Why Become a Rotarian?

Rotary membership provides an opportunity to:

• Become connected to the community.

• Work with others in addressing community needs.

• Interact with other professionals in the community.

• Assist with Rotary International's international humanitarian service efforts.

• Establish contacts with an international network of professionals.

• Develop leadership skills.

• Involve family in promoting service efforts.

Why Join the Maryville Rotary Club?

We encourage all civic-minded business owners, managers, professionals, and businesses to explore the benefits of Rotary membership. The Maryville Rotary Club was established in 1950 and is one of the most active clubs in our District. Our membership includes a former District Governor and the District Governor Elect. Our club is widely-known as the friendly club and provides an enjoyable and organized opportunity for civic-minded executives and professionals help meet community needs, learn about the community and area, and enjoy good fellowship.

However, Rotary is more than just about our community. Rotary, the first service club, is also one of the world's largest service organizations. As a Rotarian, you and your company or organization will become part of the 1.2 million worldwide Rotarian network and be warmly welcomed at one of 32,000 clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Rotary International allows you to establish life-long friendships with other like-minded men and women in a variety of businesses and professions from around the world.

Membership in Rotary is by invitation. Rotary clubs invite qualified individuals to become members. Among  the qualifications prospective members must:

• hold — or be retired from — a professional, proprietary, executive, or managerial position.

• have the capacity to meet the club's weekly attendance requirements.

• live or work within the locality of the club or the surrounding area.

Other requirements of membership include attending at least 50 percent of the weekly meetings. Missed meeting can be made up 14 days before or after the missed meeting. To accommodate busy schedules, there are many opportunities for make-up. These include making up at area clubs, which rather than an obligation, can be an additional benefit of membership. Members must also pay annual dues to the club, the Rotary district, and Rotary International. Members are also expected to participate in the club's local and international activities and projects.

Membership in Rotary starts with attending one of our weekly Thursday Noon lunch meetings. Come and listen to one of our great speakers, meet other members, and find out what Rotary in Maryville is like. We meet at Green Meadow County Club, 1658 Louisville Road, Alcoa, TN 3777. If you and/or your company want more information about becoming a part of the Rotary Club of Maryville, or would like to visit one of our regular meetings for lunch as our guest contact any member of the club, or email or call David Gill at 865-983-6322 to discuss an invitation.

The Membership Classification System

Rotary uses a classification system to establish and maintain a vibrant cross-section representing the community's business, vocational, and professional interests among members. This system also provides a pool of resources and expertise to successfully implement service projects. The classification system is based on the founders' goal of providing for cross-representation of the  businesses, professions, and institutions within the community. As an item of interest, Rotary takes its name from the time when members met in rotation at their various places of business.