What Is Rotary?

Rotary is an organization of professionals who by uniting and taking action, create lasting change in our communities and around the globe.   Rotary is a 1.2 million-member global organization that started with the vision of one man—Paul P. Harris. The Chicago attorney formed one of the world’s first service organizations, the Rotary Club of Chicago, in February 1905 as a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of each member.

In 1913, New Castle was a burgeoning community with heavy industry and manufacturing.  Local businessmen, Atty. George Muse and pharmacist Scott Paisley, initiated the effort that earned New Castle the distinction of being the 89th club chartered.  As Rotarians, we work hard to deserve the honorable legacy we have inherited, and we celebrate “Service Above Self” with the same enthusiasm as our predecessors.

Rotary consists of three parts that work to make lasting improvements in our communities and around the world:

  • Local Clubs – bring together dedicated individuals to exchange ideas, build relationships, and take action
  • Rotary International – supports Rotary clubs worldwide by coordinating global programs, campaigns, and initiatives. Some goals of Rotary International are to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water/sanitation/hygiene, support education, and grow local economies.  (https://www.rotary.org/en)
  • Rotary Foundation – uses generous donations to fund projects by Rotarians and our partners in communities around the world. As a nonprofit, all of the Foundation’s funding comes from voluntary contributions made by Rotarians and friends who share our vision of a better world.

 Who and How Do We Serve?

New Castle Rotarians exemplify “Service Above Self” in many ways.  Annually, Rotary provides monetary donations to local service organizations through the grants and giving fund.  Some past recipients of Rotary 89’s grants and giving fund are as follows:

  • United Way of Lawrence County
  • New Castle YMCA/Diamond Girls
  • RENOVA
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters
  • City Rescue Mission
  • Cray Youth and Family Services
  • Salvation Army

Local Rotarians also take part in various service projects throughout our community.  This can include events such as roadside clean up, flower planting and maintenance, and improvement of local parks.  These events are sometimes initiated by Rotary 89, or are a part of a larger coordinated effort to improve our city.  We support Rotary Youth Leadership (RYLA) and Rotary Occupational and Vocational (ROVA) student retreats.  Rotary 89 also contributes to international Rotary causes. (see:  https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/rotary-youth-leadership-awards and http://www.rotarydistrict7280.org/page/programs-rotary-outstanding-vocational-awards)

Member Expectations

We are always looking to expand our Rotary membership in New Castle.  New Rotarians bring fresh ideas and the chance to make even more change in our community.  Joining Rotary is a great way to help your community and connect with other business leaders and professionals.

In order to carry out our mission, Rotary meets weekly on Mondays at 12:10pm at The Confluence.  Meeting attendance is strongly encouraged but not mandatory for Rotarians.  If you would like to become a member and cannot attend any meetings, please speak to a Rotarian about your options.

To keep our club running, Rotarians pay dues.  Dues are invoiced annually at the beginning of the fiscal year (July 1).  Total dues are $298 and consist of two parts:

  1. Dues $133 – this allows Rotary 89 to pay our District and International Rotary commitment on each Rotarian ($122 total). The remaining funds are used for business operations and administrative costs.  Our payments to Rotary International include an annual subscription for every member for The Rotarian, the monthly Rotary International Magazine.
  2. Lunch Assessment $165 – these funds are used to “pre-pay” for part of each lunch meeting to defer the cost of food. This is required if you attend meetings.  In addition to this prepaid cost, you must pay $5 for lunch at each meeting you attend.

In addition to monetary support by the way of dues, Rotarians are expected to exemplify “service above self” by participating in Rotary events.  Our largest annual fundraiser is a lottery calendar sale.  All Rotarians must sell calendars.  This fundraiser is how we support our grants and giving fund, which is vital to our community.  We also hold a smaller fundraiser in the spring for which we need volunteers.  Rotarians participate in various services projects for which you will be asked to volunteer your time.  No amount of time is too small, and many hands make light work.

Finally, Rotarians make a pledge to heed the Rotary Four Way Test:

  1. Is it the TRUTH?
  2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
  3. Will it build GOODWILL and better FRIENDSHIPS?
  4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

If one is interested in becoming a Rotarian, he or she must attend three lunch meetings, complete an application, and be nominated to the Rotary Board of Directors by a mentoring Rotarian for membership.  Please contact Brianne Hrabosky at 724-698-1503 or brianne.hrabosky@lutheranseniorlife.org for more information or to start your application process today!