What is Rotary?
Rotary International is a worldwide service organization of business and professional men and women united to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace throughout the world.
Founded in 1905, Rotary now comprises over 1.2 million member Rotarians in more than 34,000 individual clubs worldwide. Each Rotary club meets weekly so that members may discuss service goals and enjoy each other’s fellowship. There are currently 26 members of the Rotary Club of Dracut. The Club meets every Tuesday at 12:15 p.m. at Lenzi’s Restaurant, 810 Merrimack Ave., Route 110, Dracut, MA.
The Object of Rotary
The object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise. Rotarians devote their efforts to providing personal and financial assistance to local groups and communities as well as to international projects.
Four Avenues of Service
The object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise. Rotary divides its programs into four spheres of interest, each one supporting the overall motto of “service above self.”
- CLUB SERVICE: a supportive environment within all club activities;
- VOCATIONAL SERVICE: a commitment to helping others within Rotarians’ business and professional workplaces;
- COMMUNITY SERVICE: helping neighbors and communities with special concern for youth, senior citizens and those in need;
- INTERNATIONAL SERVICE: working to meet the needs of the world community in areas of health, hunger and humanity.
The 4-Way Test
Rotarians encourage high ethical standards. The “Four-Way Test” serves as guidance toward that goal. Of all the things Rotarians think, say or do:
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?
The Wheel Emblem
Adopted in 1923, Rotary’s wheel emblem of 24 cogs and 6 spokes was designed to symbolize civilization and movement. The keyway in the center of the wheel indicates that it is “a worker and not an idler.”
Service Above Self
Rotarians find their greatest satisfaction in joining together to give their time, talent, and energies to serve those in need. They call this ideal “service above self.”
The Rotary Club of Dracut…
The Rotary Club of Dracut was chartered on January 17, 1970. With 23 charter members, the club inaugurated its commitment to “service above self” taking leadership roles in Dracut’s United Fund Drive and Crime Check Program. They soon took the lead in community-based fundraising efforts to assist the elderly, youth and families in need.
Dracut Rotary Club is first and foremost a community group of business and professional men and women who gather to enjoy fellowship and promote the Objects of Rotary.
RI and District 7910…
Dracut Rotary is a member of District 7910, the umbrella organization for local clubs in central Massachusetts. As an active participant in District projects and events, Dracut Rotary:
• is an active participant in District meetings, forums and the Jamboree
• chartered the Tyngsboro-Dunstable and the Merrimack Valley Clubs
• participated in chartering of the first club in Poland
• sponsored Group Study Exchange to France and Italy
• has had 34 members who donated at least $1K to the RI Foundation
• participates annually in Polio Plus (RI’s fight to eliminate polio worldwide)
How does Dracut Rotary fund its important projects?
The service of Dracut Rotary Club is funded by the generosity of its members and the community. Members tirelessly give of their time and financial resources to further the causes of the club. Residents of Dracut and those in our business community generously donate money and materials throughout the year. To help Dracut Rotary, support our:
• Annual Clambake For 10 People Raffle
• Annual Dining Around Dracut
Your personal and financial support of Dracut Rotary’s efforts is always welcomed and encouraged. We cannot continue the important service we are committed to without significant resources and your generosity will assist us as we work toward our goals.
Membership
Membership in Rotary is by invitation. If you would like more information about Dracut Rotary, ask any Dracut Rotarian, or contact us at:
Dracut Rotary Club
P.O. Box 76
Dracut, MA 01826
Rotary Club of Dracut, Ma 