Rotary is a worldwide service organisation of business and professional people.  It is non-sectarian and non-political and is growing in numbers. There are currently over 1 210 000 members in 32 738 clubs in 207 countries.  Each club shares the common principles of Rotary but each is autonomous and free to prepare its own programs and control its destiny.

Rotary started in 1905 when a small group of businessmen in Chicago began meeting to learn from one another and to enhance their business relationships.  While making business contacts is still a useful facet of Rotary, the focus quickly moved to include doing good deeds in the community and helping those less fortunate.

Rotarians throughout the world encourage high ethical standards in their vocation, conduct humanitarian projects and work towards world peace and understanding.

Rotary's International Projects include:

Polio Plus which is a Rotary program to completely eradicate this disease from the world.  To date, Rotarians have raised over $270M and the objective of having the world free of Polio is almost complete.

Rotary Youth Exchange which is a two-way program giving young people an opportunity to spend a year living with families in another country.  The Entrance Club has hosted many students from various parts of the world, such as Japan, Argentina, Canada, Holland, Norway and South Africa.

Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships which subsidise costs to allow suitably qualified people to further their studies overseas.

Group Study Exchange which involves a team of professional and business people from diverse walks of life visiting a Rotary District in another country to further and share knowledge and understanding for the mutual benefit of both nations.

How Do You Become a Rotarian?

Membership is by invitation.  A current Rotarian will need to act as your sponsor. Members usually own a business or hold a position of responsibility within a business or profession.  We have both men and women members in our club.

What are Membership Obligations?

Attendance:
Regular attendance is required, although Rotarians may attend the meeting of any Rotary club if they are away from home or unable to attend their own club meeting.  The members of The Rotary Club of The Entrance meet each Tuesday evening.

Financial:
Members are required to pay a joining fee of $1 and an annual subscription.  Fees vary from club to club but in the Rotary Club of The Entrance our subscription is presently $125 per half year.   Members also pay the cost of their meal each week and there are occasionally, "fun" fines to pay.  There are a few contributions which are voluntary only.

Participation:
The Rotary Club of The Entrance expects all members to contribute time and effort to the various projects the club undertakes, although no member is expected to take part in everything.  We all participate within our own levels of interest and ability.