What is Rotary?

Rotary is an International Organization of business and professional men and women. These members are united worldwide in providing humanitarian services, encouraging high ethical standards in all vocations and helping build goodwill and peace in the World. The Rotary International motto is “Service Above Self”.

History

Paul Harris, a Chicago Attorney, who wanted to encourage among his business acquaintances the fellowship he had known in his boyhood days in a small town in Vermont, founded Rotary in 1905.

Membership

Membership is by invitation and is on the basis of one representative of each business profession and institution, a classification that ensures a wide cross section of community representation. Over 1.2 million service minded men and women belong to over 30,000 Rotary Clubs in more than 163 Countries.

Rotarians Live by the Four Way Test

• Is it the Truth?
• Is it Fair To All Concerned?
• Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendship?
• Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?

What do Rotarians do?

Rotarians participate in a variety of programs designed to serve the local and international communities, promote youth activities and build goodwill.

Menasha Rotary Project Examples

• Provide scholarships to youth attending, programs and college
• Hosting International inbound exchange students, Sending outbound exchange students
• Partner with Neenah Rotary for “Seafood Fest” and Scholarship Scramble Golf Outing, funds generated provide a variety of assistance to local students and group field trips.
• The Menasha Library’s 1,000 Books before Kindergarten Project
• Supported building Menasha’s High School new concession stand
• Green Ways Trestle Trail Project
• Support for Adult English Language Learning programming
• Rotarians teaching CHOICES to all public school eighth graders.
• Supporting many causes such as Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army and may more area service organizations.

Expectations of Rotary Members

• Menasha Rotary meets at Noon every Wednesday at Stone Toad Bar and Grill. Rotarians meet weekly to enjoy each other’s fellowship and discuss ways to serve others.
• We ask members to attend as many meetings as possible. The Rotary standard is 50% of weekly meetings, committee meetings or project meetings. If you are unable to attend a meeting on Wednesday at noon, you are able to attend a make-up meeting at the Rotary Club of your choice or online.
• Dues are $148.00/year and meals are $9.00 each.
• Each year in June, we have a dinner for the out-going President at North Shore CC. You are asked to attend the dinner.
• We ask that you actively participate in Rotary Club activities and projects.

Rotarians Have…

• An opportunity to give back to your Community
• An opportunity to meet a cross section of leaders in our Community
• Helped make an important difference in the quality of life in our Local and International Communities

Being A Rotarian Means

Being able to enrich the lives of others, while enjoying yourself in the company of your peers.

Liz...

I became a Rotarian because I wanted to be involved in my community.  I want to be PART of the community, not just someone who lives here.  By community, I mean both my local, Menasha, community AND the global community.  Rotary gives me the opportunity to help make positive changes here and worldwide.

     Liz Nevitt, Attorney at Law

Pam...

There are two main reasons I enjoy being a Rotarian.  I know that I am making a difference in my community, and I like the good feeling that goes along with that.  I have enjoyed meeting other Rotarians.  We all come from different backgrounds/careers, but we all have the same common focus - to serve others.

Pam Morris, Customer Service Supervisor, RR Donnelley

Dan...

At the meeting and on our trip home, I was reminded of the reason I joined Rotary.  It reminds me of one of the Great sayings that JFK said many years ago.  I applied it to Rotary.  "Ask not what Rotary can do you for you, ask what you can do for Rotary."  We all have so many gifts, it would be a shame not to share them. Two simple words come to mind for me.  They are..... Giving Back! I have had the opportunity to live a comfortable life in this area, and now it my time to ....... Give Back...........

Dan Rippl, Agency Manager, Northern Divisions
Insurance Service Center, Inc.

Marcia...

Joined Rotary because Evans Title Companies wanted to be a part of Rotary in the Neenah & Menasha communities. I enjoy Rotary for many reasons.  The members of our club, the projects we share with the Neenah Rotary Club, the impact we are able to have on our community and schools through donations and the business and personal relationships with fellow Rotarians from all Rotary Clubs.

Marcia Erdman, Manager, Residential Sales
Evans Title Companies

Jeff...

I became a Rotarian because my boss thought it would be a good idea. I enjoy being a Rotarian because I have formed partnerships with people outside of my “working circle” and we work together toward assisting with projects which raise the quality of life in our community.

Jeff Jorgenson, Menasha Police Dept.

Peter...

I believe the Four Way Test and Motto speak to who I wish to strive to be every day. The international and local impact we have is amazing as a club and as a world wide organization. I’m proud to be a Rotarian serving others. I believe through cultural exchanges we, step one person at a time, closer to world peace, while helping to improve the lives for so many.

Peter Pfundtner, Menasha Joint School District

Jim...

I originally became a Rotarian to gain additional involvement in the community.  I continue to enjoy that involvement and the camaraderie that comes with being a Rotarian.

James L. Rudd, Attorney at Law