FAQ
Still have questions about what it means to become a Clear Lake 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 Thursday from 12noon for about an hour, with exceptions around key holidays and social events.
What kind of commitment do I need to make to attend meetings?
Clear Lake Rotary service is centered around two expectations of all of its members: the giving of time and 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 attendance of meetings is flexible.
As service is an important part of the Rotarian way, we ask that members partake in all service projects in some capacity by joining a committee. Committees include fundraising/service, membership, public image and Rotary foundation.
What kinds of programs are offered during lunch meetings?
We have high-quality presenters and presentations, with informative topics that will engage our membership.
What makes a great presenter?
A great rotary speaker incorporates a presentation that informs and educates, energizes and inspires. A truly unforgettable speaker is one who presents a variety of topics which are relevant to Rotary concerns and entertains us as at the same time. Topics that touch the heart and inspire new thinking, make us laugh, and 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 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 our website here. Reach out to our Public Relations Chair to discuss how you can do this.
Does that mean that networking is 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 the 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 and thoughts 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 being a member of your club?
Information coming soon. To learn more about the financial expectations, contact our Membership Chair.
What types of projects does Clear Lake Rotary participate in?
Our projects vary widely and there is sure to be something of interest to each member. Projects and activities range from club service such as helping with check-in or planning events, to special events such as our annual BBQ & Brew event and our Holiday programs, including Shop with a Cop.
What are the communication methods within Clear Lake Rotary?
- Rotary International publishes a monthly magazine called “The Rotarian” A subscription is included in your annual dues;
- A weekly eBulletin is sent to all club members, including information about the week’s program and upcoming activities;
- The Club roster is accessible via your member login;
- Our Clear Lake Rotary Facebook page, open to the public, which reflects many of our club activities.
What are these “happy bucks” all about?
As you attend club meetings as a guest, you will no doubt see lively exchanges between the Club President and Club members acknowledging special dates such as member birthdays, wedding anniversaries, Rotary anniversaries, birth of a child or grandchild, new car or airplane (yes, it has happened!) and community recognitions in the media, particularly pictures in the print media.
These recognitions (AKA “happy bucks”) 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 never intended to embarrass or place a financial hardship on the member.