester,
Virginia, Rotary Club. Four years later, the admiral carried a Rotary flag in
his expedition to the North Pole.
Some Rotary clubs use the official Rotary flag as a banner
at club meetings. In these instances it is appropriate to print the words
"Rotary Club" above the wheel symbol, and the name of the city, state
or nation below the emblem.
The Rotary flag is always prominently displayed at the World
Headquarters as well as at all conventions and official events of Rotary
International.
A wheel has been the symbol of Rotary since our earliest
days. The first design was made by Chicago Rotarian Montague Bear, an engraver
who drew a simple wagon wheel, with a few lines to show dust and motion. The
wheel was said to illustrate "Civilization and Movement." Most of the
early clubs had some form of wagon wheel on their publications and letterheads.
Finally, in 1922, it was decided that all Rotary clubs should adopt a single
design as the exclusive emblem of Rotarians. Thus, in 1923, the present gear
wheel, with 24 cogs and six spokes was adopted by the "Rotary
International Association." A group of engineers advised that the geared
wheel was mechanically unsound and would not work without a "keyway"
in the center of the gear to attach it to a power shaft. So, in 1923 the keyway
was added and the design which we now know was formally adopted as the official
Rotary International emblem.
In some areas of the world weekly Rotary club meetings begin
with all members standing and reciting the Object of Rotary. This statement,
which comes from the Constitution of Rotary, is frequently seen on a wall
plaque in Rotarians' offices or place of business. The Object of Rotary is
"to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy
enterprise." The statement then lists four areas by which this "ideal
of service" is fostered: through the development of acquaintance as the
opportunity for service; the promotion of high ethical standards in business
and professions; through
service in one's personal, business and community life; and
the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace.
The Object of Rotary has not always been expressed in this
manner. The original Constitution of 1906 had three objects: promotion of
business interests, promotion of good fellowship and the advancement of the
best interests of the community. By 1910 Rotary had five Objects as increased
emphasis was given to expanding Rotary. By 1915 there were six Objects. In 1918
the Objects were rewritten again and reduced to four. Four years later they had
again grown to six and were revised again in 1927.
Finally, at the 1935 Mexico City Convention the six Objects
were restated and reduced to four. The last major change came in 1951, when the
"Objects" were streamlined and changed to a single "Object"
which is manifested in four separate ways. The "ideal of service" is
the key phrase in the Object of Rotary. This ideal is an attitude of being a
thoughtful and helpful person in all of one's endeavors. That's what the Object
truly means.
The first motto of Rotary International, "He Profits Most
Who Serves Best," was approved at the second Rotary Convention, held in
Port- land, Oregon, in August 1911. The phrase was first stated by a Chicago
Rotarian, Art Sheldon, who made a speech in 1910, which included the remark,
"He profits most who serves his fellows best." At about the same
time, Ben Collins, president of the Rotary Club of Minneapolis, Minnesota,
commented that the proper way to organize a Rotary club was through the
principle his club had adopted--"Service, Not Self." These two slogans,
slightly modified, were formally approved to be the official mottoes of Rotary
at the 1950 Convention in Detroit--"He Profits Most Who Serves Best"
and "Service Above Self." The 1989 Council on Legislation established
"Service Above Self" as the principal motto of Rotary, since it best
explains the philosophy of unselfish volunteer service.
Regular attendance is essential to a strong and active
Rotary club. The emphasis on attendance is traced back to 1922 when Rotary
International announced a worldwide attendance contest which motivated
thousands of Rotarians to achieve a 100 percent attendance year after year.
Many Rotarians take great pride in maintaining their 100 percent record in
their own club or by making-up at other Rotary club meetings.
Although the by-laws of Rotary require members to attend
only 60 percent of all meetings, the custom has emerged that 100 percent is the
desirable level. Rotary stresses regular attendance because each member
represents his own business or profession and thus the absence of any member
deprives the club of the values of its diversified membership and the personal
fellowship of each member. From time to time, proposals have been made to give
attendance credit to Rotarians who are on jury duty, serving in the community,
attending a trade convention, on vacation in remote areas, on shipboard or
unable to attend because of ill health or other special reasons. None of these
exceptions has been adopted. The policy is very clear--a Rotarian is not given
attendance credit if he does not attend a meeting.
