Rotaract Reminders

Rotaractors recite or sing Reminders to reflect on the inestimable values and precepts of Rotaract. Sometimes, Reminders are humourously used to raise funds for charity. Please Click on 🎤🎤 to show/hide contents. To listen to a tune, click on ➤ and wait a while. (If the button ➤ is not available, please refresh the page). Don't forget to observe protocols before taking a Reminder!

INDEX OF REMINDERS

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1) ROTARACT PRAYER

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Inspire Rotaractors Lord we ask
To live as we profess,
To dignify our daily task,
And serve in selflessness.

For fellowship which here we share
We offer thanks to thee,
We pray that it will be our care
To spread it bounteously.

(Tune: How Sweet the Name Sounds - by John Newton)

2) ROTARACT GRACE

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Oh! Lord and giver of all good,
We thank thee for our daily food,
May Rotaract friends and
Rotaract ways,
Help us to serve thee all our days.

(Tune: All People That On Earth Do Dwell - by Louis Bourgeois)

3) NATIONAL ANTHEM – NIGERIA

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Arise, O compatriots,
Nigeria's call obey.
To serve our fatherland,
With love and strength and faith.
The labour of our heroes past,
Shall never be in vain.
To serve with heart and might,
One nation bound in freedom,
Peace and unity.

Oh God of creation,
direct our noble cause.
Guide our leader’s right,
Help our youth the truth to know.
In love and honesty to grow,
And living just and true.
Great lofty heights attain,
To build a nation where peace,
And justice shall reign.

4) NATIONAL PLEDGE – NIGERIA

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I pledge to Nigeria my Country,
To be faithful, loyal and honest,
To serve Nigeria with all my strength,
To defend her unity,
And uphold her honour and glory,
So help me God.

5) ROTARACT SONGS

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6) THE PURPOSE OF ROTARACT

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The purpose of Rotaract is to provide an opportunity for young men and women to enhance the knowledge and skills; that will assist them in their personal development to address the physical and social needs of their communities; and to promote better relations among all people worldwide, through a framework of friendship and service.

7) THE GOALS OF ROTARACT

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The Goals of Rotaract are:
  1. To develop professional and leadership skills.
  2. To emphasize respect for the rights of others and to promote ethical standards and the dignifying of all useful occupations.
  3. To provide opportunities for young people to address the needs and concerns of their communities and our world.
  4. To provide opportunity for working in cooperation with sponsoring Rotary clubs.
  5. To motivate young people for eventual membership in Rotary.

8) THE FOUR-WAY TEST

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The 4-Way Test of the Things We Think, Say or Do…

(Preamble)…can be applied profitably in relations with others in the home, community, business, national and international life; particularly to proposed plans, policies, statements and advertising in business and the professions; to proposed legislation in government; to relations between teachers and students in the school. (end of Preamble)
  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?

9) TEN WAYS TO DESTROY YOUR CLUB

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Ten ways to destroy your club are:
  1. Stay away from meetings.
  2. If you come, find fault.
  3. Decline offices or appointments to committees.
  4. Get angry if you are not nominated or appointed.
  5. After you are named to a committee, do not attend meetings.
  6. If you do come to meetings, do not speak until the meeting is over; then say how things should have been done.
  7. Do not do any club work if you can avoid it; and when the old reliable pitch in to get the work done, accuse them of being a clique.
  8. Oppose all new programmes as being a waste of members’ money.
  9. When nothing new happens, complain that the officers lack imagination or initiative.
  10. Read your club bulletin only now; and then complain that you do not know what’s going on in the club.

10) TEN MARKS OF A GOOD CITIZEN

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The ten marks of a good citizen; He/she:
  1. Is well informed on local and world affairs.
  2. Is courteous, unselfish and friendly. Gets along well with others; is a good neighbour.
  3. Is sincere, dependable and takes an active part in the religious community of their choice.
  4. Appreciates what others have done for them and accepts responsibility for the future betterment of their community.
  5. Is fair and just in relations with others.
  6. Obeys the laws of their community and nation.
  7. Votes regularly and intelligently at election times.
  8. Is interested in the freedom and welfare of all the world’s people and do their part to secure them.
  9. Is productive and renders a worthwhile service to their fellow men.
  10. Sets a good example to the youths of their community.

