Why Join the Rotary Club of Biloxi?
Professional Networking
A founding principle of Rotary was to meet periodically to enjoy camaraderie and enlarge one’s circle of business and professional acquaintances. The Rotary Club of Biloxi has been in service since 1921 and meets every Tuesday at noon at Mary Mahoney’s Restaurant in Biloxi. Our Rotary club members, 85 strong, 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. Our local service programs take an active role in the Boy Scouts-Troop 212, Girls and Boys State, Biloxi High Interact Club, Kids I.D., the Salvation Army, the Thanksgiving/Food, Christmas Toy Drive and Environmental projects. Active participation in these projects allows our Rotarians to experience the fulfillment that comes from giving back to the community.
International Awareness
Internationally, the Rotary Club of Biloxi has partnered with the Rotary Club of Ocho Rios in Jamaica to fund and provide support for educational projects and medical support. Since beginning this project in 1988, our club has provided several million dollars in funds, supplies, and equipment, both through direct donations and Rotary Matching Grants. We are particularly proud that all of our Biloxi Rotarians are Paul Harris sustaining members, which supports international humanitarian and educational projects throughout the world. Through this support, the Biloxi Rotary Club has completed international service projects in Mexico, St. Vencent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Japan and India. Our International Services Committee continually looks at other projects for us to participate in.
Friendship
Rotary was founded on fellowship, an ideal that remains a major attraction of membership today. Our Biloxi Rotarians enjoy the camaraderie with like-minded professionals through our club project, weekly luncheons as well as fellowship events throughout the year. With twelve Rotary clubs in the surrounding communities, our members also have an opportunity to meet fellow business associates along the Coast through make-up meetings held at other clubs.
Good Citizenship
One of the highlights of participating in Biloxi Rotary is our weekly Rotary club programs that keep members informed about what is taking place in the community, nation, and the world. Each week, our guest speaker presents a 30 minute speech with interaction from our members to answer any remaining questions.
Family Foundations
Our Rotary Club actively participates in district sponsored events such as International Group Study Exchanges, Ambassadorial Scholarship Program and Camp RYLA. Our club is particularly proud of our college scholarship program provided each year to graduating seniors in the Biloxi area schools.
Entertainment
Social activities give Rotarians a chance to let loose and have fun. Our Club usually has a summer social event as well as our Annual Christmas social. In addition, our members have a chance to participate in club assemblies, and district sponsored events such as our annual District Conference especially the “Food Festival”.
Leadership Development
Biloxi 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 our club members can exercise and enhance. Club members may participate in any of the twenty plus committees that drive the success of our club. Being a Rotary leader provides further experience in learning how to motivate, inspire, and guide others.
Ethical Environment
Encouraging high ethical standards in one’s profession and respect for all worthy vocations has been a hallmark of Biloxi Rotary from its earliest days. Our Rotarians abide by The Four-Way Test that is reinforced at every club meeting:
Of the things we 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?
Diversity in Membership
Our 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.