About Our Club
Our Mission
The mission of the Spencer Rotary Club is to foster meaningful friendships while providing an opportunity for self-improvement while serving our local community, our region, and the world at large. We affect real change with real personal interactions. We believe there is value in our weekly in-person meetings, our local hands-on service projects, and our monetary donations to assist with international aid and human development projects.
When and Where?
Our club meets weekly on Mondays at 12:00 noon at the Clay County Regional Events Center for a catered lunch, fellowship, and a community-minded presentation.
Guiding Principles: The Four-Way Test
The Four-Way Test is an ethical guide for Rotarians to use for their personal and professional relationships. The test has been translated into more than 100 languages, and Rotarians recite it at club meetings.
Of the things we think, say, or do:
-
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Questions about becoming a Spencer Rotarian?
We have found that many of the questions below are often on the minds of prospective members. Should you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact our Membership Chair.
How often does your Rotary club meet?
Our club meetings are held every Monday from 12:00 noon and last about an hour, with exceptions around key holidays and social events.
What kind of commitment do I need to make to attend meetings?
Service in the Spencer Rotary Club is centered around two expectations of all members: the giving of time and the giving of financial resources. Attendance at weekly meetings is highly valued as an indication of your commitment to Rotary service. That said, Rotarians lead busy lives, with many family, professional, and community commitments. We recognize that these commitments will rightfully come first in a Rotarian’s life, so meeting attendance is flexible. As service is an important part of the Rotarian way, we ask that members partake in all service projects in some capacity.
What kinds of programs are offered during lunch meetings?
We strive to provide high-quality presenters and presentations with informative and relevant topics that will engage our membership.
What makes a great presenter?
A great Rotary presentation informs and educates, energizes and inspires. A truly unforgettable speaker is one who presents a variety of topics that are relevant to Rotary concerns and entertains us at the same time. These topics may touch the heart and inspire new thinking, make us laugh, or cause the audience to interact and have fun. A great presenter is one that you don’t want to miss and creates an environment in which members want to bring guests to enjoy and share in the experience.
May I solicit the membership for business if I become a member?
You will receive access to a club roster with each member’s personal and business information. This information is not allowed to be used for general business solicitation (i.e. putting everyone’s e-mail into your marketing list or mass mailing list). However, as you build relationships in the club, it is common practice to get to know members and what they do for work. Our club does do business with each other regularly. While it is not acceptable to use Rotary for marketing purposes only, as you build relationships with individual members in the club, you will have opportunities to support each other in business relationships. It is not expected that you must support Rotary businesses, but it is common practice to do so. There are opportunities for sponsorships, advertisements, and participation in our events as well as supporting us here on our website. Reach out to our Public Relations Chair to discuss how you can do this.
Is business networking frowned upon?
Absolutely not! Rotary was founded on the chance to network between businesses; the RI emblem of a wheel depicts the original intent of “rotating” between members’ businesses to hold weekly meetings. We encourage our members to network before lunch and to look to one another whenever a service is required.
Is Rotary a religious organization?
No. However, it is common and acceptable to incorporate spiritual practices such as prayers at the opening of our club meetings. It is a place to embrace others’ spiritual and religious views in support of one another.
What costs are involved in becoming a member?
(Information coming soon.) To learn more about the financial expectations, contact our Membership Chair.
What types of projects does Spencer Rotary Club participate in?
Our projects vary widely and we are always looking for new opportunities to serve! This means there is sure to be something of interest to any member. Projects and activities range from club service, such as helping with planned events, to special events such as our annual week-long Book Sale event and our Radio Day on-air programming. To view a list of completed service projects, visit our Community Impact page.
What are the communication methods within Spencer Rotary Club?
We communicate with members via email regarding any important club updates or news. Rotary International publishes a monthly magazine called “The Rotarian,” and a subscription is included in your annual dues. Our club operates a public Facebook Page which is regularly updated with the latest news and activities. Each member also receives an annual directory containing contact information for all members.
What are “happy dollars” all about?
Those who have attended club meetings will notice lively exchanges between the Club President and members acknowledging big life events, such as the birth of a child or grandchild; special dates, such as birthdays or wedding anniversaries; or even the smallest things we’re thankful for, such as a fun vacation or the latest win for a favorite sports team. These recognitions, or “happy dollars,” are always announced at the beginning of each meeting and serve three critical purposes:
- Celebrate member special events with the Club
- Inject some energy and fun during the Club meeting
- Provide financial support to Club operations
They are fully optional and are never intended to embarrass or place a financial hardship on the member.
Where can I learn more about Rotary International?
You can visit the Rotary International website (rotary.org) to learn more about our worldwide organization.
Fostering friendships while providing an opportunity for self-improvement & service.
We invite you to join us at one of our lunch meeting to see if you'd like to become part of the Spencer Rotary family!