There are several reasons WHY people join and participate in local Rotary Clubs worldwide. Maybe they’ve seen a need in our community and wondered how they could help. Maybe they want to use their professional skills to help others or learn new skills. Maybe they’re seeking connections with other service-minded professionals in our community or abroad. Whatever their reason, joining Rotary can help achieve these goals, and so much more.
Community Service – our motto is “Service Above Self”
Paris United leads and supports several community service projects:
- RYLA – Conduct and participate in a Leadership camp for high school students
- Dental Program – Provide annual check-up for 2nd graders with support of local dentists
- Dictionary Program - Provide dictionaries for all 3rd graders in Lamar County (see photo)
- Speech Contest – Conduct for area high school students; provide scholarship for winner
- Senior Scholarships – Evaluate entries from all local ISDs for continuing education scholarships for those planning to attend PJC
- Salvation Army Christmas Families (Angels) – Donate/purchase and provide gifts and clothing for needy children; and serve as Bell-ringers at local business
- Dylan’s Drivers – Volunteer routinely with local non-profit
- Boys & Girls Club – Provide annual donation for local club
- Blood Drive – Participate in local blood drive(s) hosted by member companies (Everett Toyota, Quality ER)
- Rotary Foundation – Donate & opportunity to participate in identified service projects internationally
- Fireworks – Partial funding for Paris’ annual Independence Day fireworks display
- AND MORE - Members serve with many other local non-profit organizations
Networking and Friendships
Weekly meetings provide great opportunity to meet and connect with community leaders and business owners. It is an excellent way for new and current residents to meet new people and become more aware of activities in the community.
“I love Rotary because its members place service to others above self. The club has various personalities, but I love each one of them for many reasons including focus on others. It is not hard to enjoy friendships with that kind of folks." – Jimmie Hopson, Rotary Club of Paris United, Paris, TX USA
“Being new to the area, Rotary gave me the opportunity to meet people active in the business community as well as invest in the community in terms of service and volunteer work. Being involved and putting Service Above Self is what Rotary is all about not only locally but internationally.” - Brenda Wells, Rotary Club of Paris, United, Paris, TX USA
Leadership and Public Speaking Skills
There are several ways to develop and enhance leadership skills as an officer, program lead, and speaker
“Leadership is a key focus of Rotary. Through Rotary, you have the opportunity to expand your leadership skills and achieve your goals.” - Norma Madayag-Reilly, Rotary Club of Newark, NY USA
Community Awareness and Education
Weekly lunch meeting speakers provide information on local businesses, services and activities in the area.
"Being in Rotary provides an opportunity to learn more about the community - there are outstanding programs that are brought to us by many of the Community Leaders and Organizations that you don't get to hear as much in depth about anywhere else!" - Alex Fowzer, Rotary Club of Paris United, Paris, TX USA
Opportunities for Young Adults
Paris United conducts an annual Youth Leadership (RYLA) camp for selected high school students to develop and enhance their leadership skills.
“As a young man, all I’ve wanted is to help the community and give back. Rotary has helped me accomplish this, but I’ve also had the opportunity to make so many meaningful connections with other Rotarians. It’s truly great being a part of something greater than ourselves.” - Mihir Pankaj, Rotary Club of Paris United, Paris, TX USA
International service
Rotary is an International organization with clubs throughout the US and most countries worldwide. We provide support and donations to identified service projects internationally, and the opportunity to participate in such programs directly. Our largest and proudest effort is our work to eradicate polio. We initiated this campaign in 1979 by vaccinating children in the Philippines. With the help of our global partners, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, we have reduced polio cases worldwide by 99.9%.
“Like many, I got involved in Rotary because someone I greatly respected asked me to join! I knew the values of the organization and its passion to eliminate polio which means a lot to me as I had a cousin who lives an exceptional life ‘living’ in an iron lung. Through his disease and life, I thought I could make a difference for the next generation!” - Derald Bulls, Rotary Club Paris United, Paris, TX USA
“I joined Rotary to change the world and make it a better place. Rotary changed me and made me a better person.” - Dee Bandel, Rotary Club of Paris United, Paris TX USA
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Alex Fowzer - President 
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