WELCOME

TO THE

ROTARY CLUB OF

BREMEN

“SERVICE ABOVE SELF”

“Great achievements are nurtured with the cooperation of many

minds with a common vision working toward a common goal.”

DISTRICT 6900

ROTARY – A LITTLE HISTORY

Rotary was founded in Chicago, Illinois on February 23, 1905 by Paul P. Harris, a lawyer. On that day Paul met with three friends – Sylvester Schiele a coal dealer, Gustavus E. Loehr, a mining engineer, and Hiram E. Shorey, a merchant tailor.

Initially, Paul Harris’s idea was to promote fellowship among business acquaintances, but soon the purpose had evolved into a higher calling, that of service to others. This club met in rotation at the offices of the members; therefore the name ROTARY was adopted. The membership of that first club was diverse which continues to be one of our dominant themes.

In 1911 Rotary became international establishing clubs in Canada, England and Ireland. Rotary became the forerunner of other great service clubs such as Kiwanis International founded in 1915, Lions International founded in 1917 and Optimist International founded in 1919. The first international convention was held in Atlanta in 1917.

There are now over 30,000 Rotary Clubs all around the globe with a total Rotary membership of more than 1.2 million men and women.

ROTARY IS

ROTARY is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide, who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.

ROTARY is the world’s first service club. The first Rotary club was founded in Chicago, Illinois, USA on 23 February 1905.

ROTARY is some 1.2 million service-minded men and women belonging to more than 28,000 Rotary clubs in virtually every nation in the world.

ROTARIANS meet weekly for fellowship and interesting and informative programs dealing with topics of local and global importance. Membership reflects a wide cross-section of community representation.

ROTARIANS plan and carry out a remarkable variety of humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programs that touch people’s lives in their local communities and our world community.

ROTARY is The Rotary Foundation, which each year provides some US $90 Million for international scholarships, cultural exchanges, and humanitarian projects large and small that improve the quality of life for millions of people. Rotary is widely regarded as the world’s largest private provider of international educational scholarships.

INTERNATIONAL

There are currently 530 districts in Rotary in 162 countries. Rotary International is governed by a president and a board of directors elected from all over the world at meetings held each year. Annually, each district elects a district governor but each club remains an autonomous group.

Bremen Rotary Club is a part of Rotary International, and as such, supports the many projects of the worldwide organization.

DISTRICT 6900

Rotary is divided into territories within which a group of clubs are associated. These territories are known as Rotary Districts. Bremen Rotary Club is a member of district 6900, which is composed of 72 clubs with a total membership of over 4,800 Rotarians.

THE INDIVIDUAL ROTARY CLUB

Each Rotary Club is similar, yet clearly distinctive because of the emphasis on the local community.

Active membership is based on having but one representative of each business or profession within the community. This is to produce an inclusive, not exclusive, membership to recognize all useful local occupations and to make the Club a cross-section of the local community.

This “classification principle” is to provide a fellowship for service, based on diversity of interest. The classification principle also prevents the predominance in the Club of any one group.

Each local Rotary in intended to be a Club, a group knit together in bonds of personal friendship and service. Thus, regular attendance at weekly meetings is one of the conditions of membership. Attendance is one of the statutory conditions of membership. An unexcused absence from four (4) consecutive meetings automatically terminates membership. A member who goes to a club meeting but does not remain present for at least sixty (60) percent of the time is deemed to be absent. A member is required to attend at least 30 percent of the meetings at their home club.

The

Rotary Club

Of

Bremen, Georgia

ROTARY – THE OBJECTIVE

The objective of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:

FIRSTThe development of acquaintance as an opportunity of service

SECONDHigh ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian of his occupation as an opportunity to serve society.

THIRDThe application of the ideal of service by every Rotarian to his personal, business and community life.

FOURTHThe advancement of international understanding, good will, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional men and women united in the ideal of service.

THE CORNERSTONE OF ROTARY

THE FOUR WAY TEST

Of the things we think, say or do

first…

Is it THE TRUTH?

second…

Is it FAIR TO ALL CONCERNED?

third…

Will it BUILD GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

fourth…

Will it be BENEFICIAL TO ALL CONCERNED?

"Coming together is a beginning...Keeping together is progress...Working together is a success."

HOW WERE YOU PROPOSED AS A

MEMBER OF ROTARY?

  1. A member of this Rotary Club sponsored your application.
  1. Our Classification Committee verified your occupation and agreed that: You hold an important position in your firm; you are an outstanding leader in your vocation; and the classification being loaned to you was not already represented in our club.
  1. Our Membership Committee verified your personal reputation, both in business and in the community.
  1. Our Board of Directors approved your application for Rotary

membership.

  1. Our entire membership also approved you as a new Rotarian.


BREMEN ROTARY CLUB

OUR ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Each year we elect our officers in November. The slate of officers is selected by a nominating committee. This slate consists of a President, a President-elect, a President-Nominee, a Vice President, a Club Secretary, a Treasurer, and a Sergeant-at-Arms. These officers conduct the general business of our Club.