There are a few circumstances where attendance credit is
awarded when a Rotarian participates in an alternate type of Rotary event. If a
Rotarian is requested to attend an Interact or Rotaract meeting, attendance
credit may be allowed. When a member attends a Rotary district conference,
district assembly, international convention, Council on Legislation, a meeting
of an international committee, an inter-city meeting and a few other specially
designated events, attendance my be credited. A Rotarian actively participating
in a district-sponsored service project in a remote area where it is impossible
to make-up may also receive attendance credit.
One of the most widely printed and quoted statements of
business ethics in the world is the Rotary "4-Way Test." It was
created by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor in 1932 when he was asked to take charge
of the Chicago- based Club Aluminum Company, which was facing bankruptcy.
Taylor looked for a way to save the struggling company mired in
depression-caused financial difficulties. He drew up a 24-word code of ethics
for all employees to follow in their business and professional lives. The 4-Way
Test became the guide for sales, production, advertising and all relations with
dealers and customers, and the survival of the company was credited to this
simple philosophy. Herb Taylor became president of Rotary International during
1954-55. The 4-Way Test was adopted by Rotary in 1943 and has been translated
into more than 100 languages and published in thousands of ways. The message
should be known and followed by all Rotarians. "Of the things we think,
say or do: 1. Is it the TRUTH? 2. Is it FAIR to all concerned? 3. Will it build
GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? 4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all
concerned?"
Was Paul Harris the first president of a Rotary club? No.
Was Paul Harris the first president of Rotary International? Yes.
There is an easy explanation to this apparent contradiction.
Although Paul Harris was the founder and organizer of the first Rotary club in
Chicago in 1905, the man selected to be the first president was one of the
other founding members, Silvester Schiele. By the year 1910 there were 16
Rotary clubs, which linked up as an organization called the National
Association of Rotary Clubs. A couple of years later the name was changed to
International Association of Rotary Clubs as Rotary was organized in Winnipeg,
Canada, and then in England, Ireland and Scotland. In 1922 the name was
shortened to Rotary International. When the first organization of Rotary clubs
was created in 1910, Paul Harris was selected as the first president. He served
in this position for two years from 1910 until 1912. thus, the founder of the
Rotary idea, who declined to be president of the first club, became the first
president of the worldwide organization, Rotary International.
From the earliest days of Rotary , members have referred to each other on a first-name basis. Since personal acquaintanceship and friendship are cornerstones of Rotary, it was natural that many clubs adopted the practice of setting aside formal titles in conversations among members. Individuals who normally would be addressed as Doctor, Professor, Mister, the Honorable or Sir are regularly called Joe, Bill, Charley or Jerry by other Rotarians. The characteristic Rotary club name badge fosters the first-name custom. In a few areas, such as Europe, club members use a more formal style in addressing fellow members. In other parts of the world, mainly in Asian countries, the practice is to assign each new Rotarian a humorous nickname which relates to some personal characteristic or which is descriptive of the member's business or profession. A member nicknames "Oxygen" is the manufacturer of chemical gas products. "Trees" is the nickname for the Rotarian in the lumber business, "Building" is the contractor, "Paper" is the stationery or office supply retailer. Other members might carry nicknames like "Muscles," "Foghorn" or "Smiles" as commentaries on their physical features. The nicknames are frequently a source of good-natured fun and fellowship. But whether a Rotarian is addressed by a given first name or a nickname, the spirit of personal friendship is the initial step, which opens doors to all other opportunities for service.
The term "four Avenues of Service" is frequently
used in Rotary literature and information. The "Avenues" refer to the
four elements of the Object of Rotary: Club Service, Vocational Service,
Community Service and International Service. Although the Avenues of Service
are not found in any formal part of the constitutional documents of Rotary, the
concept has been accepted as a means to describe the primary areas of Rotary
activity. "Club Service"
involves all of the activities necessary for Rotarians to perform to make their
club function successfully. "Vocational Service" is a description of
the opportunity each Rotarian has to represent the dignity and utility of one's
vocation to the other members of the club.
