The Rotary World Magazine Press consists of 32 magazines from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, and Europe that inform, inspire, and entertain in 23 languages. In addition to The Rotarian, Rotary’s English-language flagship publication, it offers magazines such as Vida Rotaria (Argentina), Rotary in Bulgaria, and The Rotary-no-Tomo (Japan).

The RI Bylaws require all club members to subscribe to The Rotarian or a Rotary regional magazine. Rotary leaders, district governors, and club presidents are encouraged to support magazine editors in their country or region by submitting story ideas, promoting readership, encouraging timely subscription payments, and assisting with other communication efforts.

PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE

 

GARY C.K. HUANG

PRESIDENT 2014-15

APRIL 2015

Today, there are so many more ways to communicate than ever before. In the age of video conferences and instant messages, we can work together from almost anywhere, and always be in touch; we can share our Rotary work on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Rotary.org. But there will always be a tremendously important role for the magazine that you are holding in your hands – or reading on an electronic device – right now.

The Rotarian is one of the oldest continuously published magazines in the world, with an unbroken publication history dating back to its first issue, featuring Paul Harris as a contributor, in 1911. Back then, the magazine was printed in black and white, and was only a few pages. The type was small, the pictures were few, and the advertisements were for piano dealers, haberdashers, and a hotel fully equipped with hot and cold running water!

Now, you can read The Rotarian on your phone or tablet, and regional magazines are published in 24 languages. Seventeen Nobel Prize winners and 19 Pulitzer Prize winners have written for the magazine, including Mahatma Gandhi, Desmond Tutu, George Bernard Shaw, and Nicholas Murray Butler. Every month, The Rotarian brings us a snapshot of the best of the Rotary world: It engages, entertains, enlightens, and inspires.

In an age of constant communication, with so many ways to find new information, do we still need a Rotary magazine? Absolutely. Because the magazine is now, as it has always been, one of the best ways to spread the word about Rotary. It has allowed me to share the fun and excitement of Rotary Days, it showcases the good work of Rotarians around the world, and it puts a spotlight on important issues affecting us all. The Rotarian isn't just enjoyable for Rotarians – it's a great way to boost Rotary's public image, and show the world the work that Rotarians do.

So when you're done reading this issue, pass it along. Ask yourself who might be particularly interested in this month's articles. Give the issue to a friend, a co-worker, or a colleague. Share it with someone you've invited to a Rotary club meeting. Visit www.therotarianmagazine.com to share stories on social media, or send links through email. Use it toLight Up Rotary – just as Rotarians have been doing for more than 100 years.

 

Kelso Rotary Club volunteer David Houten gives several plants near the Allen Street Bridge a fresh watering. (The Daily News)

On Friday and Saturday, 30 volunteers from local service clubs and schools and workers from the Department of Corrections planted about 500 plants, laid down bark dust and painted over graffiti near the Allen Street Bridge to make the downtown area safer and more welcoming.

“The vegetation was overgrown. It was a safe place for illicit activity,” Kelso City Manager Steve Taylor said. “This is a way to put a positive face on the downtown and to involve the community. It’s a message for folks commuting between Kelso and Longview.”

Including a $1,000 donation from the Kelso Downtown Revitalization Association, the project cost the city about $16,000.

AmeriCorps member Stephanie Owens helped plant and water the new garden space and said the three pear trees she planted on Friday are testament to the lasting impact of volunteers in Kelso.

“I like the idea of these trees. I call them my AmeriCorps trees,” she said. “People who ask us, ‘Does AmeriCorps have a lasting impact?’ Absolutely.”

Download How to Propose New Member (PDF).    
If you know someone who doesn’t live in your community but would make a great Rotarian, complete the referral form (PDF). This form should be returned to the Kelso Rotary Membership Chair (Lisa Nathan) or a board member. 

If you’re a current Rotarian who’s moving to a new community, complete the relocation form located on www.rotary.org, and your information will be forwarded to the appropriate district leaders. Your current club can sponsor you for membership in a club in your new community.

Identifying qualified candidates

Qualified candidates for Rotary club membership are adults of good character and business, professional, or community reputation 

All candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to service through personal involvement, be able to meet the club’s attendance and community project participation requirements, and live or work in the vicinity of the club or the surrounding area.  

Types of membership

There are two types of Rotary club membership, active and honorary:

• Active members must meet the above qualifications.
• Honorary members have distinguished themselves by meritorious service in support of Rotary’s ideals. They’re considered friends of Rotary for their permanent support of Rotary’s cause and are elected by the club.

Prospective member information

Educating potential members about the basics of Rotary club membership provides them with realistic expectations regarding benefits and obligations. Clubs should inform potential members about club, district, and RI activities as well as the structure and history of Rotary.

An informational program for potential members should cover the following subjects:

• The history and organization of Rotary International
• The mission of Rotary
• Financial obligations
• Past and present club projects and how members can get involved
• Club and district structure and current officers
• RI programs and how members can get involved
• The Rotary Foundation’s humanitarian and educational programs and how they’re supported

New member orientation

For new members to smoothly assimilate to your club, they should be able to connect to club members and activities. 

Related information

• How to Propose a New Member
• Membership Referral Form (PDF)
• Membership Relocation Form (PDF or online)

Other resources 

Documents are PDF unless noted

• Becoming a New Member
• Rotary Basics
• Connect for Good
• Rotary Foundation Facts
• Rotary International Annual Report
• RVM: The Rotarian Video Magazine
• The Rotarian magazine
• The Rotary Foundation Annual Report
• This Is Rotary