In addition, our incoming President appoints Directors for the five areas of leadership in Rotary:

  1. Membership
  2. Club Administration
  3. Publicity
  4. Service Projects
  5. Foundation

These Directors, along with the elected officers, form the board of Directors. This group meets once a month to determine policy and direction for the club.

The Service Directors are responsible for selecting chairmen for the various committees in their respective areas.

You would be welcomed by each member of our Club but remember, you must make an effort to meet and know us.

BREMEN ROTARY CLUB –

OUR COMMITMENT TO SERVICE

2008 – 2009 Officers and Directors

PresidentMarcy Collins

Vice President Terry Williamson

President ElectKristen Gerspacher

President NomineeKelly Park

SecretaryWilliam Sewell, Sr.

TreasurerTara Chapman

Sergeant-At-ArmsGene Cook

Membership DirectorKristen Gerspacher

Club Administration DirectorTerry Williamson

Publicity DirectorWalter Hatchett

Service Projects Director

Foundation DirectorSherrie Hardin

Membership

The Membership Committee develops and implements an action plan for recruiting, retaining and educating club members. The membership committee may include the following sub-committees: membership development, attendance, orientation, red badge program; retention, classification and family of Rotary.

Club Administration

The Club Administration committee conducts activities associated with the effective operation of the club. The Club Administration Committee may include the following sub-committees: attendance, club bulletin, club service, fellowship activities, weekly programs, District Conference, fundraising and awards.

Club Public Relations

The Public Relations Committee develops a plan to provide the public with information about Rotary and promotes the club’s service projects and activities. The Club Public Relations Committee may include the following sub-committees: publicity, club history and information, club website, Towne Festival and Rotary information.

Service Projects Committee

The Service Projects Committee develops and implements educations, humanitarian and vocational service projects that help the community and comities in other countries. The Service Projects Committee may include the following sub-committees: Humanitarian (aids awareness, public service award, water events), New Generation (Interact, 4-H, RYLA, Rotary Youth Exchange, scouting, athletics, Star Student, music programs, drug awareness, GRSP), Literacy (scholarships, Laws of Life, character education, Stay in School Program), Vocational (Career Day, Farm Family Award, Business Person Award, ethics), Matching Grants (water health hunger, literacy and economic development),

Rotary Foundation Committee

The Rotary Foundation committee develops and implements a plan to support the Foundation through program participation and financial contributions and may include the following sub-committees: Foundation giving, Foundation programs, International service, world community service projects, GSE, ambassadorial scholarships, 3-H grants.

Fundraising is a vital ingredient in the success of any Rotary Club and Bremen Rotary is no different. All members are expected to participate in fundraising activities because it is through these activities that we can benefit all the avenues of service.

In Bremen Rotary,fundraising may include Radio Day, a golf tournament or a raffle. The Club tries to do only two fundraisers per year, but every member must commit to do their best for these fundraisers in order to only do two per year.

If you would like further information about any area of service, check out the weekly bulletin. Inside is a list of all of the committees with Directors, chairs, and members of each committee. These Rotarians will be glad to discuss their committee with you.

THE ROTARY FOUNDATION

In 1917, at the first International Rotary convention in Atlanta, it was decided that Rotary should do good around the world. Arch Klumph, the sixth international president of Rotary, convinced the convention of the need for an endowment for doing well in the world in charitable, educational or other avenues of service.

In 1928, the foundation was strengthened by the appointment of the first trustees. The foundation was formally incorporated in 1983.

At the death of Rotary’s founder Paul Harris in 1947, Rotarians from around the world made gifts to the foundation in his memory. The foundation later decided to honor Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris, by recognizing donors of gifts to the foundation of $1000 or greater as Paul Harris Fellows. Those who give $100 a year toward becoming a Paul Harris Fellow are recognized as Paul Harris Sustaining members. Rotarians may also may bequests in their wills to the Rotary Foundation. Depending on the amount of the bequest, you ma be called a Benefactor or a member of the Bequest Society. Once a Rotarian gives $10,000 the Rotarian is a member of the Paul Harris Society.

Each year the Rotary Foundation funds:

Approximately 1200 Ambassadorial Scholarships for study abroad.

Over 150 international humanitarian projects including Polio Plus, which generated approximately $250 million to help eradicate polio from the world.

Grants for Health, Hunger and Humanity. These programs encourage prevention rather than cure and self-help rather than charity.

Over 150 international volunteers who can offer their business and professional expertise abroad.

Over 300 Group Study Exchanges.

Peace Programs that explore conflict resolution and new ways to encourage mutual understanding.

GEORGIA ROTARY STUDENT PROGRAM

The Georgia Rotary Student Program (GRSP) awards scholarships to international students for study in Georgia’s colleges and universities for one academic year. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition, books, room, meals and an allowance for incidentals. The GRSP is not related to the Rotary Foundation.