"Community Service" pertains to those activities,
which Rotarians undertake to improve the quality of life in their community. It
frequently involves assistance to youth, the aged, handicapped and others who
look to Rotary as a source of hope for a better life. The Fourth Avenue
"International Service" describes the many programs and activities,
which Rotarians undertake to advance international understanding, goodwill and
peace. International Service projects are designed to meet humanitarian needs
of people in many lands. When a Rotarian understands and travels down the
"Four Avenues of Service," the Object of Rotary takes on even greater
meaning.
The month of April is annually designated as "Rotary's
Magazine Month," an occasion to recognize and promote the reading and use
of the official R.I. magazine, THE ROTARIAN, and the regional magazines. THE
ROTARIAN has been around since 1911 as the medium to communicate with Rotarians
and to advance the program and Object of Rotary. A primary goal of the magazine
is to support the annual theme and philosophy of the R.I. president and to
disseminate information about new and special programs, major meetings and the
emphasis of the several official "months" of Rotary THE ROTARIAN
provides a forum in which both Rotary-related and general interest topics may
be explored. Frequently the magazine presents lively debates on topical
questions. The magazine serves as an excellent source of information and ideas
for programs at Rotary club meetings and district conferences. Many articles
promote international fellowship, goodwill and understanding. Regular readers
usually have superior knowledge of the activities of Rotary and how each
Rotarian may be more fully involved in the Four Avenues of Service around the
world. In addition to THE ROTARIAN there are 27 regional magazines printed in
21 languages. Although each regional publication has its own unique style and
content, they all provide Rotarians with up-to-date information and good
reading in April--and all through the year.
As an international organization, Rotary offers each member
unique opportunities and responsibilities unlike those of other groups one
might join. Although each Rotarian has first responsibility to uphold the
obligations of citizenship of his or her own country, membership in Rotary
enables Rotarians to take a somewhat different view of international affairs.
In the early 1950s a Rotary philosophy was adopted to describe how a Rotarian
may think on a global basis. Here is what it said: "A world-minded
Rotarian:
Rotary International is the most territorial organization in
the world. It exists in 184 different countries and territories and cuts across
dozens of languages, political and social structures, customs, religions and
traditions. How is it that all of the more than 25,500 Rotary clubs of the
world operate in almost identical style? The primary answer is the Standard
Rotary Club Constitution. One of the conditions to receive a charter to become
a Rotary club is to accept the Standard Club Constitution, originally adopted
in 1922. The Standard Club Constitution outlines administrative techniques for
clubs to follow in holding weekly meetings, procedures for membership and
classifications, conditions of attendance and payment of dues and other
policies relating to public issues and political positions. This constitutional
document provides the framework for all Rotary clubs in the world. When the
Standard Club Constitution was accepted, it was agreed that all existing clubs
could continue to follow their current constitution. Although most of those
early clubs have subsequently endorsed the Standard Constitution, a few
pre-1922 clubs still conduct their club affairs according to their former
constitutional provisions. The Standard Club Constitution has to be considered
one of the great strengths of Rotary to enable the organization to operate in
so many thousands of communities.
The bylaws of Rotary clearly outline the procedure for a
prospective member to be proposed for Rotary club membership. The
"proposer" is the key person in the growth and advancement of Rotary.
Without a sponsor, an individual will never have the opportunity to become a Rotarian.
The task of the proposer should not end merely by submitting a name to the club
secretary or membership committee. Rotary has not established formal
responsibilities for proposers or sponsors; however, by custom and tradition
these procedures are recommended in many clubs. The sponsor should:
Until 1989, the Constitution and By-laws of Rotary International
stated that Rotary club membership was for males only. In 1978 the Rotary Club
of Duarte, California, invited three women to become members. The R.I. board
withdrew the charter of that club for violation of the R.I. Constitution. The
club brought suit against R.I. claiming a violation of a state civil rights
law, which prevents discrimination of any form in business establishments or
public accommodations. The appeals court and the California Supreme Court
supported the Duarte position that Rotary could not remove the club's charter
merely for inducting women into the club. The United States Supreme Court
upheld the California court indicating that Rotary clubs do have a
"business purpose" and are in some ways public-type organizations.
