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 two reasons why Rotary began in 1905.
Business Development: The second original reason for Rotary's beginning is 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 organization of leaders and successful people. Serving in Rotary positions is like a college education. Leadership: - 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 program 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 activities are fun. Serving others 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 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 33,000 clubs in over 200 nations and geographical regions. This means instant friends in both one's own community and in the world community.
Assistance when Traveling: Because there are Rotary clubs everywhere, many a Rotarian in need of a doctor, lawyer, hotel, dentist, advice, etc., while traveling has found assistance through Rotary.
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 Programs: Rotary provides one of the world's largest youth exchange programs; 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, etc.
The Development of Ethics: Rotarians practice the 4-Way Test that governs one's ethical standards. Rotarians are expected to be ethical in business and person relationships.
Cultural Awareness: Around the world, practically every religion, country, culture, race, creed, political persuasion, language, color, 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 above all are nice people - the nicest people on the face of the earth. They are important people who follow the policy of "it is nice to be important but it is more important to be nice."
The Absence of an” Official Creed": Rotary has no secret handshake, no secret policy, no official creed, no secret meetings or rituals. It is an open society of men and women who simply believe in helping others.
The Opportunity to Serve: Rotary is a service club. Its product is serving. 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-fulfillment that comes in the process and return of that satisfaction to one's own life. It is richly rewarding.
About Us
Rotary unites more than a million people around the world. Rotary District 6580, based in Southern Indiana, consists of 32 Rotary clubs and more than 1,500 Rotarians. Rotary clubs in our district range in size from 12 to 200 members. Our clubs’ programs involve prominent leaders in every field, and our membership represents business and civic leaders of our communities and our state. Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Indiana’s three Rotary districts select Cadet Noah Jager as 2024-25 Rotary Global Grant Scholar and The Rotary Foundation has confirmed Noah Jager as the 2024-25 All-Indiana Rotary Global Scholar. Noah recently graduated from West Point Naval Academy. The three Indiana Rotary districts chose Noah over five other outstanding finalists following January 20 interviews. Noah, endorsed by Bloomington Sunrise Rotary, will use the $40,000 award to pursue a master’s degree in International Peace and Security from King’s College London. Noah’s area of focus: Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention.
After receiving his master’s degree, Noah will serve as an officer in the U.S. Army for a minimum of five years on active duty and three years in the reserves. In his first duty position, Noah will serve as a Military Intelligence Officer specializing in strategic intelligence. After serving in this role, he hopes to become a Foreign Area Officer (FAO), providing liaison with countries in an assigned region through policymaking, military cooperation, and community engagement. Later, Noah plans to return to Indiana where he will practice law and serve in the Indiana National Guard. Ultimately, he plans to address the needs of Hoosiers by serving in the U.S. Congress.
Indiana’s three Rotary districts select Cadet Noah Jager as 2024-25 Rotary Global Grant Scholar and The Rotary Foundation has confirmed Noah Jager as the 2024-25 All-Indiana Rotary Global Scholar. Noah recently graduated from West Point Naval Academy. The three Indiana Rotary districts chose Noah over five other outstanding finalists following January 20 interviews. Noah, endorsed by Bloomington Sunrise Rotary, will use the $40,000 award to pursue a master’s degree in International Peace and Security from King’s College London. Noah’s area of focus: Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention.
After receiving his master’s degree, Noah will serve as an officer in the U.S. Army for a minimum of five years on active duty and three years in the reserves. In his first duty position, Noah will serve as a Military Intelligence Officer specializing in strategic intelligence. After serving in this role, he hopes to become a Foreign Area Officer (FAO), providing liaison with countries in an assigned region through policymaking, military cooperation, and community engagement. Later, Noah plans to return to Indiana where he will practice law and serve in the Indiana National Guard. Ultimately, he plans to address the needs of Hoosiers by serving in the U.S. Congress.