11) SEVEN SINS OF ROTARACT

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The seven sins of Rotaract are:
  1. Rotaract without Principle.
  2. Clubs without Friendship.
  3. Rotaract without Unity.
  4. Leaders without Morality.
  5. Members without Attendance.
  6. Meetings without Programmes.
  7. Activities without Enthusiasm.

12) FIVE AVENUES OF SERVICE

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The five Avenues of service are:
  1. Club Service.
  2. Community Service.
  3. International Service.
  4. Vocational Service.
  5. Youth Service.

13) SEVEN AREAS OF FOCUS

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The areas of Focus of Rotary are:
  1. Basic Education and Literacy.
  2. Community Economic Development.
  3. Disease Prevention and Treatment.
  4. Maternal and Child Health.
  5. Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention.
  6. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.
  7. The Environment

Notes:
  • The Environment took effect on 01 July 2021.
  • Ending Polio (now and forever) is a top priority of Rotary International.
  • Learn more about the Areas of Focus: https://rotary.org/our-causes

14) PROGRAMS OF ROTARY

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The Programs of Rotary International are:
  1. Interact
  2. Rotary Peace Fellowships.
  3. Rotary Community Corps.
  4. Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA).
  5. Rotary Youth Exchange.
  6. New Generations Service Exchange.
  7. Rotary Grants.
  8. Rotary Scholarships.

15) ROTARACT OATH OF ALLEGIANCE – FOR NEW MEMBERS

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I, Rotaractor _(insert your name)__ ; do solemnly affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Rotaract Club of _(insert club name)__; and that I will preserve, protect and defend the Standard Rotaract club Constitution, Statement of Policy and Bye-laws of Rotaract Club of _(insert club name)__; so help me God.

16) ROTARACT OATH OF OFFICE – FOR NEW OFFICERS

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I, Rotaractor _(insert your name)__; do solemnly affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Rotaract Club of _(insert club name)__; that as the club _(insert position)__, I will discharge my duties to the best of my ability, faithfully and in accordance with the Standard Rotaract club Constitution, Statement of Policy, Bye-laws of Rotaract club of _(insert club name)__, and other relevant laws; always in the interest, integrity, solidarity and well-being of Rotaract club of _(insert club name)__; that I will not allow my personal interest to influence my official conduct or my official decisions; that I will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the applicable Constitutions of Rotaract; that in all circumstances, I will do right to all manner of people, without fear of favour, affection or ill-will; and that I will devote myself to the service and well-being of my community, club, district, multi-district and Rotaract the world over; so help me God.

17) TEN ATTRIBUTES OF SERVICE

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The ten attributes of Service are:
  1. Service is a PRIVILEGE – Assume it.
  2. Service is a CHALLENGE – Face it.
  3. Service is a JOURNEY – Complete it.
  4. Service is a GIFT – Accept it.
  5. Service is a PROMISE – Fulfil it.
  6. Service is a SPIRIT – Live it.
  7. Service is a GOAL – Achieve it.
  8. Service is an ACTION – Take it.
  9. Service is a VISION – Have it.
  10. Service is a FUTURE – Hold on to it.

18) THE MOTTO OF ROTARY

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The mottos of Rotary are:
  1. Service Above Self.
  2. It Profits Most Who Serves Best.

19) THE MOTTO OF ROTARACT

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The motto of Rotaract is "Fellowship…Through Service"

20) FIVE CORE VALUES OF ROTARY

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The core values of Rotary are:
  1. Service.
  2. Fellowship.
  3. Diversity.
  4. Integrity.
  5. Leadership.

21) THE MISSION STATEMENT OF ROTARY

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The mission statement of Rotary is:

"We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders."


22) THE VISION STATEMENT OF ROTARY

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The vision statement of Rotary is:

"Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves."