This action there- fore allowed women to become Rotarians in any jurisdiction
having similar "public accommodation" statutes. The R.l.
constitutional change was made at the 1989 Council on Legislation, with a vote
to eliminate the "male only" provision for all of Rotary.
The headquarters of Rotary International always has been in the area of Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. First it was in Chicago itself, but in 1954 an attractive new building opened in suburban Evanston. The Ridge Avenue building met the needs of the Rotary Secretariat until the 1980s when the addition of new programs, the growth of The Rotary Foundation, and the new PolioPlus activities made the headquarters building extremely crowded and required some staff members to be housed in supplementary office space nearby. When a modern 18-story office building became available in downtown Evanston in 1987, it appeared to meet all of Rotary's space and expansion needs for years to come. The glass and steel structure, built in 1977, provides 400,000 square feet of office and usable space. The building was purchased by Rotary International, which leases approximately two-thirds of the space to commercial tenants, until needed by future Rotary growth. The building provides a 190-seat auditorium, large parking garage and 300-seat cafeteria, as well as functional office space for the 400 employees of the world headquarters. The executive suite on the 18th floor includes conference rooms for the R.I. board and committee meetings, in addition to the offices for the R.I. president, president-elect and general secretary. One Rotary Center, as it is called, will enhance the efficient operations of Rotary International for many years to come.
The month of February is very special in the Rotary calendar since it is designated World Understanding Month. The month also includes the anniversary of the first meeting of Rotary held on February 23, 1905, now designated World Understanding and Peace Day. In designating World Understanding Month, the Rotary International board asks all Rotary clubs to plan programs for their weekly meetings and undertake special activities to emphasize "understanding and goodwill as essential for world peace." To observe this designated month, many clubs arrange international speakers, invite youth exchange students and international scholars from schools and universities to club meetings, plan programs featuring former Group Study Exchange team members, arrange discussions on international Issues, present entertainment with an international cultural or artistic theme and schedule other programs with an international emphasis. Many clubs take the opportunity to launch an international community service activity or make contact with a Rotary club in another country. It is a good month to initiate a Rotary Fellowship Exchange, a 3-H project or encourage support for PolioPlus and other Rotary Foundation programs. World Understanding Month is a chance for every club to pause, plan and promote the Fourth Avenue of Service--Rotary's continued quest for goodwill, peace and understanding among people of the world.
Since 1981, the Rotary Award for World Understanding has been given each year, with one exception, to an individual or organization "whose life or work demonstrates in some exemplary or worthy manner the Rotary ideal of service, especially in the promotion of international understanding, goodwill and peace." The award is presented at the Rotary International Convention. A special worldwide committee makes the selection, which must then be approved by the R.I. Board of Directors and the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation. In addition to a beautiful crystal sculpture, the award provides the opportunity for the recipient to select ten Rotary Foundation scholars who then receive their ambassadorial scholarships in the distinguished award winner's name. Past recipients of the World Understanding Awards have been: 1981, Dr. Noburo Iwamura, Japanese professor of medical research; 1982, Pope John Paul II; 1983, Dr. Lotta Hitschmanova, Canadian humanitarian; 1984, World Organization of the Scout Movement; 1985, Dr. Albert B. Sabin, developer of oral polio vaccine; 1986, International Committee of the Red Cross; 1987, Lady Hermione Ranfurly, for worldwide Ranfurly Library Services; 1988, The Salvation Army; 1989, no award; 1990, Vaclav Havel, president of Czechoslovakia; 1991, Javier Perez de Cuellar, secretary general of the United Nations; and 1992, Edward J. Piszek, U.S.A. businessman-philanthropist.
