What is Rotary:
Rotary International is one of the largest service organizations in the world. Its stated mission is to "provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through [the] fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders".
Founded: 1905 by Paul Harris; Membership: 1.4 million; 200 countries, 36,000 clubs worldwide.
Paris Rotary Club was founded in 1916.
Rotary’s seven areas of focus for humanitarian transformation
- Promoting Peace and Conflict Resolution
- Providing Clean Water and Sanitation Facilities
- Eradicating and Treating Disease
- Saving Mothers and Children: improving their Health & well being
- Supporting Global Education and Literacy Projects
- Growing Local Economies and Economic Development
- Providing Environmental Solutions
Community Service – our motto is “Service Above Self”
The Paris United club led/supported several community service projects, and provided contributions to organizations within the community and the world over the last year.
- Scholarships to PJC
- Rotary Rides with Tailored Rides*
- Activities with Paris Chalet Residents
- Blue Jean Drive for area school(s)
- Light Up Paris contribution
- St. Joseph’s Community Foundation
- Salvation Army Paris facility
- Salvation Army Bell Ringing
- Food Pantry Stuffing Challenge
- United Way annual fund donation
- Optimist Club Baseball Field
- RYLA Camp (10 HS students)
- Healthy Smiles Dental Program*
- Paris Trash Off and Fall Sweep
- City Square Bicycle Program*
- Adult Teen Challenge of Texas
- Dictionary Program
- Girls Night Out - Fundraiser
* NOTE: Club received “Significant Service Award” from Rotary International in recognition of outstanding and significant community service efforts for these projects.
WHY Rotary - Benefits
Networking and Friendships – Routine meetings provide 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.
Leadership and Public Speaking Skills -There are opportunities to develop and enhance leadership and communication skills as an officer, program lead, and speaker.
Community Awareness, Education, Service - Lunch meeting speakers provide information on local businesses, services, and activities in the area.
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.
International Service - Supply support to identified projects worldwide, and the opportunity to take part directly. Polio eradication has been a major Rotary effort. Rotary Foundation contributed over $100M in 2021-2022 to the seven areas of focus. (Charity Navigator 4-star rating for 14 years).
The Rotary Four-Way Test of the things we think, say, and do provides a code to live by –
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
For more information or questions:
- Rotary International: https://www.rotary.org/en
- Facebook (Rotary Club of Paris United); Website: www.parisrotaryclub.com
- Michael Nickey, Membership; mdnickey2012@gmail.com; C: 330-283-8760
- Alex Fowzer, Public Relations; alex@easttexasradio.com; C: 903-517-0351