23) THE OBJECT OF ROTARY

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

FIRST: The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;

SECOND: High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society;

THIRD: The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life;

FOURTH: The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.


24) ROTARY MONTH DESIGNATIONS & IMPORTANT DATES

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The Rotary year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30 of the following year:

July – Maternal and Child Health Month.

August – Membership and New Club Development Month (deadline for RI Committee applications).

September – Basic Education and Literacy Month.

October – Community Economic Development Month (24 October – World Polio Day).

November – Rotary Foundation Month (05 November 1962 – Interact Anniversary).

December – Disease Prevention and Treatment Month.

January – Vocational Service Month.

February – Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month (23 February 1905 – Rotary Anniversary).

March – Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Month (13 March 1968 – Rotaract Anniversary).

April – Environment Month.

May – New Generation/Youth Service Month.

June – Rotary Fellowships Month (18 June 1917 – The Rotary Foundation, TRF, Anniversary).


25) THE STRUCTURE OF ROTARY

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Rotary is made up of three parts:
  1. Clubs.
  2. Rotary International.
  3. The Rotary Foundation.

26) ROTARIAN CODE OF CONDUCT

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AS A ROTARIAN, I will:
  • Act with integrity and high ethical standards in my personal and professional life.
  • Deal fairly with others and treat them and their occupation with respect. 
  • Use my professional skills through Rotary to mentor young people, help those with special needs, and improve people’s quality of life in my community and in the world.
  • Avoid behaviour that reflects adversely on Rotary or other Rotarians.

27) THE FIRST FOUR ROTARIANS

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The first four Rotarians met on 23 February 1905 in Room 711 of the Unity Building, downtown Chicago. They are:
  1. Gustavus H. Loehr
  2. Hiram E. Shorey
  3. Paul Percy Harris – Founder
  4. Silvester Schiele

28) TYPICAL ROTARACT HIERARCHY

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Rotary International
(Leaders: Rotary International President and Board of Directors; with advice from Rotary International Committees)
↑
Rotary International Zone
(Two Zones are managed by one Rotary International Director, who is elected by the Zone. For example, one Director currently manages Zone 21 and 22). Note: Africa is Zone 22
↑
Rotary International Region
(Regions are supported by Regional Leaders, like the Regional Coordinator – RC and the Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator  – RRFC). There are currently 3 regions in Africa: Region 25, 26 and 27. Note: Nigeria is a part of Region 27.
↑
Rotary District
(Leaders: District Governor; District Rotaract Committee – DRC).
↑
District Level
(Leaders: District Rotaract Representative – DRR; District Officers). Note: Districts may choose to belong to a Multi District Rotaract Information Organization (MDIO)
↑
Zone Level
(Leaders: Assistant District Rotaract Representative –  ADRR; Zonal Officers)
↑
Rotaract Club
(Leaders: Club President; Board of Directors)

29) SOME ACRONYMS IN ROTARY & ROTARACT

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A
ADRR – Assistant District Rotaract Representative.
AG – Assistant Governor.
AKS – Arch Klumph Society (see more).
APF – Annual Program Fund.
ARC – Assistant Regional Coordinator.
ARPIC – Assistant Rotary Public Image Coordinator.
ARRFC – Assistant Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator.

B
BOD – Board of Directors.
BI – Business Intelligence.

C
CB – Community-Based (Rotaract club).
COTS – Club Officers' Training Seminar.
CP – Charter President.

D
D – “District” (always followed by a number; Example: D-9142).
DCA – District Conference and Assembly.
DG – District Governor.
DGE – District Governor Elect.
DGN – District Governor Nominee.
DGND – District Governor Nominee Designate.
DIR – District Interact Representative.
DISCON – District Conference.
DOTS – District Officers’ Training Seminar.
DRC – District Rotaract Committee.
DRCC – District Rotaract Committee Co-chair.
DRR – District Rotaract Representative.
DRRE – District Rotaract Representative Elect.
DRRN – District Rotaract Representative Nominee.
DS – District Secretary.
DT – District Treasurer.
DTA – District Training Assembly.
DTTS – District Team Training Seminar.