Virtually all membership in Rotary is based upon a "classification." Basically a classification describes the distinct and recognized business or professional service which the Rotarian renders to society. The principle of Rotary classification is somewhat more specific and precise. In determining the classification of a Rotarian it is necessary to look at the "principal or recognized business or professional activity of the firm, company or institution" with which an active member is connected or "that which covers his principal and recognized business or professional activity." It should be clearly understood that classifications are determined by activities or services to society rather than by the position held by a particular individual. In other words, if a person is the president of a bank, he is not classified as "bank president" but under the classification "banking." It is the principal and recognized activity of a business or professional establishment or the individual's principal and recognized business or professional activity that determines the classification to be established and loaned to a qualified person. For example, the permanently employed electrical engineer, insurance adjustor, or business manager of a railroad company, mining company, manufacturing concern, hospital, clinic, etc., may be considered for membership as a representative of the particular work he may be doing personally or as a representative of the firm, company, or institution to which he is devoting his professional services. The classification principle also permits business and industries to be separated into distinct functions such as manufacturing, distributing, retailing and servicing. Classifications may also be specified as distinct and independent divisions of a large corporation or university within the club's territory, such as a school of business or a school of engineering. The classification principle is a necessary concept in assuring that each Rotary club represents a cross section of the business and professional service of the community.
One of the colorful traditions of many Rotary clubs is the exchange of small banners, flags or pennants. Rotarians traveling to distant locations often take banners to exchange at "make up" meetings as a token of friendship. Many clubs use the decorative banners they have received for attractive displays at club meetings and district events. The Rotary International board recognized the growing popularity of the banner exchange back in 1959 and suggested that those clubs which participate in such exchanges give careful thought to the design of their banners in order that they be distinctive and expressive of the community and country of which the club is a part. It is recommended that banners include pictures, slogans or designs which portray the territorial area of the club. The board was also mindful of the financial burden such exchanges may impose upon some clubs, especially in popular areas where many visitors make up and request to exchange. In all instances, clubs are cautioned to exercise discretion and moderation in the exchange of banners in order that the financial obligations do not interfere with the basic service activities of the club. Exchanging club banners is a very pleasant custom, especially when a creative and artistic banner tells an interesting story of community pride. The exchange of banners is a significant tradition of Rotary and serves as a tangible symbol of our international fellowship.
The Rotary Club Constitution specifies three conditions under which a Rotarian's membership will automatically be terminated for non-attendance. These circumstances are: failure to attend or make up four consecutive club meetings, failure to attend or make up 60 percent of club meetings each six months and failure to attend at least 30 percent of the meetings of one's own club in each six-month period. Under any of these three cases, a member will lose his Rotary membership unless the club board of directors has previously consented to excuse such failure for good and sufficient reason. To some individuals, these rules may seem unusually rigid. How- ever, being present at club meetings is one of the basic obligations a member accepts upon joining a Rotary club. The constitutional rules merely emphasize that Rotary is a participatory organization which highly values regular attendance. When a member is absent the entire club loses the personal association with that member. Being present at a club meeting is considered a vital part of the operation and success of every Rotary club. For any Rotarian to miss four consecutive meetings, or disregard the other attendance requirements, should be considered tantamount to the submission of one's resignation from the club. When a club terminates a member for non-attendance, it is simply an acceptance of a resignation and not a punitive action by the club officers. All Rotarians know the consequences of non-attendance, so it clearly becomes a conscious decision by a Rotarian to withdraw from the club when he fails to fulfill the attendance requirements.
