“Saving the World and Creating Fellowship, One Meeting at a Time”

Why Rotary?

It is not unusual to meet individuals who have been Rotarians for their entire lifetime. In fact, many are second, third or fourth generation Rotary members. When you ask them why they joined Rotary, the answers will certainly run the gamut. The essence, however, can be summed up a a few simple concepts.

Rotary members truly believe:

  • Many hands make light work.
  • We can make a difference together in our community and the world.
  • “Service above self” is an important concept to embody in mind and spirit.
  • The good one gives out into the world comes back a thousand fold.

If you ask them why they stay in the Rotary family, most will share their experiences of good times, touching moments, and, moreover, the feeling of “family” that develops as we work together on projects and community events.

What Is Rotary?

Rotary International is the world’s first service club organization, with more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs worldwide. Rotary club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace, and eradicate polio under the motto “Service Above Self”. 

The Springfield Rotary Club seeks individuals who are interested in volunteering their time to help, first and foremost, our local community, and, in a greater sense, the world community. We work together to build strong friendships and business relationships, and in return getting back the satisfaction of knowing we are improving our community and helping others.

The Springfield Rotary Club

The Springfield Rotary Club seeks individuals who are interested in volunteering their time to help, first and foremost, our local community, and, in a greater sense, the world community. We work together to build strong friendships and business relationships, and in return getting back the satisfaction of knowing we are improving our community and helping others.

A few of the many projects completed over the years with funds raised by Springfield Rotary:

Cisco Pond

  • *Trail
  • Gazebo
  • Community Board
  • Completion of Foot Bridge
  • Ball Field Renovation

Bysher Ave
Fencing
Snack Bar
Montgomery Avenue, Fencing and Seats

Morris Arboretum: Planted 3000 bulbs

*Health Fair – Ran for 5 years, Dan and Joe Bonus were “Barney”
Library
*Help start in 1976
Moved all the books new carpeting

As Rotarians:

  1. Keep the “Four Way Test” in mind with all we do.
  2. Live by the motto, “Service Above Self”.
  3. To participate actively in Club Activities & Committees.
  4. Try to contribute to Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY) $100, * strongly recommended
  5. Strive for 100% Attendance, Minimum 60%, Make-Up at Other Clubs.
  6. Actively seek to bring in new members to further enrich the clubs diversity and new ideas, *strongly recommended

Membership and Dues

The Rotary year runs from July 1st to June 30th.

Active Member

  •  Dues: $180 annually. (Prorated based on when you join).
  • Regular meeting fee of $25/meeting for lunch/dinner, billed quarterly, in advance.
  • Credit can be obtained for 10 missed regular meeting fees each 6 months.
  • The District requires a minimum of 50% attendance (taking into account make-ups and participation at activities). 

Senior Active Members

  • Dues: $180 annually (Prorated based on when you join) and no attendance requirement.
  • Pay meeting fees. Board will determine for each situation whether to bill quarterly (with full credit for missed meetings) or pay at door. 

Associate Member

  • Dues: $450 annually, (Prorated based on when you join)
  • Attendance and/or sponsorship in at least three events or activities.
  • No meeting attendance requirement.
  • Each primary and secondary member shall pay meeting fee at door.
  • Associate Members maybe elected to serve on the Rotary Board as Directors only.

Honorary Member

  • No dues or attendance requirement.
  • Pay meeting fee of $25 at door when opting to attend. 

Young Professionals

  • Satellite Member: $180 dues (Prorated on when you join).
  • Must meet requirement of 60% attendance (taking into account make-ups and participation at activities).
  • Pay meeting fee at door of Sponsor Club Meeting if conducting a makeup.

The Rotary Foundation

The mission of The Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.

The Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world.  In 1917, RI President Arch C. Klumph proposed that an endowment be set up “for the purpose of doing good in the world.” In 1928, when the endowment fund had grown to more than US$5,000, it was renamed The Rotary Foundation, and it became a distinct entity within Rotary International.

It is recommended that each Rotarian donate a minimum of $100 per year to the foundation.

What impact can one donation have?
  • For as little as 60 cents, a child can be protected from polio.
  • $50 can provide clean water to help fight waterborne illness.
  • $500 can launch an antibullying campaign and create a safe environment for children.

In addition, funds donated at the local level result in future monies coming back to the district and our local Rotary Club in the form of grants that can be used for projects to improve our community.

LEARN MORE HERE

Paul Harris Fellow/Multiple Paul Harris Fellow:

Donors of US$1,000 or more to the Annual Programs Fund, PolioPlus, or the Humanitarian Grants. Program, or people who have that amount contributed in their name, can be recognized as Paul Harris Fellows. Each new Paul Harris Fellow receives a commemorative certificate and a pin.

Recognition total | Pin level

  • $2,000 to 2,999.99 | one sapphire
  • 3,000 to 3,999.99 | two sapphires
  • 4,000 to 4,999.99 | three sapphires
  • 5,000 to 5,999.99 | four sapphires
  • 6,000 to 6,999.99 | five sapphires
  • 7,000 to 7,999.99 | one ruby
  • 8,000 to 8,999.99 | two rubies
  • 9,000 to 9,999.99 | three rubies

Is Rotary Right For You:

  • Join Rotary if you want to make a difference in your community and the world.
  • Join Rotary if you want to make lifelong friendships here and abroad.
  • Join Rotary if you want to create business relationships having created those Rotary friendships and trust.
  • Join Rotary if you want to enrich your personal & professional life.
  • Join Rotary to Learn to Laugh to Share and to Serve.

Proposing a New Member:

Membership is every Rotarian’s responsibility. Each new member must be proposed for membership by an active member of the club. If you know someone who has all the qualities of a good Rotarian and you’re an active member of a Rotary club, consider proposing that person for membership.

If you know someone who doesn’t live in your community but would make a great Rotarian, complete the referral form (PDF or online). The person’s contact information will be forwarded to the appropriate district leadership for consideration.

If you’re a current Rotarian who’s moving to a new community, complete the relocation form (PDF or online), 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 who fit one of the following criteria:

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. 

For full membership qualifications, refer to the RI Bylaws (PDF).

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