FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
JOINING THE ROTARY CLUB OF ACCRA SOUTH
What is Rotary?
Rotary International is an association of Rotary clubs worldwide. It’s made up of more than 33,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. The members of these autonomous clubs are called Rotarians, and they form a global network of 1.2 million business and professional leaders, all volunteering their time and talents to serve their communities and the world. Individual Rotary clubs, in turn, belong to the global association called Rotary International. Find out more about Rotary’s history and structure.
How do I become a member of Rotary?
If you’re interested in joining the Rotary club of Accra South, fill the volunteer form here, though individuals must be sponsored or proposed for membership into a club. Our membership committee will process your information and forward it to the members of the club.
Often, a person being considered for membership is invited by a club member, or sponsor, to attend one or more club meetings to learn more about Rotary. In this case, the sponsor submits the candidate’s name to the club’s membership committee.
Find out more about becoming a Rotarian and the responsibilities of membership .
Please note that membership in a Rotary club is by invitation only.
What Are The Benefits Of Joining Rotary?
Membership in a Rotary club offers a number of benefits, including:
- Effecting change within the community.
- Developing leadership skills.
- Gaining an understanding of — and having an impact on — international humanitarian issues.
- Developing relationships with community and business leaders.
Through Rotary’s service programs, a Rotary club can have a significant effect on the quality of life in its community. Programs of The Rotary Foundation offer opportunities to form international partnerships that help people in need worldwide.
Isn't Rotary Just For Old Guys?
Absolutely not!. the Rotary Club of Accra South has a diverse membership of all ages, ranging from 27-70+. Worldwide, women are the fastest-growing segment of Rotary’s membership with 80,000 members. There are nearly 2,000 women club presidents and women are rapidly assuming leadership roles within Rotary.
Rotaract and Interact are Rotary organizations geared for 18 to 30 year-olds and high school students, giving younger people the chance to work on Rotary programs if they are not ready to join a Rotary Club.
MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS
What are the responsibilities of membership?
Members are expected to attend weekly club meetings. They must pay annual dues to the club, the Rotary district, and Rotary International, and they’re expected to participate in local or international Rotary club activities or projects. The Rotary Club of Accra South encourages members to aspire to club leadership or committee roles.
What are the qualifications for membership?
Prospective members must
- Hold (or be retired from) a professional, proprietary, executive, managerial, or community position
- Have demonstrated a commitment to service through personal involvement
- Be able to meet the club’s weekly attendance or community project participation requirements
- Live or work within the vicinity of the club or surrounding area
What is the minimum age to be in Rotary?
There is no minimum age to join Rotary. You may be invited to join at any age after you become established in a career and have the time and financial resources to meet all Rotary club membership requirements. If you’re interested in joining the Rotary Club of Accra South, ask a member about the time and financial commitments necessary to fulfill membership requirements, and consider whether you can make those commitments.
Are college students eligible for membership?
No. Rotarians have achieved a level of career experience that enables them to bring a specialization to their club, and students haven’t yet reached a level in their professional and personal lives that allows them to fulfill all aspects of Rotary club membership. But undergraduate and graduate students, as well as young adults, may become members of our sponsored Rotaract clubs .
Is there a way for high school students to get involved?
Yes. Interact is a Rotary-sponsored service club for those ages 12 to 18. Interact clubs give young people an opportunity to participate in fun, meaningful service projects while developing leadership skills and meeting new friends.
ATTENDANCE QUESTIONS
What are the attendance requirements?
An attendance record of 50 percent is required to remain an active Rotarian. Any missed meeting must be made up within 14 days before or after the regular meeting. To accommodate busy schedules, there are various opportunities to make up missed meetings .
For additional attendance information, see article 9 of the Standard Rotary Club Constitution .
What Can I Expect At A Meeting?
One thing you will notice immediately is the welcoming atmosphere at our Club. Before the meeting begins there is time to socialise (fellowship). This is a great opportunity to get to know some Rotarians and mingle with community and business leaders. We are a mixture of young and older members from diverse backgrounds – an invigorating group with many community connections.
You can usually expect to listen to engaging speaker, discover more about Rotary and learn about upcoming volunteer events and fundraisers.
Not Ready To Join A Rotary Club But Still Want To Take Part?
Anyone aged 18-30 who does not feel ready to join a Rotary Club should consider becoming a member of a Rotaract Club. Rotaract. Rotaract is organized by Rotary clubs to promote leadership, professional development, and volunteering in their community. They function in the same way as Rotary Clubs and are a great way to start your Rotary journey.
Interact is a Rotary-sponsored service club for those ages 12 to 18. Interact clubs give young people an opportunity to participate in fun, meaningful service projects while developing leadership skills and meeting new friends.