It was founded in 1946 by a Georgian Rotarian, Will Watt of Thomasville, who saw the need for a practical application of the Rotary ideal of international service. Will Watt recognized the need to create goodwill in the International community. What better way than to educate the world’s youth and send them back home to educate the world on the goodness of American society.

One source of funding for the program is the GRSP Endowment fund, and there is currently a fund-raising drive under way to increase the level of the endowment fund. Each member is asked to contribute toward the club’s goal. A contribution of $1000 or more earns the Will Watt Fellow designation. It is a requirement of each Bremen Rotarian to support the Georgia Rotary Student Program by a fifteen dollar per quarter donation to the Endowment fund.

Professional Networking

A founding principle of Rotary was to meet periodically to enjoy camaraderie and enlarge one’s circle of business and professional acquaintances. As the oldest service club in the world, Rotary club members represent a cross-section of the community’s owners, executives, managers, political leaders, and professionals – people who make decisions and influence policy.

Service Opportunities

Club members have many opportunities for humanitarian service, both locally and internationally. Service programs address such concerns as health care, hunger, poverty, illiteracy, and the environment. Rotarians experience the fulfillment that comes from giving back to the community.

International Awareness

With more than 31,000 Rotary clubs in over 160 countries, Rotarians gain an understanding of humanitarian issues through international service projects and exchange programs. One of Rotary’s highest objectives is to build goodwill and peace throughout the world.

Friendship

Rotary was founded on fellowship, an ideal that remains a major attraction of membership today. Club members enjoy the camaraderie with like-minded professionals, ad club projects offer additional opportunities to develop enduring friendships. Rotary club members who travel have friendly contacts in almost every city in the world.

Good Citizenship

Weekly Rotary club programs keep members informed about what is taking place in the community, nation, and world and motivated to make a difference.

Family Foundations

Rotary sponsors some of the world’s largest youth exchange, educational exchange, and scholarship programs. Rotary clubs provide innovative training opportunities and mentoring for young leaders and involve family members in a wide range of social and service activities.

Entertainment

Social activities give Rotarians a chance to let loose and have fun. Every Rotary club and district hosts parties and activities that offer diversions from today’s demanding professional and personal schedules. Conferences, conventions, assemblies and social events provide entertainment as well as Rotary information, education and service.

Ethical Environment

Encouraging high ethical standards in one’s profession and respect for all worthy vocations has been a hallmark of Rotary from its earliest days. In their business and professional lives, Rotarians abide by the Four-Way Test.

Leadership Development

Rotary is an organization of successful professionals. Team building, fundraising, public speaking, planning, organization, and communication are just a sampling of the leadership skills that club members can exercise and enhance. Being a Rotary leader provides further experience in learning how to motivate, inspire, and guide others.

Diversity in Membership

Rotary’s classification system ensures that a club’s membership represents a variety of the community’s professional men and women, including leaders in business, industry, the arts, government, sports, the military, and religion. Rotary clubs are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds.

YOUR OBLIGATION TO ROTARY CAN BE

CATEGORIZED IN THREE WAYS:

PARTICIPATION

ATTENDANCE

FINANCIAL OBLIGATION

(1)PARTICIPATION

To be a Rotarian you must give of your time and talents:

  • In community work
  • In social functions
  • In Club and district activities

PLAN NOW TO ATTEND YOUR ANNUAL DISTRICT ASSEMBLY AND CONFERENCE IN THE SPRING.

(2)ATTENDANCE

100% attendance is urged and honored in Rotary. This goal can be achieved by attending each weekly meeting of our Club or by making up at another Rotary Club within 2 weeks before or after the regular meeting of our club; or by attending a District Institute, Assembly or Conference or a Rotary International Convention. You may also make up by attending an Interact monthly meeting at BremenHigh School or even online. Monthly board meetings are the first Wednesday of each month. You also have the ability to make-up online once a quarter. Ask your secretary for information on how to make-up online.

Attend 100% of our meetings……..

Stay for 100% of each meeting!

(3)YOUR FINANCIAL OBLIGATION

Initiation Fee due upon acceptance into the Club $125.00

Quarterly Dues$140.00

Dues include the following

  • Dues to Rotary International
  • Dues to District 6900
  • Weekly Club Meals

Quarterly Additional Dues

  • GRSP (Georgia Rotary Student Program) $15.00 or $25.00
  • The Rotary Foundation $25.00

PROCEDURES WHEN DUES

ARE IN ARREARS

BREMEN ROTARY CLUB

  1. The Treasurer prepares quarterly billings within two weeks of the beginning of each quarter.
  1. Bills are to be e-delivered or mailed to members and are payable on receipt.
  1. The Treasurer will write a letter to members with balances due after 45 days notifying them of amounts past due.
  1. Any balance due at the time of the next quarterly billing is assessed a 10% late charge.
  1. The Treasurer notifies the board of directors when a member has received two successive late charges.