Laguna Beach Rotary

The world’s first Rotary Club was founded February 23, 1905, when lawyer Paul Harris and 3 friends met in a small office in downtown Chicago to rekindle the spirit of friendliness they had known in their hometowns. Soon others were invited to join. They named their new club ROTARY to describe the practice of meeting in rotation at members’ various places of business.

The Rotary Club of Laguna Beach was chartered in November 1931 by a group of 12 local businessmen. .

There are more than 1,200,000 Rotarians in over 32,000 Clubs in over 200 countries. Rotary continues to grow internationally and locally. There are now more than 2,000 Rotarians in 45 Rotary Clubs in our District which includes Orange County and part of Los Angeles County.

A Rotarian is a person who looks beyond self, to community, nation, and the world; seeks the truth; lets fairness govern relationships; and strives to benefit all in every interpersonal relationship. In short a Rotarian puts “Service Above Self.” 

Membership is by invitation to those who are worthy representatives of their vocations, interested in the ideals of Rotary, and who are willing to do their share to make a difference in their club, community, and the world.

Members are chosen to represent their respective businesses or professions. This “Classification Principal” insures that club membership includes qualified representatives of each worthy business and profession in our community. In this way, our club becomes a cross section of the community.

MEMBERSHIP IN ROTARY IS AN HONOR AND PRIVILEGE…

 Every privilege has its corresponding obligations. With thousands of Rotary clubs all over the free world, make-up meetings afford Rotarians a splendid opportunity to meet new people and bring back to their clubs new ideas and a renewed spirit of the international influence of Rotary.

THE COST OF MEMBERSHIP

Your annual minimum monetary commitment will vary by year. Among the required and optional cost items are International and District dues, recognition fees, weekly luncheons, annual conferences, and club and Foundation fundraising efforts.

THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

• Belonging to the oldest and most prestigious service club in the world.
• Becoming aware of the needs of your community and beyond, and able to take action to meet those needs.
• Having the opportunity to serve humankind with other committed Rotarians.
• Increasing your knowledge of world affairs and cultural similarities.
• Broadening your circle of friends and acquaintance.
• Developing your leadership potential and public speaking.
• Fostering business contacts and new outlets for goods and services.
• Being exposed each week to relevant information about your community, the nation, and the world.
• Receiving a warm welcome and developing new friendships while making up meetings at home and around the world.
• Enjoying the privileges of inviting others to join Rotary.