E
E – “Elect” (a suffix in titles; Example:  PE).
EAO – (Rotary International) Europe and Africa Office.
E/MGA – Endowment/ Major Gifts Adviser.
EPNC – End Polio Now Coordinator.
EREY – Every Rotarian Every Year (a recognition for donating to Annual Fund; see more).

F
FRP – Foundation Recognition Points (gotten by donating to Rotary Foundation; see more).

G
GETS – Governors' Elect Training Seminar.
GSE – Group Study Exchange.
GMS – Grants Management Seminar.

I
Interact – International Action (Founded: 05 November 1962).
IP – “Immediate Past” (a prefix in titles, Example: IPP).
IPP – Immediate Past President.
IPPC – International Polio Plus Committee.

M
MDIO – (Rotaract) Multi District Information Organization.
MOP – Manual of Procedure.
MPHF – Multiple Paul Harris Fellow.

N
N – “Nominee” (a suffix in titles; Example: PN – President Nominee).
NGSE – New Generation Service Exchange.
NIGEROTA – (All) Nigeria Rotaract Conference.
NNPPC – Nigeria National Polio Plus Committee.
NR-MDIO – Nigerian Rotaract Multi District Information Organization.

P
P – “Past” (a prefix in titles; Example: PP – Past President).
PADRR/ PADR - Past Assistant District Rotaract Representative.
PAG – Past Assistant Governor.
PDG – Past District Governor.
PDRR/ PDR – Past District Rotaract Representative.
PE – President Elect.
PETS – Presidents' Elect Training Seminar.
PHF – Paul Harris Fellow.
PHF+1 or PHF* – Multiple Paul Harris Fellow (PHF Level 2).
PHF+2 or PHF** – Multiple Paul Harris Fellow (PHF Level 3).
PHF+8 – Multiple Paul Harris Fellow (PHF Level 9). 
PHS – Paul Harris Society.
PN – President Nominee.
PP – Past President.
Precon – (Rotaract) Preconvention.
PRIP – Past Rotary International President.

R
RAG – Rotary Action Group.
RC – Regional Coordinator.
RC – Rotary/Rotaract Club.
RCC – Rotary Community Corps.
RCF – Rotaract Cultural Fiesta (RotaCultural Fiesta).
RI – Rotary International.
RIBI – Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (see more).
Ricon – Rotary International Convention.
RID – Rotary International District.
RINO – Rotaractor In Name Only (used informally).
RIP – Rotary International President.
RIPE – Rotary International President Elect.
RIPR – Rotary International President’s Representative.
RITS – Rotary International Travel Services.
RIVP – Rotary International Vice President.
RLI – Rotary Leadership Institute (see more).
ROPA – Rotaract Outstanding Project Awards.
Rota – “Rotaract Club of” (prefix used in club names; Example: Rota-Aladinma).
Rotaract – Rotary in Action (Founded: 13 March 1968).
Rotn/ Rtn – “Rotarian” (title written before a name).
Rotr/ Rtr – “Rotaractor” (title written before a name).
ROTS – Rotaract Officers Training Seminar.
RPIC – Rotary Public Image Coordinator.
RRFC – Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator.
RYLA – Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.

S
SAA – Sergeant-at-arms.

T
TRF – The Rotary Foundation (Founded: 18 June 1917).
TOR – Terms of Reference.

V
VP – Vice President.

W
WGMeal – World Greatest Meal (to End Polio). www.wgmeal.com

Y
YEO – Youth Exchange Officer.

Z
ZIR – Zonal Interact Representative.
ZRR – Zonal Rotaract Representative.


CREDITS

This post was compiled by Clement Chinaza Owuamalam, with inputs from the following articles: “ROTARACT Journal 1.0: A Guide for Intending Rotaractors” by Fortune Obieze FOCO; “50 Things Every Rotarian Should Know About Rotary” (see online); “About Rotary" (see online); “Rotary Membership” (see online). No Copyright infringement is intended. Please leave your questions or thoughts as a comment below. Thank you for reading.