Are you aware of the responsibility or obligation most Rotarians
fail to perform? Paying their dues? Attending meetings? Contributing to the
club's service fund? Participating in club events and projects? No--none of
these! Of all the obligations a person accepts when joining a Rotary club, the
one in which most Rotarians fail is "sharing Rotary." The policies of
Rotary International clearly affirm that every individual Rotarian has an
"obligation to share Rotary with others and to help extend Rotary through
proposing qualified persons for Rotary club membership." It is estimated
that less than 30 percent of the members of most Rotary clubs have ever made
the effort to propose a new member. Thus, in every club, there are many
Rotarians who readily accept the pleasures of being a Rotarian without ever
sharing that privilege with another qualified individual. The Rotary policy on
club membership states: "In order for a Rotary club to be fully relevant
to its community and responsive to the needs of those in the community, it is
important and necessary that the club include in its membership all fully
qualified prospective members located within its territory. " One merely
has to glance through the yellow pages of the local telephone directory to
realize that most clubs have not invited qualified members of all businesses
and professions into Rotary. Only a Rotarian may propose a customer, neighbor,
client, supplier, executive, relative, business associate, professional or
other qualified person to join a Rotary club. Have you accepted your obligation
to share Rotary? The procedures are very simple, and everyone must know at
least one person who should belong to Rotary.
Occasionally there is a temptation to criticize the laws,
customs and traditions of another country which may seem strange or contrary to
our own. In some instances illegal practices or customs of one nation are
completely lawful and acceptable in another. As members of an international
organization dedicated to world understanding and peace, it behooves Rotarians
to exercise restraint in judging our Rotary friends and citizens from other
countries when their behavior seems unusual to us. A Rotary policy has existed
for more than half a century relating to this dilemma of international
relationships. The statement, adopted in 1933, says that because it is
recognized that some activities and local customs may be legal and customary in
some countries and not in others, Rotarians should be guided by this admonition
of tolerance: "Rotarians in all countries should recognize these facts and
there should be a thoughtful avoidance of criticism of the laws and customs of
one country by the Rotarians of another country." The policy also cautions
against "any effort on the part of Rotarians of one country to interfere
with the laws or customs of another country." As we strive to strengthen
the bonds of understanding, goodwill and friendship, these policies still
provide good advice and guidance.
Vocational Service is the "Second Avenue of Service." No aspect of Rotary is more closely related to each member than a personal commitment to represent one's vocation or occupation to fellow Rotarians and to exemplify the characteristics of high ethical standards and the dignity of work. Programs of vocational service are those, which seek to improve business relations while improving the quality of trades, industry, commerce and the professions. Rotarians understand that each person makes a valuable contribution to a better society through daily activities in a business or profession. Vocational service is frequently demonstrated by offering young people career guidance, occupational information and assistance in making vocational choices. Some clubs sponsor high school career conferences. Many recognize the dignity of employment by honoring exemplary service of individuals working in their communities. The 4-Way Test and other ethical and laudable business philosophies are often promoted among young people entering the world of work. Vocational talks and discussion of business issues are also typical vocational service programs at most clubs. Regardless of the ways that vocational service is expressed, it is the banner by which Rotarians "recognize the worthiness of all useful occupations" and demonstrate a commitment to "high ethical standards in all businesses and professions." That's why the Second Avenue of Service is fundamental to every Rotary club.
In many Rotary clubs throughout the world, wives of male
members are affectionately called "Rotary Anns." This designation was
never one of disparagement, but rather grew out of an interesting historical
occasion. The year was 1914 when San Francisco Rotarians boarded a special
train to attend the Rotary convention being held in Houston. In those days few
wives attended Rotary events, and until the train stopped in Los Angeles, the
only woman aboard was the wife of Rotarian Bru Brunnier. As the train picked up
additional convention-bound delegates, Mrs. Ann Brunnier was introduced as the
Rotarian's Ann. This title soon became "Rotary Ann." Since the clubs
of the West were inviting the Rotarians to hold their next convention in San
Francisco, a number of songs and stunts were organized which would be performed
in Houston. One of the Rotarians wrote a "Rotary Ann" chant. On the
train's arrival at the Houston depot, a delegation greeted the West Coast
Rotarians. One of the greeters was Guy Gundaker of Philadelphia, whose wife was
also named Ann. During the rousing demonstration, someone started the Rotary
Ann chant. The two petite ladies, Ann Brunnier and Ann Gundaker, were hoisted
to the men's shoulders and paraded about the hall. The group loved the title
given to the two women named Ann. Immediately the same term of endearment was
used for all of the wives in attendance, and the name "Rotary Ann"
was here to stay. Guy Gundaker became president of Rotary International in 1923
and Bru Brunnier was elected president in 1952. Thus, each of the two original
Rotary Anns became the "first lady of Rotary International."
