Rotary is non-faith based and nonpartisan organization that fosters cultural exchange and understanding, and diversity in occupation and background. ?The requirements to become a member of a Rotary Club are different for each Rotary Club but there are similarities. ?
Fresh Start Rotary Club of Shanghai has recently became a chartered Rotary Club by Rotary International on 15 January of this year 2015. ?Given that Fresh Start Rotary Club of Shanghai is a new club, it is in an active growing phase. The membership requirements that have been established are aligned with the particular demographic Fresh Start Rotary Club of Shanghai seeks to attract and the club endeavours to successfully function by making a positive impact on the people it serves. ?Fresh Start Rotary Club of Shanghai currently has 22 members and one of its aims is to increase the total membership by the end of June. ?
Under the policies of Rotary International, in order for someone to be eligible for Rotary membership, a person must be at least 18 years of age or older and hold a passport from any country other than the People’s Republic of China (China does not legally allow for Chinese nationals to become a member of Rotary). ?
The prerequisites to be able to apply for membership in Fresh Start Rotary Club of Shanghai are:?
1. A person must attend a minimum of 4 breakfast meetings; And
2. A person must do 1 Time Bank Transaction; And
3. Set up a LinkedIn Profile, if the person does not already have one; And
4. Have a member sponsor the person for membership
Once all of the prerequisites have been fulfilled, the prospective member completes an online application and signs a letter of commitment, which then goes through a review process. When the prospective membership application is accepted the prospective member will then be required to pay membership dues. ?After the dues are paid, membership is officially activated and there is a membership induction. New members are matched with a mentor to help them navigate through the world of Rotary. ?
The tangible benefits of being a member of Fresh Start Rotary Club of Shanghai are the access to the club’s Time Bank, and there is a supportive platform available to promote a worthy humanitarian cause that is centered on social enterprise. In addition, being a member of Fresh Start Rotary Club of Shanghai makes someone a Registered Rotarian worldwide with access to a large global network of knowledge and expertise that can be leveraged. ?
By being a Rotarian, it entails a commitment to service in all aspects of a member’s life. ?Membership in Rotary is not just about getting a membership card and having breakfast on Friday mornings (in Shanghai), but it is a privilege that someone has been granted to be an entrusted leader in their community. ?Membership in Rotary is an obligation to put service above self that is guided by a moral code. Membership in Rotary requires regular attendance at club meetings on a weekly basis —whether it be Fresh Start or another Rotary Club in the world, or a Rotary e-club— donating to support the Rotary Foundation, and being actively engaged in club programming and projects, and serving on a committee. ?Being a member also involves making new friendships and having fun in a social setting. ?In particular, membership in Fresh Start Rotary Club of Shanghai entails doing something that will help social enterprise initiatives and efforts, and donating skills, knowledge and time to help another in need. ? ? ??
An important thing to understand about Rotary is that Rotary is not a charity but it is a service club. That is the same for all Rotary Clubs. Rotarians are not volunteers, but are Global Philanthropy Leaders. ?In other words, Rotarians help communities achieve sustainability by providing needed assistance to the people in those particular communities that will enable them to improve their lives, making our world a better place to live.
Finally, some of the activities that Fresh Start Rotary Club Shanghai does, include: educational events, community-based events, support services for social enterprises, and fellowship events. ?
For additional information or clarification, please contact the Club Secretary.
Rotary Club of Shanghai Fresh Start
District 0052