In many Rotary clubs, particularly in Judeo-Christian nations, it is customary to open weekly meetings with an appropriate invocation or blessing. Usually such invocations are offered without reference to specific religious denominations or faiths. Rotary policy recognizes that throughout the world Rotarians represent many religious beliefs, ideas and creeds. The religious beliefs of each member are fully respected, and nothing in Rotary is intended to prevent each individual from being faithful to such convictions. At international assemblies and conventions, it is traditional for a silent invocation to be given. In respect for all religious beliefs and in the spirit of tolerance for a wide variety of personal faiths, all persons are invited to seek divine guidance and peace "each in his own way." It is an inspiring experience to join with thousands of Rotarians in an international "silent prayer" or act of personal devotion. Usually all Rotary International board and committee meetings begin with a few moments of silent meditation. In this period of silence, Rotary demonstrates respect for the beliefs of all members, who represent the religions of the world. Since each Rotary club is autonomous, the practice of presenting a prayer or invocation at club meetings is left entirely to the traditions and customs of the individual club, with the understanding that these meeting rituals always be conducted in a manner, which will respect the religious convictions and faiths of all members.
Most Rotarians are successful professional and business
executives because they hear opportunities knock and take advantage of them.
Once a week the opportunity for Rotary fellowship occurs at each club meeting,
but not all members hear it knocking. The weekly club meeting is a special
privilege of Rotary membership. It provides the occasion to visit with fellow
members, to meet visitors you have not known before, and to share your personal
friendship with other members. Rotary clubs, which have a reputation of being
“friendly clubs” usually, follow a few simple steps: First, members are
encouraged to sit in a different seat or at a different table each week.
Second, Rotarians are urged to sit with a member they may not know as well as
their long-time personal friends. Third, members invite new members or visitors
to join their table just by saying: "Come join us, we have an empty chair
at this table." Fourth, members share the conversation around the table
rather than merely eating in silence or talking privately to the person next to
them. Fifth, Rotarians make a special point of trying to get acquainted with
all members of the club by seeking out those they may not know. When Rotarians
follow these five easy steps, an entirely new opportunity for fellowship knocks
each week. Soon Rotarians realize that warm and personal friendship is the
cornerstone of every great Rotary club.
Senior active" is a form of membership reserved for members
who have provided substantial years of service to Rotary and is usually
regarded as a mark of Rotary distinction. Being a senior active member
signifies that a Rotarian has been involved in club activities over a long
period. A Rotarian automatically becomes "senior active" upon
completion of 15 years of service in one or more Rotary clubs. Senior active
status is also conferred upon a Rotarian with ten or more years service who has
reached the age of 60, or with five or more years service who has reached the
age of 65. A Rotarian who serves as a district governor is also eligible for
senior active membership. One of the benefits of being senior active is that
the Rotarian no longer must reside or have his place of business within the
territorial limits of the club. If a senior active member moves to another
city, he may be invited to join Rotary without having an open classification.
When a Rotarian becomes senior active, his/her classification is released to
enable another individual to join Rotary. It is important to remember, senior
active is not a classification it is a type of membership. A senior active
member is always identified by "former classification," which
describes a business or profession.
Honorary" is one of the four types of membership a person may have in a Rotary club. This type of membership is the highest distinction a Rotary club can confer and is exercised only in exceptional cases to recognize an individual for unusual service and contributions to Rotary and society. An honorary member is elected for one year only, and continuing membership must be renewed annually. Honorary members cannot propose new members to the club, do not hold office and are exempt from attendance requirements and club dues. Many distinguished heads of state, explorers, authors, musicians, astronauts and other public personalities have been honorary members of Rotary clubs, including King Gustaf of Sweden, King George VI of England, King Badouin of Belgium, King Hassan III of Morocco, Sir Winston Churchill,